Dark Origins: Book One of the Apocalypse Academy

by Anthony Kallas

Dark Origins, the first book in the Apocalypse Academy trilogy, begins with a prophecy in the ancient past regarding mankind’s demise and the need for heroes to help humanity overcome. Demonic forces resurrect the Persian King Xerxes, relegating him to oversee the future destruction of mankind where a necrotic virus transforms mankind into ravaging, man eating corpses. As world governments begin to crumble, and there are no safe areas in which to survive, Project Orphan is unveiled. With a highly disciplined and militaristic understanding that the future generations of mankind must be prepared to battle this evil. Military operatives around the globe initiate offensive sorties against the undead to recruit the descendants of ancient Sparta to become the fighters of tomorrow. Their destiny foretold long ago to the Spartan King Leonidas, these teenagers are trained to become an unbreakable wall of powered armor and steel. Their training will be difficult and deadly, their battles to become legendary. That is, if they can survive the rigors and nightmares of the Apocalypse Academy to take their rightful place as the saviors of mankind.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2021

Reviews

[Rebecca Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book at a comic convention and was very excited to read a book combining a zombie apocalypse and some actual historical figures. Maybe I set my sights too high. In the book, the prologue tells us how one of the orphans is rescued. Later in the book, the story is 99% different. I really don’t think this can be explained by the drunken drill sergeant telling the story either. Also, there is a part in the story where one of the characters tells us the 3 different types of zombies. That information then goes from being known by one person to all of the sudden everyone using the same terminology. There are also plenty of spelling and grammatical errors which interrupted the flow of reading for me. This is the first book in a trilogy and even though I already have the second book, I have been in no hurry to read it. This is a solid story but with the continuity errors and the other issues the editor missed, it felt like reading a first draft.

[Matthew Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different take on Zombies and 300!

This book was captivating as it took the history of the 300 and mixed it with a zombie apocalypse. The descendants of the 300 are trained to fight the undead and any other forces that might stand in their way. I e joy the writing style and how this book focuses on their training. Definitely a great read and do recommend!

[Melanie Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally not a genre that I read, but truly enjoyed reading this book. Mixes of Greek mythology, military, zombies, and such kept the story moving and at times hard to put down. I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Kathy Davoren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was an amazing read. I had a hard time putting it down. If you can only read one book this year, this one is it. I can’t wait for the next to come out. More excited to see how they make the movie!!! Look out Harry Potter this guys great!

[Jeff Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating

Well written from the perspective of former military soldier and as one who has lived in the past. Very interesting read for me as I put myself in the position of the main character, makes you feel like you are actually there. Great book Tony! Can't wait for book 2

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on the "Zombie Apocalypse". Kallas writes from his years of experience and his characters ring with authenticity. Not to be missed, pure fun!

[Timothy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read that intertwines a pandemic, zombies, post apocalypse, military fiction, biker gangs, Greek lore and mythology, and Sparta (think 300). Can’t wait to read the next book. The characters are well fleshed out and I became invested in their background stories and what happens to them.