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Night Zero
Scientists have developed a way to vaccinate entire cities without consent or the possibility of refusal. The theory is sound, but something goes wrong, and a highly contagious combination of virus and prion is unleashed, a middle-stage organism too dangerous to test.
With emergency services overwhelmed, a small community hospital tries to combat the unthinkable--an illness that causes aggression, spreads through violence, and won’t allow the dead to rest.
With emergency services overwhelmed, a small community hospital tries to combat the unthinkable--an illness that causes aggression, spreads through violence, and won’t allow the dead to rest.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2019
272 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Rob Horner
9 books16 followersRob Horner is a Virginia Beach native and former Navy Avionics Technician who spent twenty years working with electronics before finding his calling in medicine. Now a nurse practitioner at Urgent Care of Mountain View in Morganton and Hickory, North Carolina, he splits his time between work, writing, and family. He is blessed with a loving wife, two sons, and three beautiful daughters. He and his family live in Lenoir, NC, along with a cat, a rabbit, 2 guinea pigs, three dogs, three goats, seven chickens, five turkeys, and eight geese. He can be found on Facebook at Books by Rob Horner, and can be reached by email at fansofrobhorner@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 26, 2020
This was going to be a 4-5 Star book until 50% read, then the dead things started planning and strategizing.
Dumber and dumber until...
1 star.
Dumber and dumber until...
1 star.
February 20, 2021
Science goes awry in this zombie thriller.
A virus is accidentally released that makes people violent and once they die turns them into the undead. While this isn’t my normal genre, I have found that the category isn’t that important as long as the story is well-written and this one definitely is. It’s obvious the author has a medical background and this knowledge adds layers to the story. NIGHT ZERO is definitely a well-crafted tale. If you like horror or zombies, get ready to keep turning pages. Just leave the light on.
A virus is accidentally released that makes people violent and once they die turns them into the undead. While this isn’t my normal genre, I have found that the category isn’t that important as long as the story is well-written and this one definitely is. It’s obvious the author has a medical background and this knowledge adds layers to the story. NIGHT ZERO is definitely a well-crafted tale. If you like horror or zombies, get ready to keep turning pages. Just leave the light on.
June 15, 2019
This is easily my favorite book from Rob Horner! It's easily fits what I like to read and his style is rather unique. I hope he continues to write these medical thrillers. Nothing more interesting to see people turn crazy on something that is supposed to help us. I look forward to his next book!
November 21, 2019
Fantastic read!
When I read the summery on Twitter I was instantly drawn to the idea of rabid zombies terrorizing a hospital. Admittedly I had high expectations but this book did not fail to deliver!
I loved the unique third person spotlight looks at all the characters. It let you become familiar with such a large cast and feel for them when the unthinkable happened. This also let you inside the minds of those who had “become” and that was such a unique look compared to other zombie books.
This book had so much science and medical backup that made it feel more real and for those who aren’t familiar with these things, the explanations were strategically woven into the storyline in a way that did not pull you away from the actions.
Another cool aspect of this book is seeing the same scene from a selection of different character viewpoints, cutting it off right before the action. This really built the tension and seriousness up for me.
I highly recommend this book and the ending left me craving more. Talk of a Night Zero 2 had me excited for sure!
When I read the summery on Twitter I was instantly drawn to the idea of rabid zombies terrorizing a hospital. Admittedly I had high expectations but this book did not fail to deliver!
I loved the unique third person spotlight looks at all the characters. It let you become familiar with such a large cast and feel for them when the unthinkable happened. This also let you inside the minds of those who had “become” and that was such a unique look compared to other zombie books.
This book had so much science and medical backup that made it feel more real and for those who aren’t familiar with these things, the explanations were strategically woven into the storyline in a way that did not pull you away from the actions.
Another cool aspect of this book is seeing the same scene from a selection of different character viewpoints, cutting it off right before the action. This really built the tension and seriousness up for me.
I highly recommend this book and the ending left me craving more. Talk of a Night Zero 2 had me excited for sure!
July 10, 2019
Story starts with paramedics responding to an emergency call in Gaffnee. It soon becomes apparent multiple emergencies are happening. Are they related to an explosion in Atlanta? The story follows multiple independent threads. The major one's in a local hospital where the paramedics take the victim. The medical descriptions are detailed and scary. As the story progresses, it gets scarier. The victims attack the people around them...biting, scratching and spread the infection.
The story evolves into zombies as bodies return from the dead. These are not normal living dead...there is a hierarchy and the uninfected find themselves fighting to stay alive.
I assume this is the beginning of a series as the story ends with a US declaration of Martial law and unresolved threads.
Is Night Zero the beginning of the end as we know it...the start of an evolutionary step to...?
If you enjoy zombie stories, this is a well written must.
I don't normally read this genre, but this story kept me engaged. The only reason it's not a five, I thought there were too many loose ends left open.
The story evolves into zombies as bodies return from the dead. These are not normal living dead...there is a hierarchy and the uninfected find themselves fighting to stay alive.
I assume this is the beginning of a series as the story ends with a US declaration of Martial law and unresolved threads.
Is Night Zero the beginning of the end as we know it...the start of an evolutionary step to...?
If you enjoy zombie stories, this is a well written must.
I don't normally read this genre, but this story kept me engaged. The only reason it's not a five, I thought there were too many loose ends left open.
June 10, 2019
He did it again!
This author never fails me! He always delivers a compelling story that keeps me on the edge of my seat!!
This author never fails me! He always delivers a compelling story that keeps me on the edge of my seat!!
September 8, 2019
Wow! There is so much great about this book...I dont even know where to begin!
This is the best zombie genre horror book I have read so far. A great intricate plot filled with so many twits, turns and nuances. Great vibrant characters. In other similar zombie doomsday type books, often the people who turn into zombies, you really dont know who they were before they turned. Rob lets you get to know all of the characters intimately before they turn. A lot of very vivid very grotesque and cringe worthy visuals in this book. I honestly think this book is just as good as any King novel as far as the sheer horror, plot and character development.
I cant decide what is more horrifying: the actual turning of people into these post death creators and the havoc they ensue on the world, or the fact that this all came about due the government thinking they know what is best for us: by trying to come up with an airborne vaccine that can be forced on the entire population against the consent and even knowledge of the people.
Bravo, Rob Horner! Well done! The follow up is going to be wicked, I can tell!
This is the best zombie genre horror book I have read so far. A great intricate plot filled with so many twits, turns and nuances. Great vibrant characters. In other similar zombie doomsday type books, often the people who turn into zombies, you really dont know who they were before they turned. Rob lets you get to know all of the characters intimately before they turn. A lot of very vivid very grotesque and cringe worthy visuals in this book. I honestly think this book is just as good as any King novel as far as the sheer horror, plot and character development.
I cant decide what is more horrifying: the actual turning of people into these post death creators and the havoc they ensue on the world, or the fact that this all came about due the government thinking they know what is best for us: by trying to come up with an airborne vaccine that can be forced on the entire population against the consent and even knowledge of the people.
Bravo, Rob Horner! Well done! The follow up is going to be wicked, I can tell!
October 10, 2019
Thriller of a read
I’ve never read a book like this in my life. I love horror and being October, figured a great month to explore other horror genres and I’m glad I did. Rob works masterfully on his plot that is both well written and intriguing. I’m excited to read what comes next...the government aspect was believable...excellent read and will look for more from this author in the near future.
I’ve never read a book like this in my life. I love horror and being October, figured a great month to explore other horror genres and I’m glad I did. Rob works masterfully on his plot that is both well written and intriguing. I’m excited to read what comes next...the government aspect was believable...excellent read and will look for more from this author in the near future.
October 13, 2019
Scary as hell!
There is nothing scarier than watching the beginning of an virus induced apocalypse happen. The descriptions and interwoven storylines will keep you hooked from start to finish. Beautifully written and will have you thinking about the what ifs. Loved this book!
There is nothing scarier than watching the beginning of an virus induced apocalypse happen. The descriptions and interwoven storylines will keep you hooked from start to finish. Beautifully written and will have you thinking about the what ifs. Loved this book!
September 27, 2019
Great read
Love this author. His books are amazing. Great scares. Can't wait to see what else he has been preparing for his readers
Love this author. His books are amazing. Great scares. Can't wait to see what else he has been preparing for his readers
September 8, 2020
I’ve read some good zombie sci fi this year, but this is surely the most unique spin on the sub genre I’ve read, ever. The author uses clear knowledge of virology and the inner workings of the medical community to create a plausible story, and believable characters, fully immersing the reader in the sights and smells of a hospital setting. I found myself cringing through a few parts (in a good way) given the vivid, gut wrenching (literally) storytelling. Maybe don’t read this if you have a sick stomach at the time. I found myself reflecting on Game of Thrones each time one of the people I liked was turned, like “oh man... you killed him/ her off!” It was also interesting, seeing from the other side as people “became.” Solid narrative voice on par with some of the masters. I look forward to reading book 2!
April 4, 2020
Review
Unfortunately I was really looking forward to reading this book. It has a very good premise for a storyline. However, that is as far as it goes. The wording is stilted and doesn’t sound natural. The author needs to do more research if he is going to use medical terms, he needs to know which medical personnel can do somethings. It’s fine to occasionally make mistakes but I could only get to 84 pages before I finally gave up. FYI, CNA’s do not start IV’s or do any medical treatments. I really hate leaving bad reviews, but this book is a waste of time. Sorry.
Unfortunately I was really looking forward to reading this book. It has a very good premise for a storyline. However, that is as far as it goes. The wording is stilted and doesn’t sound natural. The author needs to do more research if he is going to use medical terms, he needs to know which medical personnel can do somethings. It’s fine to occasionally make mistakes but I could only get to 84 pages before I finally gave up. FYI, CNA’s do not start IV’s or do any medical treatments. I really hate leaving bad reviews, but this book is a waste of time. Sorry.
September 13, 2020
Not for me
This book is well written but with a big But. If you are interested in knowing every exact detail about ED care and I mean exact then this your book. As I said well written so I kept going skipping a lot pages but when it got to the “becoming” I decided this book is not for me. I love a good zombie story but this thing the infected become, became too much for me. Other readers may well enjoy this book, just not for me.
This book is well written but with a big But. If you are interested in knowing every exact detail about ED care and I mean exact then this your book. As I said well written so I kept going skipping a lot pages but when it got to the “becoming” I decided this book is not for me. I love a good zombie story but this thing the infected become, became too much for me. Other readers may well enjoy this book, just not for me.
February 12, 2020
This novel is an excellent addition to the zombie genre. The author's medical background adds to the realism and plausibility of the scenario. There's a good balance between science, medical/first responder drama, and a serious fight for survival. I highly recommend this book. It's one of the best.
March 31, 2020
I liked it but nothing stood out
It was your average end of the world zombie book. I did appreciate the medical jargon (not that I understood much of it) but nothing in the book stood out to me. It's worth a read and perhaps the last few pages are more terrifying than anything else in the book, given the current state of affairs.
It was your average end of the world zombie book. I did appreciate the medical jargon (not that I understood much of it) but nothing in the book stood out to me. It's worth a read and perhaps the last few pages are more terrifying than anything else in the book, given the current state of affairs.
January 31, 2020
Decent read little confusing on timeline at times
It’s a decent read, entertaining enough to kept you wondering what happens...but then what happens? Timeline jumps were a bit confusing but cleared up enough to finish reading.
It’s a decent read, entertaining enough to kept you wondering what happens...but then what happens? Timeline jumps were a bit confusing but cleared up enough to finish reading.
Read
March 26, 2020Zombies
I love reading zombie books and this one did not disappoint. Although a little wordy at times the premise and showing how quickly things can devolve was spot on. An excellent read.
I love reading zombie books and this one did not disappoint. Although a little wordy at times the premise and showing how quickly things can devolve was spot on. An excellent read.
September 4, 2020
New take on zombie genre
Great yarn, well written and engaging. This is my first book from this author, so I hadn't noted his name- but I guessed the author was male in the last section of the book, when he mentioned the smell of lemon scented shampoo, lol.
Great yarn, well written and engaging. This is my first book from this author, so I hadn't noted his name- but I guessed the author was male in the last section of the book, when he mentioned the smell of lemon scented shampoo, lol.
September 29, 2020
Not the same old zombie story
This was much more detailed than other zombie books. Not only did it explain how everything started but with the change in points of view you are also able to look through zombie minds.
This was much more detailed than other zombie books. Not only did it explain how everything started but with the change in points of view you are also able to look through zombie minds.
January 7, 2021
This book was hard for me to get into simply because you don’t get a chance to get to know the characters, but it also is intriguing because you want to know what happens next. That intrigue kept me reading. I’m interested to see where book two goes.
March 3, 2020
Vampire
This feels more like vampires than zombies. The Vombies are
thinkers and planners. Have a Leader and are actively searching for specific people to destroy.
This feels more like vampires than zombies. The Vombies are
thinkers and planners. Have a Leader and are actively searching for specific people to destroy.
April 11, 2020
Nice read
It is slow at the beginning but it gets better towards 60 percent. That is where the action starts. Nice book
It is slow at the beginning but it gets better towards 60 percent. That is where the action starts. Nice book
April 22, 2020
Oh my
Loved it. The zombies were awesome, and the reason behind the zombies was awesome. Loved it, loooved it, loved it.
Loved it. The zombies were awesome, and the reason behind the zombies was awesome. Loved it, loooved it, loved it.
May 27, 2020
An author friend of mine that has been a book promoter for quite some time told me about this authors books. This was the first one I have read and it won't be the last. Great read!
August 27, 2020
Night Zero
Enjoyed this book very much. Lots of detail! Love the characters as well😷There are some very graphic parts probably not for kids to read but me, I loved it!!
Enjoyed this book very much. Lots of detail! Love the characters as well😷There are some very graphic parts probably not for kids to read but me, I loved it!!
January 4, 2024
Excellent pacing!
December 27, 2021
Zombie apocalypse body horror part 1. If you like blood and gore, zombies, and ER drama - you’ll enjoy this one.
The plot of the first book was fairly straight forward, but satisfying. The story is clearly one part of a greater whole, which is fine as it is marketed like that. The climax was good. There are some nice twists and turns - adding some interesting elements of surprise; but at the end of the day - this is a zombie story not a complex political drama.
I’m thrilled that the novel/s linger in the period of potential societal collapse, which is for me the most exciting. He draws it out really well, compared to many other apocalyptic novels which jump start into the world after. The decay and collapse of society is anticipated but not guaranteed in part 1. Let’s see where things land up.
There are a lot of characters, some good and well developed - some fodder for the Zs. It is not always clear which will be which, which adds some suspense. They show very limited character development (over part 1) which is perhaps expected given that it really covers a day or two.
The style is easy and descriptive. Proper body horror with lots of blood and guts, informed by the author’s own experience it seems. Not for the faint hearted or squeamish - it gets pretty vile at points. Be warned (bit of you like that style there is lots here).
There is a fair amount of mind hopping in the choice of person, which worked well, although a few of the fodder characters were a bit hard to tell apart.
Lives up well to the zombie and body horror genres with some nice twists and exceptions. The author is not ashamed of the fact that he is treading a well worn path, pays homage were it is due and brings his own style and uniqueness to the genre. The early parts of the book bring in elements of hospital ER drama which was a nice touch.
Overall, a fun romp into the hospital with a unique and twisted disease as well as some blood, gore and violence to top it off.
The plot of the first book was fairly straight forward, but satisfying. The story is clearly one part of a greater whole, which is fine as it is marketed like that. The climax was good. There are some nice twists and turns - adding some interesting elements of surprise; but at the end of the day - this is a zombie story not a complex political drama.
I’m thrilled that the novel/s linger in the period of potential societal collapse, which is for me the most exciting. He draws it out really well, compared to many other apocalyptic novels which jump start into the world after. The decay and collapse of society is anticipated but not guaranteed in part 1. Let’s see where things land up.
There are a lot of characters, some good and well developed - some fodder for the Zs. It is not always clear which will be which, which adds some suspense. They show very limited character development (over part 1) which is perhaps expected given that it really covers a day or two.
The style is easy and descriptive. Proper body horror with lots of blood and guts, informed by the author’s own experience it seems. Not for the faint hearted or squeamish - it gets pretty vile at points. Be warned (bit of you like that style there is lots here).
There is a fair amount of mind hopping in the choice of person, which worked well, although a few of the fodder characters were a bit hard to tell apart.
Lives up well to the zombie and body horror genres with some nice twists and exceptions. The author is not ashamed of the fact that he is treading a well worn path, pays homage were it is due and brings his own style and uniqueness to the genre. The early parts of the book bring in elements of hospital ER drama which was a nice touch.
Overall, a fun romp into the hospital with a unique and twisted disease as well as some blood, gore and violence to top it off.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews