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Spore #1
Spore
America's food crops cover nearly a billion acres. In the race to produce as much as we could... something went wrong.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic tale? Welcome to your new addiction.
SPORE is a new, thrilling post-apocalyptic survival saga from #1 best-selling authors Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward.
A billion acres of food have been wiped off the map overnight.
A mysterious illness, somehow connected to America's agriculture collapse, tears through the country - and the world - like a hot knife through butter, killing millions as it spreads.
Pockets of survivors are forced to trek west, seeking shelter and food as they fight against the disease that lives in the air and soil around them.
As death and destruction spread and the country collapses in upon itself, those left behind will be forced to work together to survive, lest they be consumed by the spores.
Tired of the usual post-apocalyptic tale? Welcome to your new addiction.
SPORE is a new, thrilling post-apocalyptic survival saga from #1 best-selling authors Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward.
A billion acres of food have been wiped off the map overnight.
A mysterious illness, somehow connected to America's agriculture collapse, tears through the country - and the world - like a hot knife through butter, killing millions as it spreads.
Pockets of survivors are forced to trek west, seeking shelter and food as they fight against the disease that lives in the air and soil around them.
As death and destruction spread and the country collapses in upon itself, those left behind will be forced to work together to survive, lest they be consumed by the spores.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2020
473 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Kenny Soward
82 books160 followersWelcome to my little space out on the web. I'm Kenny Soward, and I'm an author, musician, and once IT guy. I write books in many sub-genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy, including post-apocalyptic, military science fiction, epic fantasy, and horror. I'm influenced by authors such as Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, Mark Lawrence, Dan Simmons, Robin Hobb, Robert McCammon, Larry Correia, and Mike Kraus.
I love all kinds of movies and shows from Battle Star Galactica (reboot) to the Walking Dead. There's nothing I won't try.
I grew up in Kentucky in a small suburb just south of Cincinnati, Ohio, listening to hard rock and playing outdoors. In those quiet 1970's streets, I jumped bikes, played Nerf football, and came away with many scars.
My grandfather and many of my uncles and cousins served in the United States Military, and my father was a Kentucky State Trooper. Their efforts taught me the meaning of sacrifice and gratitude. I've always had an avid curiosity about the world around me, and I hope my enthusiasm for life carries over into my stories, even the dark ones.
I love all kinds of movies and shows from Battle Star Galactica (reboot) to the Walking Dead. There's nothing I won't try.
I grew up in Kentucky in a small suburb just south of Cincinnati, Ohio, listening to hard rock and playing outdoors. In those quiet 1970's streets, I jumped bikes, played Nerf football, and came away with many scars.
My grandfather and many of my uncles and cousins served in the United States Military, and my father was a Kentucky State Trooper. Their efforts taught me the meaning of sacrifice and gratitude. I've always had an avid curiosity about the world around me, and I hope my enthusiasm for life carries over into my stories, even the dark ones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 27, 2021
Book 6.... The End ...??
I've read through to Book 6 so far, and like most reviewers, I'm not quite sure if it's the last book ... or not?
Even with the cliffhanger, or three, at "the end," it's a series worth investing your time and energy in! Exciting until the very last sentence, and with characters who have been masterfully developed, it's a rich and colorfully crafted world.
The pretense behind the pandemic is unique enough for those of us who are avid readers of the genre to feel like we are getting something brand new, and the plot is definitely not the same old recycled script we see too much of these days. It's complex and imaginative. Has a small, little creepy factor in sections as well (those little kids always getcha!). Definitely gross for those of us not used to the whole, "bodies been in cars, baking in hot sun for weeks then need to be ... peeled out, piece by fungi eaten piece," situations.
Good guys, bad guys, harrowing escape scenes, gun battles, crazy cults, Native American culture, car chases, helicopter chases, horse chases, a hippie fungi specialist, possibly evil single-minded mercenary chick, completely awesome A.I. technology smart vehicles/buildings, soldiers to love (and not), and hallucinogenics. To name just a few interesting bits.
But you won't find that deep dive into science you would in Ackart's books, or any explanation on weapons beyond the simple, "...and she picked up the AR-15...". But at least, thank you authors, no one EVER, "...slaps in a fresh CLIP...". Always so cringeworthy!
So - it's just a fun ride, around this great country of ours. My fingers are crossed for a Book 7!! And beyond .......
I've read through to Book 6 so far, and like most reviewers, I'm not quite sure if it's the last book ... or not?
Even with the cliffhanger, or three, at "the end," it's a series worth investing your time and energy in! Exciting until the very last sentence, and with characters who have been masterfully developed, it's a rich and colorfully crafted world.
The pretense behind the pandemic is unique enough for those of us who are avid readers of the genre to feel like we are getting something brand new, and the plot is definitely not the same old recycled script we see too much of these days. It's complex and imaginative. Has a small, little creepy factor in sections as well (those little kids always getcha!). Definitely gross for those of us not used to the whole, "bodies been in cars, baking in hot sun for weeks then need to be ... peeled out, piece by fungi eaten piece," situations.
Good guys, bad guys, harrowing escape scenes, gun battles, crazy cults, Native American culture, car chases, helicopter chases, horse chases, a hippie fungi specialist, possibly evil single-minded mercenary chick, completely awesome A.I. technology smart vehicles/buildings, soldiers to love (and not), and hallucinogenics. To name just a few interesting bits.
But you won't find that deep dive into science you would in Ackart's books, or any explanation on weapons beyond the simple, "...and she picked up the AR-15...". But at least, thank you authors, no one EVER, "...slaps in a fresh CLIP...". Always so cringeworthy!
So - it's just a fun ride, around this great country of ours. My fingers are crossed for a Book 7!! And beyond .......
November 9, 2020
I like that this is a twist on the apocalypse, since humans are our own worst enemies. This flows well and it is decently edited. There were some improbabilities that bothered me. It goes to hell in the middle of a major metro area (D.C.) very fast even though there are not a lot of places nearby that would require the spray. I believe there would have been a lot more warning before it hit DC. Also Kim's poor assistant dies very dramatically. The at-fault CEO may have had necessary info to understanding what his spray did, but were they really going to let his company manufacture the antidote? And, they kept him in a secure facility, allowing his bodyguards to be there and no good military policing this, especially since the that is where they were working on the antidote? OK, that might be believable for a government operation. Back to the improbable-that same soulless CEO is able to hack not only the CDC security systems but also the weapons locker? Then there are the two helpful twins who are convinced to help the police feed the jail inmates most of whom are non-violent but then there is this one guy...he can't get free, right? There is a lot of postulated science here and I don't know enough about fungi or anti-fungal agents to know if it is correct or not so will just accept that. I will read the next one and hope that it becomes less improbable.
July 27, 2020
SPORE - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A riveting, relevent take from Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward, SPORE opens the monthly development of the Spore Series: (A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller) core storyline, over six episodes, that would make an excellent Apocalyptic Survival series on Netflix, or a blockbuster movie on a par with Dan Brown's book adaptations.
Several threads are twisted tightly to build up a storyline of manic intensity, as the deadly SPOREs of the title do their dreadful worst - bringing to mind very sharply, our current world situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been equally deadly and seemingly uncontrollable.
A gritty, totally realistic drama, that will leave you gasping for Book 2, CHOKE, (which thankfully will be here soon), SPORE by Kenny Soward and Mike Kraus, is a near-future, best-seller, series-opener that your what if...? survivalist sci-fi bookshelves will thank you for.
Get your copy today - along with your hazmat gear and face masks ...you have been warned!
A riveting, relevent take from Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward, SPORE opens the monthly development of the Spore Series: (A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller) core storyline, over six episodes, that would make an excellent Apocalyptic Survival series on Netflix, or a blockbuster movie on a par with Dan Brown's book adaptations.
Several threads are twisted tightly to build up a storyline of manic intensity, as the deadly SPOREs of the title do their dreadful worst - bringing to mind very sharply, our current world situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been equally deadly and seemingly uncontrollable.
A gritty, totally realistic drama, that will leave you gasping for Book 2, CHOKE, (which thankfully will be here soon), SPORE by Kenny Soward and Mike Kraus, is a near-future, best-seller, series-opener that your what if...? survivalist sci-fi bookshelves will thank you for.
Get your copy today - along with your hazmat gear and face masks ...you have been warned!
July 27, 2020
Scary Concept
The use of a new antifungal spray to protect crops is rushed to market without true testing. What could go wrong? The spores are deadly and clouds of these spores are being pushed all over the world. The characters are very interesting as they battle to survive. Kim the CDC expert is frantically trying to stop the mold and spores which can also cause slower secondary cases when people are not exposed to big doses of spores. All the characters were well developed and interesting and it was impossible not to get totally engrossed in this book. Looking forward to book 2
The use of a new antifungal spray to protect crops is rushed to market without true testing. What could go wrong? The spores are deadly and clouds of these spores are being pushed all over the world. The characters are very interesting as they battle to survive. Kim the CDC expert is frantically trying to stop the mold and spores which can also cause slower secondary cases when people are not exposed to big doses of spores. All the characters were well developed and interesting and it was impossible not to get totally engrossed in this book. Looking forward to book 2
August 1, 2020
Fungus pandemic
An apocalypse with a difference, the world is being infiltrated by deadly fungus spores that kill in moments. This was an exciting read, edge of the seat and adrenaline pumping at times. The writing was easy to understand. The characters are (mostly) really easy to know and like. And the bad guys are really bad. Action? Tons of it. Great leads into the next in series, more than one cliffhanger!
An apocalypse with a difference, the world is being infiltrated by deadly fungus spores that kill in moments. This was an exciting read, edge of the seat and adrenaline pumping at times. The writing was easy to understand. The characters are (mostly) really easy to know and like. And the bad guys are really bad. Action? Tons of it. Great leads into the next in series, more than one cliffhanger!
August 22, 2020
Good concept
This was a pretty good book. I liked the concept of the fungus a lot. It's different than standard fare post-apoc storylines and scary since its based on something which is a real threat. I could see the Kraus formula at work in the spore clouds, which are so similar to his silver and blue nano-bot clouds from his other series. At least there was nobody racing across the country in a Hummer or an APC in this one - yet. I'll give the next one a chance.
This was a pretty good book. I liked the concept of the fungus a lot. It's different than standard fare post-apoc storylines and scary since its based on something which is a real threat. I could see the Kraus formula at work in the spore clouds, which are so similar to his silver and blue nano-bot clouds from his other series. At least there was nobody racing across the country in a Hummer or an APC in this one - yet. I'll give the next one a chance.
July 14, 2020
Decent apocalyptic fiction, with an interestingly different cause, and fairly well-written characters. I liked it, didn't hate it, until the end of the book.
Each book in a series should have some kind of actual ending, so the books can at least partially stand alone. They shouldn't be simply hunks of one long story. This, though, is another one of the latter, and that loses a star.
Each book in a series should have some kind of actual ending, so the books can at least partially stand alone. They shouldn't be simply hunks of one long story. This, though, is another one of the latter, and that loses a star.
August 23, 2020
I have sooooo many issues with this book. It’s one of those weird ones that grabs you at different points throughout but then is boring and juvenile at others. I’m being generous with 2.5 stars because it was tough to finish. The ending was when it was finally starting to get good but then ended on a cliffhanger.
So now I HAVE to read book 2.
We’ll see how far I get.
So now I HAVE to read book 2.
We’ll see how far I get.
December 18, 2021
Excellent quick read! I read the entire book in two days,, and downloaded the next in the series. I have read many post apocalypse books , but this series is the best one! I just can't put the book down until I finish it. If you've never read a post apocalyptic series, I highly recommend starting with Spore. This series is very well written and the characters really come to life!
July 17, 2020
Spore series
Clouds of fungus are appearing all over the world. If you are exposed certain death follows. Kim is new to the CDC and is working tirelessly to find an answer. This series is great. A must read.
Clouds of fungus are appearing all over the world. If you are exposed certain death follows. Kim is new to the CDC and is working tirelessly to find an answer. This series is great. A must read.
August 11, 2020
Different and a very good story. I'm on the second book in the Spore series and it is still a page turner. I don't know if when they find a cure how they are going to either help the people get well or help the earth to get well. It keeps you guessing.
September 1, 2020
If you're looking for a good book look no longer. This is the one you want. The characters in this story come alive almost from the first page. You can get lost in this one. Meaning time will be lost as your turning the pages wanting to know what coming.
October 1, 2020
Not your usual allergy!
An apocalyptic story that started by cutting corners to beat the competition to market. From there it just went with the wind. Then mankind goes crazy just like we know they will.
An apocalyptic story that started by cutting corners to beat the competition to market. From there it just went with the wind. Then mankind goes crazy just like we know they will.
October 15, 2020
Scary but great
I read this book during the Covid pandemic and even though this is not the same it’s scary to think our government and others would allow something like this to happen. Some survival skills to be learned here.
I read this book during the Covid pandemic and even though this is not the same it’s scary to think our government and others would allow something like this to happen. Some survival skills to be learned here.
February 14, 2021
Quite a novel approach for a new series. Love the story told from multiple points of view and am anxious to continue the series. Greed seems to e a prevalent lure for fiction and real life day to day living.
April 20, 2021
Another....
....excellent start to a new series by Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward! Loads of action, with very little slow parts. The characters and the storyline are very interesting and believable! Going straight to book two!!!!!
....excellent start to a new series by Mike Kraus and Kenny Soward! Loads of action, with very little slow parts. The characters and the storyline are very interesting and believable! Going straight to book two!!!!!
May 8, 2024
This is a great story filled with action. I was hooked after the first page. The only thing I found to be a little annoying is the amount of characters... There's a lot but besides that I'm excited to start the 2nd book
July 17, 2020
Very Good read!!!
July 20, 2020
A definite thrilling story to keep you intrigued. I couldn’t put it down. All too realistic. Loved it.
July 28, 2020
Lots of twist and turns
Good read Unusual pandemic twist. Scary I googled the fungus it exist. Of course Not at a threat level that the book portrays
Good read Unusual pandemic twist. Scary I googled the fungus it exist. Of course Not at a threat level that the book portrays
September 8, 2020
Great book
Great read, lots of action and good characters. Looking forward to reading more in the series. COVID is not as bad but could very well be.
Great read, lots of action and good characters. Looking forward to reading more in the series. COVID is not as bad but could very well be.
September 20, 2020
Really good story
I enjoyed book 1 very much , I hope the next book is as well written. Kudos to the authors!
I enjoyed book 1 very much , I hope the next book is as well written. Kudos to the authors!
October 24, 2020
Starts Strong then fizzles
While it’s rather original, the story gets stale fast. Sometimes it feels like it’s spooling up to go somewhere, but then it stalls out. It’s not for me.
While it’s rather original, the story gets stale fast. Sometimes it feels like it’s spooling up to go somewhere, but then it stalls out. It’s not for me.
November 9, 2020
Good read. Nice to read end of the world, not zombies. The villain is very evil and the other major characters are excellently written.
November 11, 2020
Very exciting!
I love the adventure and the authors storyline. It's different and creative. It's easy to follow each of the characters. I find I'm holding my breath at times.
I love the adventure and the authors storyline. It's different and creative. It's easy to follow each of the characters. I find I'm holding my breath at times.
December 3, 2020
Thrilling! Terrifying!
Engaging terrifying apocalyptic story. Shows how humans can turn into heroes or villains when trying to survive. Can't wait to keep reading.
Engaging terrifying apocalyptic story. Shows how humans can turn into heroes or villains when trying to survive. Can't wait to keep reading.
December 14, 2020
Fungi...
The story is engaging from the start. We get different perspectives of what is happening and the different reactions to the pandemic.
The story is engaging from the start. We get different perspectives of what is happening and the different reactions to the pandemic.
February 14, 2021
Loved it
Really exciting reading. Really makes you think about today’s world and what is happening. Can’t wait to read book two
Really exciting reading. Really makes you think about today’s world and what is happening. Can’t wait to read book two
May 18, 2021
It was ok if you like TEOTWAWKI stories, but there are major plot holes and breakdowns of logic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews