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Riker's Apocalypse #1
The Promise
"Shawn Chesser is a master of the zombie genre." Mark Tufo – Best-selling author of the Zombie Fallout series
"Through a combination of tight, well-structured plots and fully realized characters, Chesser has emerged as one of the top indie writers in the business." Joe McKinney – Two-time Bram Stoker Award winner and best-selling author of the Dead World series
Riker's Apocalypse: The Promise
Edited by Monique Happy Editorial Services
107,000 words
Army veteran Lee Riker is staying in an Atlanta shelter and supporting himself with the odd carpentry job when his sister, Tara, summons him home to Middletown, Indiana for the reading of their mother’s will.
Hopeful that the unknown sum of money included in his portion of the inheritance will be sufficient to bring an end to his latest run of bad luck and trouble, Riker boards a Greyhound bus in Atlanta with his duffel bag, less than two hundred dollars to his name, and a secret he must protect at all costs.
Riker makes it to Middletown only to learn his sister has recently witnessed a gruesome death. Insisting she saw the victim rise from a pool of his own blood to attack the Samaritan rendering aid, Tara floats the idea that the man may have been a zombie.
While the siblings are comparing what Tara thinks she saw to the conflicting stories about the event being reported on the news, the emergency broadcast system is activated and they find themselves under order to report to one of three newly established quarantine centers.
With this unexpected turn of events looming over their heads, and as a result the reading of the will likely postponed indefinitely, Riker informs Tara of the promise he made to their mother on her deathbed months ago.
A promise whose details leave Tara nearly as confused as those of the grisly attack haunting her every thought.
A promise that Riker insists is worth ignoring the government edict in order to fulfill.
A promise that requires the Rikers to leave town even as shadowy forces seek to seal it off from the rest of the country—a tall order they soon learn will be easier said than done.
"Through a combination of tight, well-structured plots and fully realized characters, Chesser has emerged as one of the top indie writers in the business." Joe McKinney – Two-time Bram Stoker Award winner and best-selling author of the Dead World series
Riker's Apocalypse: The Promise
Edited by Monique Happy Editorial Services
107,000 words
Army veteran Lee Riker is staying in an Atlanta shelter and supporting himself with the odd carpentry job when his sister, Tara, summons him home to Middletown, Indiana for the reading of their mother’s will.
Hopeful that the unknown sum of money included in his portion of the inheritance will be sufficient to bring an end to his latest run of bad luck and trouble, Riker boards a Greyhound bus in Atlanta with his duffel bag, less than two hundred dollars to his name, and a secret he must protect at all costs.
Riker makes it to Middletown only to learn his sister has recently witnessed a gruesome death. Insisting she saw the victim rise from a pool of his own blood to attack the Samaritan rendering aid, Tara floats the idea that the man may have been a zombie.
While the siblings are comparing what Tara thinks she saw to the conflicting stories about the event being reported on the news, the emergency broadcast system is activated and they find themselves under order to report to one of three newly established quarantine centers.
With this unexpected turn of events looming over their heads, and as a result the reading of the will likely postponed indefinitely, Riker informs Tara of the promise he made to their mother on her deathbed months ago.
A promise whose details leave Tara nearly as confused as those of the grisly attack haunting her every thought.
A promise that Riker insists is worth ignoring the government edict in order to fulfill.
A promise that requires the Rikers to leave town even as shadowy forces seek to seal it off from the rest of the country—a tall order they soon learn will be easier said than done.
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First published January 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 28, 2022
Now I remember why I like Shawn Chesser so much! He is one of my favorites and definitely one of the best authors I have come across in the genre. 'The Promise' is exceptionally creative and clever. . . From beginning to end I was zoned out to outside distractions because it hooked me right in with the exceptionally relatable, authentic and charismatic characters. The character development is considerably above par and loved the fresh, original plot .
As a matter of fact I enjoyed "The Promise (Riker's Apocalypse,#1) so much that I immediately invested one of my coveted audible credits on book #2 ("The Plan")
Love, love, love the main protagonists.. . Riker, his sister Tara, and their beloved friend. . . "Steve O" who (as fate would have it) happened upon the sibling posse at the very beginning of the apocalypse at a local high-school being utilized as designated community refuge for all the misplaced, and traumatized citizens. I laughed so much. The three of them together is classic!!
As a matter of fact I enjoyed "The Promise (Riker's Apocalypse,#1) so much that I immediately invested one of my coveted audible credits on book #2 ("The Plan")
Love, love, love the main protagonists.. . Riker, his sister Tara, and their beloved friend. . . "Steve O" who (as fate would have it) happened upon the sibling posse at the very beginning of the apocalypse at a local high-school being utilized as designated community refuge for all the misplaced, and traumatized citizens. I laughed so much. The three of them together is classic!!
September 12, 2024
Pretty darn good Zombie origin story but with a relational focus that may leave some flat
"The Promise" is the 2018 origin story for the Riker's Apocalypse series, one of several zombie and dystopian novels by one of my favorite writers in this genre, Shawn Chesser. As I am partial to TEOTWAWKI novels of ALL kinds, I tend to like these stories, assuming they are reasonably well written and plausible, which this one is, or very eerie and atmospheric which this is not.
Let me begin by saying this is not a standard zombie survival novel. It's more about the relationship between Lee Riker, a disabled Iraq War vet who returns to Indiana after a decade of fighting the demons in his head and wandering across the USA, and his younger sister, Tara, as they take a road trip to fulfill a promise to scatter their dead mother's ashes at a secret location known only to Lee. Along the way they pick up an older, Downs Syndrome man named Stephen O, whom they feel compelled to "adopt" in light of the events taking place in their lives on this road trip.
It seems Riker's arrival in small town Indiana coincides with the outbreak of a zombie virus flu in the lab of the nearby college where Tara works as a barista in a campus coffee shop. The entire town is suddenly shut down and no one knows what is happening. An incident at an "evacuation shelter" (where they pick up Stephan O) convinces them to find an escape route out of the town so they can avoid getting eradicated by government mercenaries and fulfill their promise to their deceased mom.
So think of this as a road trip, crime-caper novel taking place in a zombie apocalypse and you get a feel for what kind of novel this is.
The fun part about this novel is that Lee (a 240 lbs giant with a prosthetic leg), Tara and Stephen O have no idea what is happening. The zombie plague is spreading and they are discovering details about it by happenstance. The dialogue is witty, the interactions of the characters are snarky, and the road trip angle mixed with the sudden gaining of a sizable inheritance by the siblings is fun stuff.
The downside is that this novel moves too slow with too much dialogue and some awkward descriptive prose during the action scenes that are in need of a good editor. Which takes the zing out of it.
Most of Shawn Chesser's novels focus on the relationships between characters so there is very little of the suspenseful cliff-hanging stuff I love about an action novel. Worst of all, there is little in the way of the atmospheric descriptive prose that makes horror novels so fascinating to read. The zombies just kind of are out there and there is nothing thriling about the road trip except for the witty dialogue to sustain reader interest.
Of course, I still like this and have to give it four stars because it is SO darn plausible.
I suspect the initial days of a zombie apocalypse would, indeed, be boring and filled with mundane activity until people finally picked up on what was happening. I think this realism is what made this an interesting read for me. The parallel plot-track showing us how the Romero Virus gets to NYC leading to a 9-11 type false flag operation by the corporate contractors behind the outbreak is well done. That I read this in four days and finished it on the anniversary of 9-11 only added to my enjoyment of the world building.
Hopefully, the next two books in this series will pick up the suspense pace a bit.
Recommended for all the reasons above... assuming you realize this won't be a fast-moving thriller, an eerie horror story, or military-action-zombie battlefield type apocalypse novel.
Just Middle America slipping slowly into a zombie apocalypse as people try to get on with their lives... Enjoy!
"The Promise" is the 2018 origin story for the Riker's Apocalypse series, one of several zombie and dystopian novels by one of my favorite writers in this genre, Shawn Chesser. As I am partial to TEOTWAWKI novels of ALL kinds, I tend to like these stories, assuming they are reasonably well written and plausible, which this one is, or very eerie and atmospheric which this is not.
Let me begin by saying this is not a standard zombie survival novel. It's more about the relationship between Lee Riker, a disabled Iraq War vet who returns to Indiana after a decade of fighting the demons in his head and wandering across the USA, and his younger sister, Tara, as they take a road trip to fulfill a promise to scatter their dead mother's ashes at a secret location known only to Lee. Along the way they pick up an older, Downs Syndrome man named Stephen O, whom they feel compelled to "adopt" in light of the events taking place in their lives on this road trip.
It seems Riker's arrival in small town Indiana coincides with the outbreak of a zombie virus flu in the lab of the nearby college where Tara works as a barista in a campus coffee shop. The entire town is suddenly shut down and no one knows what is happening. An incident at an "evacuation shelter" (where they pick up Stephan O) convinces them to find an escape route out of the town so they can avoid getting eradicated by government mercenaries and fulfill their promise to their deceased mom.
So think of this as a road trip, crime-caper novel taking place in a zombie apocalypse and you get a feel for what kind of novel this is.
The fun part about this novel is that Lee (a 240 lbs giant with a prosthetic leg), Tara and Stephen O have no idea what is happening. The zombie plague is spreading and they are discovering details about it by happenstance. The dialogue is witty, the interactions of the characters are snarky, and the road trip angle mixed with the sudden gaining of a sizable inheritance by the siblings is fun stuff.
The downside is that this novel moves too slow with too much dialogue and some awkward descriptive prose during the action scenes that are in need of a good editor. Which takes the zing out of it.
Most of Shawn Chesser's novels focus on the relationships between characters so there is very little of the suspenseful cliff-hanging stuff I love about an action novel. Worst of all, there is little in the way of the atmospheric descriptive prose that makes horror novels so fascinating to read. The zombies just kind of are out there and there is nothing thriling about the road trip except for the witty dialogue to sustain reader interest.
Of course, I still like this and have to give it four stars because it is SO darn plausible.
I suspect the initial days of a zombie apocalypse would, indeed, be boring and filled with mundane activity until people finally picked up on what was happening. I think this realism is what made this an interesting read for me. The parallel plot-track showing us how the Romero Virus gets to NYC leading to a 9-11 type false flag operation by the corporate contractors behind the outbreak is well done. That I read this in four days and finished it on the anniversary of 9-11 only added to my enjoyment of the world building.
Hopefully, the next two books in this series will pick up the suspense pace a bit.
Recommended for all the reasons above... assuming you realize this won't be a fast-moving thriller, an eerie horror story, or military-action-zombie battlefield type apocalypse novel.
Just Middle America slipping slowly into a zombie apocalypse as people try to get on with their lives... Enjoy!
February 21, 2024
Extremely disappointing
April 22, 2019
I've had this book on my list of to-reads for such a long time now and I was looking forward to delving into it after reading the description and the 5 star reviews that have been left (was a bit sceptical about those as no doubt the majority have all received review copies) and wow how disappointed I was when I came to finish it.
For me, this book just didn't do it, just seemed to contain a whole lot of effing nothing, I wouldn't say it was thrilling or action packed. There were some very questionable moments - such as picking up a random guy, having him tag along and then treating him like family - plus at times awkward dialogue. Eff! A whole lot of effing... who even says that? Apart from everyone in this book? As another reviewer mentioned, that was very unconvincing and quite off putting.
I actually felt like a zombie when finishing this.
For me, this book just didn't do it, just seemed to contain a whole lot of effing nothing, I wouldn't say it was thrilling or action packed. There were some very questionable moments - such as picking up a random guy, having him tag along and then treating him like family - plus at times awkward dialogue. Eff! A whole lot of effing... who even says that? Apart from everyone in this book? As another reviewer mentioned, that was very unconvincing and quite off putting.
I actually felt like a zombie when finishing this.
September 26, 2019
Finally an apocalypse story that makes sense. Yes, Riker's Apocalypse - The Promise, is something I was able to read without cringing a lot.
Like all stories with the dead coming back to life and seeking human flesh, the story is not about the dead, but about the journey of the characters. In this first book the story is about Riker's promise to his mother and the steps he takes to fulfill it. Along the way, he joins up with his sister and an unlikely companion in the form of a man with down syndrome.
For the most part, we are travelling through Lee Riker's POV. There are a few jumps to others, but not many. Generally there is an explanation of how it started and the journey.
What I really liked is the way things started to come out and the narrative voice.
The second book in the the series is The Plan, but unfortunately they are not joined up in Goodreads as a series so I've supplied the links. The chapters in the books are short and easy to read. Action is quick without fluff. Editing is really good as well. Shawn has done a good job creating this novel.
One thing I will comment on is the character Lee Riker. This war hero with anger issues is a great character. He seems to have all the positive and negative characteristics of a military man. It makes me say well done.
Shawn Chesser self-published the books under Morbid Press. You can read more about self-publishing here. He avoided a lot of the pitfalls and errors doing such brings up.
If you're looking for a good read that will give entertainment along with believably, this is the one. The book does not disappoint in the least.
Like all stories with the dead coming back to life and seeking human flesh, the story is not about the dead, but about the journey of the characters. In this first book the story is about Riker's promise to his mother and the steps he takes to fulfill it. Along the way, he joins up with his sister and an unlikely companion in the form of a man with down syndrome.
For the most part, we are travelling through Lee Riker's POV. There are a few jumps to others, but not many. Generally there is an explanation of how it started and the journey.
What I really liked is the way things started to come out and the narrative voice.
The second book in the the series is The Plan, but unfortunately they are not joined up in Goodreads as a series so I've supplied the links. The chapters in the books are short and easy to read. Action is quick without fluff. Editing is really good as well. Shawn has done a good job creating this novel.
One thing I will comment on is the character Lee Riker. This war hero with anger issues is a great character. He seems to have all the positive and negative characteristics of a military man. It makes me say well done.
Shawn Chesser self-published the books under Morbid Press. You can read more about self-publishing here. He avoided a lot of the pitfalls and errors doing such brings up.
If you're looking for a good read that will give entertainment along with believably, this is the one. The book does not disappoint in the least.
January 4, 2018
Meet Lee Riker an army veteran who is spending time in a shelter and working as a carpenter . Until the day he is asked to come to Middletown by his sister . So heading there on the greyhound bus and a secret that he has hidden . To see his sister and hear the reading of the will of his mother . But things aren't what they seem his sister is seeing dead people come back alive and chewing on the people helping him . The army is starting to come around and government officials are rounding up people . Lee and Tara don't have time for this and do everything in their power to evade the military and get to where they are suppose to be. But will they survive to figure out what exactly is going on .and will they and the friends they meet on the way stay one step ahead of the shadow force that is invading the small town in Indiana
This story has so much going on in it . You will be sucked in big time . There is Lee and Tara trying to figure out what is going on and getting their mothers ashes to where she wants them to spread them . Also trying to figure out what is happening to the people coming back to life after dying . Then there is the secret lab that has as virus delivered and is opened by accident and there is a broken vile . The company is covering it up and people are dying. So a cover up is underway and people are dying and Lee and Tara are just trying to survive along with their traveling companion Stevie o, a young man with downs syndrome all i can say is you better not swear or its money in the swear jar for you . They are such a motley crew you will get some giggles out of Stevie O . Lee and Tara at first tolerated him but they started to actually love the man . Lee is such a strong man and Tara is strong but also a pacifist . She is struggling with all that is going on around them . When push comes to shove though she is kick ass and fights right along with Lee . There are evil in this book too the lab and the big business guys that are trying hard to hid the fact that they set loose a virus that is killing everyone . They go to lots of trouble to make sure they aren't found out . Which at that point you are screaming obscenities at your kindle . And wishing that they would get caught
This is an intense book that will keep you reading all night long . The book is full of twists and turns and you will get sucked in from the first page . I will warn you this is a big book and will take a bit of time to read it so grab your favourite drink and a snack . get comfy and get lost in a book that will make you giggle and then shake your kindle and scream at the loss of lives . I can't wait for the second book in the series I want more of Lee, Tara and Stevie O and see where they end up . So if you love apocalyptic books check it out .
This story has so much going on in it . You will be sucked in big time . There is Lee and Tara trying to figure out what is going on and getting their mothers ashes to where she wants them to spread them . Also trying to figure out what is happening to the people coming back to life after dying . Then there is the secret lab that has as virus delivered and is opened by accident and there is a broken vile . The company is covering it up and people are dying. So a cover up is underway and people are dying and Lee and Tara are just trying to survive along with their traveling companion Stevie o, a young man with downs syndrome all i can say is you better not swear or its money in the swear jar for you . They are such a motley crew you will get some giggles out of Stevie O . Lee and Tara at first tolerated him but they started to actually love the man . Lee is such a strong man and Tara is strong but also a pacifist . She is struggling with all that is going on around them . When push comes to shove though she is kick ass and fights right along with Lee . There are evil in this book too the lab and the big business guys that are trying hard to hid the fact that they set loose a virus that is killing everyone . They go to lots of trouble to make sure they aren't found out . Which at that point you are screaming obscenities at your kindle . And wishing that they would get caught
This is an intense book that will keep you reading all night long . The book is full of twists and turns and you will get sucked in from the first page . I will warn you this is a big book and will take a bit of time to read it so grab your favourite drink and a snack . get comfy and get lost in a book that will make you giggle and then shake your kindle and scream at the loss of lives . I can't wait for the second book in the series I want more of Lee, Tara and Stevie O and see where they end up . So if you love apocalyptic books check it out .
January 4, 2018
The story starts out introducing us to Leland Riker or Lee for short. He is a tough war veteran who got the shaft from the VA and makes his way day by day, homeless, as so many others are doing after returning from the many wars they have fought in only to find no help back home. This makes him a very likeable and realistic character to me. Having learned he had an inheritance coming to him he boards a bus for Middletown Indiana where he will meet up with his sister Tara. The bus ride there is was nothing short of aggravating but had me laughing. You’ll see when you read that part!
Meanwhile in Middletown, after a box was delivered by mistake to the lab at the University, a teaching assistant, Charlie Noble, decides to open the box and have it ready for Professor Fuenstes to see when he arrives. With that…the story begins…
I absolutely loved this story and look forward to reading more. The characters, Lee, Tara and a tag-a-long named Steve-O and yes, you had better say his name correctly, who adds so much to this story are likeable and well described. I found myself cheering, cringing and hoping they made it through this crazy world as the SHTF! The story is filled with hold your breath moments, edge of your seat excitement and “Holy Crap…look out” scenes that will have you turning the pages faster to find out what happens next! This is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining story written by an author who knows how to get your blood pumping as you read. This is a “must add to reading list" for anyone who enjoys a well written book and if you love the zombie genre, well then you have to read this one!
Meanwhile in Middletown, after a box was delivered by mistake to the lab at the University, a teaching assistant, Charlie Noble, decides to open the box and have it ready for Professor Fuenstes to see when he arrives. With that…the story begins…
I absolutely loved this story and look forward to reading more. The characters, Lee, Tara and a tag-a-long named Steve-O and yes, you had better say his name correctly, who adds so much to this story are likeable and well described. I found myself cheering, cringing and hoping they made it through this crazy world as the SHTF! The story is filled with hold your breath moments, edge of your seat excitement and “Holy Crap…look out” scenes that will have you turning the pages faster to find out what happens next! This is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining story written by an author who knows how to get your blood pumping as you read. This is a “must add to reading list" for anyone who enjoys a well written book and if you love the zombie genre, well then you have to read this one!
January 3, 2018
Lee Riker is an Army veteran who's just going with the flow of life. odd job here or an odd job there, enough to just cover what he needs. He makes a promise to his Mom on her deathbed and when he hears about the will and an inheritance coming, he heads to Middletown, Indiana to meet with his sister Tara and the lawyer. Sounds simple enough, right?
Meanwhile Tara has just witnessed the most horrifying thing at work. People are dying and then coming back to life and biting others. When she finally meets up with Riker and tells her story, he scoffs at the whole idea of zombies and figures his sister is mistaken until he witnesses the same thing. Neither of them know that there has been an accidental biological release of a virus that infects people and that this is just the beginning of hell on earth
Meanwhile the government has ordered the residents of Middletown to report to quarantine centers so they can continue to cover-up this terrifying event before it spreads and puts the town under martial law.
After witnessing some chilling and deadly response to the people from the army, Riker, his sister and a young man named Steve-O,who suffers from Down's Syndrome realize they are now in the fight for their survival against the infected. the army, the National Guard and their own government.
Shawn Chesser has done it again, with compelling characters and one roller coaster ride of a story, he is on the way to writing another amazing series. I highly recommend reading this book and his Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse (STZA) series if you love the zombie/horror genre.
Meanwhile Tara has just witnessed the most horrifying thing at work. People are dying and then coming back to life and biting others. When she finally meets up with Riker and tells her story, he scoffs at the whole idea of zombies and figures his sister is mistaken until he witnesses the same thing. Neither of them know that there has been an accidental biological release of a virus that infects people and that this is just the beginning of hell on earth
Meanwhile the government has ordered the residents of Middletown to report to quarantine centers so they can continue to cover-up this terrifying event before it spreads and puts the town under martial law.
After witnessing some chilling and deadly response to the people from the army, Riker, his sister and a young man named Steve-O,who suffers from Down's Syndrome realize they are now in the fight for their survival against the infected. the army, the National Guard and their own government.
Shawn Chesser has done it again, with compelling characters and one roller coaster ride of a story, he is on the way to writing another amazing series. I highly recommend reading this book and his Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse (STZA) series if you love the zombie/horror genre.
January 12, 2018
THE START OF A GREAT NEW SERIES BY SHAWN CHESSER AND I'M ALONG FOR THE LONG HAUL, BRING ON BOOK #2.
WOW, just had to start off with that as I loved this book. Shawn Chesser it seems to me has done it again, with the start of one amazing book and what I believe will be another great series in the making. With Lee Riker, his sister Tara and Steve-O, a new friend they picked up along the way, this looks like it will be one heck of a run. With "Romeo Vector" or as I believe it's real meaning is the "Romero Virus" breaking out in the United States and with all the other planes taking off for who knows where, possibly soon to break out across the world, it looks like the people that were trying to contain this, will never be in control again. Waiting to see where this will take Lee, Tara and Steve-O and how they will deal with all that is happening is going to make for one awesome reading and I am so glad that I have started this book and I promise to be along for the ride in what I think is going to be another great series and one I wouldn't want to miss for anything. A 5 star rating for sure and another great book and the start of a series that I will pass on to everyone I know. Thank you, Shawn Chesser and Sir, bring on Book #2.
WOW, just had to start off with that as I loved this book. Shawn Chesser it seems to me has done it again, with the start of one amazing book and what I believe will be another great series in the making. With Lee Riker, his sister Tara and Steve-O, a new friend they picked up along the way, this looks like it will be one heck of a run. With "Romeo Vector" or as I believe it's real meaning is the "Romero Virus" breaking out in the United States and with all the other planes taking off for who knows where, possibly soon to break out across the world, it looks like the people that were trying to contain this, will never be in control again. Waiting to see where this will take Lee, Tara and Steve-O and how they will deal with all that is happening is going to make for one awesome reading and I am so glad that I have started this book and I promise to be along for the ride in what I think is going to be another great series and one I wouldn't want to miss for anything. A 5 star rating for sure and another great book and the start of a series that I will pass on to everyone I know. Thank you, Shawn Chesser and Sir, bring on Book #2.
January 29, 2018
Great beginning to a promising series!
This book starts out slow, but in the best way possible. Not slow as in story, the story grabs you immediately, but
slow in the build up. Riker and Tara see it from the very first moment and are in the know before most of America even has a clue.
What follows is their journey to fulfill The Promise he made before this all had a chance to even start, while surrounded by a world mostly clueless to the horrors that have only barely begun. You see the government’s response, you see what started it and you actually have some hope the world could survive even as you see the chances slowly burning away.
This story is perfectly told with an ending leaving you anxiously waiting for more. I cannot wait til the next novel is released.
This book starts out slow, but in the best way possible. Not slow as in story, the story grabs you immediately, but
slow in the build up. Riker and Tara see it from the very first moment and are in the know before most of America even has a clue.
What follows is their journey to fulfill The Promise he made before this all had a chance to even start, while surrounded by a world mostly clueless to the horrors that have only barely begun. You see the government’s response, you see what started it and you actually have some hope the world could survive even as you see the chances slowly burning away.
This story is perfectly told with an ending leaving you anxiously waiting for more. I cannot wait til the next novel is released.
November 9, 2023
Interesting concept on how a Zombie type virus could get started. Rings some bells like the labs in Wuhan. Don't play with mother nature. Riker is a combat vet who is down on his luck but makes a promise to his mother that he would spread her ashes where she wanted and take his sister. That is mainly the book. They run into some zombies and some military black operatives get after them. Riker and Tara receive a great inheritance from their mother so they escape the zombie infested areas for the moment. Book was little slow in places it is the first of a series so I'm sure that is why. Not the best zombie book I've read but not the worst either so I will continue with the series. I do like the authors writing style.
September 30, 2025
A little light on the expected action, but I'm fairly sure it's a build up to what'll come in the following books. I look forward to seeing how this zombie apocalypse plays out.
The story is very character focused, and it has a lot of comedic relief moments. The personalities of Lee Riker and his sister, Tara, play off of one another very well. Their traveling companion, Steve-O is one that's sure to bring a lot of smiles to your face.
The narration style threw me off a little because there's a lot of "head hopping" with little to no transition between the shift in POV, but I was able to handle it well enough to still enjoy the story.
The story is very character focused, and it has a lot of comedic relief moments. The personalities of Lee Riker and his sister, Tara, play off of one another very well. Their traveling companion, Steve-O is one that's sure to bring a lot of smiles to your face.
The narration style threw me off a little because there's a lot of "head hopping" with little to no transition between the shift in POV, but I was able to handle it well enough to still enjoy the story.
January 22, 2018
Leeland Riker a veteran, who lost his leg to an IED in Afghanistan, reunites with his sister Tara to fulfill their dead mothers final request. Little did they know, they would be interrupted by the zombie apocalypse. Shawn Chesser has the start to another great series of books. He is able to write instantly likeable characters. The book has a smooth exciting pace that keeps the pages turning. I highly recommend this book for fans of the genre. I look forward to reading the next installment of the series.
April 14, 2019
Pure adrenaline!
What can I say but Grand Slam, it’s out of here! Wow, what a ride. I’m chomping at the bit now waiting for the next book, Mr Chesser has done an outstanding job portraying a very life like scenario to the Zombie apocalypse happening. Great characters and desperate times makes for one outstanding read, I guarantee that if you like this genre your going to love this book. This is not your usually bang, bang, kill a thousand zombies and escape their clutching fingers B.S. this is how one deals not only with zombies but the government and the shadow government .
What can I say but Grand Slam, it’s out of here! Wow, what a ride. I’m chomping at the bit now waiting for the next book, Mr Chesser has done an outstanding job portraying a very life like scenario to the Zombie apocalypse happening. Great characters and desperate times makes for one outstanding read, I guarantee that if you like this genre your going to love this book. This is not your usually bang, bang, kill a thousand zombies and escape their clutching fingers B.S. this is how one deals not only with zombies but the government and the shadow government .
January 4, 2018
Another great Zombie series
Shawn has knocked it out of the ball park once again. Those pesky scientists dabbling where they shouldn’t have once again been the cause of the apocalypse. With all the dodging of roadblocks and the bolts Lee and Tara keep good on her s promise to his Mom.
Now just to wait for the next instalment later this year. If this is the first Shawn Chester boom you have read, I strongly urge you to read his STZA series as well.
Shawn has knocked it out of the ball park once again. Those pesky scientists dabbling where they shouldn’t have once again been the cause of the apocalypse. With all the dodging of roadblocks and the bolts Lee and Tara keep good on her s promise to his Mom.
Now just to wait for the next instalment later this year. If this is the first Shawn Chester boom you have read, I strongly urge you to read his STZA series as well.
January 7, 2018
Good characters, different feel
Great story. Well told. Less emphasis in the zombie focus and more meat to the story. The fall has begun and the world is oblivious. Even with less focus on the recently deceased turning to undead things of basal feeding machines relentless in their unquenchable needs, they are fully present and vividly described in Chesser's prose. Excellent story. Too bad the next installment isn't until later this year.
Great story. Well told. Less emphasis in the zombie focus and more meat to the story. The fall has begun and the world is oblivious. Even with less focus on the recently deceased turning to undead things of basal feeding machines relentless in their unquenchable needs, they are fully present and vividly described in Chesser's prose. Excellent story. Too bad the next installment isn't until later this year.
March 17, 2018
wooeee!!!
It's a ride and a half boys and girls. This is a story that crosses all genres, it doesn't matter what your fav is. If you like well written engrossing stories you will enjoy this book. I'm a huge fan of Steve-O already 😉 and the storyline is awesome but covers way more than zombies or TEOTWAWKI. It's also about relationships between family members blood and not. But the best part is, is it's just a Bella good story and I cannot wait until Book 2 gets here.
It's a ride and a half boys and girls. This is a story that crosses all genres, it doesn't matter what your fav is. If you like well written engrossing stories you will enjoy this book. I'm a huge fan of Steve-O already 😉 and the storyline is awesome but covers way more than zombies or TEOTWAWKI. It's also about relationships between family members blood and not. But the best part is, is it's just a Bella good story and I cannot wait until Book 2 gets here.
March 12, 2020
Great start to what I expect will be a great story
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The addition of Steve-O to the sibling is very interesting and funny. I am looking forward to the next book. The only reason I did not give a five stars is that I thought there was to much driving directions and descriptions of highways and such. It eventually became kind of annoying.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The addition of Steve-O to the sibling is very interesting and funny. I am looking forward to the next book. The only reason I did not give a five stars is that I thought there was to much driving directions and descriptions of highways and such. It eventually became kind of annoying.
December 30, 2021
At the sentence & paragraph level, this was a crisply written novel. The overall story, however, was a bit tired. Zombie action kicked off the first half of the book. The second half was dominated by a cross-country odyssey of disabled vet badass Riker, sassy sister Tara, and comic relief Steve-O. The road trip was larded with mundane details about the speed of their truck, where they stopped to eat, what they ate, what clothes they wore in their hotel room, etc. Yawn.
January 7, 2018
Awesome!
Great story. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. One army vet, his sister, and a man with downs syndrome have to find their way out of the beginning of the zombie apocolypse. Zombies aren't their only obstacle though. Strange black clad men are after them too. Great adventure.
Great story. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. One army vet, his sister, and a man with downs syndrome have to find their way out of the beginning of the zombie apocolypse. Zombies aren't their only obstacle though. Strange black clad men are after them too. Great adventure.
February 4, 2018
Riker is awesome!
As always, Shawn Chesser does it again. If you are a fan of Shawn's other books you will love Riker's Apocalypse. The characters are completely different than Cade and the gang from STZA, different, but just as good! You won't be disappointed in Riker's Apocalypse! That's a promise! Thanks Shawn for another amazing read!
As always, Shawn Chesser does it again. If you are a fan of Shawn's other books you will love Riker's Apocalypse. The characters are completely different than Cade and the gang from STZA, different, but just as good! You won't be disappointed in Riker's Apocalypse! That's a promise! Thanks Shawn for another amazing read!
March 14, 2018
Great Read!
I really like how the author focuses on the development of the main characters. Where other authors seem to thrust their characters into the midst of the Zombie Apocalypse, Mr. Chester takes his time slowly escalating the outbreak situation around Lee, Tara, and Steve-O. I believe it'll all hit the fan in his next book, which I can't wait to read!
I really like how the author focuses on the development of the main characters. Where other authors seem to thrust their characters into the midst of the Zombie Apocalypse, Mr. Chester takes his time slowly escalating the outbreak situation around Lee, Tara, and Steve-O. I believe it'll all hit the fan in his next book, which I can't wait to read!
October 18, 2018
Not bad but could be better
I like the characters pretty good but the story not so much. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I mean common sense should prevail. Ex military guy has lots of money , knows there's zombies. Why not get supplies and big out somewhere. He doesn't even think about getting any guns or food or water. Really come on! Trudge series is much better.
I like the characters pretty good but the story not so much. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I mean common sense should prevail. Ex military guy has lots of money , knows there's zombies. Why not get supplies and big out somewhere. He doesn't even think about getting any guns or food or water. Really come on! Trudge series is much better.
March 10, 2019
Next book please
Good book, a little concerned about the characters lack of concern regarding zombies etc. They are really laser focused on not just escape but getting to their destination above all else including getting weapons. Other than that i really liked the book and can't wait for the next.
Good book, a little concerned about the characters lack of concern regarding zombies etc. They are really laser focused on not just escape but getting to their destination above all else including getting weapons. Other than that i really liked the book and can't wait for the next.
October 28, 2019
It is a well written book that is not very zombie mayhem all the time but with the dark government prominent. The book is a set up for a major zombie outbreak later I think I will be starting book two now and I am looking forward to hearing it. The book is about an ex military man but not a delta or whatever force super solider, no real amazing things happens just the right type of real for me.
February 12, 2020
It took me a while to finish this as I kept stopping to read other books but I finally completed it. I'm not even sure why it couldn't hold my attention because it's a good book and the characters are likeable. Especially Steve-O...he adds a whole other dimension and was a great addition to Lee and his sister.
March 24, 2020
I liked the story and the characters a lot.
But i am reluctant to decide if I should buy the next instalment. I missed the suspense, the action for our characters. We only witness it through the characters observations from afar. So far they didn’t really take part in it.
Otherwise this would have been a perfect read for me...
But i am reluctant to decide if I should buy the next instalment. I missed the suspense, the action for our characters. We only witness it through the characters observations from afar. So far they didn’t really take part in it.
Otherwise this would have been a perfect read for me...
February 28, 2022
Beware the Bolt!
Man, I really loved this series opener. Lee, Tara and Steve O are great characters. The action sequences are great! And I really like the fact that Lee isn’t a master of all things military, far from it. He doesn’t even have a weapon for the first half of the book!
I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
Man, I really loved this series opener. Lee, Tara and Steve O are great characters. The action sequences are great! And I really like the fact that Lee isn’t a master of all things military, far from it. He doesn’t even have a weapon for the first half of the book!
I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
August 4, 2024
Good premise for ZA book but writing style distracting
I liked this different premise of a slower start to a Zombie Apocalypse but the writing style was sometimes clunky to the point that it would pull me out of the book. I enjoy the story enough that I plan to continue to read the series but wish the writing was in a way that it didn't keep pulling me out of the book.
I liked this different premise of a slower start to a Zombie Apocalypse but the writing style was sometimes clunky to the point that it would pull me out of the book. I enjoy the story enough that I plan to continue to read the series but wish the writing was in a way that it didn't keep pulling me out of the book.
January 10, 2018
Great book from a great author
I am a fan of his other books so i waited impatiently for its release i enjoyed it and I am looking forward to future installments in this exciting new series
I am a fan of his other books so i waited impatiently for its release i enjoyed it and I am looking forward to future installments in this exciting new series
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