Web of Extinction

Zone War #3

by John Conroe

The finale to the Zone War series. Alone and weaponless, with a remote controlled bomb in his neck, Ajaya Gurung must plan and fight better and harder than ever before. The last Spider is out there, in the Zone, plotting the end of man, and man is ignoring the danger. Left with only his skills, wits and courage, he must adapt and overcome before it's too late. If only he had an ace in the hole... oh wait... he does!

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Action, Dystopia

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2019

About the author

I'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.

Reviews

[Steve Naylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars

This was the weakest of the 3 books. It felt like I was reading two different stories. The first part was the fight against the spiders and saving humanity. This part was all fighting. Ajaya is on his own. He still has a bomb in his neck and he is on a leash. The government seems more concerned with covering their buts that solving the problem. The only real problem I have at this point is the military's response I would expect in these stories to have the higher ups hate Ajaya but the normal grunts be cool with him. In this one even the people that he trained treated him like a traitor. This is after they knew their government put a bomb in his neck. They thought that was okay? Nobody stood up to do the right thing? Nobody? Anyway, Ajaya gets free from the bomb and goes into the zone to kill the spider. I didn't like this part. I saw no good way out for Ajaya. It was basically a suicide mission to kill the spider to begin with, then when that was done, how was he expecting to get out? Then how did he think he was going to handle the government? This wasn't like the demon accords where the MC was the only one capable of doing certain things. Ajaya was probably the best, but he wasn't the only one. He was just the only one willing. After things go down with the spider comes the second half of the book which was completely different. The spider ended up uploading himself into the internet and Ricky went after it. That's it. That's the end of that part of the story. Ricky and the spider fought each other in the background and there was no real conclusion to that fight. The rest of the story was Ajaya and his group getting ready for the possible end of the world. There was no more "in the moment" story telling. It was all Ajaya explaining all the things that they did to prepare or all the things that they were going to do to prepare. There wasn't anymore excitement or intrigue except for 1 battle which I didn't like either. Ajaya was with Astrid working with the zone to help calm things down. He had zone security with him because he needed protection. He came up with the protocol and picked his own team. Someone high up in the government pulled the team and the last minute and him and Astrid had to fight to get out of the trap. I didn't like this part. The people on the team were hand picked and were supposed to follow protocol to protect Ajaya and yet after 1 phone call they abandoned their post and just followed orders without even letting Ajaya know? They just followed orders that completely disregarded protocol? That didn't sit well with me unless the author wanted to make it out like the soldiers were in on it, which I don't think he did. Overall it was a good series but it kind of ended on a whimper instead of a bang.

[Joshua · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the first two books of this series, but wow did it take a downhill turn for this last one.

This book got SUPER preachy about the author's particular social beliefs. I'm not saying the author is wrong, but the author was just hamfisted at throwing them at the reader.

Also, the ending was just horrible, and super discordant. There's no resolution, which is fine, not all stories have to be completely resolved, but the story basically just peters out, and we get the MC's basically reading news stories about what's going on in the world.

Sad that I spent money on this book.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I can see where some would be disappointed in this entry. The first half was essentially the epic action scene you would expect for the final book in this trilogy. The second half was more of a thought experiment in survivalism with shades of political ideology threaded through it.

Conroe is one of those conservatives that I often agree with on some points and wildly diverge from on others. I have found, however, that it's not as uncommon a phenomenon as some folks might think, people on opposite sides of the aisle listening and finding things they agree on. But not everything.

Regardless, he can spin an entertaining yarn.

And he left it in a place where a spin off could be done easily enough. Since the characters are largely the best part of this series then I hope he does, although I'm not sure how much survivalist rhetoric I would be able to stand.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

Low End of 3 Stars

Good ideas but the writing was rough. Lots of repetitive use of words/phrases and awkward talking about general events happening within the world vs showing in action. I feel like the proofreading process should have caught a lot of the mistakes. This book was a series of summaries. It was cool to see the setup for an end of the world haven. If the book had focused more on that aspect and how it was being pulled together, I would have enjoyed it more.

[Steven Cheng · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as other work

Compared to his other work. Not worth the price. Plot seemed disjointed and action too full of filler words. The action at pier was too drawn out. Not his best work. Hope this was a one off

[William Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odd

The format of the book is a bit unusual. All of the action is up front, with the latter half of the book being more resolution and building. Almost too much building, as it seems to be setting up something else. Which is really weird in the final book of a series.

A few more typos than I like to see.

You definitely have to read the book before this to have any idea what is going on.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars

This installment felt like only half of a book. There's a transition from drone fighting in the city to international cyber-war, but no clear end-point is reached.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see an Ajaya-lead survivalist society protected and guided by Rikki Tikki. It's just I'm not sure that's where we are heading.

[Amyiw · Rating 5 out of 5]

5
Others were really not happy with the ending; I loved it. It really is a serial trilogy as the first two end on cliffhangers and there really isn't any better place to stop. It is a finished series so plan to read all 3. Overall serial 4 stars, just because there were a lot of descriptive zone out moments for me in the first two books. This book ends on not so set future and maybe that was what other disliked but it has a lot of hope and twists that give them a very good chance of being part of the remains. I wish they would have talked about the Vermont cold as bumpkiss and long winters and what was the plan to deal with that. I go to Vermont to visit family ever summer, some times earlier sometimes later and even at the ends of summer, nights can get cold. Still seems like a good place away from a lot and in the mountains.

So this starts right off with (my political rant) getting the bomb out of Ajaya's head. We were left with a cliffhanger but a possible answer so it wasn't too bad, from the last book. Here we get an on air interview to show even more of the government/military's bad faith policies in dealing with people they need. Really I'm not sure they even know who they are being controlled (manipulated) by. Sounds like Dark Money right? Actually this points to a lot of things, since it was published in October 2019, so before Covid the virus that he paints was released by China (well the other AI releases from China) but was 100% in killing as it was designed as a weapon, hmm... some call this conservative beliefs but I know a lot of hippies that are way liberal that are finding bolt holes. Covid has created a state where even the most liberal and conservative of thinkers don't trust what the government is doing, and why should they. That in this book he predicted a AI starting off the problems, we got the problems from the opposite, regulations that are supposed to protect us of the FDA are not there as they are controlled by the corporations, the media corporate, the medical journals corporate, so the safety, not there and nobody reporting it. And then the other parts like, money safety, we keep getting screwed over by the banks, inflation, and worthless jobs with no security that barely pay the bills. The corporations are buying the land and houses and the average cannot afford them, the FAA are letting companies run their own safety solutions and studies (737-800 max) and would have been bigger news except that Covid came and took over, which it should not have. So wouldn't it be nice to have a benevolent AI stopping all of it. But who controls the AI and what is benevolent, when does it become lock downs, etc... so it does have some interesting thoughts to convey which are not totally mine but all the same, I think they are even more valid today than when this was published as lots of our freedoms where taken even more. As for the Patriot Act (not in this book) it was re-up last time with both parties although most American don't want or agree with its over-reach. and goes to him fleeing the authorities to get back to the Zone (Manhattan) to say away from the over-reach but then the really culprit, one of the mega rich controllers, comically (in comic book fashion) shows his really colors. And of course surveillance is a two way street. Now Ajaya just has to survive and with little power for him friend and few bullets left, it is any ones game. Of course we know that Ajaya will prevail but then he has to escape the flower (Petunia?) AI that is left over and is in the network. (my rant) Again I point that this is not far off base except it is bad players of governments and hackers. and finally they set up for doomsday.

Well this set up enclave, I loved with all the bit players and still though that we would have some of the other two adversaries come and try to shut them down but... he makes it out like they have too much other things to worry about. Hmm... I still liked it and like the people.

[Samantha Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the plot alone

Honestly, the story ended in a manner of writing somewhat unlike the flow of the rest of the series, and if the plot weren't so great, I probably would have given this 4 stars.

By all means you should start from book one and read this series. Well thought out, interesting, fresh, and aggravating because of how strongly you'll be rooting for the hero.

I do feel like I need to know more, so yes, I'm "yelling" at you, Mr. Conroe. How did Rikki become so adaptable? Is AJ a tech genius, who doesn't even know he's a tech genius? Or was Rikki something else, maybe a fluke from the original coding? Maybe it's as simple as good luck on AJ's part from the beginning...but I feel like Rikki could have gotten more attention!

I also feel like the original creators of the issue went down without a spectacular enough fight. That's probably realistic since they essentially paid to have the dirty work done, but I still feel like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop.

And I want to see more of Astrid and her family!

I could keep going. Sorry. I love this trilogy. You should read it!

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stunning conclusion to the trilogy and my only complaint is that we won't be getting any more. The characters were heartfelt and incredibly real. I really did not want this book to end. As always a brilliant narration by James Patrick Cronin for the audible version.

I don't really have anything to add about this that previous reviewers and the synopsis says other than to say if you are hesitating to read this as the genre is unusual or it feels too military then don't. I read this as I am a fan of the author's Urban Fantasy series and his brilliant writing still rings true with ingenious world building and the characters that are truly at the heart of everything he writes. I'd read pretty much anything he puts out now and I am guaranteed to love it.

Brilliantly done and utterly addictive.

[Denise Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final book of the Zone War series, everything finally comes to a head. Ajaya and Rikki must figure out how to stop the final Spider before it finds a way out of the Zone to end mankind. Even though Ajaya has done everything in his power to stop the Spider, the public and the government aren’t taking his warnings seriously so the only thing he can do is something drastic that might get him killed.

Even though this series takes place in the near future, the reality of it is that this series is so very real. Humanity is becoming more reliant on technology in today’s age and it is unknown what the future could bring with these advancements. Zone Wars could be humanity’s reality in the future or maybe not that’s the fun in reading this unique and well-written series.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying ending

It looks like everything is against Ajaya, our poor hero has to fight just to do the right thing, and it looks like everyone is against him, but he still has a few allies, and once he gets rid of the nasty bomb on his neck and finishes his mission, things seem to be looking better, but there is still a lot to do.  
The book, like all others, have its action moments, and those are truly epic, with a few times where it seems Ajaya has run out of good luck, but then, there are a lot of moments that seems like just filling, but that in a way, end up being a satisfying part of the book.  We don't have a true ending, in the sense that the enemy is still at large and we don't even know what's going to happen, but at least we know that our main characters are safe and have everything ready to survive.
The trilogy ended, and it was a satisfying ending, but I feel like there is more, and I would love to be able to return to these characters, but I know I have to say goodbye, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.  

[Michael Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 3 and the end?

When you finish a book you have waited for, you are always a little sad. But when the author tells you it also completes the current series, well!
This series was a well thought out, well plotted, well executed journey into the world of Man vs evil AI. A very interesting take on the concept, and the use of drones makes it much more believable. When I look at where we have come in tech since my birth in the early 50's to now, and think where we may be in 20 years, yes it gives me pause. Good job John. Any time a book or a series entertains and makes you question, the author has done his job well.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting, that I didn’t notice I was exercising on my elliptical more than planned!
If it had to end, John did it well, closing all the loopholes in as ‘happily ever after’ a format as possible, even with all the chaos in their world. Also I feel better with the series ending knowing that John hinted that though this particular trilogy is at an end, we will see more of Ajaya and his world in the future. You rock, Mr Conroe! You are without doubt my favorite author and I find myself spinning scenarios with your characters, taking the scenes further than on page. Please hurry with the next DA installment and your new fantasy series!

[Johnnie Ruffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I get older and watch everything that's happening in the world, I want to believe I'm prepared for any type of post-apocalyptic calamity. Then I read a John Conroe book and realize that I am terribly ill-equipped. On top of that, I'll probably be one of the first to go. But, while I'm still here, I can read his books and pretend I'm just as talented Ajaya. While I feel like there's a similarity to Conroe's characters, I find that I love those characters and I want to spend more time watching them defeat one adversity after another. If this is the conclusion, I'll miss these characters and I enjoyed the ride.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the Zone Wars series. Don’t bother reading if you haven’t read at least one of the prior books. The hero is hunting the last, most upgraded, and worst killer drone. Author Conroe projects what may happen if (when!) the human race depends upon Artificial Intelligence. The ‘real’ bad guys - with government connections, of course - come from the background to get into the fight i.e. weapons in hand. (Here the author often gives detailed descriptions of those weapons. I don’t know if that is good or bad - but it fills pages.)

I only read this book because I had to know how the series ended. (Hint: It’s a bleak future with a lot of rats.)

[Dave Sander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 stars because the first half of the book was epic and really went along with the style and feel of the first two books, which I thought were great. I really wondered what the second half was going to be about when the main action story seemed to have resolved half way through. The second half was more about getting news of what was going on everywhere else while the group setup their little compound. My opinion is that whole process took much longer in the book than it needed to. The end was unsatisfying but I can only guess that the author is using it to set up another series with AJ and his pals.

[Chad Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, More, More Conroe!!!!!

John Conroe fast became one of my favorite authors with his demon accord series. I was originally upset that he was writing other books besides those but now I'm upset that it's the end of the zone war books (for now at least). John has a way of making you love his characters and giving you a story that's tough to put down. Can't wait for his next book whether it's in a world already created or a brand new one, I'm positive I'll love it. Keep em coming John.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 stars
This starts off great like the other two books. It has action, humor, intense sequences, military tactics, etc. Then it takes a steep nosedive to something boring, bland, and I just wanted it to end.

Audiobook narrator James Patrick Cronin rating: 4 stars
While he’s great at reading this book and great at different accents, I felt like his dialogue between Astrid and Ajaya sounded too similar and towards the end of the book some other voices sounded similar.

[Allison Evarts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this was the weakest of the series and actually skimmed parts of it. All in all, I really enjoyed this series but the first book felt like the best and it somewhat declined as it went. That is not to say I didn't like all 3 books, just the the first was the best in my opinion. Not a whole lot happened in this last book comparatively, it just closed it out, somewhat. I would read another one set in this world and I read anything Mr Conroe writes! 3 stars according to Goodreads means, "I liked it" and that feels fair to me.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It to death

Couldn’t put it down literally. I ended up reading it till like 6 in the morning granted I only started at 4 in the morning before I passed out. Woke up round 1 thank god it was my day off and finished it by 3. Can’t wait to read about the world again if it comes back if not my imagination will fill some of the vast canyons of possibilities this ending leaves us. Love it can’t wait for the new books from John.

[Bob Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Another great story

John Conroe has been a great story teller from the beginning. His early books had some editing and language issues but were still very enjoyable. With each book his command of the language and also the editing improved. This book, along with the first two Zone Wars books, is the result. Lots of action, great characters and loads of fun. Highly recommended.

[Sean T Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The worst part

Is I devour Mr. Conroe's new book and have to wait for a new one. A great three book series worthy of the time to read. The only theory you didn't include is fossil fuel is the reason for population explosion. We have the capability to take the food to where people are, like me living in the Las Vegas area. I do shudder thinking about the ramifications once we lose the ability to transport as freely as we do.

[Dean Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding (not actually spells, but you know what I mean)

A brilliant conclusion to fantastic trilogy. This novel takes you on a ride from fast paced action to, at the end, a Heinlein like survivalist culture. The characters, as always in Mr Conroe’s books, are believable, engaging and well fleshed out in their consistent behaviour and ideals and develop through the narrative. I couldn’t put it down.

[Jamille Twedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will miss this series

Have been enthralled since day one with this AI world gone haywire. The characters are larger than life, but depict skills and intelligence that is possible for those who seek to reach their full potential. I find it ironic, given out COVID riddled world today, that Conroe adds a twist at the end that is similar to recent events in 2020. Gives one pause to reevaluate personal preparedness for what could come. A very good read.

[Paul Gover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't finished a 3 book series that fast in a long time. Fast-paced with solid charators and an original story line that's creative and fun. The lead is never over powering for the story and the romance is never annoying but adding to story enough where needed. I'd love to live in the the community at the end sounded like paradise on earth. If your looking for a new addition to your favorite sci-fye list this is it.

[Wesley Von Kres · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok, unfortunately I liked this one the least out of the series. While I thoroughly enjoyed it overall and even learned a few things it didn't feel like it fit the overall arch, it felt like a neat little wrap up to get onto the next project. I guess I was still holding out hope for more stories of the zone drones and a return of the Zone Wars and the teams. I am happy that the characters I was shipping got together.

[Corey Bickmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conroe, continues to please

John has become my favorite writer. I place him among the like of Cussler, Ringo, Weber, Clancy . His characters are spot on, world development, dialog all just flow. Thanks John for a great read, I started it at 10pm and finished it at 2 am. Could not stop.

[Charles R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful end to a great series

I am very unhappy to see the end of this series, however the hope that there will be more of this world’s story to be told will keep things going. For an end of the world story, I have to rate this as one of the best I have read in ages. All I can say is I fully agree with the author’s postscript.

[Helen M. Whitchurch]

Anime or movie needed

Whether or not in theatres someday, series is easy to visualize from detailed action descriptions. Do have trouble visualizing some faces and Rikki's new chassis.
Looking forward to new series and continued Demon Accords. Have enjoyed everything so far especially College Arcane.