Executioner

Dead State #3

by Derek Shupert

Ravenous flesh-eaters. Desperate survivors. One teenager will take them all down to find his sister…

Fifteen-year-old James barely recognizes the killer he’s become. Still reeling from the loss of his parents, he’s vowed to slaughter as many of the bloodthirsty horrors as he can before they eventually tear him to pieces. But a flicker of hope ignites in his heart when he hears his sister may yet be alive in a California military research center…

Abandoning the safe zone with chasers on their heels, James, his two remaining allies, and his trusty dog Duke, search the infested interstate for the mysterious base. But though the highway is crawling with the infected—the gun-toting scavenger survivors may pose a deadlier threat.

Can James and his crew outrun the rising hordes in a daring bid to reunite with his sister?

Executioner is the gripping third book in the fast-paced Dead State post-apocalyptic series. If you like courageous heroes, gritty action, and super-cool zombies, then you’ll love Derek Shupert’s roller coaster road trip.

Buy Executioner to take vengeance on inhuman monsters today!

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2019

About the author

Derek Shupert is an avid super hero fan (Marvel over DC Universe) and lover of Science Fiction. Derek likes to spend his free time putting down on paper the stories that he has contained in his imagination. By day, he is an Inventory and Distribution Services Center Manager but by night, he writes. To date, he has published four books; two Sci-Fi, a children’s book and a technology consumer guide. He is currently working on two more books which should be available early 2016.

Derek lives in Sherman, Texas with his wife, children and various pets.

Reviews

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy and his dog on a mission. I'm way past young adult but I really enjoy this series.

I'm ready for the zombie apocalypse. haha

[Nisareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Through tearful eyes and a gut full of rage, I have now come full circle to what this world wants me to be. My contempt for the chasers that have rid me of my childhood, has freed the fires of hate buried inside me. I am no longer James, the victim. He is dead. I am now the executioner of the damned. And soon the dead shall feel my fury.”

James arrived at the safe zone in Portland, only to find the compound overrun with chasers and his mother newly turned. Due to the loss of both his parents, James finds himself utterly bereft and in a dark place. He vows to slaughter as many of the undead horde as he can before they take him out. His recklessness not only puts his own life in danger, but that of Lucas and Cassie.

A spark of hope ignites in James, when they find Scott, a survivor locked in a cupboard. He tells them about a girl who had been bitten a week prior but for some reason hadn’t turned. Around the time the military were transferring her to another facility, chasers flooded the compound and her mother was bitten as they fought to escape. The helicopter took off without her as a result.

The knowledge that Cindy is still alive gives James a new incentive. Armed with a map showing a military research centre in Yreka, California, the trio take off in a military Humvee. Unfortunately a stop at a gas station for fuel turns into a deadly encounter with humans who abduct Cassie and shoot Lucas. Will James ever be reunited with Cassie?

Executioner is the third tense instalments of the Dead State series. Powered by adept character development and relentless pacing, this was another strong addition to what continues to be a thrilling post apocalyptic ride. The book picks up straight after the devastating conclusion of Survival Road. With both his parents now dead, James has reached a turning point in which he feels he’s lost everything. Just as darkness and rage threaten to consume him, he learns that his sister has survived an attack despite being bitten and has now been taken to a military research facility where they hope she’s the answer to a cure.

This was a fast paced, nail biting and suspenseful read which had me anxiously turning the pages. Several new characters were introduced although they were short lived. Once again, James has to contend with the worst aspects of humanity which is sadly the case when society breaks down. Trust has become a precious commodity. Like the previous instalment, the book ends on a huge cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get my hands on the the fourth instalment.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Executioner and I am voluntarily reviewing it. B. C Archer did an excellent job in bringing the characters and the story to life with his clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.

[Jason Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF the writing is juvenile and annoying, like the main character.

[RJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the end of the prior volume, James’ mother was added to the list of victims, having turned. We also find out that James’ sister is evidently immune and has been taken to some laboratory in California. Now James can continue his crusade to save the remaining member of his family. Will James convince or cajole Lucas and Cassie to follow? Probably. James’ retrospection gets a bit old and his decision to become the ultimate chaser-slayer is a bit absurd. The addition of Cassie into the group helped to revive but not enough to ultimately save this patient. I discovered from the previous volume that they describe Duke as a Golden Retriever. This is interesting as confirmation to his breed but is still confusing when James says things like, “Duke’s ears stand erect”. I guess I’ll just have to let it go. This third volume is similar to the first two; plodding, with simple, juvenile conversations between the characters. This leads me to categorize this series as more young adult apocalypse survival. I find it difficult to recommend. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i almost think this is one of my favorites in the series. We see a lot of action in here. Meet characters who are so bad and others that are beyond goodness. The danger that occurs in the one is different from the other. Chasers are still involved but there is the darker side of human nature that shows up. We see James growing beyond his years. He faces life and death every day. His two companions continue helping him search for his sister. Even though James and his companions aren’t related I really feel for them as much I do James. When they have a close call with a chaser or just trying to escape them...I feel their fear as well.

As I am listening to this I am now a bit more cautious of keeping an eye out for chasers. Or going in the basement or any dark room. Crazy I know. But this seems so realistic. Thanks Mr Shupert

This is written very well. I can not wait for the next one to see what happens next. I did listen to this on audio. B.C. Archer did another fantastic job narrating this.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Executioner, the third book in the Dead State series, is brilliantly written, suspenseful, exciting, and entirely engaging. This book has all the required ingredients required to captivate the readers/listeners, wondering what's next. The action is intense, injected with great timing while keeping the excitement on high gear. Derek Shupert is an exceptional author who has created a gripping post-apocalyptic world with compelling characters.

I was wholly impressed by B.C. Archer's narration, his skills as a narrator have grown. He injected the emotions and intensity found in the pages, bringing the story to life. I was entirely absorbed. Overall, this was a fantastic listen; I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook, and highly recommend it.

[Deb Threadgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still non stop action, more chasers than you ca shake a stick at. James continues on to find his sister Cindy. Duke is still fighting with him along with Cassie and then he picks up Lucas. Other men who have tried to help him have been killed. There is probably not a bruise that is not on some part of his body. But he will never stop trying to find his sister Cindy no matter how bad it gets. The suspense keeps on building.

[mia]

Still reeling from shocking events and clinging to hope, James, Duke and friends continue their journey. Still facing unbvelievable odds, they discover the depths of depravity as they try to save one of their own.

[HOLLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great chapter in the Dead State series. Great writing from Derek Shupert.

[Trudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent instalment following James and his friends as they search for his sister during the Apocalypse.
Looking forward to the next book!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Very good series and hard to put down. You won't regret reading this! Can't wait for the next book to come out.