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Extinction Survival #4
Warrior's Fate
Sanctuary is an illusion... Retired SEAL John Eric Carver and his war dog Shrek are part of a small group of survivors in a world where a man-made virus has ravished the planet. Isolated at a Boy Scout camp in the mountains outside of San Diego, the small cadre of warriors have kept their isolated community safe. But supplies are running out, and a team is put together to venture into the abandoned cities. As they leave their sanctuary, they find the virus continues to mutate. Carver and Shrek soon confront an intelligent and powerful new Alpha Variant—a beast that is unlike any other that they’ve encountered. Not long into the trek, they find they are not the hunters, but the hunted. Has the EX-SEAL war dog team met their match, or will they defeat this new evil and keep their community safe?
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
168 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 1, 2020
Never a dull moment!
John Carver and his amazing war dog Shrek are back and the Variant activity is hotter than ever. This book has plenty of action and suspense that kept me glued to the pages. There is no room for complacency in this post-apocalyptic landscape. Humans are teetering on the brink and a terrifying new Alpha has Carver and Shrek on its “kill list”. An awesome read!
John Carver and his amazing war dog Shrek are back and the Variant activity is hotter than ever. This book has plenty of action and suspense that kept me glued to the pages. There is no room for complacency in this post-apocalyptic landscape. Humans are teetering on the brink and a terrifying new Alpha has Carver and Shrek on its “kill list”. An awesome read!
January 1, 2023
This fourth part has the particularity of making several jumps in time. Overall it is enjoyable to read, although some story developments are a little predictable and others are far-fetched. The characters are a little bland but in general this type of post-apocalyptic universe sinks into boredom quite quickly, and this is not the case here.
The author has talent.
The author has talent.
July 30, 2021
The damn dog..... I cried like a damn baby!!! Good boy😥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
A brilliant ending to an amazing series of books and stories. With this, the Extinction Cycle is complete.
With the initial storyline begging for other talented storytellers to tighten their belts and weigh in on their interpretation of the Variant problem and the changed character of the survivors. This branch of the masterwork brings survivors from all walks of life and range of talents. While old soldiers live on in the lives and training of those that follow, the farmer, the cook and the handyman will be the ones to craft new lives from the ruins of the old.
Carver and Shrek are still here, maintaining overwatch from Lost Valley while training up new generations of soldiers to protect the outposts of survivors popping up all over. Their worst enemies, the Variants, are dying off, only a few gaunt, starving creatures have been sighted. But deep beneath Los Angeles in old prohibition tunnels an old enemy is thriving, waiting its opportunity to strike the Carver and his animal companion. Instead of weak and dying creatures, the Red Headed alpha has found ways to keep his horde alive and thriving in numbers unimaginable. There is bound to be a reckoning. Soon.
I am Shrek.
I am always first to smell.
I am always the first to hear.
I am always the first to know.
Because I am Shrek.
I always win.
I am the best.
It is just who I am.
Shrek is getting old now. His hard life has worn him down and pain fills his back and hips, but he can still produce offspring and train them. He will ensure that his family is protected and loved because he is Shrek. He is the best. It is just who he is.
An outstanding story filled with characters we've known and loved and some new ones that we cautiously add to our favorites. This is truly an outstanding book, wrapping up the story and concluding the series. I couldn't have dreamed of a better tale, or a better ending. Maybe, just maybe, there's room for more. But no. This is perfect the way it is. This series has been a great read and I really hate that it came to an end as all good things must. But you'll know all that when you read it.
With the initial storyline begging for other talented storytellers to tighten their belts and weigh in on their interpretation of the Variant problem and the changed character of the survivors. This branch of the masterwork brings survivors from all walks of life and range of talents. While old soldiers live on in the lives and training of those that follow, the farmer, the cook and the handyman will be the ones to craft new lives from the ruins of the old.
Carver and Shrek are still here, maintaining overwatch from Lost Valley while training up new generations of soldiers to protect the outposts of survivors popping up all over. Their worst enemies, the Variants, are dying off, only a few gaunt, starving creatures have been sighted. But deep beneath Los Angeles in old prohibition tunnels an old enemy is thriving, waiting its opportunity to strike the Carver and his animal companion. Instead of weak and dying creatures, the Red Headed alpha has found ways to keep his horde alive and thriving in numbers unimaginable. There is bound to be a reckoning. Soon.
I am Shrek.
I am always first to smell.
I am always the first to hear.
I am always the first to know.
Because I am Shrek.
I always win.
I am the best.
It is just who I am.
Shrek is getting old now. His hard life has worn him down and pain fills his back and hips, but he can still produce offspring and train them. He will ensure that his family is protected and loved because he is Shrek. He is the best. It is just who he is.
An outstanding story filled with characters we've known and loved and some new ones that we cautiously add to our favorites. This is truly an outstanding book, wrapping up the story and concluding the series. I couldn't have dreamed of a better tale, or a better ending. Maybe, just maybe, there's room for more. But no. This is perfect the way it is. This series has been a great read and I really hate that it came to an end as all good things must. But you'll know all that when you read it.
August 10, 2021
Variants continue to evolve, the Alphas becoming bigger, stronger, and more intelligent. The female Variants were producing Mutated infants due to the radiation, becoming even more frightening. A Variant Alpha leader was discovered to which several ambushes were attempted but he managed to escape each one. Amazingly, he has a bodyguard with a katana sword named Charley. In a chance meeting at a Costco, our boys met a squad of women soldiers from the Boys Scout Camp. Brett and Hanna began a long-distance romance over the satellite radio. The USS Freedom (LCS-1) still sat in Avolon Harbor producing electricity for the community. Its other valuable resource was the drones it deployed that could track any Variant. Shrek the ever-faithful Belgian Malinois war dog had gotten old in the intervening years and he was retired from active duty. Rex, another war dog, had taken his place if that was possible. The town of Metler, California was destroyed. An Army platoon and the QRF were deployed but there were no survivors. The missed food that the farming community supplied would be devastating. The Variants were tunneling up from underground, reminiscent of attacks from long ago. The Final Battle for Southern California. They say that no plan survives first contact with the enemy. A huge fire whipped by the Santa Anna Winds might solve the problem but there were always stragglers. Where was the Alpha, did we finally get him? Carver was feeling good and people were celebrating. I leave the remaining story and conclusion for your ears. This was a great story with amazing characters. Shrek, the warrior; the ghost who kills in the night. “I always win, it is just who I am.” Great series!
May 1, 2025
Since the events of the first book, the characters have undergone significant growth and development, broadening their perspectives and deepening their connections. One character who stood out to me was Shrek, the war dog. His vibrant personality and unwavering loyalty captivated my imagination, making me truly believe in his capabilities and instinctual prowess.
The concept of sanctuary has become a mere illusion in this post-apocalyptic landscape...
In this gripping tale, we follow retired SEAL John Eric Carver and his steadfast companion, Shrek, as they navigate a world ravaged by a man-made virus. Their refuge is a seemingly idyllic Boy Scout camp nestled in the mountains outside of San Diego, where a small group of survivors has banded together in an attempt to create a safe haven. However, as days pass and supplies dwindle, the reality of their precarious situation sets in.
Realizing that they cannot rely on the camp's dwindling resources indefinitely, Carver and his team make the difficult decision to venture beyond their protective borders into the desolate, abandoned cities that were once bustling hubs of life. As they embark on this treacherous journey, they quickly discover that the virus has not remained static; it continues to mutate, presenting new and terrifying challenges.
During their expedition, Carver and Shrek encounter an unforeseen adversary: an intelligent and formidable Alpha Variant. This monstrous creature is unlike any foe they have previously faced, displaying a level of cunning and ferocity that turns the hunt on its head. As the expedition progresses, the boundaries between predator and prey blur, and Carver and his team come to the shocking realization that they are being hunted.
Will the seasoned SEAL and his loyal war dog rise to the occasion and outsmart this new, evolved threat, or will they become victims of the very nightmare they sought to escape, jeopardizing the safety of their community in the process? The stakes have never been higher as they confront the ultimate test of courage, loyalty, and survival.
The concept of sanctuary has become a mere illusion in this post-apocalyptic landscape...
In this gripping tale, we follow retired SEAL John Eric Carver and his steadfast companion, Shrek, as they navigate a world ravaged by a man-made virus. Their refuge is a seemingly idyllic Boy Scout camp nestled in the mountains outside of San Diego, where a small group of survivors has banded together in an attempt to create a safe haven. However, as days pass and supplies dwindle, the reality of their precarious situation sets in.
Realizing that they cannot rely on the camp's dwindling resources indefinitely, Carver and his team make the difficult decision to venture beyond their protective borders into the desolate, abandoned cities that were once bustling hubs of life. As they embark on this treacherous journey, they quickly discover that the virus has not remained static; it continues to mutate, presenting new and terrifying challenges.
During their expedition, Carver and Shrek encounter an unforeseen adversary: an intelligent and formidable Alpha Variant. This monstrous creature is unlike any foe they have previously faced, displaying a level of cunning and ferocity that turns the hunt on its head. As the expedition progresses, the boundaries between predator and prey blur, and Carver and his team come to the shocking realization that they are being hunted.
Will the seasoned SEAL and his loyal war dog rise to the occasion and outsmart this new, evolved threat, or will they become victims of the very nightmare they sought to escape, jeopardizing the safety of their community in the process? The stakes have never been higher as they confront the ultimate test of courage, loyalty, and survival.
October 2, 2023
Simplistic military post-apocalyptic series continues with solid military lingo and action that would be better on screen as a visual spectacle, instead of book format.
It deals with "the world" being overrun by the infected "variants", but the book deals with specifically South California, revealing a lack in perspective or ambition common for americans. Sadly California is not "the world".
Having monsters and the dog as POV characters works sometimes to enhance the complexity of a character. On the other hand I find it increasingly frustrating when the same event is told several times over from different POVs. Is that strictly necessary? We already got the whole event once, there is no need to waste time with another retelling. It doesn't add to the experience. The characters are not exactly deep thinkers and the events being described are just simplistic action sequences.
Another irritant through the series - the whole storyline takes place over a couple of years. It is not an "evolutionary" timescale. So this whole "variants evolve" business is just annoyingly wrong. But I understand why the author thought it is needed. The "monsters" otherwise would be too dull of an enemy.
In short, post-apo zombieland has been done way better in many other IPs. Instead of this "Audible spam" free-with-subscription series I suggest investing your time in Max Brooks' World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide, Fallout-series and The Last of Us in gamer-land.
It deals with "the world" being overrun by the infected "variants", but the book deals with specifically South California, revealing a lack in perspective or ambition common for americans. Sadly California is not "the world".
Having monsters and the dog as POV characters works sometimes to enhance the complexity of a character. On the other hand I find it increasingly frustrating when the same event is told several times over from different POVs. Is that strictly necessary? We already got the whole event once, there is no need to waste time with another retelling. It doesn't add to the experience. The characters are not exactly deep thinkers and the events being described are just simplistic action sequences.
Another irritant through the series - the whole storyline takes place over a couple of years. It is not an "evolutionary" timescale. So this whole "variants evolve" business is just annoyingly wrong. But I understand why the author thought it is needed. The "monsters" otherwise would be too dull of an enemy.
In short, post-apo zombieland has been done way better in many other IPs. Instead of this "Audible spam" free-with-subscription series I suggest investing your time in Max Brooks' World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide, Fallout-series and The Last of Us in gamer-land.
September 19, 2020
Absolutely the Best Yet
This book detailed not only Carver and Lost Valley but some other settlements that were found and integrated as trading places. The variant that hates Carver and Shrek finds a new horde and a place of leadership. Carver sets out to eliminate the variant threat and make Lost Valley safe for Hope and his son. The battles are fast paced and the variants much more numerous than Carver imagines. I admit I cried Shrek is my favorite character of the series and as he ages his mind is willing but the body is not. Thank you Walt Browning for giving Shrek the honor he deserved as a war dog and bring the team back together with Specter. It brought purpose back to Carver and a smile to this old reader's face. Excellent series set in the Extinction story line. I love the interaction between the soldier and his war dog. A bind of love and respect that transcends generations.
This book detailed not only Carver and Lost Valley but some other settlements that were found and integrated as trading places. The variant that hates Carver and Shrek finds a new horde and a place of leadership. Carver sets out to eliminate the variant threat and make Lost Valley safe for Hope and his son. The battles are fast paced and the variants much more numerous than Carver imagines. I admit I cried Shrek is my favorite character of the series and as he ages his mind is willing but the body is not. Thank you Walt Browning for giving Shrek the honor he deserved as a war dog and bring the team back together with Specter. It brought purpose back to Carver and a smile to this old reader's face. Excellent series set in the Extinction story line. I love the interaction between the soldier and his war dog. A bind of love and respect that transcends generations.
March 8, 2021
The four book series pulled me in from start to finish. The addition of a viewpoint from a dog, a war dog, caught me off guard the first time I heard Shrek's voice, but the more I allowed myself to be drawn into the story, the more Shrek appealed to me.
The series has its highs and lows, character losses and gains, and though I have this listed under zombie, it's more of a mutated human with a zombie appetite for flesh -- without the mindless aspect.
I found the military characters believable, the pacing and plot well thought out, and by the end of book four, after I'd already shed tears for the loss of one character, I found myself wiping more away with the appearance of another. (yes, I'm dancing around which one as I don't want to add spoilers).
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic tales, regardless of if you've read anything else in this particular setting, the give this series a go. You won't be disappointed.
The series has its highs and lows, character losses and gains, and though I have this listed under zombie, it's more of a mutated human with a zombie appetite for flesh -- without the mindless aspect.
I found the military characters believable, the pacing and plot well thought out, and by the end of book four, after I'd already shed tears for the loss of one character, I found myself wiping more away with the appearance of another. (yes, I'm dancing around which one as I don't want to add spoilers).
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic tales, regardless of if you've read anything else in this particular setting, the give this series a go. You won't be disappointed.
September 28, 2020
That was a great book and ending for the series. I listen to the book all night and finished it this morning. I'm glad I am retired and didn't have to get up to go to work. I couldn't put it down until I finished. Loved how the Zombies evolved and was called another name. The only thing I would have changed is instead of shooting them to make sure they were dead and not getting up would be stabling them as they really needed to save their bullets as know one (factory's) are not making them any more and they need to save their bullets for the future. There are new ones evolving in the desert.
Thank you for the great writing of this series. It is a must read or to listen to.
Thank you for the great writing of this series. It is a must read or to listen to.
October 25, 2020
Survival is learnt and then thought for the next generation
I really cried at the end this novel was great end to the survival series. The story was no hold bunch in surprises like the tie-in to “Extinction Cycle: Dark Age” and the nice just across generations with digs,but there where a few things I didn’t like the human collaborated just vanished with bug impact, and felt the second alpha should been one to attack Hope has it would’ve more emotional to know her savior was trying kill her.
I really cried at the end this novel was great end to the survival series. The story was no hold bunch in surprises like the tie-in to “Extinction Cycle: Dark Age” and the nice just across generations with digs,but there where a few things I didn’t like the human collaborated just vanished with bug impact, and felt the second alpha should been one to attack Hope has it would’ve more emotional to know her savior was trying kill her.
December 30, 2023
This is an edge of the seat action packed conclusion to a series that started off slow but once it took off it did so with a power and intensity that was impressive and engaging. I was unable to put this one down and I got through it in one sitting. I really loved how much it reminded me of Dying Light yet remained its own in a special and unique way. I definitely recommend this series to anybody interested in genres which this falls under; horror, thriller, post-apocalyptic, dystopian, zombie, survival, drama, action, adventure, drama.
December 13, 2025
This four book series had likeable characters and plenty of action. Tense moments waiting to find out who would survive the monster/horde attacks. I liked how the dog had a point of view to add to these books.
I enjoyed all four books in this series. I have also enjoyed other Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. I plan to continue with stories in this 'world'. I will also read more by Walt Browning.
Bronson Pinchot does a great job with the narration providing distinct voices and appropriate emotion.
I enjoyed all four books in this series. I have also enjoyed other Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. I plan to continue with stories in this 'world'. I will also read more by Walt Browning.
Bronson Pinchot does a great job with the narration providing distinct voices and appropriate emotion.
September 3, 2020
Absolutely brilliant long live Shrek!
A stunning conclusion to a great series! I was mad at first but the epilogue saved the day. I am sad that this is the end. You sir have done a fantastic job of creating characters that will run the reader thru a gauntlet of emotions! If you like a fast action filled storyline then this is the series for you! Get the books and leave your reviews.
A stunning conclusion to a great series! I was mad at first but the epilogue saved the day. I am sad that this is the end. You sir have done a fantastic job of creating characters that will run the reader thru a gauntlet of emotions! If you like a fast action filled storyline then this is the series for you! Get the books and leave your reviews.
June 28, 2021
An enjoyable finale to the series. I wonder why they assumed that the varients were under control (but for the new ones in the desert)? The virus spread across the entire continent so there must be hundreds of millions east of California. Why no worry about any of those? And what of the rest of the world? The series is far too myopic. How is the rest of the country/world faring? And what became of the human traitor that we were introduced to at the end of this book?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
Well written action but?
I have read all the books in this series. The action in this was good but some of the plot themes seemed to be confused. I had expected some sort of solution to the plague/creatures but was left slightly deflated with the ending. New creatures appeared with no realistic explanation. I felt Walt had run out of ideas and brought it to an end. I did think more could have been made of it but I wasn't the author.
I have read all the books in this series. The action in this was good but some of the plot themes seemed to be confused. I had expected some sort of solution to the plague/creatures but was left slightly deflated with the ending. New creatures appeared with no realistic explanation. I felt Walt had run out of ideas and brought it to an end. I did think more could have been made of it but I wasn't the author.
September 13, 2020
This is without a doubt the best book in the series. The opening was fantastic, wasting no time in diving deep into the action. I don't want to give anything away, but as with any end of a series, some of our favorite characters don't ride with us all the way.
I only wish this was not the end and we could get a few more books with Carver and the gang.
I only wish this was not the end and we could get a few more books with Carver and the gang.
September 22, 2020
Superb Ending
Warriors fate ties a neat bow around the Lost Valley series . If you enjoy a fast moving stand up and cheer for the good guys this is a series you need to read,this series is full of highs a lows ,loses and wins as an Ex Navy Seal a d his canine partner Leeds a w hi 's mixture of survivors to the promised land .
Warriors fate ties a neat bow around the Lost Valley series . If you enjoy a fast moving stand up and cheer for the good guys this is a series you need to read,this series is full of highs a lows ,loses and wins as an Ex Navy Seal a d his canine partner Leeds a w hi 's mixture of survivors to the promised land .
November 1, 2020
For a series ending this was done well.
I very much enjoyed the series, and this finale, but did it really end? Seems like there's a great starting point for a continuation. One can only wait, and hope!
As for the teaser for the new book... The Army has Drill Sargent's. The Marines have Drill Instructors!
And you might want to proofread that again.
Semper Fi
I very much enjoyed the series, and this finale, but did it really end? Seems like there's a great starting point for a continuation. One can only wait, and hope!
As for the teaser for the new book... The Army has Drill Sargent's. The Marines have Drill Instructors!
And you might want to proofread that again.
Semper Fi
November 22, 2020
Brilliant
This series is brilliant. The story line is gripping and the character's strong. It was a fitting ending to this series and tied up all loose ends. I have never read the extinction series but have read all the off shoot series. I must say that Walt Brownings extinction survival is by far the best . Well worth reading .
This series is brilliant. The story line is gripping and the character's strong. It was a fitting ending to this series and tied up all loose ends. I have never read the extinction series but have read all the off shoot series. I must say that Walt Brownings extinction survival is by far the best . Well worth reading .
March 22, 2021
Good ending to a four book series.
Browning wraps up the story arc nicely, but not too tidyly. Yes the good guys win inhe end, but not without losses, some major. The variants ( a nice twist on the zombie genre) are defeated, kinda. Mostly. Well, you decide.
But the ending is good for dog lovers.....
Browning wraps up the story arc nicely, but not too tidyly. Yes the good guys win inhe end, but not without losses, some major. The variants ( a nice twist on the zombie genre) are defeated, kinda. Mostly. Well, you decide.
But the ending is good for dog lovers.....
June 25, 2021
Awesome series and great way to wrap it up. Carver and Shrek are two faithful companions that I’ve grown to admire and love as characters. I like how the book was set several years in the future. I hope there’s a in between book out there. This series did not disappoint me in the slightest. The military aspect was great and the storyline was on point.
July 21, 2024
Very epic story, from beginning toe end. Each book was better than the next. This was an emotional ride. I felt all the emotions emanating from this series. It was a bittersweet ending and sad with some of my favorite dying off. I was left with some hope for the future though. I wouldn’t surprised if the author added another book to the collection.
September 9, 2020
Great series
Series has about everything you want in a great story. Lots of action, some horror, and even some romance. I would rate this series right up there with A. American's home series. My only problem is your not writing fast enough!
Series has about everything you want in a great story. Lots of action, some horror, and even some romance. I would rate this series right up there with A. American's home series. My only problem is your not writing fast enough!
September 22, 2020
Shrek never ceases to amaze!
This is one of the only books I’ve teared up on. It’s sad but in a truly awesome way. I’ll never forget shrek and his fearsome master Carver. What warriors.
This is one of the only books I’ve teared up on. It’s sad but in a truly awesome way. I’ll never forget shrek and his fearsome master Carver. What warriors.
October 5, 2020
Great book to close one chapter and possibly open another.
I like the Carver and Shrek team and always appreciate the human/canine perspectives of the situations that the team encountered. I will miss the mighty Shrek. Well done.
I like the Carver and Shrek team and always appreciate the human/canine perspectives of the situations that the team encountered. I will miss the mighty Shrek. Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2021
I'd be lying if I said I didn't lose a tear in this book. This series captured my attention and the characters captured my heart. This was my first series from this author and I can't wait for more! I need more Carver!
July 28, 2022
Excellent series!
If you want to read a series that is realistic, keeps you on the edge of your seat, something that, who knows, could possibly happen in this day of messing with biology, then you’ll enjoy reading this entire series.
If you want to read a series that is realistic, keeps you on the edge of your seat, something that, who knows, could possibly happen in this day of messing with biology, then you’ll enjoy reading this entire series.
February 17, 2024
WOW
This is my favorite series ! My only complaint is their isn't any more to read. So much to Love the characters and the plot. Most of All the Dog Shrek. His point of view is so amazing and makes me think of my German Shepherd Riley.
Just a wonderful Book
Well done Sir!
This is my favorite series ! My only complaint is their isn't any more to read. So much to Love the characters and the plot. Most of All the Dog Shrek. His point of view is so amazing and makes me think of my German Shepherd Riley.
Just a wonderful Book
Well done Sir!
September 14, 2020
Great series
I enjoyed this series although book four through A lot at you and seemed rushed. Still a great series and glad to get salts perspectives on the variants
I enjoyed this series although book four through A lot at you and seemed rushed. Still a great series and glad to get salts perspectives on the variants
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews