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The Drowned

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A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Story

When a geo-engineering project goes catastrophically wrong, one man will risk everything to rescue his daughter.

Put in place to try and fix the the melting ice caps, the Exobot project was supposed to be our salvation.

It became our destruction instead.

In the space of a few hours, most of the world's land masses - including over 95% of the United States - have been covered with water. Billions are dead, governments are in chaos, and the few survivors left are literally treading water, trying to find the few bits of dry land left.

In the midst of the chaos, family ties, determination and the sheer will to live will be the only protection against the complete annihilation of mankind.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2020

569 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Kevin Partner

120 books60 followers
Be sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest releases and offers: https://scrib.me/bookbub

I write post apocalyptic science fiction both on my own account and with Mike Kraus, as well as space opera and fantasy. And one or two other bits and bobs.

Based in the south of England, I've been writing since my teens, alternating between funny and serious. In the mid 1990s, I became a regular columnist for PC Pro magazine and have written a number of business and craft books over the years.

Fiction is my first love, however - I hope you enjoy my voyages into an uncertain future.

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5 stars
234 (51%)
4 stars
125 (27%)
3 stars
67 (14%)
2 stars
22 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
570 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2020
A good story line

The story line itself is interesting but there isn't much of a back story about the characters. It was kind of like reading a long story in the newspaper about total strangers, instead of reading about characters that you have become familiar with and care about what happens to them. I will probably read the next book because the story itself is interesting but this was really only so so in my opinion.
12.8k reviews191 followers
September 19, 2020
Another fantastic Apocalypse story and the beginning of a superb series. Has you holding your breath, wondering how the survivors will cope. Don’t miss out.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,990 reviews67 followers
October 11, 2020
I struggled a little getting engaged in this story. I do question the vague "science" that the xenobots (which is a cool name) could alter the melting point of water. That is kind of a standard of physics that is rather immutable. The idea that massive flooding of the globe could occur so quickly was an interesting take on the apocalypse and I did like Jodi's map. I struggled more with the characters as I didn't find most of them very compelling. Bobby is obviously supposed to be a good guy but there is no way I would leave my child with strangers, especially one that held her hostage to ensure he would come back. The rest were just not that likeable. Some of the plot is the usual convicts out doing bad and science/government trying to cover up what happened etc. I will continue book 2 to see if it improves a little.
534 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2020
On what started out to be a beautiful summer day, many people began their day enjoying the nice weather at the beach. Unfortunately for most of them, something had already been set into motion that while meant to help save the world, could very well wind up almost destroying it.

The ocean water levels around the world suddenly all began rising quite drastically, sending anyone who was able, running for higher ground and struggling to stay ahead of the rapidly rising water. Some were successful, but most were not.

This first book tells us the tale of what caused the waters to rise and how those who escaped the initial danger managed to survive in a vastly different landscape than most had ever lived in before. I found it to be a fascinating book, and one that was often hard to put down.

It was well written and easily held my interest throughout the story, leaving me wanting to know what would happen next. There are still many unanswered questions and characters struggling to reach lost loved ones they hope to find alive somewhere. Many other folks were left simply hoping to find a safe haven somewhere that also could provide enough food and drinkable water to allow them to survive, while still others resorted to piracy and other atrocities to get by.

I am definitely interested in seeing where this story goes next. I think it would also be of interest to anyone who enjoys apocalypse or disaster stories, or possibly those with an interest in potential end of the world scenarios. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read this book and will be looking forward to the next one in the series as well.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,986 reviews73 followers
October 22, 2020
The Drowned - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The Drowned: (A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Story Book 1) is the incredible Deluge series opener, by Masters of the Apocalyptic Action-Thriller Kevin Partner and Mike Kraus.

It begins in a truly dramatic Armageddon-style fashion, with the inescapable megatsunami-like global tidal wave, that sweeps away those present on, or near, Ventura Pier and Beach, including Bobby Rodriguez and his beautiful eight year old daughter Maria, while simultaneously swamping a swathe of low-lying global coastline regions.

Meanwhile, Maria's Mom Ellie, a marine biologist and charter boat captain, is far out at sea with a charter for Pierce, a veteran film-star and Jodi, his spoilt girlfriend, (plus her mentor's sailor son Tom, as crew). On Jodi's Uncle Buzz' advice, they've set out on what they all expect to be a standard cruise/fishing trip, far off the Florida coast - but is it far enough away?

Who will escape this seemingly-inescapable event?
To find out the unbelievable answer, get your 'survivor's handbook' copy of Mike Kraus and Kevin Partner's The Drowned before it's too late...you know it makes sense!
Profile Image for Garth Mailman.
2,583 reviews10 followers
April 17, 2023
The Drowned
Kevin Partner

Feels almost like the script for a disaster film. Topical. Melting glaciers in Antarctica cause a worldwide Tsunami that engulfs coastal areas worldwide. Antarctic ice is two miles thick. Should it melt ocean levels will rise thirty or more feet. It may not be as dramatic as pictured here but sea levels are already rising engulfing low-lying islands in oceana at high tide.

The story echoes that of the ant and the grasshopper in that those who have prepared for disaster must fend off those who didn’t and it can get nasty.

The word I believe is speculative fiction. The story involves three groups. One is inside a well-stocked palisade on high ground. One is aboard an ocean going ship. The third is afoot. Each face challenges and marauding freebooters. Pirates, freeloaders, and thieves.

And as I approached the end of this book I came to the dreadful conclusion that this tome did not even have a cliffhanger ending, it is merely the first in a series that stretches to five more volumes. Bummer!


Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,552 reviews25 followers
October 17, 2020
What can go wrong messing with nature?
The Drowned is an original take on the post-apocalyptic genre that incorporates an element of climate change, some characters that you can develop an attachment for, and plenty of action. That being said I have to say I’m not sure if I love or hate this story so far, and I can’t explain this dichotomy without providing significant spoilers. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic filled with plenty of action and a few unforeseen twists, grab a copy and give The Drowned a shot, you just may find a new series to follow. I really want to read the next episode to see how the story progresses and see if I can resolve my love/hate feeling. I received a review copy of this book and chose to provide this review.
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
1,008 reviews52 followers
October 14, 2020
The Drowned is a unique twist on the Apocalyptic scenario. The great global flood meets nanotechnology. The author's are skilled in character development, leading you to become highly invested in the outcome of each plotline.

What I liked best about this book was the constant suspense. As the characters struggle to comprehend just how dramatically their world has changed, and how to survive, every detail and situation is heightened in anticipation.

I could not put this book down and was delighted to find the next in the series readily available on Kindle Unlimited.

This book was provided to me by the author's ARC team in exchange for an honest review.
1,020 reviews12 followers
September 19, 2020
My first epic flood!

At first it was hard to imagine all the ice melting so fast that people had no chance to escape. But oh this story makes it very clear. Tsunami times 1000. The bodies of billions of people and animals etc. very easy to see. The characters are extra realistic and the vision of islands where there were mountains are shocking. The pressure of survival is unrelenting and the good guys manage to find that extra spark of energy. And it reads the same way. Impossible to put down!
195 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2020
A New Climate Change Theory Gone Wrong!

The Drowned: Deluge Book 1 gives a whole new look at what happens if the polar ice cap melts. The world or 90% of it goes under water killing billions globally. The stories of a few people who survived but are now desperately looking for family is what ties this book together and makes the horrific story believable. More details to come in the continuing series. The story has love, hate, anger, bad guys, and good people so there is something for everyone.
Profile Image for Ami.
2,500 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2020
Incredible! The Drowned begins with high-tension, gut-wrenching events and only lets up a couple of times (just so I could take a deep breath, imho). Excellent characters and amazing world building but the action continues to steal your attention. I highly recommend it and can hardly wait to read book two!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the authors and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Profile Image for jboyg.
425 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2020
No More Water, Be the Fire Next Time!

Once again Mr. Kraus and company assay the end of the world, only this time it's science gone wrong leaving billions dead in the wake of a man-made deluge. A strong story and well told. The man has a gift for apocalyptic cogitation and believable characters constantly up against the wall of death. I liked it but maybe not enough to read multiple sequels.
678 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2020
This book is truly an original take on the Apocalypse genre. The writing is quite good and the plot is straight. The characters will need filling out in the next book of this series but that will be easy to do. This was a very good read and you will enjoy it as I did. There are so many ends left dangling that the next book has got to be a thriller.
146 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2020
I have read quite a few of Kev Partners books and always find them really well written with stories and characters that draw you in.
This book is no exception and as the first book in the series gets off to a rollicking fast start.
As the end draws near you can begin to see the different threads beginning to coalesce.
I read this in one sitting and really looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Cindi.
96 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2020
Great new series!

I really liked the first book in this new series. It's a new take on a post-apocalyptic idea and as the the first book out of the gate, I am looking forward to the next one!
107 reviews1 follower
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September 30, 2020
I really liked this book a lot. I have ready a lot of books about this kind of thing but not all of them grabs you like this one did. I find the story very interesting and also can't wait to read the next in the series.
115 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2020
Love this book

A different premise of the Apocalypse. As any book written in part or by Mike Krause, an excellent read! A fast-paced story with engaging characters, I couldn't put it down! Well into book two now but stopped to write this review. I highly recommend this book!
56 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
Very good read

This was a first for me in post-apocalypse reading and I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Flooding is new for me and I felt like we should leave that to Noah. Now I'm pretty excited to read on to the next part.
598 reviews10 followers
October 12, 2020
An excellent start to a post-apocalyptic survival series with a well written storyline and a strong cast of realistic characters. Contains plenty of suspense and lots of non-stop action. Very hard to put this book down. Highly recommended read. Bring on the next book in this series.
163 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2020
Wow! This book is filled with intrigue.

What a scary event bringing the entire world to its knees. Millions of the earth people suddenly eliminated because scientists tried to be gods .
Profile Image for Kadlin.
150 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2021
Slow, hoping book 2 is better.

The two scientists watched as the vice president held her head in her hands. After some time, and without looking at them, she said, “Tell me there is some scientific way out of this. We can’t bring back our dead, but can we reclaim our land?”
145 reviews
April 14, 2021
The tide certainly came in

What a great story, it was different to all the other apocalyptic books I've read but just as good. Water instead of a virus or zombies, I will definitely be reading book 2
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2021
Be Careful Who and What You Work For

Though it remains a question, in my mind, of the enormity or accuracy of the premise of this catastrophe it is still a gripping story. Hopefully the next in the series will pick back up some characters introduced in this first book.
10 reviews
May 31, 2021
In 1977 I read my first post Apocalypse book, Lucifer's Hammer. It has remained my all time favorite for decades. DROWNED has met the mark. It is exciting, suspenceful, dramatic, & frightening, while telling a remarkable story. Never a dull chapter. I am ready for the sequal PHAGE.
Profile Image for judith ann marano.
135 reviews
August 7, 2021
Great read

Wonderful book full of suspense. Twists and turns and coming to a conclusion that makes you want to read the next book to find out what happens next. Interesting characters that I can’t wait to read about.
57 reviews
September 28, 2020
Ye gads

If all the overused plot devices and trite dialogue were removed this would be a short story. Not up to my Mike Kraus expectations.
187 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2020
What a fantastic book. Well written. Great characters and a fantastic storyline. A page turner, edge of your seat novel. Highly recommend
Profile Image for cheryl scofield.
33 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2020
Interesting story.

Lots of action, bad luck and perservence. It was interesting to read as to what would happen if the polar caps melted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews