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The Infected Dead #8
Returned for Now
Returned for Now is Book 8 in the continuing struggle of the Mud Island Family against the Infected Dead.
Adam, Natalia, and Henry weren’t just close friends. They were the last crew of the International Space Station. Forgotten by all but a few survivors, they helplessly watch as the world below them is consumed by the infected dead. As they circle the Earth from orbit they are forced to survive in space until a time when they no longer have a choice, but when they return, it’s not to the same world they left behind.
The world has had years to change. The infected dead roam the streets and the forests in search of living victims. No one knows how the virus started, but even less is known about how to stop it. All the survivors can do is try to outlive it. Cities have fallen before the hordes of infected, but a small band of survivors has fought back by locating and liberating a network of shelters built by the government during the Cold War. Their goal is to unite enough survivors to eventually turn the tide of death in the favor of the living.
Adam, Natalia, and Henry weren’t just close friends. They were the last crew of the International Space Station. Forgotten by all but a few survivors, they helplessly watch as the world below them is consumed by the infected dead. As they circle the Earth from orbit they are forced to survive in space until a time when they no longer have a choice, but when they return, it’s not to the same world they left behind.
The world has had years to change. The infected dead roam the streets and the forests in search of living victims. No one knows how the virus started, but even less is known about how to stop it. All the survivors can do is try to outlive it. Cities have fallen before the hordes of infected, but a small band of survivors has fought back by locating and liberating a network of shelters built by the government during the Cold War. Their goal is to unite enough survivors to eventually turn the tide of death in the favor of the living.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
56 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Bob Howard
15 books67 followersMeet the Charleston, South Carolina Author
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 19, 2025
This is book #8. I liked the introduction of new characters. Each new installment seems to provide reasons for the MCs to leave their safe place and go find something or someone. I love the friendship and camaraderie of the main group and I like that it isn't exclusive.
One other thing that I like is that the author isn't afraid to sacrifice a character here or there. Bad things occassionally happen to the good guys, especially in this scenario. Overall, this was enjoyable....so 4 stars.
One other thing that I like is that the author isn't afraid to sacrifice a character here or there. Bad things occassionally happen to the good guys, especially in this scenario. Overall, this was enjoyable....so 4 stars.
December 16, 2020
Loved it!!
Of course this book is worthy of a 5 star rating. The characters are well developed and I love the story line. I feel like I personally know them all and am along with them on their travels.
However, this book added a little something different than any other book has. Astronauts! The newly added characters are just as awesome as the others and I was on the edge of my seat reading this. I intentionally read this slowly because I knew I wouldn't want it to end. It didn't disappoint.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next book so try not to keep us waiting too long Bob. 😁❤
Of course this book is worthy of a 5 star rating. The characters are well developed and I love the story line. I feel like I personally know them all and am along with them on their travels.
However, this book added a little something different than any other book has. Astronauts! The newly added characters are just as awesome as the others and I was on the edge of my seat reading this. I intentionally read this slowly because I knew I wouldn't want it to end. It didn't disappoint.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next book so try not to keep us waiting too long Bob. 😁❤
December 21, 2020
I love when the bad guys get what's coming to them!!
I can't wait to see the Mud Island family's next rescue.
I can't wait to see the Mud Island family's next rescue.
December 18, 2020
Favorite of the Series
This book was fantastic and is my favorite one so far. It brings in many more new characters including 3 astronauts stranded in ISS watching the world die unable to help. The Chief is helping set up new shelters and organize safe societies that will help get the world functioning again amd possibly find a solution to the infected dead. There are plenty of shady characters wanting power all to themselves but the fight for good is beginning and this book shows that bringing together the different shelter survivors is the first step in taking back the world. Excellent story line and new characters and one of my favorite series in this genre. Cannot wait for the next book to see what retribution the Chief can bring with his newly discovered toy.
This book was fantastic and is my favorite one so far. It brings in many more new characters including 3 astronauts stranded in ISS watching the world die unable to help. The Chief is helping set up new shelters and organize safe societies that will help get the world functioning again amd possibly find a solution to the infected dead. There are plenty of shady characters wanting power all to themselves but the fight for good is beginning and this book shows that bringing together the different shelter survivors is the first step in taking back the world. Excellent story line and new characters and one of my favorite series in this genre. Cannot wait for the next book to see what retribution the Chief can bring with his newly discovered toy.
September 29, 2023
Don't pass this series by!
I've been stuck on this series to the point of failing to read and review f9r another author. I just can't put it down. There are so many ways this has been so original from any of the hundreds(easily) of zompocalypse books and series I've read. I won't give spoilers, read it for yourself!
I will say it answered a bunch of questions that other zombie authors don't think to address. I will also say that the quality and book length are consistent throughout the series unlike many others I've read that seem to get shorter and less literate as you go. Enjoy!
I've been stuck on this series to the point of failing to read and review f9r another author. I just can't put it down. There are so many ways this has been so original from any of the hundreds(easily) of zompocalypse books and series I've read. I won't give spoilers, read it for yourself!
I will say it answered a bunch of questions that other zombie authors don't think to address. I will also say that the quality and book length are consistent throughout the series unlike many others I've read that seem to get shorter and less literate as you go. Enjoy!
April 10, 2022
What a great series!
Bob Howard has become one of my favorite authors of zombie books. Every book in the Infected Dead series was very well-written, exciting, and totally enjoyable to read. The story lines are exciting and draws you in. I just don't want to stop reading them. I love his characters and their personalities. Every book in the series, so far, has been equally amazing. I can't wait to read the next book and I hope he continues to write more books. I definitely recommend read his books.
Bob Howard has become one of my favorite authors of zombie books. Every book in the Infected Dead series was very well-written, exciting, and totally enjoyable to read. The story lines are exciting and draws you in. I just don't want to stop reading them. I love his characters and their personalities. Every book in the series, so far, has been equally amazing. I can't wait to read the next book and I hope he continues to write more books. I definitely recommend read his books.
January 29, 2021
My most favorite Post Apocalyptic Series!!!
I’ve read just about all of them and hands down the most moving is “The Infected Dead” series. Start with book I, you won’t be sorry. I’m an over the road trucker and my daughter is moving to South Carolina. At least I’ll be able to spend my home times in a state where the future hasn’t happened...yet? Love you all and thank you Bob Howard!
I’ve read just about all of them and hands down the most moving is “The Infected Dead” series. Start with book I, you won’t be sorry. I’m an over the road trucker and my daughter is moving to South Carolina. At least I’ll be able to spend my home times in a state where the future hasn’t happened...yet? Love you all and thank you Bob Howard!
January 24, 2022
Excellent series
I only review books that I consider outstanding in some way. So if you like to read books about apocalyptic situations, read this series of books. The author has a very different way of imaging the kind of situations his survivors will encounter. It is a refreshing but the books also draw you in with excellent character development. There are only a few main characters with a thinly drawn back story. Bravo, Mr Howard!!!
I only review books that I consider outstanding in some way. So if you like to read books about apocalyptic situations, read this series of books. The author has a very different way of imaging the kind of situations his survivors will encounter. It is a refreshing but the books also draw you in with excellent character development. There are only a few main characters with a thinly drawn back story. Bravo, Mr Howard!!!
March 2, 2021
More please
This series is one of those stories that make you wonder which author wrote your favorite story.
I will say if you are a fan of the zombie apocalypse genre don't skip this story. If you do you need a good slap.
This series is one of those stories that make you wonder which author wrote your favorite story.
I will say if you are a fan of the zombie apocalypse genre don't skip this story. If you do you need a good slap.
December 17, 2020
Addictive
Excellent read as always! I never want the book to end. The series is amazing. You feel like you are part of the story. When is the next one being released??
Excellent read as always! I never want the book to end. The series is amazing. You feel like you are part of the story. When is the next one being released??
March 7, 2021
Another great book in the series
Simply an exciting and detailed read.
Great series and can't wait for the next installment..............any idea when it will be?
Simply an exciting and detailed read.
Great series and can't wait for the next installment..............any idea when it will be?
July 19, 2021
Please continue
Please , more of this wonderful series. Best I have ever read, and I am 70!! I could scarcely put it down. 5++ stars.
Please , more of this wonderful series. Best I have ever read, and I am 70!! I could scarcely put it down. 5++ stars.
March 4, 2022
looovvvved it!
This one actually had me so in the story that I cried tears of happiness for the characters. Yeah, it’s that hood, read it and see.
This one actually had me so in the story that I cried tears of happiness for the characters. Yeah, it’s that hood, read it and see.
October 30, 2022
Returned for Now ( The Infected Dead book8)
The Mud Island crew save the day again, Bob Howard’s books are hard to put down, totally enjoyed this latest adventure 10 out of 10.
The Mud Island crew save the day again, Bob Howard’s books are hard to put down, totally enjoyed this latest adventure 10 out of 10.
March 31, 2026
Awesome book
Every book I have read of Bob Howard’s has been outstanding! He really knows how to draw a reader in and keep the attention going!
Every book I have read of Bob Howard’s has been outstanding! He really knows how to draw a reader in and keep the attention going!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews