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Conversion
Melbourne, 2052, two years since The Fall.
A wave of infection, the Jackson Virus, has swept the world, leaving in its wake a terrifying apocalyptic wasteland populated by wild cleanskin survivor groups and the ravenous, infected night predators – the jacks. In this nightmare landscape, one of the last remaining sanctuaries is Kulin Wallcom, a community enclosed by a 10-metre wall patrolled by what’s left of the military. The wallcoms are the last remaining bastions of defence and security in a world gone over the edge.
But the people of Kulin can’t stay behind their wall forever.
Recovery expert, John Bradley, is part of a major operation into the wasteland looking to not only ensure the survival of Kulin by bringing back critical supplies from the abandoned Southstone Supermall, but, more crucially, to also locate and extract the only person left who may be able to reverse the tide of infection.
However, the mission faces danger at every turn. It seems to be compromised from the inside, Southstone is thought to be an impossible target overrun with infected, and wasteland survivor bands, led by the psychopathic wasteland leader, the Headhunter, are bent on making sure the operation has to fight each step of the way to get back to the wallcom before nightfall.
Because that’s when the jacks come out.
And they will find you.
Welcome to the world of The Fall.
A wave of infection, the Jackson Virus, has swept the world, leaving in its wake a terrifying apocalyptic wasteland populated by wild cleanskin survivor groups and the ravenous, infected night predators – the jacks. In this nightmare landscape, one of the last remaining sanctuaries is Kulin Wallcom, a community enclosed by a 10-metre wall patrolled by what’s left of the military. The wallcoms are the last remaining bastions of defence and security in a world gone over the edge.
But the people of Kulin can’t stay behind their wall forever.
Recovery expert, John Bradley, is part of a major operation into the wasteland looking to not only ensure the survival of Kulin by bringing back critical supplies from the abandoned Southstone Supermall, but, more crucially, to also locate and extract the only person left who may be able to reverse the tide of infection.
However, the mission faces danger at every turn. It seems to be compromised from the inside, Southstone is thought to be an impossible target overrun with infected, and wasteland survivor bands, led by the psychopathic wasteland leader, the Headhunter, are bent on making sure the operation has to fight each step of the way to get back to the wallcom before nightfall.
Because that’s when the jacks come out.
And they will find you.
Welcome to the world of The Fall.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
55 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 17, 2024
I always start P.A. books with high hopes, but I'm eventually let down in the end. So, it was nice to realise that I was halfway finished with this story and didn't want it to end. Another 500 pages of it would have been alright with me! It started off reminding me a bit of Justin Cronin's The Passage, which is one of my favorites in PA fiction. But Mr. Campitelli quickly made this story his own. Best thing of all is the big bad isn't zombies. They're very much alive, and transformed, and freaking terrifying. Great writing and characters make this a must read book. I liked it so much that although I received this book initially through Netgalley to read and review, I went to Amazon and bought my own copy! Can't wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
May 10, 2018
This is the first book in a series by a new author, set in post-apocalypse Australia, where humanity has been overrun by people infected with an unknown virus, named Jackson virus, which may possibly have come from outer space, which turns them into mindless ravenous monsters - not quite zombies, who fear daylight - not quite vampires.
Set in 2050, two years after the titular "Fall" of civilisation, survivors live in isolated communities, the most successful being in "wallcoms" - walled mini towns that were built before the end of the world, the reasons for this are not explained. Living reasonably contentedly under martial law, they are organised into teams, some who "search and destroy" (SD) the IPs (infected people!), known as jacks, and some work in recon & recovery, who venture out into the wastelands to find things they can't make for themselves. A plan is made to visit a large mall, known to be infested with IPs, but with a secondary plan to rescue a scientist living in a bunker underneath it, who may hold the solution to dealing with the jacks. Most of the plot revolves around the planning and execution of the mall, where of course things go spectacularly wrong, thanks in part to traitors from within, and envious enemies living outside the walls.
This is part Walking Dead, part The Passage, and part I Am Legend, against a Mad Max backdrop (the author acknowledges this influence in ?his afterword.) Whilst highly derivative, if you like the genre, this is a good example, and what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in interesting and mostly appealing characters. It is told from multiple points of view, which works well, so you get to see the world from both the heroes (especially John, former professor, now recovery specialist and reluctant leader - like the Noah Wyle character in Falling Skies) and Skylar, former rock star, and his super cool Japanese girlfriend, but also the baddies, the psychopathic Headhunter (a direct copy of WD's Negan) and Dustin, racist bullying soldier, playing off both sides, POV.
I liked all the minor futuristic details, like the communications and medical technology they all take for granted, and there's plenty of suspense and action, but also enough interactions between the characters to make me care about them. I would've liked to know more about the Jackson virus' origins, including whether the rest of the world is also infected - I suspect we are kept deliberately in the dark here as our characters have no idea either. I find PA books are often let down by their endings, as there's no way to really have a happy conclusion, but this resolves that problem by leaving things open for the next book, without an annoying cliffhanger.
Overall I enjoyed this, and I would definitely read the next one and hope it's not too long in the writing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in 2050, two years after the titular "Fall" of civilisation, survivors live in isolated communities, the most successful being in "wallcoms" - walled mini towns that were built before the end of the world, the reasons for this are not explained. Living reasonably contentedly under martial law, they are organised into teams, some who "search and destroy" (SD) the IPs (infected people!), known as jacks, and some work in recon & recovery, who venture out into the wastelands to find things they can't make for themselves. A plan is made to visit a large mall, known to be infested with IPs, but with a secondary plan to rescue a scientist living in a bunker underneath it, who may hold the solution to dealing with the jacks. Most of the plot revolves around the planning and execution of the mall, where of course things go spectacularly wrong, thanks in part to traitors from within, and envious enemies living outside the walls.
This is part Walking Dead, part The Passage, and part I Am Legend, against a Mad Max backdrop (the author acknowledges this influence in ?his afterword.) Whilst highly derivative, if you like the genre, this is a good example, and what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in interesting and mostly appealing characters. It is told from multiple points of view, which works well, so you get to see the world from both the heroes (especially John, former professor, now recovery specialist and reluctant leader - like the Noah Wyle character in Falling Skies) and Skylar, former rock star, and his super cool Japanese girlfriend, but also the baddies, the psychopathic Headhunter (a direct copy of WD's Negan) and Dustin, racist bullying soldier, playing off both sides, POV.
I liked all the minor futuristic details, like the communications and medical technology they all take for granted, and there's plenty of suspense and action, but also enough interactions between the characters to make me care about them. I would've liked to know more about the Jackson virus' origins, including whether the rest of the world is also infected - I suspect we are kept deliberately in the dark here as our characters have no idea either. I find PA books are often let down by their endings, as there's no way to really have a happy conclusion, but this resolves that problem by leaving things open for the next book, without an annoying cliffhanger.
Overall I enjoyed this, and I would definitely read the next one and hope it's not too long in the writing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2018
I was given a copy of The Fall: Book 1 - Conversion in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. The author is extremely skillful in terms of creating natural and often playful dialogue. It really got me thinking about craftsmanship when one creates a post-apocalyptic narrative; part of what makes this such a great read is that the author takes his time developing the characters, meaning we get to experience their "ordinary" lives - at home with family and friends - as well as their "circumstantially exceptional" lives - the things they have to do in order to survive in a brutal, overturned world. Beyond the joy of experiencing the peculiarities of the regional dialectics, the author has a firm grasp on something that is ephemeral, or difficult to achieve for most authors; he is a master of the quip, and this skill serves the dialogue well because it lends a familiarity to the characters (they know each other well enough to bust on each other in cheeky ways.) It also serves the larger story because we come to realize that living in a post-apocalyptic world isn't all doom and gloom; people still act like people, and they still want to have some fun and get a few jabs in on their friends, no matter where they are. That feels like natural life. So even though there are a lot of serious things going on in the story, it is consistently funny in a sort of low-key way.
The story is filled with interesting, compelling characters. A few of the bad guys feel a little overly familiar at times, but the author has done a good job of avoiding overly conspicuous cliche and has made these characters his own. The plot is also solid. He takes his time developing the story, but the pace never drags. The changing perspectives of the characters keep things fresh and tension builds as we realize that several of these characters are moving toward a head-on collision. The military dialogue feels natural to the point where I consistently found myself thinking, 'Oh yeah, this author was definitely in the military at some point.' There is very good integration of environmental and physical descriptors, good working knowledge of mechanics and guns, and thoughtful use of technology.
Overall, the prose was top-notch. S.T. Campitelli is a very capable writer and I expect he will be creating more great work throughout his career.
The story is filled with interesting, compelling characters. A few of the bad guys feel a little overly familiar at times, but the author has done a good job of avoiding overly conspicuous cliche and has made these characters his own. The plot is also solid. He takes his time developing the story, but the pace never drags. The changing perspectives of the characters keep things fresh and tension builds as we realize that several of these characters are moving toward a head-on collision. The military dialogue feels natural to the point where I consistently found myself thinking, 'Oh yeah, this author was definitely in the military at some point.' There is very good integration of environmental and physical descriptors, good working knowledge of mechanics and guns, and thoughtful use of technology.
Overall, the prose was top-notch. S.T. Campitelli is a very capable writer and I expect he will be creating more great work throughout his career.
June 20, 2021
The "jacks" are sort of zombie/vampire hybrids. The virus probably came from space, and it doesn't kill, just turns the infected into killers. They move faster than zombies, but like vampires they can't tolerate sunlight.
Since this takes place in 2052, the author could take a lot of liberties with the technology, and that explained a lot about why the community of Kulin Wallcom had survived, even thrived more than two years post virus. Personally, I could have done with a lot less of the technology talk, I felt it kind of bogged things down.
Once the excursion to Southstone Supermall gets underway, the story pretty much goes into all out action mode until the end and it made for a pretty intense story.
While the end isn't exactly a cliffhanger, there's definitely more story to be told.
Now I just need to figure out how to buy the next book...
Since this takes place in 2052, the author could take a lot of liberties with the technology, and that explained a lot about why the community of Kulin Wallcom had survived, even thrived more than two years post virus. Personally, I could have done with a lot less of the technology talk, I felt it kind of bogged things down.
Once the excursion to Southstone Supermall gets underway, the story pretty much goes into all out action mode until the end and it made for a pretty intense story.
While the end isn't exactly a cliffhanger, there's definitely more story to be told.
Now I just need to figure out how to buy the next book...
June 27, 2018
As one looks around in in the entertainment world for moves, comic books, TV shows, and even much of the literary world there is something unique. You find that many of the stories involving a post-apocalyptic world focus either on North America or Europe. There have been newer tails that bring us to places like Africa and even India. However, there is not much, that I found, that deal with “The Land Down Under” or better known as Australia. This is at least till I was given the opportunity to read the book The Fall: Book 1 – Conversion by Author S.T Campitelli.
The book opens up in a future that Is not too far away from the present day. It starts innocuously with a man driving out to check his property. He comes across a strip of land that has gotten a great tear in it as a meteor landed and plowed a crater into the ground. Unfortunately for this man, and humanity there is some type of cosmic hitchhiker that will bring Australia, and the Earth, to its modern day end. Its effects will not immediately be known but this older man will shadow what is to come. A wild animal bit will not heal as a man give himself shots of antibiotics as he travels home. It is only when a friend stops at his home do we get a sense of what happened, and Humanity is in for just as much as a shock as that friend. A friend who will find out that opening a door can be a big mistake as the other side could have something infected who sees you as “lunch”.
The Fall: Book 1 – Conversion will take a jump in time and lead us to a walled city. A place where survivors from a massive infected outbreak now live by somewhat strict rules, but they are safe. They will take patrols out into neighboring areas searching for the needs to help their community survive. As we learn more and more about those inhabitants we find not just great friends, but family dynamics, and of course greed. The inhabitants will be a mixture of military to civilians with each member having their job to do.
Author S.T. Campitelli does a very good job in not just introducing his characters but giving us great storylines for them. You find yourself starting to sympathize with their situation as well as either hoping for their success, or downfall in some cases. Along with the character development there is futuristic technology utilized in this book that easily could be real today, if not in a few years. This makes the book even that much more enjoyable as you find yourself envisioning the items being used. In all truth some of the items in a home could be things you ask your voice assisted device to do for you within the next few years.
The story will move at a very good pace and you will notice that the chapters are named around the primary character in each. It is why you will find many are named for the leading character, father, and husband John Bradley. He is an educated man who goes out into the wasteland around to find those things the walled city needs. He is also one who cares for many and gets involved in a major operation that is going to be overtaken within the book.
There are also chapters such as Dustin Callahan, The Headhunter and Alpha Kronenburg that are just hints of the protagonists within the pages of the book. These will be names that readers will come to find have their own agenda’s and those in the city are at times just in their way.
The Fall: Book 1 – Conversion will introduce the reader to what remains of the civilization that was at one time Australia. It will give readers insight into a part of the world that is often left out of the decision during apocalyptical events. It will also give the reader a chance to ponder what would they do to survive such an event. Would they find themselves banned together in the city, trying to survive on their own, or just well that’s a question you must answer yourself. Of course that will all come if you allow your imagination to take you within the events of the book.
The book opens up in a future that Is not too far away from the present day. It starts innocuously with a man driving out to check his property. He comes across a strip of land that has gotten a great tear in it as a meteor landed and plowed a crater into the ground. Unfortunately for this man, and humanity there is some type of cosmic hitchhiker that will bring Australia, and the Earth, to its modern day end. Its effects will not immediately be known but this older man will shadow what is to come. A wild animal bit will not heal as a man give himself shots of antibiotics as he travels home. It is only when a friend stops at his home do we get a sense of what happened, and Humanity is in for just as much as a shock as that friend. A friend who will find out that opening a door can be a big mistake as the other side could have something infected who sees you as “lunch”.
The Fall: Book 1 – Conversion will take a jump in time and lead us to a walled city. A place where survivors from a massive infected outbreak now live by somewhat strict rules, but they are safe. They will take patrols out into neighboring areas searching for the needs to help their community survive. As we learn more and more about those inhabitants we find not just great friends, but family dynamics, and of course greed. The inhabitants will be a mixture of military to civilians with each member having their job to do.
Author S.T. Campitelli does a very good job in not just introducing his characters but giving us great storylines for them. You find yourself starting to sympathize with their situation as well as either hoping for their success, or downfall in some cases. Along with the character development there is futuristic technology utilized in this book that easily could be real today, if not in a few years. This makes the book even that much more enjoyable as you find yourself envisioning the items being used. In all truth some of the items in a home could be things you ask your voice assisted device to do for you within the next few years.
The story will move at a very good pace and you will notice that the chapters are named around the primary character in each. It is why you will find many are named for the leading character, father, and husband John Bradley. He is an educated man who goes out into the wasteland around to find those things the walled city needs. He is also one who cares for many and gets involved in a major operation that is going to be overtaken within the book.
There are also chapters such as Dustin Callahan, The Headhunter and Alpha Kronenburg that are just hints of the protagonists within the pages of the book. These will be names that readers will come to find have their own agenda’s and those in the city are at times just in their way.
The Fall: Book 1 – Conversion will introduce the reader to what remains of the civilization that was at one time Australia. It will give readers insight into a part of the world that is often left out of the decision during apocalyptical events. It will also give the reader a chance to ponder what would they do to survive such an event. Would they find themselves banned together in the city, trying to survive on their own, or just well that’s a question you must answer yourself. Of course that will all come if you allow your imagination to take you within the events of the book.
January 25, 2018
How would you cope, being thrown into a world overrun with infected?
I sure wouldn't.
Nothing screams desolation better than the hot, dry, and almost uninhabited Wastelands of Melbourne, Australia - at least, it isn't inhabited by many humans. Only small, ramshackle communities remain, but not by choice. Infected stalk their prey in the night, looking to feast off human flesh and infect the remaining population. Life for the remaining survivors is not an easy one.
Kulin is not wholly self-sustainable, and when they undertake their most ambitious "pick" yet, will the operation run smoothly? There is a lot to play for and much to gain; personal ambition may threaten the entire operation.
The post-apocalyptic vibe of this book reminded me of another book I enjoyed last year, Bad City by Matt Mayr. I've also been listening to The Stand by Stephen King, and whilst this is of a different genre entirely, they have one thing in common - the world as we know it being ripped apart by a deadly virus and civilisation scraping together to start again as best they can.
The narrative is well thought out and constructed in a diarised format, giving each POV an almost personal touch. The text is still written in third person (which admittedly is my favourite), but each chapter clearly states who our perspective is from. There are a sizeable number of POV's but some of these aren't extensive contributors to the book. For example Helen, whilst being a significant character in the narrative as a medic in Kulin, only has a small number of chapters to her name. Bearing this in mind, I think these entries have been written in the best way to help the reader keep track.
I understand why certain characters viewpoints were favoured, such as Bradley's and Skylar's; however, I would have liked to see a little more contribution from Helen. The other infrequent contributors had less of a part to play in the novel and their mere five minutes of fame is therefore understandable, but maybe as the series progresses we will get to see more of the minor characters.
The book is set with the right pace, allowing events to unfold in their own good time - such meticulous planning cannot be rushed. As the "BIG" operation is planned out, he outlines the everyday lives and hazards of the residents of Kulin, in order to make us understand just how huge a risk they are taking. Inevitably, the first few chapters are necessary to acquaint the reader and in this genre, this is all the more important. The rules are different and they need to be outlined. The first couple of chapters weren't my favourite, (I didn't fall in love straight away, but I didn't dislike them either) but they accurately set the tone for the rest of the book. For me, the narrative picked up when the wheels are set in motion for the planning of the expedition.
I am also glad that Steve isn't precious about any of the characters - after all, they live in a harsh world! It hardly seems realistic if the main characters somehow live in a protective bubble and manage to dodge all the bullets. Events transpire with the appropriate level of impact, and that is a skill to be admired.
The characters vulnerability makes them relatable to us as a reader. Fear is an emotion we all experience at one time or another - and in expressing our fear many of us let our guard down. Out on the Wasteland, adrenaline runs high. One lapse in concentration can mean death or infection, if not for you, then one of your buddies. Tragedy is only around the corner and it affects everyone in different ways. The diversity of characters, their personal background and their varied approaches to the situation they live in are an asset to the narrative and its development, as well as portraying an all-too-realistic response to this fictional pandemic. The Fall is an enjoyable, read and makes a perfect introduction to what has the potential to be an excellent series. I think you could read The Fall as a standalone story if you wanted to, as the immediate conflicts are resolved, there are leads that will no doubt be carried forward into the future series and I for one would love to see how these get resolved.
I sure wouldn't.
Nothing screams desolation better than the hot, dry, and almost uninhabited Wastelands of Melbourne, Australia - at least, it isn't inhabited by many humans. Only small, ramshackle communities remain, but not by choice. Infected stalk their prey in the night, looking to feast off human flesh and infect the remaining population. Life for the remaining survivors is not an easy one.
Kulin is not wholly self-sustainable, and when they undertake their most ambitious "pick" yet, will the operation run smoothly? There is a lot to play for and much to gain; personal ambition may threaten the entire operation.
The post-apocalyptic vibe of this book reminded me of another book I enjoyed last year, Bad City by Matt Mayr. I've also been listening to The Stand by Stephen King, and whilst this is of a different genre entirely, they have one thing in common - the world as we know it being ripped apart by a deadly virus and civilisation scraping together to start again as best they can.
The narrative is well thought out and constructed in a diarised format, giving each POV an almost personal touch. The text is still written in third person (which admittedly is my favourite), but each chapter clearly states who our perspective is from. There are a sizeable number of POV's but some of these aren't extensive contributors to the book. For example Helen, whilst being a significant character in the narrative as a medic in Kulin, only has a small number of chapters to her name. Bearing this in mind, I think these entries have been written in the best way to help the reader keep track.
I understand why certain characters viewpoints were favoured, such as Bradley's and Skylar's; however, I would have liked to see a little more contribution from Helen. The other infrequent contributors had less of a part to play in the novel and their mere five minutes of fame is therefore understandable, but maybe as the series progresses we will get to see more of the minor characters.
The book is set with the right pace, allowing events to unfold in their own good time - such meticulous planning cannot be rushed. As the "BIG" operation is planned out, he outlines the everyday lives and hazards of the residents of Kulin, in order to make us understand just how huge a risk they are taking. Inevitably, the first few chapters are necessary to acquaint the reader and in this genre, this is all the more important. The rules are different and they need to be outlined. The first couple of chapters weren't my favourite, (I didn't fall in love straight away, but I didn't dislike them either) but they accurately set the tone for the rest of the book. For me, the narrative picked up when the wheels are set in motion for the planning of the expedition.
I am also glad that Steve isn't precious about any of the characters - after all, they live in a harsh world! It hardly seems realistic if the main characters somehow live in a protective bubble and manage to dodge all the bullets. Events transpire with the appropriate level of impact, and that is a skill to be admired.
The characters vulnerability makes them relatable to us as a reader. Fear is an emotion we all experience at one time or another - and in expressing our fear many of us let our guard down. Out on the Wasteland, adrenaline runs high. One lapse in concentration can mean death or infection, if not for you, then one of your buddies. Tragedy is only around the corner and it affects everyone in different ways. The diversity of characters, their personal background and their varied approaches to the situation they live in are an asset to the narrative and its development, as well as portraying an all-too-realistic response to this fictional pandemic. The Fall is an enjoyable, read and makes a perfect introduction to what has the potential to be an excellent series. I think you could read The Fall as a standalone story if you wanted to, as the immediate conflicts are resolved, there are leads that will no doubt be carried forward into the future series and I for one would love to see how these get resolved.
August 1, 2022
The story begins a couple of years after 'The Fall', when Australia is already divided into warring factions - the well-defended 'wallcoms' - communities in which people can live a life that resembles the 'before', and those who have chosen to live outside the relatively safe walls. Many of the original wallcoms have now fallen, overrun by the infected, feral beings with white skin. Once bitten, it's only a matter of time before you become a 'jack'.
Then there is the Headhunter - the standard post-apoc psycho baddie. A trope that never gets old - every book of this genre needs at least one!
The author concentrates on several main characters, each one of whom tells the story from their POV, always in the third person. John Bradley is a regular guy who goes out with the scavenging teams, though wife Helen wishes he would choose a safer occupation. Reading this, though, I couldn't help thinking that I'd want to do what John does, too, instead of hiding behind the walls in an illusion of safety. The sense of adventure is full-on, with missions described in detail. Anyone who has fantasies of living in a post-apoc world (that's me with my hand up) will be drawn to this.
The book is plot- rather than character-driven, which meant that I sometimes had trouble remembering who everyone was, but the dialogue totally works and the writing is such that some characters were still three-dimensional to me: John, his mate Matt, rockers Skylar and Harley (loved them!), and the Headhunter. I loved the inventive details about the technology, the spectacularly good world-building, and the chapters from the POV of the infected.
Good stuff, post-apoc lovers. Book #2 is also available, and I believe Book #3 is in progress.
Then there is the Headhunter - the standard post-apoc psycho baddie. A trope that never gets old - every book of this genre needs at least one!
The author concentrates on several main characters, each one of whom tells the story from their POV, always in the third person. John Bradley is a regular guy who goes out with the scavenging teams, though wife Helen wishes he would choose a safer occupation. Reading this, though, I couldn't help thinking that I'd want to do what John does, too, instead of hiding behind the walls in an illusion of safety. The sense of adventure is full-on, with missions described in detail. Anyone who has fantasies of living in a post-apoc world (that's me with my hand up) will be drawn to this.
The book is plot- rather than character-driven, which meant that I sometimes had trouble remembering who everyone was, but the dialogue totally works and the writing is such that some characters were still three-dimensional to me: John, his mate Matt, rockers Skylar and Harley (loved them!), and the Headhunter. I loved the inventive details about the technology, the spectacularly good world-building, and the chapters from the POV of the infected.
Good stuff, post-apoc lovers. Book #2 is also available, and I believe Book #3 is in progress.
February 19, 2018
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There is something about zombie novels that is such a simple, easy read for me. Even though authors spend all this time creating complex worlds where the dead come to life, I just get right into them. It's almost like a palate cleanser for me.
However, Conversion is different. What a world to live in. Hot, dry, desolate and zombies. Damn. What a scary mix, honestly. The flu wiped up the planet and there were only a few left, struggling to eke out an existence and survive. Some were inside walls and some lived outside, doing whatever they could to survive or find their place on the food chain. It was a very "Mad Max: Thunder Dome" feel mixed with "I am Legend".
All the different views and characters were complex but what I really enjoyed was that the jacks and jills had their own complex characteristics. The author explained the jacks and jills own insight and how they lived. They reminded me, actually, of the creatures in I am Legend. The pale, favouring dark places and stayed in packs with an alpha to lead them. They hunted at night. Each alpha had their own personality as well, and they seemed to recall their past as well. It was really fascinating.
I enjoyed the wallcom situations and the strategy of the teams, and the bad guy was clearly absolutely certifiably insane. Near the end, I was actually wondering if the people who this person talked to were real or if they were part of the person's psyche fragmenting from all the horrors of the world.
I definitely recommend this book to all the horror fanatics out there!
There is something about zombie novels that is such a simple, easy read for me. Even though authors spend all this time creating complex worlds where the dead come to life, I just get right into them. It's almost like a palate cleanser for me.
However, Conversion is different. What a world to live in. Hot, dry, desolate and zombies. Damn. What a scary mix, honestly. The flu wiped up the planet and there were only a few left, struggling to eke out an existence and survive. Some were inside walls and some lived outside, doing whatever they could to survive or find their place on the food chain. It was a very "Mad Max: Thunder Dome" feel mixed with "I am Legend".
All the different views and characters were complex but what I really enjoyed was that the jacks and jills had their own complex characteristics. The author explained the jacks and jills own insight and how they lived. They reminded me, actually, of the creatures in I am Legend. The pale, favouring dark places and stayed in packs with an alpha to lead them. They hunted at night. Each alpha had their own personality as well, and they seemed to recall their past as well. It was really fascinating.
I enjoyed the wallcom situations and the strategy of the teams, and the bad guy was clearly absolutely certifiably insane. Near the end, I was actually wondering if the people who this person talked to were real or if they were part of the person's psyche fragmenting from all the horrors of the world.
I definitely recommend this book to all the horror fanatics out there!
June 20, 2018
I know that a lot of people don't understand the fascination with reading/watching Post-apocalyptic stories. I think that this quote from the book gives a little insight: "Where there is life, there is hope."
The year is 2052 in the desolation of Melbourne, Australia. A virus has infected much of the human population with a zombie-like disease, so the survivors are living in walcoms (walled communities). These walcoms offer protection, but of course, it's impossible to stay inside the walls forever. Technology still exists, which helps the survivors communicate while on treks into the surrounding areas in search of supplies.
Of course, there are bad guys, there are relationships, and there are deaths, even of some characters that the reader feels like they know. But, we have come to expect that in the Post-apoc genre. The characters are well-developed and the story moves at a fast pace. You do have to pay attention to the headers for the chapters in order to know where the action is occurring and I appreciate that the author added this information.
The writing is well-done and I found myself becoming totally involved in the story. Mr. Campitelli does a great job and I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
If you love post-apocalyptic fiction and Mad Max, grab this book and start reading! You won't be disappointed.
The year is 2052 in the desolation of Melbourne, Australia. A virus has infected much of the human population with a zombie-like disease, so the survivors are living in walcoms (walled communities). These walcoms offer protection, but of course, it's impossible to stay inside the walls forever. Technology still exists, which helps the survivors communicate while on treks into the surrounding areas in search of supplies.
Of course, there are bad guys, there are relationships, and there are deaths, even of some characters that the reader feels like they know. But, we have come to expect that in the Post-apoc genre. The characters are well-developed and the story moves at a fast pace. You do have to pay attention to the headers for the chapters in order to know where the action is occurring and I appreciate that the author added this information.
The writing is well-done and I found myself becoming totally involved in the story. Mr. Campitelli does a great job and I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
If you love post-apocalyptic fiction and Mad Max, grab this book and start reading! You won't be disappointed.
December 12, 2017
Oh. My. God. We need to talk about The Fall! Why has no one ever talked to me about The Fall before? It's absolutely the best thing I've read all year, and it's so amazing!
First of - I'm a huge fan of Justin Cronin. The Passage and that trilogy is just fantastic. I wept when it was over. But now we have The Fall. It's very similar. Australia, Post-apocalyptic future, there are vampiric zombie creatures lurking about, and people are trying to survive. And they're doing a hell of a good job.
I was mesmerized by this. It was so well written, the plot, the story the tale - it was so gripping. Not a single dull character, not one single moment in the book felt out of place or like it didn't belong. Everything had a purpose, everything meant something later on, and there were several little "Aha!" moments when things fell into place.
The world captivated me. I can't wait to get to year 2040 and get a 360. Or a BACC suit. It was lovely that the world felt so homely, yet unknown and technologically alien at the same time.
I'm very happy to have been able to read this book early in Campitelli's career. Because I'd put money on that this is going places. High places. And I can hardly wait for book two.
First of - I'm a huge fan of Justin Cronin. The Passage and that trilogy is just fantastic. I wept when it was over. But now we have The Fall. It's very similar. Australia, Post-apocalyptic future, there are vampiric zombie creatures lurking about, and people are trying to survive. And they're doing a hell of a good job.
I was mesmerized by this. It was so well written, the plot, the story the tale - it was so gripping. Not a single dull character, not one single moment in the book felt out of place or like it didn't belong. Everything had a purpose, everything meant something later on, and there were several little "Aha!" moments when things fell into place.
The world captivated me. I can't wait to get to year 2040 and get a 360. Or a BACC suit. It was lovely that the world felt so homely, yet unknown and technologically alien at the same time.
I'm very happy to have been able to read this book early in Campitelli's career. Because I'd put money on that this is going places. High places. And I can hardly wait for book two.
November 10, 2017
The Fall is a post-apocalyptic story. It’s set in Australia and the year is 2052. It is two years after a viral outbreak has devastated the country. The virus has pretty much created a division between the survivors and the infected. There are still places where the survivors can obtain critical supplies, but they have to step into the contaminated area, and John Bradley is brave enough to do that. He also has the hope of possibly finding the means to heal the ones that have been affected.
I have reviewed and read many similar storylines to this book. I believe what made this book stand out was its complications with its multi-plot-inner storylines. This book ended up being a very fast action-packed story filled with delicious descriptive literature.
The characters in the story were relatable and very well unified. Considering the fact that this book was the first in its series, it made me very eager to see what’s to happen next.
What the author really did with this story is to provoke the mind into realizing and wondering what would happen if such a thing happened in reality. I recommend this book to post-apocalyptic dystopian novels.
I have reviewed and read many similar storylines to this book. I believe what made this book stand out was its complications with its multi-plot-inner storylines. This book ended up being a very fast action-packed story filled with delicious descriptive literature.
The characters in the story were relatable and very well unified. Considering the fact that this book was the first in its series, it made me very eager to see what’s to happen next.
What the author really did with this story is to provoke the mind into realizing and wondering what would happen if such a thing happened in reality. I recommend this book to post-apocalyptic dystopian novels.
Read
April 25, 2020This is the [5*] review I left on Amazon some two years ago. I thought it would carry over automatically, but it didn't. So here it is again.
(Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018)
Six reasons why "The Fall" is a terrible choice for bedtime-reading:
- the action is tense and the tension is high; you'll find your heart rate up and your pupils wide in no time.
- need to keep up with the voices and viewpoints, who knows whom you might end up rooting for.
- the attempts to Aussie-pronounce the dialogue and read out the Japanese phrases correct-ish in your head might give you a mental hernia.
- in the morning you might end up worrying whether your coffee-bean hoard is sufficient; then you might find yourself worrying who else knows about your coffee-bean hoard.
- when the pages run out, you'll desperately want to keep on reading - but the next book is not out yet. [ED. 2020 - it is now!]
- the daylight might catch you before the book ends; daylight no good.
(Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018)
Six reasons why "The Fall" is a terrible choice for bedtime-reading:
- the action is tense and the tension is high; you'll find your heart rate up and your pupils wide in no time.
- need to keep up with the voices and viewpoints, who knows whom you might end up rooting for.
- the attempts to Aussie-pronounce the dialogue and read out the Japanese phrases correct-ish in your head might give you a mental hernia.
- in the morning you might end up worrying whether your coffee-bean hoard is sufficient; then you might find yourself worrying who else knows about your coffee-bean hoard.
- when the pages run out, you'll desperately want to keep on reading - but the next book is not out yet. [ED. 2020 - it is now!]
- the daylight might catch you before the book ends; daylight no good.
December 27, 2017
WOW!! This book is phenomenal!!!
Based, in a not too distant Australia, this book doesn't hold anything back. The way the author has used the aussie english is fantastic and quite refreshing to read! (Yes i'm an aussie :) )
With a virus having ripped through the population, survivors are now living a new way of life. The threat of those 'turned' by the virus is realistic, and the lengths people will go to, to ensure that they and the ones they love are safe.....both human survivors and the infected is a story definitely worth reading!!
The world created by the author is easily imagined, and the technology isn't super far fetched. The plot flows incredibly fast and is very well thought out. Mulitple POVs give us an insight to the characters, and let me say there are some great characters and some you 'wanna throat punch' characters. The best thing though, is the way the author has given the 'infected' a voice.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series
Based, in a not too distant Australia, this book doesn't hold anything back. The way the author has used the aussie english is fantastic and quite refreshing to read! (Yes i'm an aussie :) )
With a virus having ripped through the population, survivors are now living a new way of life. The threat of those 'turned' by the virus is realistic, and the lengths people will go to, to ensure that they and the ones they love are safe.....both human survivors and the infected is a story definitely worth reading!!
The world created by the author is easily imagined, and the technology isn't super far fetched. The plot flows incredibly fast and is very well thought out. Mulitple POVs give us an insight to the characters, and let me say there are some great characters and some you 'wanna throat punch' characters. The best thing though, is the way the author has given the 'infected' a voice.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series
October 23, 2017
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review. It’s hard to believe the author is a first-time author. The Fall includes very well-rounded characters and excellent plot development. I have read a lot of post-apocalyptic novels, and I like the fact that the author chose Australia, as the setting for this book. I have not seen this done by authors previously, and it was a very nice change, in relation to most novels about the apocalypse. The characters are real, and believable - always have to have one psycho, in an apocolypse. The Headhunter definitely fits the bill.
December 2, 2017
One of my favorites of 2017! Mr. Campitelli does an amazing job at building a world that has been torn down in an apocalypse of screams and gnashing teeth.
For some reason, I'm always leary about there being hi-tech in apocalyptic futures, but the author did a great job at making the tech believable.
It's always nice (and somewhat rare) to read a self-published book that has been properly edited. There were no typos or grammar gaffs that pulled me out of the story.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
For some reason, I'm always leary about there being hi-tech in apocalyptic futures, but the author did a great job at making the tech believable.
It's always nice (and somewhat rare) to read a self-published book that has been properly edited. There were no typos or grammar gaffs that pulled me out of the story.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
July 22, 2018
I liked this story but it reminded me very much of Justin Cronin's, The Passage. I guess all apocalyptic books have zombie like creatures and humans who have survived. The desert setting was a big part of the doom and gloom scenario. The town of Kulin is one of the last bastions of humanity and it's running out of food and supplies, necessitating the need to travel for replenishment. I will pick up the next book and see how the characters continue to survive. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 22, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The wallcoms (walled communities) have protected the remnants of the human population from "the jacks," infected nocturnal predators. In this dystopian future, humans have banded and bonded together to stay safe. The necessity for supplies forces a trip to the Southstone Supermall, but they are hounded on all sides. Well written and exciting, very suspenseful!
The wallcoms (walled communities) have protected the remnants of the human population from "the jacks," infected nocturnal predators. In this dystopian future, humans have banded and bonded together to stay safe. The necessity for supplies forces a trip to the Southstone Supermall, but they are hounded on all sides. Well written and exciting, very suspenseful!
January 24, 2019
A Fun and Great Read!
A story about a world gone mad. With a possible reality in the future the way our current world is. Can humans survive such a world they destroyed? Yes, it's sort of a Mad Max and I Am Legend put together, and boy what a clash! If you enjoy post apocalyptic adventures, this is a book for you!
A story about a world gone mad. With a possible reality in the future the way our current world is. Can humans survive such a world they destroyed? Yes, it's sort of a Mad Max and I Am Legend put together, and boy what a clash! If you enjoy post apocalyptic adventures, this is a book for you!
July 31, 2020
This didn't end, it sort of just stopped. No cliffhanger,exactly, just pushed out of safety into indefensible "safe" houses, and the story continues. If a10 meter wall isn't safe a house certainly isn't. Battles were exciting but the battle itself want logical. The circumstances were st range and the commanders rather incompetent. All in all rather unsatisfying.
March 2, 2018
Fantastic!
Such an amazing introduction to a fantastic world and storyline. I was engaged the entire way through because of the characters, trials, and wonderful writing. I’m excited to get book #2 and start building a collection of this guy’s work. He’s got immense talent!
Such an amazing introduction to a fantastic world and storyline. I was engaged the entire way through because of the characters, trials, and wonderful writing. I’m excited to get book #2 and start building a collection of this guy’s work. He’s got immense talent!
March 25, 2018
Wow
This was an incredible adventure. The characters in this story are so engaging. I really enjoyed getting to know them. The works the author has created is full of action, adventure, terror, and hope. I truly hope there will be a sequel.
This was an incredible adventure. The characters in this story are so engaging. I really enjoyed getting to know them. The works the author has created is full of action, adventure, terror, and hope. I truly hope there will be a sequel.
January 23, 2018
An interesting read, with a fast pace and solid characters. I would recommend it
July 28, 2020
Unfortunately this one just really didn't grab me and was hard to get through.
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
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