Symbiotic

by Alex Gates

Humankind faces extinction from hordes of monsters… but their greatest threat is themselves. Over five-hundred years have passed since the infected destroyed most of the human population. A small percentage of people live in one of four cities remaining across the globe, separated from each other by thousands of miles and mortal danger. From constant fear of attack and utter destruction, they remain within the protective plasma barriers surrounding them. The advanced and rare technology keeps the infected outside their cities. But the symbiotic dead aren’t the only threat to survival. Within the city of Giza, the Pharaoh rules the people through fear and violence. Zaria and Kieran, members of a resistance force called the Thieves, have dedicated their lives to battle against oppression and inequality, though they don’t see eye to eye on how to accomplish their goals. Kieran insists the soldiers loyal to Ramses should meet a violent end. Zaria believes in a more peaceful approach to progress. When one of their missions results in arrest and tragedy, they are separated for the first time. To survive the hell of prison, Zaria must fight. To save Zaria, Kieran must comply with the Pharaoh. To end the Pharaoh's reign, they will have to sacrifice everything. Will freedom at the cost of their values and beliefs prove too high a price to pay?

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2021

About the author

A product of Small Town, California, Alex Gates is a loving husband, skilled educator, true Gryffindor, dragon-slayer, wizard of the highest order, defender of the realm, Cowboys fan, and connoisseur of cheap beer. He spent four years at California State University, Sacramento studying literature, watching football, and day drinking before obtaining a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California.

Reviews

[Tinaliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nearly had me violently wanting to fight people for Zaria. The amount of sheer strength it took for me to not throw my ipad across the house was damn impressive. I nearly rage quit on three separate occasions. In the end, I survived this apocalyptic hell scape with too many un-answered questions and a burning rage to smash something. This maybe my most favorite book thus far from Gates and I don't see anything else topping this before the year ends. Highly fucken recommend this damned book.

Warning: This book contains violence, gore, blood, blood, and more blood. Victims of assault/rape, slavery, monsters and more blood. Oh mustn't forget the weird medical horrors.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Another review said it was to violent, but I found it very interesting. It's a mystery wondering what happened to the world, it left me wanting to continue to find out more answers. Very much enjoyed it and looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Danielle Vandehaar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could NOT get into this book. It had entirely too much going on. Not in an interestingly complex way but in a, don’t know what I am way. I wanted zombies but I got sci-fi that was disordered and without focus.

[Alan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I realize that this book is dystopian but is was depressing and very violent. I did not care for this book and stopped less than halfway through.