It begins with a long-dormant virus released from an archaeological dig in Northern Alaska.
A researcher studying the virus suffers a fever and launches into a bloody killing spree that ends with two police officers dead. A second researcher, Dr. Meg Perriman, has just flown home for the Easter holiday with her family in North Carolina, unknowingly carrying the virus. Within days, the infection spreads across the planet, sparking martial law, chaos, and widespread slaughter as many of the infected turn into flesh-eating zombies.
Meg and a few others appear to be immune, however, and the survivors gather in a megachurch called Promiseland that the U.S. government has established as an emergency shelter. The Rev. Cameron Ingram, a charismatic televangelist the president has appointed as the “zombie czar,” believes the catastrophe is a sign of the Biblical apocalypse. When a rash of natural disasters accompany the outbreak and civilization breaks down, people turn to Ingram for salvation in the face of fear and despair.
But Meg and her group of friends soon discover Ingram is not what he appears, and they are caught between the devil and the living dead.
With more than 800,000 books sold worldwide, Scott Nicholson is an international bestselling thriller writer. He won the Writers of the Future Award in 1999 and was a Stoker Award finalist in 2003. His Fear series was published by Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and 47North released the supernatural thriller McFALL.
He's also published a number of supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy books and stories, including the AFTER, NEXT, and ARIZE post-apocalyptic series, as well as children's books, comics, and screenplays. His 2006 novel The Home is in development as a feature film.
When I started this book I was not aware that it was going to be a series, until I got to Goodreads and noticed it was listed as Book 1. Had I known beforehand, I may have been deterred from starting it. Not that I have anything against series, it's just that my "to be read" list is so long, there is no guarantee I can find time to go back for a part 2. So I guess it's lucky for me that I didn't know in advance, because by the time I found out I was hooked on this book and it would have been a shame to miss out. While there is lots of blood and gore as you would expect in a zombie novel, it felt more like a heart pounding action thriller than the usual horror, especially never knowing which (if any) character would survive, as Meg and her husband venture out into the fray in a desperate attempt to get medical help for their child.
This is my first read by Scott Nicholson - and I’m thrilled to have discovered him if “Resurrection” represents the quality of his work in general. This story is absolutely enthralling. It contains everything you’d wish to find in an apocalypse novel. The character development is rich and extremely well done. The characters grab you right from the start, garnering an authentic sense of investment in their individual journeys. From the primary characters, good guys and bad, the secondary ones who inspire empathy or annoyance, to the one-timers - Nicholson expertly breathes life into each and every one. The central idea of the story is uncommonly creative, interesting, and continuously entertaining. The twists and turns are enjoyably surprising. Some you can see coming, others are events and situations you’d never imagine happening, and the last are those where you’re left thinking, “wow, I never thought that would actually turn out this way!” The story evokes a multifarious emotional response and experience. Such fun! When choosing this book, I never imagined the master craftsmanship of creativity and writing I’d find within, as well as the mashup of unexpected content. Much different than most stories within the genre, while still meeting the needs of hardcore zombie apocalypse fans. The world building is recherché. Nicholson’s skill is apparent in every setting and scene. Getting lost in this world is ridiculously effortless... you just read the first few pages. And you’re hooked. The world of “Resurrection” is colorful, detailed, and interesting. What’s missing is the typical down to the last specification weapon explanations. As well as descriptive battles. The fighting which occurs between the individual characters is well laid out, it’s the large scale battles which lack the in-depth detail. Both of which don’t distract from the story one bit. The zombies are slightly unique. But they lack a little... something? Perhaps they are not quite frightening enough in their behaviors; the description of them. But there is nothing about the writing which will pull you out of the story. So, look forward to a few late nights reading! The story definitely represents my favorite flavor of apocalypse fiction. It includes zombies, military, and science. Throw some medicine in the mix, and it would be absolute perfection. That said, I’ll settle for just plain ol’ perfection here. Overall, I’m excited about this start to the series. If the subsequent books are just as fun to read as the first, this series will certainly rise to join the cream of the crop in the genre!
This is an exciting, action-packed read which gives alternating POVs so that the reader is treated to the perspectives of people from various walks of life.
Does a great job of prompting feelings, as it’s heart-wrenching several times over. The author did an amazing job of providing detailed visuals.
The science behind what’s causing corpses to re-animate remains vague in this version, but it works because the characters, while baffled, are busy trying to survive and chaos has erupted. Whether it’ll work for 2 more books remains to be seen, but this book has been fun enough that I’m going to stick around or at least one more.
Overall: 4 stars.
Audio: The production itself is smooth, free of hiccups, high-quality. The narrator isn’t great, but he isn’t bad per se. He just opted to more read like a robot, sounding, at times, like AI, rather than performing the book. 5-star production, 3-star narration.
I really enjoyed Scott Nicholson's twist on this post-apocalyptic story, biblical 'end of days' versus science, and the underlying corruption and conspiracy. The start was a bit slow, but soon became fast paced and action packed, with some chilling events. The characters were interesting, some more enjoyable than others, and the narration by Kevin Clay was good. I can't wait for the next book to be available on audible to find out what happens next. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Good Story. I like that it tells you in the beginning how the virus started and was passed on. Reminds me of The Stand and Z. Somewhat predictable so I'm hoping for something unexpected to happen in part 2. I'm Still loving these characters and looking forward to more from them.
A really great read. I finished it within two days. Couldn't put it down. Already downloaded Book 2. I have loved this author's books since I discovered him several years ago. The authors I always read didn't have any new books out. I'm glad I gave Scott Nicholson a chance.
This was a surprising new Twist on the zombie genre. His unique style of writing blended with his knowledge of his of North Carolina makes this a very enjoyable and entertaining read. A must read for all zombie fans.
This zombie story is far different from the ones I had before. I was very pleased with the story over all and the characters as well. I am looking forward to reading number 2.
This is an awesome story. The characters come to life right from the start. And you begin to either love or hate them. The super natural, apart from the zombies, plays a part in the story. I am so excited to read the next book in the series.
There isn’t anything terribly groundbreaking about the story itself (as far as the Zombie genre goes) but the writing is definitely above par which made this a totally enjoyable and fun read. I pretty much read it in one sitting and immediately bought the second book. Recommended.
Not the best Zombie book ive read but that might be because it was a bit slow paced. I wasnt particularly keen on the religous theme either but i have hopes that book 1 was setting everything up & book 2 might be more interesting
Characterization made from normal everyday relatable individuals. No more super soldiers. Science terms and foundations appear solid which is refreshing.
This book was alright. I had to restart it because at times I found myself zoning out. Not a fan of overzealous preachers thinking EVERTHING is about the "End Times", but the twist at then end left me wanting more! I'll purchase book 2 (on Audible) when it becomes available.
A great start to this exciting end of the world with zombies series! Good characters & ideas, I really enjoyed it & will look for the next in this series!
This is good entertainment! It's gruesome in parts, but it's a horror story after all. It's well written, the story is constructed well, so it's easy to follow and understand. It's simply good horror-fiction entertainment.
A long dormant virus is released from the colds of Alaska and travels out as those in the research party go home and travel on breaks. One of the researchers suffers a fever than goes on a killing spree, as another felt like she had the flu for a couple of days but recovers. Within days the virus is everywhere and many many people are dying and infecting others, chaos is rampant and the military is trying to help along with a mega church minister who is prospering from it.
This is a good book if not a bit close to home at the moment. The narrator Kevin Clay does a wonderful job making you feel as though you are there and going through all of this with Dr. Perriman and her family. This is a refreshing look at zombies.