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Cordyceps Trilogy #1
Cordyceps
CORDYCEPS IS REAL.
Until now, it has never enjoyed a host so sophisticated as homo sapiens. But now south Florida residents watch, horror-stricken, as many of their own friends and neighbors begin climbing light poles, billboards, and radio towers with blank, zombie-like gazes. Cordyceps spores have taken root inside them. It makes them climb higher…to sprout.
Flash forward forty-eight hours. The infected show increasing signs of aggression, coughing up spores and chasing survivors on foot. South Florida is quarantined. Federalized National Guard troops struggle to enforce a border across the peninsula. Cordyceps must not escape.
Cole McGinnis never shot anyone before, but he’ll have to before the day is over. To survive, he’ll have to abandon his truck and break into houses for supplies, all the while avoiding homeowner militias and armed looters. He’ll have to steal cars, boats, and guns, and find the strength to lead his friends through an apocalyptic landscape infested with Cord zombies.
Until now, it has never enjoyed a host so sophisticated as homo sapiens. But now south Florida residents watch, horror-stricken, as many of their own friends and neighbors begin climbing light poles, billboards, and radio towers with blank, zombie-like gazes. Cordyceps spores have taken root inside them. It makes them climb higher…to sprout.
Flash forward forty-eight hours. The infected show increasing signs of aggression, coughing up spores and chasing survivors on foot. South Florida is quarantined. Federalized National Guard troops struggle to enforce a border across the peninsula. Cordyceps must not escape.
Cole McGinnis never shot anyone before, but he’ll have to before the day is over. To survive, he’ll have to abandon his truck and break into houses for supplies, all the while avoiding homeowner militias and armed looters. He’ll have to steal cars, boats, and guns, and find the strength to lead his friends through an apocalyptic landscape infested with Cord zombies.
549 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2012
11 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Ian Duncan
5 books22 followersIAN DUNCAN is the author of the newly released memoir On Cove Mountain. He has previously written a trilogy of bio-thrillers, including Cordyceps, Cordyceps Resurgentis, and Cordyceps Victoriosis. He is an MFA candidate in the creative writing program at New Saint Andrews College, cohost of the literary podcast The Notion Club, and currently at work on the forthcoming adventure novel, Mouribon Cave. He met his wife, Allison, on the Appalachian Trail, and is now the proud father of Phinehas, Treva, and Ransom. He still frequents that strange collection of rocks on the summit of Cove Mountain called Dragon’s Tooth.
Discover more at IanDuncanBooks.com.
Discover more at IanDuncanBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 29, 2012
I couldn't sleep the first night I started reading this book. I kept picturing zombies coughing and spewing yellow spores!
This book reached out and grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until I finished it. Very thrilling, fast-paced story. I found myself rooting for the main character, Cole, as he made his way through fungus-infested southern Florida. The tension between the government's desire to quarantine the affected area vs. the scientist's wish to study and combat the disease felt realistic. I also thought the author's use of different kind of zombies made the story particularly creepy.
This is an outstanding work! I don't think I will ever relax again when I hear someone coughing nearby!
This book reached out and grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go until I finished it. Very thrilling, fast-paced story. I found myself rooting for the main character, Cole, as he made his way through fungus-infested southern Florida. The tension between the government's desire to quarantine the affected area vs. the scientist's wish to study and combat the disease felt realistic. I also thought the author's use of different kind of zombies made the story particularly creepy.
This is an outstanding work! I don't think I will ever relax again when I hear someone coughing nearby!
November 28, 2019
Before "The Last of Us," there was CORDYCEPS, the original killer-fungus thriller based on true-to-life science. Now, seven years after its original release, Book One of the Cordyceps Trilogy is available in paperback from Hammerdown.
Here’s what actual readers are saying about CORDYCEPS:
“The first take on zombies that is convincing AND actually has real-life precedence.”
“Creepy as hell and very imaginative.”
“Extremely well done.”
“Once in a while an author either finds a new way of approaching the undead or does a stellar job of tackling the common formula... Duncan accomplishes both.”
“The only convincing zombie book.”
“Great twist on the genre.”
“I love a good terror read. I've played through those kinds of stories frequently, with mixed results. But this one. Holy crap.”
“Does not disappoint.”
I have read a lot of "Zombie" and "end of the world" novels (i.e. "TEOTWAWKI") and this is one of the truly superior ones.
“Blew me away.”
“You simply cannot put the book down.”
“The most terrifying part is that it is not far fetched.”
“Absolutely loved this book.”
“What Cordyceps manages to do…is base itself in enough real science to be scary as hell.”
“Action-packed thrill ride.”
Here’s what actual readers are saying about CORDYCEPS:
“The first take on zombies that is convincing AND actually has real-life precedence.”
“Creepy as hell and very imaginative.”
“Extremely well done.”
“Once in a while an author either finds a new way of approaching the undead or does a stellar job of tackling the common formula... Duncan accomplishes both.”
“The only convincing zombie book.”
“Great twist on the genre.”
“I love a good terror read. I've played through those kinds of stories frequently, with mixed results. But this one. Holy crap.”
“Does not disappoint.”
I have read a lot of "Zombie" and "end of the world" novels (i.e. "TEOTWAWKI") and this is one of the truly superior ones.
“Blew me away.”
“You simply cannot put the book down.”
“The most terrifying part is that it is not far fetched.”
“Absolutely loved this book.”
“What Cordyceps manages to do…is base itself in enough real science to be scary as hell.”
“Action-packed thrill ride.”
September 30, 2012
Not your typical brain eating zombie...Yay! Something NEW!
I must give a disclaimer here, I am not a fan of zombie books. They all seem very formulaic and predictable. Every once in a while though, I like to go beyond my genre to mix things up. I read one the authors blog posts, and decided I really liked his writing style; so I thought, what the heck. I'll give it a try.
Ian Duncan smacked me down in Southern Florida and really made me feel like I was there trying to evacuate. The seriousness of their dire situation gradually unfolded. You obviously know it is going to get bad, but Ian walks you through it... ramping up the tension a little at a time. About three quarters of the way through I was staring in disbelief at the kindle screen. No. Freakin'. Way. Obviously I can't get into plot without giving too much away. These are absolutely not your typical zombies, but more like a humans infected with a sentient fungus.
I loved the dialogue in the book, especially the banter between Nizzam and Cole. I knew from the second Cole made eyes at Shelley what would happen to Niz! Cole and Shelley's relationship made me smile. In the midst of terror and tragedy, love starts to blossom. The narration with three POV's was really good as well, and pretty seamless.
My only criticism (and it's not one that would keep me from reading or recommending to others) is the ending left me wanting more. I want more of an explanation about the Cords and I also want to know more about Shelley and Cole. Maybe this is going to be a trilogy? It just doesn't seem like the end of all this.
I must give a disclaimer here, I am not a fan of zombie books. They all seem very formulaic and predictable. Every once in a while though, I like to go beyond my genre to mix things up. I read one the authors blog posts, and decided I really liked his writing style; so I thought, what the heck. I'll give it a try.
Ian Duncan smacked me down in Southern Florida and really made me feel like I was there trying to evacuate. The seriousness of their dire situation gradually unfolded. You obviously know it is going to get bad, but Ian walks you through it... ramping up the tension a little at a time. About three quarters of the way through I was staring in disbelief at the kindle screen. No. Freakin'. Way. Obviously I can't get into plot without giving too much away. These are absolutely not your typical zombies, but more like a humans infected with a sentient fungus.
I loved the dialogue in the book, especially the banter between Nizzam and Cole. I knew from the second Cole made eyes at Shelley what would happen to Niz! Cole and Shelley's relationship made me smile. In the midst of terror and tragedy, love starts to blossom. The narration with three POV's was really good as well, and pretty seamless.
My only criticism (and it's not one that would keep me from reading or recommending to others) is the ending left me wanting more. I want more of an explanation about the Cords and I also want to know more about Shelley and Cole. Maybe this is going to be a trilogy? It just doesn't seem like the end of all this.
March 3, 2023
So much potential
The premise of this book was awesome and the execution was done well. The thing that ruined it was the romance (and for the record, I'm a sucker for romance)
***Spoilers Ahead***
The characters were so unlikable. Cole, Nazzim, and Nazzim's girlfriend, Shelley are thrown together to escape Southern Florida and the chaos of the Cordyceps.
Cole and Nazzim are supposed to be buddies.
Cole immediately starts lusting after Shelley and showing interest in her.
They kiss. And at that point, it's pretty obvious what's going to happen to Nazzim, who was actually funny and had a personality.
Cole and Shelley seem to show no remorse for the fact that they're "falling in love" while she's still in a relationship with his friend. It just made them both look like really terrible people and their premise for falling on love made no sense.
Disappointing but I liked the rest of it and the General was a great character whose point of view I wish we had more of!
The premise of this book was awesome and the execution was done well. The thing that ruined it was the romance (and for the record, I'm a sucker for romance)
***Spoilers Ahead***
The characters were so unlikable. Cole, Nazzim, and Nazzim's girlfriend, Shelley are thrown together to escape Southern Florida and the chaos of the Cordyceps.
Cole and Nazzim are supposed to be buddies.
Cole immediately starts lusting after Shelley and showing interest in her.
They kiss. And at that point, it's pretty obvious what's going to happen to Nazzim, who was actually funny and had a personality.
Cole and Shelley seem to show no remorse for the fact that they're "falling in love" while she's still in a relationship with his friend. It just made them both look like really terrible people and their premise for falling on love made no sense.
Disappointing but I liked the rest of it and the General was a great character whose point of view I wish we had more of!
Read
July 2, 2021Original take on zombies that makes for a fun read.
To make the terror complete, it's helpful to understand that cordyceps is a real thing, not just the wickedly evil creation of an imaginative author: https://youtu.be/XuKjBIBBAL8
To make the terror complete, it's helpful to understand that cordyceps is a real thing, not just the wickedly evil creation of an imaginative author: https://youtu.be/XuKjBIBBAL8
December 20, 2023
Good book but idk I kinda felt like the romance thing was a bit odd. Especially when going through the guys inner thoughts. They were a bit creepy.
January 26, 2012
If you've read books, comics, watched movies, or even played games about zombies, you get a different take most every time. You may jump in your seat, actually be scared, roll your eyes, or laugh at moments; sometimes in the same movie. Most leave you with much to be desired (at least for me), no matter how fun they were to experience. However, one thing remains a constant: they aren't believable. This is the first take on zombies that is convincing AND actually has real-life precedence.
I Youtubed "Cordyceps" as a result of the author's claim that "CORDYCEPS IS REAL." Wow. Now that is scary. It is present in insects already! Perhaps it is possible that Cordyceps could evolve to become a threat to humans. Not only is that a bit frightening but it's also exciting (in a scary kind of way)/nerve-wracking. If this book doesn't make you want to go out and buy quarantine-ready survival equipment, I'm not sure what will. Confession: I bought a Casio G-Shock that would last through zombie infested times (hopefully) as a result of reading this very fun and very scary book; beginning preparations for what may come I suppose!
Read this book in total silence. I read this on a porch out in the middle of nowhere with just the light from my iPhone. Every noise or shuffle in the woods put me at full alert with my heart racing. You will be on edge. Also, be worried if you start to find yourself seeking out ways to climb higher.
I Youtubed "Cordyceps" as a result of the author's claim that "CORDYCEPS IS REAL." Wow. Now that is scary. It is present in insects already! Perhaps it is possible that Cordyceps could evolve to become a threat to humans. Not only is that a bit frightening but it's also exciting (in a scary kind of way)/nerve-wracking. If this book doesn't make you want to go out and buy quarantine-ready survival equipment, I'm not sure what will. Confession: I bought a Casio G-Shock that would last through zombie infested times (hopefully) as a result of reading this very fun and very scary book; beginning preparations for what may come I suppose!
Read this book in total silence. I read this on a porch out in the middle of nowhere with just the light from my iPhone. Every noise or shuffle in the woods put me at full alert with my heart racing. You will be on edge. Also, be worried if you start to find yourself seeking out ways to climb higher.
May 7, 2013
Ooh, now this book is quite a nice surprise! Not only on a topic that I find fascinating, but IT IS WELL WRITTEN!! Beautiful descriptive passages, characters that feel pretty real, exciting storyline, and not a single grammatical or spelling error noticed so far. Of course, I am not reading it as an editor and the story is quite compelling which pushes me forward quickly, but I generally notice such things.
I hope the last third of the book lives up to the first two -- I'll keep you posted ;)
It does! Exciting read, had to bump my next scheduled book and move right into the sequel.
Basic idea in the story -- the fungus that causes "zombie ants" jumps species to humans. Just like with the ants, it controls the host to do what the fungus needs and quickly adapts to the higher order creature. Characters you want to survive are in the "zone", not so nice but necessary characters outside of the zone. Doesn't end the way I expected, but hey - there is a sequel so don't get too comfortable with it!
I hope the last third of the book lives up to the first two -- I'll keep you posted ;)
It does! Exciting read, had to bump my next scheduled book and move right into the sequel.
Basic idea in the story -- the fungus that causes "zombie ants" jumps species to humans. Just like with the ants, it controls the host to do what the fungus needs and quickly adapts to the higher order creature. Characters you want to survive are in the "zone", not so nice but necessary characters outside of the zone. Doesn't end the way I expected, but hey - there is a sequel so don't get too comfortable with it!
September 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It had a great twist on the whole zombie thing. These zombies are not flesh eaters but intelligent hosts to a fungus. This is a fungus that demands to be spread in its search for new hosts (an organic pesticide gone awry.) The story takes place in Florida and the residents of the quarantined area need to get to the border and be cleared. You can imagine the chaos that ensues (looting, horrific traffic jams, lack of food and water, violence.) I really wanted to like the characters but their flaws (which do make them human) make them unlikeable. No loyalty or honor here. The whole idea of airborne spores is completely frightening to me. So, despite the characters, the story is definitely worth reading.
January 10, 2015
This was a solid, well-written Post-Apocalyptic book with some unique elements. Yes, there are "zombies" -- but, they aren't dead and don't eat the living humans. They are simply humans who have been infected by a fungal/viral combination that makes them spread the fungas/virus. This actually happens in nature with some lesser animals... so, pretty neat to explore it happening in humans.
I love PA books... but often can't make it through the 1st chapter due to poor dialogue and writing. This one kept me engaged throughout. I get the impression Ian Duncan has made it past the hacky early days of becoming a writer.
The overall story arc isn't quite as deep as something like The Passage... but still a good, enjoyable, fast read.
I love PA books... but often can't make it through the 1st chapter due to poor dialogue and writing. This one kept me engaged throughout. I get the impression Ian Duncan has made it past the hacky early days of becoming a writer.
The overall story arc isn't quite as deep as something like The Passage... but still a good, enjoyable, fast read.
March 24, 2013
Good storyline. Main characters do have extremely good luck in some instances and I don't see how they avoided infection with such massive exposure but if you can just accept it, the rest of the story is fun. Trubilinski is my favorite character. Shelley is annoying. I hope we see her and Cord in the next installment but I get the feeling we won't. I'm not sure why Trubilinski would say something along the lines of "officially we don't support the CDC doc going into the Zone but unofficially get him everything he needs" and then Dr. Sean goes in woefully unprepared and not understanding the plan of action. That's just silly.
March 23, 2013
Cordyceps is an incredible book which took me completely by surprise. The eerie sense of how close the possibility of this happening is makes it such a perfect combination of truth and sci-fi thrill. I was so torn while reading this book: wanting to read it all the time but fearful that it would fill my dreams with zombies. This to me is what makes up a perfect book - unashamed obsession which transforms your way of thinking just a little more every time you sit down to read it. Cordyceps does this is such a way that I have not experienced in a thriller book before now. It is absolutely a must-read!
March 17, 2013
This book was an action packed thrill ride! The idea is based on a real fungus that modifies the behavior of insects when infected. The writing was spot on, the characters were interesting, and I am glad I took the time to read this one! Well worth the price! And it's lendable which I always appreciate, because if I love a book I want to share it with someone else who will love it too. Next book please! I am glad this is listed as the first in a trilogy.
February 7, 2026
Excellent Read
I'm not typically into this kind of novel, but started reading it on the recommendation of numerous friends. I quickly found it impossible to put down. The author's descriptions are both chilling and able to transport you to the apocalyptic scenery in the book. Cordyceps is very well written and a must read. I will definitely continue reading the next installments in the trilogy, as well as other books by this author.
I'm not typically into this kind of novel, but started reading it on the recommendation of numerous friends. I quickly found it impossible to put down. The author's descriptions are both chilling and able to transport you to the apocalyptic scenery in the book. Cordyceps is very well written and a must read. I will definitely continue reading the next installments in the trilogy, as well as other books by this author.
May 7, 2012
I thought Cordyceps was a fun read and the Cord zombie was a great twist on the genre. I read it in one day and I am glad I bought it. What made the book much scarier for me is that I came back to Amazon to write my review and I typed Cordyceps into the Amazon search bar and people are buying and selling the Cordyceps fungus! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! I don't want to be a Cord Zombie!
June 14, 2012
Fantastic book - even creepier since cordyceps is a real fungus that causes behavior changes in insects (inspiring them to climb to highest point) before killing them and a fruiting body erupting from their heads! The concept that this could move to humans is truly chilling!!
September 24, 2012
This was a fantastic, fresh take on the typical zombie apocalypse storyline and I was pleasantly surprised by how attached I became to the main characters. Really holding out hope for a sequel of some sort!
March 2, 2012
Former research scientist says CORDYCEPS is "Scary and intense...great use of actual science, and it was very well thought out." -Amazon Reviews
February 6, 2013
I really really loved this book!
May 23, 2014
This was great fun for me. It was my first zombie book that didn't come in the form of a graphic novel. I liked the whole concept of a pesticide causing a rogue pathogen instead of the dead rising.
April 8, 2013
Drags a bit but has a lot going for it.
August 12, 2013
This book was so awesome! It's cool to have a themed book based on some kind of truth.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews