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Extinction Survival #3
Cost of Survival
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
John Eric Carver and Shrek have fought their way through a viral apocalypse and into the aftermath. Working with fifty other survivors in the remote mountains outside of San Diego, they have created a community safe from the monsters called Variants. But outside their small haven, giant packs of the beasts roam the cities in search of humans to feed their insatiable appetite.
On a supply run, Carver and Shrek encounter several of these packs before they make a startling discovery. Some of the Variants are mutating from the release of radiation on a naval vessel, transforming the crew into abominations that can fly. Carver knows these new mutations threaten their home and survivors around the world.
Once again, the retired war dog team heads out to fight what they fear the most to protect the lives of those they love. But this time the enemy is more cunning and evil than ever before. It will take more than bullets to stop these beasts.
John Eric Carver and Shrek have fought their way through a viral apocalypse and into the aftermath. Working with fifty other survivors in the remote mountains outside of San Diego, they have created a community safe from the monsters called Variants. But outside their small haven, giant packs of the beasts roam the cities in search of humans to feed their insatiable appetite.
On a supply run, Carver and Shrek encounter several of these packs before they make a startling discovery. Some of the Variants are mutating from the release of radiation on a naval vessel, transforming the crew into abominations that can fly. Carver knows these new mutations threaten their home and survivors around the world.
Once again, the retired war dog team heads out to fight what they fear the most to protect the lives of those they love. But this time the enemy is more cunning and evil than ever before. It will take more than bullets to stop these beasts.
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Published March 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2022
This third part of the adventures of Shrek and his master is not the most exciting of the series. I found the book terribly long. The characters are nothing exceptional and the inflation of the number of protagonists, the incessant changes of points of view tend to slow down the rhythm of the book.
It remains perfectly readable, and the main plot of the story is interesting, the universe is coherent and quite solid. (Credible, no, but post-ap readers have to make an effort on this level. But from the point of view of military tactics, armament, it is extremely convincing.)
I will read the following up because I want to know how the story end, but it is very likely that I will skim over all the romance (sometimes confusingly naive) and human interactions in the camps (terribly flat) to concentrate on the action scenes.
It remains perfectly readable, and the main plot of the story is interesting, the universe is coherent and quite solid. (Credible, no, but post-ap readers have to make an effort on this level. But from the point of view of military tactics, armament, it is extremely convincing.)
I will read the following up because I want to know how the story end, but it is very likely that I will skim over all the romance (sometimes confusingly naive) and human interactions in the camps (terribly flat) to concentrate on the action scenes.
December 3, 2020
Really, Walt? I don’t recall the first 2 books being as overtly chauvinistic as parts of this one were.
A ship’s captain staring out to sea, pondering how the female’s chores will increase or become harder when electricity is lost.
A woman being questioned why she isn’t wearing “any of the makeup we found”.
All the while, grown, trained male soldiers act like teenagers. Playing juvenile pranks on each other, and there’s no shortage of bodily function humor.
With those shortfalls aside, it’s a decent and fairly realistic viral apocalypse trope.
A ship’s captain staring out to sea, pondering how the female’s chores will increase or become harder when electricity is lost.
A woman being questioned why she isn’t wearing “any of the makeup we found”.
All the while, grown, trained male soldiers act like teenagers. Playing juvenile pranks on each other, and there’s no shortage of bodily function humor.
With those shortfalls aside, it’s a decent and fairly realistic viral apocalypse trope.
December 13, 2020
Fantastic!! I absolutely love this series!
Strange that i did not care for the original series that this series is based off, by Nicolas Stansbury Smith, and i only read 2 or 3 of those 7. But i love these!
I already purchased the next book inthe series and wish there were more.
Strange that i did not care for the original series that this series is based off, by Nicolas Stansbury Smith, and i only read 2 or 3 of those 7. But i love these!
I already purchased the next book inthe series and wish there were more.
April 21, 2025
My actual rating is 4.9 stars.
The narrative draws its inspiration from the acclaimed "Extinction Cycle" novels by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, which compellingly highlight the Variants as a formidable threat to humanity's survival. The characters, while original, resonate with familiar archetypes found in action-packed literature, blending suspense and romance as they triumph over adversity. Set against a backdrop that feels both authentic and personal, this storyline captivates readers.
The powerful assertion, "Fear does not stop death. It stops life," underscores a key theme throughout the tale.
The plot revolves around John Eric Carver and his trusty companion Shrek as they emerge from a devastating viral apocalypse. In the remote mountains near San Diego, they've built a thriving community with fifty other survivors, providing a safe haven from the relentless creatures known as Variants. However, outside their fortified refuge, packs of these monstrous beings roam the cities, relentlessly hunting for human prey.
During a critical supply run, Carver and Shrek confront these Variant packs and make a groundbreaking discovery: some Variants have begun to mutate due to radiation from a naval vessel, transforming crew members into terrifying creatures with the ability to fly. Carver understands that these new mutations pose an existential threat to their community and survivors worldwide.
Once again, the seasoned war dog team is prepared to confront their deepest fears to protect their loved ones. This time, however, they face an enemy that is more cunning and malevolent than ever before. Overcoming this threat will require strategies that extend beyond traditional firepower.
Readers often feel a profound connection to the characters, and losing a long-standing one can be particularly impactful, especially when their exit is portrayed as a choice rather than an imposition. It's this depth and emotional resonance that keeps audiences eagerly returning for more thrilling adventures.
The narrative draws its inspiration from the acclaimed "Extinction Cycle" novels by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, which compellingly highlight the Variants as a formidable threat to humanity's survival. The characters, while original, resonate with familiar archetypes found in action-packed literature, blending suspense and romance as they triumph over adversity. Set against a backdrop that feels both authentic and personal, this storyline captivates readers.
The powerful assertion, "Fear does not stop death. It stops life," underscores a key theme throughout the tale.
The plot revolves around John Eric Carver and his trusty companion Shrek as they emerge from a devastating viral apocalypse. In the remote mountains near San Diego, they've built a thriving community with fifty other survivors, providing a safe haven from the relentless creatures known as Variants. However, outside their fortified refuge, packs of these monstrous beings roam the cities, relentlessly hunting for human prey.
During a critical supply run, Carver and Shrek confront these Variant packs and make a groundbreaking discovery: some Variants have begun to mutate due to radiation from a naval vessel, transforming crew members into terrifying creatures with the ability to fly. Carver understands that these new mutations pose an existential threat to their community and survivors worldwide.
Once again, the seasoned war dog team is prepared to confront their deepest fears to protect their loved ones. This time, however, they face an enemy that is more cunning and malevolent than ever before. Overcoming this threat will require strategies that extend beyond traditional firepower.
Readers often feel a profound connection to the characters, and losing a long-standing one can be particularly impactful, especially when their exit is portrayed as a choice rather than an imposition. It's this depth and emotional resonance that keeps audiences eagerly returning for more thrilling adventures.
March 25, 2021
After the battle for Coronado, we find Captain John Carver, Shrek the ever-faithful Belgian Malinois war dog, the remnants of Team Ghost, family, and friends in Lost Valley Boyscout Camp north of the Los Coyotes Reservation. After weeks with no contact, they receive a distress radio call from the USS Freedom (LCS-1), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship that was bingo fuel and searching for assistance. The Lost Valley group had become comfortable with their location and lack of Variants. Now they must decide whether to help the USS Freedom attain fuel or evacuate the seamen to their site. Variants continue to be as much of a problem as always. In circumstances to come, even worse. As the Variants evolved, the Alphas became bigger, stronger, and more intelligent. When you include a dose of radiation they become even more frightening. As you will see. The action is non-stop and furious This series remains one of the best I have read or listened to. I can’t wait for the next volume! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 29, 2023
Simplistic military post-apocalyptic series continues with solid military lingo. The righteous vs the monsters and empty characters just trying to survive. I think it would make sense that there should be more military personnel in the population of survivors as the "operators" would have a running start in preparedness. Even though the military hierarchy might get them killed with stupid orders.
The beautiful nature of California, the sea and Catalina island, but especially the high tempo tactically choreographed action sequences would benefit from a visual medium like a TV miniseries. As a book I find it a bit frustrating.
By simplistic I mean it's a straight up good vs bad, no ambiguity, just the bad to shoot at. This is a dream scenario for the generic gun-nut yeehaw from the US south. The target audience for this book is the fans of toxic positive military fantasies like Battle: Los Angeles or Battleship. In this sf world guns are the answer to all questions. I believe it could also work for fans of endless Warhammer bolter p0rn.
The beautiful nature of California, the sea and Catalina island, but especially the high tempo tactically choreographed action sequences would benefit from a visual medium like a TV miniseries. As a book I find it a bit frustrating.
By simplistic I mean it's a straight up good vs bad, no ambiguity, just the bad to shoot at. This is a dream scenario for the generic gun-nut yeehaw from the US south. The target audience for this book is the fans of toxic positive military fantasies like Battle: Los Angeles or Battleship. In this sf world guns are the answer to all questions. I believe it could also work for fans of endless Warhammer bolter p0rn.
December 29, 2023
Of the first three books, this is hands down my favorite installment thus far. The action is constant and engaging. The characters are fleshed out and relevant enough to care about each one of them and what they are living through. The image I really got of this world was reminiscent of the game Dying Light, which is excellent, and helped me textualize the details of the horror scape. The military storyline is great, and the fall of civilization is really well done here. The heroes are not over done, but Shrek, the ghost dog is. I'm excited to start the fourth and final book in this spin off series, and find out how it all ends.
October 25, 2020
A true identity of Survival
The series just keep getting better with book has never what the people and dog will to insure everyone live another day. The plot really picks up pace this novel has where speeed threw a whoe year to get to the more dangerous evolutions of the Variants do I do wonder why the author hasn’t shown any Juveniles like the main series and the lack of contact from the military is strange has in the main they where already working aging by this point but the last might have the answer.
The series just keep getting better with book has never what the people and dog will to insure everyone live another day. The plot really picks up pace this novel has where speeed threw a whoe year to get to the more dangerous evolutions of the Variants do I do wonder why the author hasn’t shown any Juveniles like the main series and the lack of contact from the military is strange has in the main they where already working aging by this point but the last might have the answer.
March 24, 2020
This is an amazing story on many levels. Intense action and suspense peppered with well-developed characters and plot lines. Some of my favorites are the endearing scenes between Carver and his amazing war-dog, a Belgian Malinois named Shrek (who also has his own delightful doggy Point of View). The Alpha Variants continue to mutate into a more intelligent and frightening species as humans slip farther down the apex predator ladder. This co-authored series is well worth reading.
April 24, 2020
So far this series has been a top-rate zombie-ish (they are Variants and not zombies) series. I would be fine with being in the company of Shrek and his human sidekick, Carver. It was starting to take on a bit of a formulaic theme of need-to-clear an area, get-into-trouble-while-clearing, get-out-by-the-skin-of-our-teeth, but it is still well told. The end clearly sets up a major confrontation with the humans and the evolving Variants.
April 18, 2020
This book totally captured my imagination. I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn't put it down till I finished it. I loved every minute of it . I can't wait to see what's in store for the old and new characters . I loved how it left the story kinda dangling so my imagination can run wild while waiting for the next book to come out. I just hope I'm not waiting too long.
April 19, 2020
This series just keeps getting better with each book. If you like a fast pace and a whole lot of action and really awesome characters, then look no further and start reading this series. I really appreciate that this writer does not feel the need to kill everyone off in each book. Can’t wait for the next book.
June 28, 2020
It's always nice to see a series that started well continue to impress throughout each book. This series is as good as the original with a different set of characters in a different environment.
I really enjoy the following the characters as the battle for survival without the benefits of a strong military resources behind them.
I'm eagerly awaiting book four.
I really enjoy the following the characters as the battle for survival without the benefits of a strong military resources behind them.
I'm eagerly awaiting book four.
May 13, 2021
Entertaining story.
You need to read the previous books for this to make any sense but the three I have read make a realistic story of life after a human made pandemic. It is more of an end of world style where people die quite unpleasantly but that is how these stories are. If you like a well written and detailed "survival" story, this is it.
You need to read the previous books for this to make any sense but the three I have read make a realistic story of life after a human made pandemic. It is more of an end of world style where people die quite unpleasantly but that is how these stories are. If you like a well written and detailed "survival" story, this is it.
June 15, 2021
Walt Browning is a great writer this series is really good and realistic. I’m happy to see that the group of characters are looking forward to the future. The addition of the new variants are amazing. They were such an unexpected twist.
May 8, 2020
I really like this series...only drawback is what I have about Kate Lovato in the main series- she and hope are kind of dull.
June 19, 2020
Great read
Good series. I enjoyed it very much. I love shrek. I enjoy the perspectives from this writer vs the original series from me smith
Good series. I enjoyed it very much. I love shrek. I enjoy the perspectives from this writer vs the original series from me smith
June 23, 2020
Great story, loving this series
June 27, 2020
Another great read!
I love Shrek, and Carver. I'd follow them in to battle anytime. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I love Shrek, and Carver. I'd follow them in to battle anytime. I can't wait to read the next installment!
September 2, 2020
Still good
I lived the book and now j have to wait until he releases the next in the series. Hope not long.
I lived the book and now j have to wait until he releases the next in the series. Hope not long.
September 29, 2021
The gripping story continues,.
Read
March 18, 2022Best yet
Related so much of this book to myself. I spent the last 2yrs of my enlistment in the Navy,stationed at the airfield on San Clements Island
Related so much of this book to myself. I spent the last 2yrs of my enlistment in the Navy,stationed at the airfield on San Clements Island
September 19, 2022
Great zombie book. These zombies are faster and smarter than other series
May 4, 2023
The apocalyptic romp is moving along. If I were a dog lover, this would probably get another star.
May 15, 2023
Awesome series. Just can't get enough. Looking forward to the next book.
August 20, 2023
The variants keep changing! That's what keeps this series going strong.
February 14, 2024
Genius
This series is my favorite! A main character being a dog is brilliant! I am rooting for him more than the humans.
This series is my favorite! A main character being a dog is brilliant! I am rooting for him more than the humans.
July 12, 2024
Not disappointed yet. Like the slow suspense with the Asp the false sense of security that has been had. I’m on to the next installment.
August 29, 2024
Exciting. Moved along at a good pace. Liked this a little more than the second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews