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The Final Strain
The world ended in neither fire nor ice, but blood. It began with the news reports of a rampant flu-like virus that killed all who got infected. It induced panic when the CDC admitted no cure existed. It escalated when the Federal Government declared martial law and proceeded to throw the world into chaos. It ended in blood.
To make matters worse, the McGuiness brothers discover their sister has been kidnapped. The earth shattering revelation forces them to depart their safe haven and venture out into a world stripped of societal morals. They meet up with other immune survivors along the way, each affected differently by the D.C. Virus and each with their own story. The group proves to be as different as can be, brought together only by one common cause: survival. Together, they set out following a cryptic radio transmission promising salvation in the Midwest, though the journey proves difficult. Violent encounters with other survivors shake the assemblage, and a shocking revelation tears their reality apart: the virus was released on purpose! When the shadowy organization responsible for the genocide sets their sights on the survivors, the group must run, hide, and fight their way to safety…or die trying.
To make matters worse, the McGuiness brothers discover their sister has been kidnapped. The earth shattering revelation forces them to depart their safe haven and venture out into a world stripped of societal morals. They meet up with other immune survivors along the way, each affected differently by the D.C. Virus and each with their own story. The group proves to be as different as can be, brought together only by one common cause: survival. Together, they set out following a cryptic radio transmission promising salvation in the Midwest, though the journey proves difficult. Violent encounters with other survivors shake the assemblage, and a shocking revelation tears their reality apart: the virus was released on purpose! When the shadowy organization responsible for the genocide sets their sights on the survivors, the group must run, hide, and fight their way to safety…or die trying.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
37 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Brian Gates
5 books27 followersBrian Gates grew up in a small country town in North East Ohio with a younger brother and sister. He had a passion for writing from a young age, and spent countless hours in and out of class writing stories, and he even gave his senior speech on various writing concepts. His love of stories eventually led him to pursue an English Degree in college. During his time there, several professors were impressed by his writing ability and encouraged him to pursue writing as a career. He graduated from Kent State University in 2014, and continued to pursue his passion for writing. Brian prefers a handful of literary genres, but two of his personal favorites are psychological thrillers and works set in post-apocalyptic worlds. Two of his biggest influences are Dean Koontz and D.J. MacHale.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/briangatesbooks
Twitter: @BrianGatesBooks
Email: briangatesbooks@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/briangatesbooks
Twitter: @BrianGatesBooks
Email: briangatesbooks@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 2, 2019
Without reducing this to the typical stereotypes of end-of-the-world-itis, The Final Strain poses the question: What if the end of the world was intentional?
I actually loved this book! One of the most intriguing parts to me was how it differed from similar books aimed at the same demographic. Yes, there's a deadly strain, and it's out. But some have survived. And it's interesting how the actual virus isn't the villain in this. It's the humans who released it, and who want the survivors eradicated as well. It's... well, it's evil. This element keeps you hooked from start to finish.
My other favourite thing about this is Brian Gates and his actual style of writing. He has a gorgeous poetic nature to everything he writes. Some authors use big words almost as a sort of Peacocking, to say "look what I can write"; meanwhile they're instead envisioned typing with one hand and sifting through a Thesaurus with the other.
Many books read as if they needed maybe five or six extra drafts, but you can tell that Gates has scoped through every single word with the greatest of care and wisdom, and it serves the story excellently. This is what The Passage SHOULD have been.
I highly recommend this if you're a fan of these sorts of stories, but are frustrated by the carnival ride this genre has become recently.
I actually loved this book! One of the most intriguing parts to me was how it differed from similar books aimed at the same demographic. Yes, there's a deadly strain, and it's out. But some have survived. And it's interesting how the actual virus isn't the villain in this. It's the humans who released it, and who want the survivors eradicated as well. It's... well, it's evil. This element keeps you hooked from start to finish.
My other favourite thing about this is Brian Gates and his actual style of writing. He has a gorgeous poetic nature to everything he writes. Some authors use big words almost as a sort of Peacocking, to say "look what I can write"; meanwhile they're instead envisioned typing with one hand and sifting through a Thesaurus with the other.
Many books read as if they needed maybe five or six extra drafts, but you can tell that Gates has scoped through every single word with the greatest of care and wisdom, and it serves the story excellently. This is what The Passage SHOULD have been.
I highly recommend this if you're a fan of these sorts of stories, but are frustrated by the carnival ride this genre has become recently.
October 22, 2019
This is a genre I really enjoy, from the Strain to the Stand. I enjoy a good apocalyptic novel set in a modern American landscape. Throw in a few main characters with different backgrounds and sad stories and a fair amount of traveling - you have the perfect recipe for the end of the world. But, there is a big twist. Well, big but not surprising as it's mentioned in the books synopsis. The deadly disease was released on purpose. What makes that even more shocking? The group behind it wants to target the remaining survivors. It is nice how the families have their own sections and chapters. It makes the story more personal and relatable. This isn't necessarily a fresh or original concept, but the twists and unique ideas that the author throws in make it so. Enjoyable, suspenseful and adventurous.
July 22, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is one for the brave, in our current, worldwide pandemic situation!
The Final Strain is an apocalyptic survival story, but also an action thriller. It follows the story of gung-ho, heroic, action-man brothers, Brian and Nick McGuinness as they attempt to rescue their kidnapped sister against the backdrop of a swiftly-spreading and deadly virus. Alternate chapters also follow an array of other characters – medic Matt; Kyle and his rehab group; elderly couple, Richard and Beverley; the Crown family, and a group of rival-gang prison escapees – as they all attempt to survive the virus and the inevitable chaotic violence that comes in its wake.
The virus is a pretty horrific one, featuring a lot of blood and pain, and a quick, messy, undignified end. Again, if you’re feeling a bit delicate about the current real-life situation then this may all cut a little close to the bone for you. The difference here (or not, if you follow certain conspiracy theories) is that Gates’ virus is released deliberately, by a shadowy cabal who are fully aware of its destructive potential and are using it for their own ends. The reader gets insider information on this situation that the characters are not party to, which ramps up the tension, and the plot is packed with action, violence and some shocking twists, so its a real adrenaline-pumper of a read.
I could see this making a fantastic TV series, along the lines of 24 or The Walking Dead, with the balance of suspense, character development and action. Recommended reading, just as long as you are aren’t feeling too nervous about our current reality!
As they travelled, it became increasingly apparent that the world had transformed, perhaps even forever. An ominous sense hung heavy in the air, like the entire planet had become haunted, and the specters of the deceased wandered the earth due to a bottleneck situation on the paths to both Heaven and Hell, caused by the sheer volume of souls attempting to enter each. A line had formed on the stairway to heaven, and the highway to hell was in full blown traffic jam.
The suburban streets remained clear. Occasionally they would pass an abandoned car flashing its hazard lights, and periodically they would spot a body lying on the side of the street. In one case, a mangled corpse laid sprawled out in the center of the two-lane road. It had clearly been hit several times before. Kyle gulped and drove around it.
– Brian Gates, The Final Strain
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is one for the brave, in our current, worldwide pandemic situation!
The Final Strain is an apocalyptic survival story, but also an action thriller. It follows the story of gung-ho, heroic, action-man brothers, Brian and Nick McGuinness as they attempt to rescue their kidnapped sister against the backdrop of a swiftly-spreading and deadly virus. Alternate chapters also follow an array of other characters – medic Matt; Kyle and his rehab group; elderly couple, Richard and Beverley; the Crown family, and a group of rival-gang prison escapees – as they all attempt to survive the virus and the inevitable chaotic violence that comes in its wake.
The virus is a pretty horrific one, featuring a lot of blood and pain, and a quick, messy, undignified end. Again, if you’re feeling a bit delicate about the current real-life situation then this may all cut a little close to the bone for you. The difference here (or not, if you follow certain conspiracy theories) is that Gates’ virus is released deliberately, by a shadowy cabal who are fully aware of its destructive potential and are using it for their own ends. The reader gets insider information on this situation that the characters are not party to, which ramps up the tension, and the plot is packed with action, violence and some shocking twists, so its a real adrenaline-pumper of a read.
I could see this making a fantastic TV series, along the lines of 24 or The Walking Dead, with the balance of suspense, character development and action. Recommended reading, just as long as you are aren’t feeling too nervous about our current reality!
As they travelled, it became increasingly apparent that the world had transformed, perhaps even forever. An ominous sense hung heavy in the air, like the entire planet had become haunted, and the specters of the deceased wandered the earth due to a bottleneck situation on the paths to both Heaven and Hell, caused by the sheer volume of souls attempting to enter each. A line had formed on the stairway to heaven, and the highway to hell was in full blown traffic jam.
The suburban streets remained clear. Occasionally they would pass an abandoned car flashing its hazard lights, and periodically they would spot a body lying on the side of the street. In one case, a mangled corpse laid sprawled out in the center of the two-lane road. It had clearly been hit several times before. Kyle gulped and drove around it.
– Brian Gates, The Final Strain
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 27, 2019
Good read for a few days of suspense
This book is not heavy duty. But it covers plenty of territory. The author definitely has done his research on filling in backgrounds. A variety of skillfully delineated settings propel the plot, which is a fairly typical but differently done end of the world through a megavirus scenario. The ending is unexpected and the entire book is entertaining. Recommended to be read by a warm fire with a pot of something warm.
This book is not heavy duty. But it covers plenty of territory. The author definitely has done his research on filling in backgrounds. A variety of skillfully delineated settings propel the plot, which is a fairly typical but differently done end of the world through a megavirus scenario. The ending is unexpected and the entire book is entertaining. Recommended to be read by a warm fire with a pot of something warm.
January 8, 2020
This was not my usual read, but it was an interesting book about a virus that hits America and starts killing a lot of people.
The story follows various groups attempting to make their way to a safe zone and the hazards they encounter. There is a back story of a kidnapping, however, the story all comes together at the end and everything becomes clear.
I would recommend this book
The story follows various groups attempting to make their way to a safe zone and the hazards they encounter. There is a back story of a kidnapping, however, the story all comes together at the end and everything becomes clear.
I would recommend this book
November 17, 2019
THE FINAL STRAIN by Brian Gates is an epic story of survival written in multiple third-person limited points of view. In it are the raucous McGuiness siblings, Brian, Nick, and Amelia, the seemingly perfect couple Noah and Colleen Crown and family, elderly grandparents Beverly and Richard Whitamore, drug addict Mitch Roland, his support group, and his counselor Kyle Palmer, federal inmate Saber Tigan and his gang, plus a few other POV characters.
While the viral outbreak affects each survivor differently, their ways of dealing with the impact is often surprising. Those who were masters of their pre-outbreak world often fold from the pressure, and those who were misfits before seem to adopt a survivor's mentality and deal with the new challenges better than others.
At over 120,000 words, it's a bit longer than the usual dystopian thriller, but many short chapters make convenient stopping and restarting points, not that many readers would want to stop reading, given the compulsion to keep turning pages. The writing is polished, most likely due in part to the author's English degree from Kent State University. THE FINAL STRAIN is highly recommended for fans of THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, THE STAND, or THE MAZE RUNNER franchise.
While the viral outbreak affects each survivor differently, their ways of dealing with the impact is often surprising. Those who were masters of their pre-outbreak world often fold from the pressure, and those who were misfits before seem to adopt a survivor's mentality and deal with the new challenges better than others.
At over 120,000 words, it's a bit longer than the usual dystopian thriller, but many short chapters make convenient stopping and restarting points, not that many readers would want to stop reading, given the compulsion to keep turning pages. The writing is polished, most likely due in part to the author's English degree from Kent State University. THE FINAL STRAIN is highly recommended for fans of THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, THE STAND, or THE MAZE RUNNER franchise.
December 13, 2019
4.5 But I rounded it up.
Pay attention authors, this is how you flesh out a world! At first I found the POV switching a little jarring, but once you start to know these characters and the families it feels as dynamic as watching multiple sub plots weaving a grand story like a TV series. Gates is an effortlessly descriptive writer too, all of the important details were conveyed naturally and seamlessly, this is an author who understands the fundamentals of 'show, don't tell' very well.
The book is at a good pace and it never felt too long, the only reason I would not give it a full 5 stars is that I feel there could have been more 'post apocalyptic ' in the story,but that's a minor issue and I may have been mislead by the cover. Looking forward to more from Brian Gates.
Pay attention authors, this is how you flesh out a world! At first I found the POV switching a little jarring, but once you start to know these characters and the families it feels as dynamic as watching multiple sub plots weaving a grand story like a TV series. Gates is an effortlessly descriptive writer too, all of the important details were conveyed naturally and seamlessly, this is an author who understands the fundamentals of 'show, don't tell' very well.
The book is at a good pace and it never felt too long, the only reason I would not give it a full 5 stars is that I feel there could have been more 'post apocalyptic ' in the story,but that's a minor issue and I may have been mislead by the cover. Looking forward to more from Brian Gates.
October 11, 2019
I liked how the families had their own chapters, and you got to see how things progressed throughout. The author did a great job explaining what was going on in the story, and to keep you wondering what will happen next.
October 22, 2019
This novel was a great read! I am so very happy to have gotten to read it! The characters were fresh, and inviting.
January 9, 2020
The Final Strain - 8.5/10
The Final Strain is an apocalyptic thriller that follows a group of people as they try to survive an outbreak of an unstoppable virus. This is very much in the league of something like The Andromeda Strain, though with a lot more action and a lot less deep science. There are some great moments of tension and a good bit of mystery as the group slowly starts to understand the virus while trying to track down the missing sister of two of their comrades.
Plot: I liked it. It was fun to see the how the Author portrays the fast downfall of society, law, and order, as well as the horror of the fast spreading virus. The book takes place from multiple points of view, and though it does feel a little scattered at the beginning, the narratives do weave together quite well as the story goes on. Overall, it is very much an action/thriller that has a good enough plot to keep you going and is one of the things I enjoyed the most about the book.
Characters: This was the weaker points for me. I did struggle to identify with the characters at times, though that may be more of a preference. They felt a bit too nihilistic even for a "the world is literally ending" type of story, and I sometimes got confused on which character was which with the two brothers and the cousin.
Overall: I would definitely recommend this book, with a few reservations just for content preference (more on that below), but it is definitely a fun read! This reminded me a lot of a season of 24, or something along those lines, and the author really did do a good job balancing the many points of view throughout the story. Fun story, great action, and overall I would recommend you check this out if you are in to action thrillers!
The Final Strain is an apocalyptic thriller that follows a group of people as they try to survive an outbreak of an unstoppable virus. This is very much in the league of something like The Andromeda Strain, though with a lot more action and a lot less deep science. There are some great moments of tension and a good bit of mystery as the group slowly starts to understand the virus while trying to track down the missing sister of two of their comrades.
Plot: I liked it. It was fun to see the how the Author portrays the fast downfall of society, law, and order, as well as the horror of the fast spreading virus. The book takes place from multiple points of view, and though it does feel a little scattered at the beginning, the narratives do weave together quite well as the story goes on. Overall, it is very much an action/thriller that has a good enough plot to keep you going and is one of the things I enjoyed the most about the book.
Characters: This was the weaker points for me. I did struggle to identify with the characters at times, though that may be more of a preference. They felt a bit too nihilistic even for a "the world is literally ending" type of story, and I sometimes got confused on which character was which with the two brothers and the cousin.
Overall: I would definitely recommend this book, with a few reservations just for content preference (more on that below), but it is definitely a fun read! This reminded me a lot of a season of 24, or something along those lines, and the author really did do a good job balancing the many points of view throughout the story. Fun story, great action, and overall I would recommend you check this out if you are in to action thrillers!
February 5, 2020
What would happen if small a group of powerful men could change the world in a single stroke? This is the premise of Brian Gates's "The Final Strain." The book opens with a group of enormously powerful men plotting to release a virus upon the world, with the intent of saving it. Narrative is told from the perspective of several groups of people, each with a varied demographic. We see a whitebread Christian family, a pair of brothers who were former mercenaries, a group of twenty-somethings attending drug rehabilitation, an older couple in their waning years, and more beyond that.
All of these groups eventually come together trying to find shelter and safety in a collapsing society. Most of the narrative is about the brothers trying to recover their kidnapped sister. The others follow along in the wake of these very capable men. The story moves quickly, never letting up on the tension. The reactions of each group of characters is distinct creating a multi-layered viewpoint of the collapse of civilization. At the climax of the book, the final reveal is startling, and an event not to be missed!
All of these groups eventually come together trying to find shelter and safety in a collapsing society. Most of the narrative is about the brothers trying to recover their kidnapped sister. The others follow along in the wake of these very capable men. The story moves quickly, never letting up on the tension. The reactions of each group of characters is distinct creating a multi-layered viewpoint of the collapse of civilization. At the climax of the book, the final reveal is startling, and an event not to be missed!
February 29, 2020
The Final Strain is a captivating read all the way through. The characters are well thought out, and the author does a great job of setting them all up in time for the story to get moving. It’s quite an interesting take on a virus outbreak that creates a dystopian future. As we learn more and more about the characters, they learn about themselves, to the point where they make choices one might not have thought they would make before the outbreak. The short chapters allow the story to stay focused. There’s never any dragging or chewing on a lot of description. The book maintains a consistent pace throughout the rollercoaster ride. I am very interested in what else the author has in store in his works. A great story, and a fun read. I highly recommend The Final Strain, especially for science fiction readers.
December 18, 2019
The Final Strain is a compelling and entertaining read for dystopian thriller fans. The premise of the novel, a viral outbreak destroying 95% of the population, is scary and believable. You’ll want to continue reading to know the outcome.
You will follow the characters into a mad world of a post-apocalyptic wasteland and watch as the social order collapses. Those who survive the deadly virus unleashed struggle mentally and physically to become more than victims of their new world order.
Gates does a remarkable job of showing the personality changes of the twelve individuals from all walks of life as the story unfolds. The twists and turns and uncanny adaptations to the pressure of their surroundings will keep you on the edge of your chair. Well done.
You will follow the characters into a mad world of a post-apocalyptic wasteland and watch as the social order collapses. Those who survive the deadly virus unleashed struggle mentally and physically to become more than victims of their new world order.
Gates does a remarkable job of showing the personality changes of the twelve individuals from all walks of life as the story unfolds. The twists and turns and uncanny adaptations to the pressure of their surroundings will keep you on the edge of your chair. Well done.
February 25, 2020
I enjoyed this story; even if it seems, we might be living this story in the near future with the threat of the coronavirus. It grabbed my attention from the first page, and I didn't want to put it down. There is a lot in it, from a conspiracy theory, mysterious characters to social mayhem. I, specifically, like the way the author was able to craft the characters. They were very believable, which was essential to the storyline. I would love to ask the author why he named the virus-the D.C. Virus. The excellent dialogue was another factor that kept the story moving at a good pace. I'm a non-fiction reader, and the author adding sections of scientific research to the story worked for me. I want to know what happens next.
May 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The story starts out being told from the perspective of different groups who ultimately meet up as the plot progresses. Many authors use this technique, in which just as something is about to happen to the group in focus, the chapter ends and you are switched to another group - often to my frustration. I know, I know that is a technique to keep you reading. BUT, Gates took the frustration away by keeping the chapters short and action-packed.
January 27, 2020
Love the characters and their wisecracks. Fun book that I would definitely recommend.
February 15, 2020
Very entertaining and believable. This is much like the Stephen King book The Stand but with a faster pace.
April 9, 2020
For the most part very enjoyable.
What a diverse cast of characters. I didn't catch out the traitor, or even suspect there was one. I'm glad Amelia got her revenge.
What a diverse cast of characters. I didn't catch out the traitor, or even suspect there was one. I'm glad Amelia got her revenge.
May 23, 2020
A fantastic story
This book scared the hell out of me. I couldn't put it down . I will look for other books by Mr Gates I loved it.
This book scared the hell out of me. I couldn't put it down . I will look for other books by Mr Gates I loved it.
June 2, 2020
Prescient or lucky?
Either way, you’ve gotta give the author credit for timing. Needs to fix a lot of typos and flesh out the characters, particularly the bad guys.
Either way, you’ve gotta give the author credit for timing. Needs to fix a lot of typos and flesh out the characters, particularly the bad guys.
February 20, 2022
AWFUL!!!!!
This has to be the worst book I've ever read. Nothing good to say about it. The author( I use that word lightly) should look for another line of work.
This has to be the worst book I've ever read. Nothing good to say about it. The author( I use that word lightly) should look for another line of work.
December 1, 2019
The Council....Umbrella Corporation...
This novel threw me right into the midst of a thrilling revelation of mankind and just what we're capable of.
While the book was dark and gripping, it was also exciting. Things like this always make me wonder just how far the government will keep pushing and testing the limits until something goes wrong, or in this case, until they orchestrate something,
There's a lot to be said about books like this one, part of me wonders whether it's the human condition always seeking to control and to play God, another part believes it's the innocence of science, we want to know more, do more, learn more...both scenarios carry great risk.
Gates absolutely owns every word on every page, The Final Strain was written really well, and although third person narration isn't often my first choice in a book, it works incredibly well in this one.
I highly recommend The Final Strain for those who love existential, mind bending thrillers!
This novel threw me right into the midst of a thrilling revelation of mankind and just what we're capable of.
While the book was dark and gripping, it was also exciting. Things like this always make me wonder just how far the government will keep pushing and testing the limits until something goes wrong, or in this case, until they orchestrate something,
There's a lot to be said about books like this one, part of me wonders whether it's the human condition always seeking to control and to play God, another part believes it's the innocence of science, we want to know more, do more, learn more...both scenarios carry great risk.
Gates absolutely owns every word on every page, The Final Strain was written really well, and although third person narration isn't often my first choice in a book, it works incredibly well in this one.
I highly recommend The Final Strain for those who love existential, mind bending thrillers!
December 4, 2019
A good read for the fellas. Action road movie with goodies and baddies. Rather long drawn out but like a film. Enjoyable and a tantalising plot.
November 16, 2019
Another great novel from Mr. Gates. Initially this story brings to mind "The Plague" by Albert Camus. A virus has taken over the world. Bleeding from the eyes as one of the symptoms. Families or groups in each chapter tell the story of how this flu has changed peoples lives. Chaos and violence and even kidnapping. A prison is contacted and prisoners are sent to kidnap a girl in exchange for the anecdote. Was this a government plot. You can't put this one down. Great work Mr. Gates
November 19, 2019
I always like a good post-apocalyptic tale, and The Final Strain did not disappoint. Good characters, a clever plot outline, and an interesting set of villains, all lead the reader through the intentional end of the world scenario, a bit different from most. Good reading.
October 13, 2019
An compelling and thrilling read
Another of Brian Gates compelling and beautifully put together book I’ve had the pleasure to read! I have enjoyed delving into each and every one of the chapters in this book built around different families, characters and settings. An eye opener for me, as it’s been my first apocalyptic fiction read. I definitely recommend it to those interested in this genre.
Another of Brian Gates compelling and beautifully put together book I’ve had the pleasure to read! I have enjoyed delving into each and every one of the chapters in this book built around different families, characters and settings. An eye opener for me, as it’s been my first apocalyptic fiction read. I definitely recommend it to those interested in this genre.
October 19, 2019
Fresh, exciting, and some really fascinating characters who change primary roles within the story throughout. I enjoyed how much the focused shifted between them and how they were engrossed inside Brian’s apocalyptic backdrop. The last zombie novel I’d read before this was the Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles when I was growing up, and this resurfaced plenty of nostalgia. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews