What do you think?
Rate this book
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age #1-4
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age #1-4
This box set includes all of Season 2:
Book 1: Extinction Shadow
Book 2: Extinction Inferno
Book 3: Extinction Ashes
Book 4: Extinction Darkness.
Survivors thought the extinction cycle had ended, but a powerful evil lurks in the shadows...
Eight years ago, an engineered virus ravaged the globe, infecting and transforming humans into apex predators called Variants. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction.
Nations banded together and heroes rose up to fight these abominations. On the front lines, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Joe “Fitz” Fitzpatrick of Delta Force Team Ghost fought against the Variant hordes. With the aid of CDC Doctor Kate Lovato, they helped lead humanity to victory.
Now, almost a decade after the end of the war, civilization has slowly clawed toward recovery. In the Allied States of America, survivors live in outposts where they have rebuilt industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The remaining Variants are believed to be dying off under destroyed cities and the abandoned frontier.
But evil and intelligent forces dwell in the shadows with the starving beasts, scheming to restart the extinction cycle and end humanity forever. And once again, Beckham, Fitz, and Kate will rise to fight them, joining forces with new heroes to try and save what’s left of the world.
READER NOTE: You don’t have to read the first 7 books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into Book 1 of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. This new season is a self-contained storyline. For returning readers, this book takes place after book 7, Extinction War.
Book 1: Extinction Shadow
Book 2: Extinction Inferno
Book 3: Extinction Ashes
Book 4: Extinction Darkness.
Survivors thought the extinction cycle had ended, but a powerful evil lurks in the shadows...
Eight years ago, an engineered virus ravaged the globe, infecting and transforming humans into apex predators called Variants. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction.
Nations banded together and heroes rose up to fight these abominations. On the front lines, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Joe “Fitz” Fitzpatrick of Delta Force Team Ghost fought against the Variant hordes. With the aid of CDC Doctor Kate Lovato, they helped lead humanity to victory.
Now, almost a decade after the end of the war, civilization has slowly clawed toward recovery. In the Allied States of America, survivors live in outposts where they have rebuilt industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The remaining Variants are believed to be dying off under destroyed cities and the abandoned frontier.
But evil and intelligent forces dwell in the shadows with the starving beasts, scheming to restart the extinction cycle and end humanity forever. And once again, Beckham, Fitz, and Kate will rise to fight them, joining forces with new heroes to try and save what’s left of the world.
READER NOTE: You don’t have to read the first 7 books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into Book 1 of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. This new season is a self-contained storyline. For returning readers, this book takes place after book 7, Extinction War.
1049 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2021
162 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,377 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 27, 2021
Wow. I did not expect to get SO invested in this story, so wrapped up in the characters and their relationships, but 23 days after starting this Dark Age series, I have to admit that I did. And I almost shed some tears at the end - an end which is written in SUCH a superb way as I haven't read one in a long time.
It's going to be more than strange now to start a new book and to not read about Beckham, Fitz, Dohi and all the others, because after the last three weeks they almost felt like family. I'll definitely miss them.
AND I sincerely hope that Mr. Sansbury-Smith will make us happy with a sequel to this :)
It's going to be more than strange now to start a new book and to not read about Beckham, Fitz, Dohi and all the others, because after the last three weeks they almost felt like family. I'll definitely miss them.
AND I sincerely hope that Mr. Sansbury-Smith will make us happy with a sequel to this :)
April 16, 2023
Taigi. Mano pirmoji military science fiction serija tad buvo įdomu patyrinėti. Gaila, negaliu spręsti, kas yra žanro standartas, o kas autoriaus individualus stilius, bet keletas momentų užsifiksavo:
• Visiškai nėra personažų. Skiriasi nebent raumenų kiekis arba turimi gabumai, tačiau ir tai nebūtinai. Kai kuriuos išskiria profesija, tačiau dėl to jie daug savitumo neįgauna. Tiesa visiems būdingas super duper pasiaukojimas ir garbės kodeksas. Čia jau matyt žanro bruožas.
• Veikėjai viską daro dėl savo šeimos, kurią sudaro vaikai, tampomi paskui pagrindinius veikėjus kaip kokie lagaminai (patys vaikai dar labiau kartoniniai, jaučiu autorius su šita žmonių forma nelabai pažįstamas), ir šunys. Ir pastarieji yra tokios svarbos, kad kai reikia nuspręsti, ką gelbėti iš puolamo miesto, pasirenkama gelbėti ne kelis bendrapiliečius, o du šunis. Bet šiaip veikėjai labai kilnūs, garbingi, bebaimiai, pasiaukojantys... Ir jie viską daro dėl šeimos ir dėl šalies. Dėl šalies net labiau nei dėl šeimos. Na ir kas, kad viskas vyksta zombių-monstrų apokalipsės aplinkoje. Juk nieko nėra švenčiau už švenčiausias Amerikos valstijas.
• Per knygą vidutiniškai žūsta po kelis kovos draugus, po ko organizuojama iškilminga ceremonija su įkvepiančiomis kalbomis tema „Amerika amžiams“. Tuo tarpu skaitytojui nuo tų mirčių per daug širdies neskauda, nes kai jie visi tokie vienodi beveidžiai, tai koks skirtumas ten buvo Jo ar Bo.
• Knygų skirstymas matyt buvo atliktas tiesiog padalinant bendrą puslapių skaičių iš keturių.
• Pabaisos kiekvienoje knygoje vis labiau stiprėja ir tobulėja. Todėl pirmoje knygoje spec komanda nudobdavo vieną monstrą ištuštindami po kelias apkabas į jo makaulę. O nuo trečios knygos jie eina viens ant vieno. Su peiliais. Nafig tie šautuvai, vyrams jų nereikia.
• Blogiečiai yra blogi. Be jokių įdomesnių kampų. Už tai prisigalvoja visokiausių įdomių puolimo taktikų ir strategijų, ko apie žmones nepasakytum. Nors sutelkiami visi geriausi protai ir mokslininkai, visa kariuomenės grietinėlė, tačiau kiekviena baisuoklių ataka pasibaigia įtvirtintų postų sunaikinimu. Nu nors pasiusk kaip jiems nesiseka.
• Nesvarbu, kokia užduotis, visas problemas gali išspręsti spec. būrys „Ghost team“!
• Kovos scenoms neturiu ko prikišti.
• Praėjus 8 metams po apokalipsės, žmonės gyvena įtvirtintuose miestuose, kurių kiekviename žmonių nuo kelių iki keliasdešimties tūkstančių, tokių miestų lyg apie 100. Tačiau kariuomenė turi visus savo žaisliukus, pradedant dronais, baigiant Black Hawk‘ais. Mokslininkai naudojasi laboratorijų įrangą, naudoja kompiuterius, tarp miestų kursuoja automobiliai, galima gauti net alaus buteliuose. Čia mane kankina abejonė – ar toks kiekis žmonių yra pakankamas išgauti reikiamas žaliavas ir pagaminti tokį kiekį technikos ir technologijų. Suprantu, daug kas surinkta iš detalių, tačiau manęs neapleidžia abejonės, ar tikrai gali veikti naftos gavyba ir kuro gamyba, IT, chemijos ir kitos šakos tokiomis aplinkybėmis. Čia tiesiog šiaip įdomu.
• Man patiko blogiečių tunelių tinklas su visais jo patobulinimais. Ir patys blogiečiai.
Sakykime taip – jei būčiau skaičiusi, būčiau sustojus ties pirma knyga, tačiau aš klausiau, o klausydama dar mėgstu kažką veikti, tai kartais visai patogu neypatingai sudėtingas siužetas/ turinys, kurį gali kartais pamesti, nes po to be vargo vėl pasigauni.
Šiaip trijų žvaigždžių turbūt nevertas, bet kol neturiu su kuo palyginti, apsistosiu ties viduriuku.
• Visiškai nėra personažų. Skiriasi nebent raumenų kiekis arba turimi gabumai, tačiau ir tai nebūtinai. Kai kuriuos išskiria profesija, tačiau dėl to jie daug savitumo neįgauna. Tiesa visiems būdingas super duper pasiaukojimas ir garbės kodeksas. Čia jau matyt žanro bruožas.
• Veikėjai viską daro dėl savo šeimos, kurią sudaro vaikai, tampomi paskui pagrindinius veikėjus kaip kokie lagaminai (patys vaikai dar labiau kartoniniai, jaučiu autorius su šita žmonių forma nelabai pažįstamas), ir šunys. Ir pastarieji yra tokios svarbos, kad kai reikia nuspręsti, ką gelbėti iš puolamo miesto, pasirenkama gelbėti ne kelis bendrapiliečius, o du šunis. Bet šiaip veikėjai labai kilnūs, garbingi, bebaimiai, pasiaukojantys... Ir jie viską daro dėl šeimos ir dėl šalies. Dėl šalies net labiau nei dėl šeimos. Na ir kas, kad viskas vyksta zombių-monstrų apokalipsės aplinkoje. Juk nieko nėra švenčiau už švenčiausias Amerikos valstijas.
• Per knygą vidutiniškai žūsta po kelis kovos draugus, po ko organizuojama iškilminga ceremonija su įkvepiančiomis kalbomis tema „Amerika amžiams“. Tuo tarpu skaitytojui nuo tų mirčių per daug širdies neskauda, nes kai jie visi tokie vienodi beveidžiai, tai koks skirtumas ten buvo Jo ar Bo.
• Knygų skirstymas matyt buvo atliktas tiesiog padalinant bendrą puslapių skaičių iš keturių.
• Pabaisos kiekvienoje knygoje vis labiau stiprėja ir tobulėja. Todėl pirmoje knygoje spec komanda nudobdavo vieną monstrą ištuštindami po kelias apkabas į jo makaulę. O nuo trečios knygos jie eina viens ant vieno. Su peiliais. Nafig tie šautuvai, vyrams jų nereikia.
• Blogiečiai yra blogi. Be jokių įdomesnių kampų. Už tai prisigalvoja visokiausių įdomių puolimo taktikų ir strategijų, ko apie žmones nepasakytum. Nors sutelkiami visi geriausi protai ir mokslininkai, visa kariuomenės grietinėlė, tačiau kiekviena baisuoklių ataka pasibaigia įtvirtintų postų sunaikinimu. Nu nors pasiusk kaip jiems nesiseka.
• Nesvarbu, kokia užduotis, visas problemas gali išspręsti spec. būrys „Ghost team“!
• Kovos scenoms neturiu ko prikišti.
• Praėjus 8 metams po apokalipsės, žmonės gyvena įtvirtintuose miestuose, kurių kiekviename žmonių nuo kelių iki keliasdešimties tūkstančių, tokių miestų lyg apie 100. Tačiau kariuomenė turi visus savo žaisliukus, pradedant dronais, baigiant Black Hawk‘ais. Mokslininkai naudojasi laboratorijų įrangą, naudoja kompiuterius, tarp miestų kursuoja automobiliai, galima gauti net alaus buteliuose. Čia mane kankina abejonė – ar toks kiekis žmonių yra pakankamas išgauti reikiamas žaliavas ir pagaminti tokį kiekį technikos ir technologijų. Suprantu, daug kas surinkta iš detalių, tačiau manęs neapleidžia abejonės, ar tikrai gali veikti naftos gavyba ir kuro gamyba, IT, chemijos ir kitos šakos tokiomis aplinkybėmis. Čia tiesiog šiaip įdomu.
• Man patiko blogiečių tunelių tinklas su visais jo patobulinimais. Ir patys blogiečiai.
Sakykime taip – jei būčiau skaičiusi, būčiau sustojus ties pirma knyga, tačiau aš klausiau, o klausydama dar mėgstu kažką veikti, tai kartais visai patogu neypatingai sudėtingas siužetas/ turinys, kurį gali kartais pamesti, nes po to be vargo vėl pasigauni.
Šiaip trijų žvaigždžių turbūt nevertas, bet kol neturiu su kuo palyginti, apsistosiu ties viduriuku.
March 16, 2021
8 years after the Extinction War was ended, the Variants have a huge surprise for the surviving members of the human race.
Master Sgt. Joe Fitzpatrick, Fitz to his friends and fellow Deltas, and Sergeant First Class Jeni Rico lead US Army Delta Force Team Ghost still fighting Variants, Alphas, and human collaborators wherever they popped up. Captain Reed Beckham and his wife Dr. Kate Lovato with their son Javier Riley Beckham live in Outpost Portland Maine with Master Sergeant Parker Horn and his two daughters Tasha and Jenny, and Apollo's four year old pups, Ginger and Spike. A hugely missed Apollo had passed quietly in his sleep just months ago from old age. President Jan Ringgold’s term as President of the Allied States of America coming to an end, a new election was forthcoming to select a new leader for the Atlantic and Midwest States. The Western United States had been surrendered to the Variants, who to all appearances were dying out.
Great strides had been made in President Ringgold's term, but the election could lead to unforgivable actions in an extermination war on the Variants. Now, when the Variants seemed to be starving out, stirring them up was not the best idea. But they might not be the party choosing, and other parties, or things, might have different ideas.
It was great seeing my old friends back together and back in action. It was sad to hear the losses and to say goodbye and pay homage to their memories. Once again the collaboration of Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri have produced a winner, another exciting combination of science and combat, authentic, high-tech actions against an enemy that seems to be smarter, stronger, faster and better suited to survive in this changed world. Maybe Team Ghost has met its match. The world of Extinction Cycle has returned!
Master Sgt. Joe Fitzpatrick, Fitz to his friends and fellow Deltas, and Sergeant First Class Jeni Rico lead US Army Delta Force Team Ghost still fighting Variants, Alphas, and human collaborators wherever they popped up. Captain Reed Beckham and his wife Dr. Kate Lovato with their son Javier Riley Beckham live in Outpost Portland Maine with Master Sergeant Parker Horn and his two daughters Tasha and Jenny, and Apollo's four year old pups, Ginger and Spike. A hugely missed Apollo had passed quietly in his sleep just months ago from old age. President Jan Ringgold’s term as President of the Allied States of America coming to an end, a new election was forthcoming to select a new leader for the Atlantic and Midwest States. The Western United States had been surrendered to the Variants, who to all appearances were dying out.
Great strides had been made in President Ringgold's term, but the election could lead to unforgivable actions in an extermination war on the Variants. Now, when the Variants seemed to be starving out, stirring them up was not the best idea. But they might not be the party choosing, and other parties, or things, might have different ideas.
It was great seeing my old friends back together and back in action. It was sad to hear the losses and to say goodbye and pay homage to their memories. Once again the collaboration of Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri have produced a winner, another exciting combination of science and combat, authentic, high-tech actions against an enemy that seems to be smarter, stronger, faster and better suited to survive in this changed world. Maybe Team Ghost has met its match. The world of Extinction Cycle has returned!
May 9, 2021
Fast Paced Action
All I can say is, WOW. From start to finish it was all grab on to the edge of the seat and hang. I had felt like she original Extinction series left me hanging but I finished book 4 at 01:30 this morning and I ain't hanging no more. If you haven't read the original Extinction series I suggest you buy it and buy this one as well because your not going to want to stop once you get started. You'll love the characters like Beckham, Kate, Horn and Fitz then you'll hate hate the villains for their cruelty and treachery. Great books, now I'm ready to see some rebuilding action. Come on Nick you know you can do q.
All I can say is, WOW. From start to finish it was all grab on to the edge of the seat and hang. I had felt like she original Extinction series left me hanging but I finished book 4 at 01:30 this morning and I ain't hanging no more. If you haven't read the original Extinction series I suggest you buy it and buy this one as well because your not going to want to stop once you get started. You'll love the characters like Beckham, Kate, Horn and Fitz then you'll hate hate the villains for their cruelty and treachery. Great books, now I'm ready to see some rebuilding action. Come on Nick you know you can do q.
April 6, 2021
You want suspense and non-stop action? This is the series that gives it all to you. The characters are unforgettable, the storyline is extremely well composed and totally believable. I have read the whole Extinction Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and enjoyed every one of them. I have also enjoyed many of the books by Anthony J Melchiorri. Getting these two great authors working on the same series was an amazing idea and the result is a series that is a must read for anyone who enjoys great apocalyptic adventure! Team Ghost is back with a vengeance!
May 25, 2021
An excellent saga with a great ending
I would say if you like stories about beating the odds and keep fighting to the bitter end, you'll love this series. The writing is very good and the storyline is great. There were a few spots where it does drag, but they are few and far between. I loved the characters, especially Big Horn, Fritz, and Dohi. The action is almost too intense. While the ending is exactly what I wanted, there was a few twists that surprised me. It's a long read, but it doesn't seem like that. I would definitely recommend it, outstanding story
I would say if you like stories about beating the odds and keep fighting to the bitter end, you'll love this series. The writing is very good and the storyline is great. There were a few spots where it does drag, but they are few and far between. I loved the characters, especially Big Horn, Fritz, and Dohi. The action is almost too intense. While the ending is exactly what I wanted, there was a few twists that surprised me. It's a long read, but it doesn't seem like that. I would definitely recommend it, outstanding story
June 25, 2021
Superb apocalyptic series!
Each of the four books in this series is well written with excellent characters in an extremely realistic world. It's packed with action, danger and very surprising twists. I would love to read more about the future in this universe. I highly recommend it as well as the Hell Divers series by the very talented author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Each of the four books in this series is well written with excellent characters in an extremely realistic world. It's packed with action, danger and very surprising twists. I would love to read more about the future in this universe. I highly recommend it as well as the Hell Divers series by the very talented author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
May 23, 2021
Good story
The first three books great The fourth lacks I was waiting for all of hands on deck you have a the extinction of the entire human race and still have plenty of people who are hiding behind the military instead of arming every one who could hold a gun was very disappointed in the end of the book
The first three books great The fourth lacks I was waiting for all of hands on deck you have a the extinction of the entire human race and still have plenty of people who are hiding behind the military instead of arming every one who could hold a gun was very disappointed in the end of the book
May 26, 2021
Non stop excitement
I have read many books by NSS and have really enjoyed each one but these 4 are by far the best. He reintroduced characters who are famous from other Sandburg stories and places them into one difficult position after another. I could not put these books down. If you love action and real heroes this book is for you!
I have read many books by NSS and have really enjoyed each one but these 4 are by far the best. He reintroduced characters who are famous from other Sandburg stories and places them into one difficult position after another. I could not put these books down. If you love action and real heroes this book is for you!
February 8, 2022
Great series. I never though that Extinction Cycle could be improved, but I was proven wrong. I liked everything about the books, except the fact that the significance of Reed's role had been reduced. I wish Azreal, the main antagonist of the series, was killed by Beckham, but I suppose giving Jan that honor was somewhat fitting.
May 25, 2021
Extinction Series
As a 70+ grandmother with no military background, I never expected to love this series - but I do! The story came to a satisfactory end, but I for one am interested in how these characters create a better future. More, please!
As a 70+ grandmother with no military background, I never expected to love this series - but I do! The story came to a satisfactory end, but I for one am interested in how these characters create a better future. More, please!
December 15, 2022
extinction cycle : Dark Ages
I have read all of the extinction books. This one has kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I did not expect Jan ring gold to perish. I would love to visit Reed, Kate, Javier and all the others just to see how far they have come.
I have read all of the extinction books. This one has kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I did not expect Jan ring gold to perish. I would love to visit Reed, Kate, Javier and all the others just to see how far they have come.
March 31, 2021
Happy day
I enjoyed this ongoing saga of the Extinction Cycle. I would enjoy more of their adventures. Keep it up. Enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this ongoing saga of the Extinction Cycle. I would enjoy more of their adventures. Keep it up. Enjoyed it.
April 3, 2021
Good
Really good loved the characters and the storyline. Will there be another? Glad the good guys won. Can't imagine how a person would so twisted to alter dna like that
Really good loved the characters and the storyline. Will there be another? Glad the good guys won. Can't imagine how a person would so twisted to alter dna like that
April 21, 2021
Extinction
e-books 1-4 was a nice set of books with lots of action. a fast read and I will buy more by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
e-books 1-4 was a nice set of books with lots of action. a fast read and I will buy more by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
June 2, 2021
Gripping and well written
I started this with some trepidation as a book on war did not seem appealing to me. I could not put it down after starting. A must read.
I started this with some trepidation as a book on war did not seem appealing to me. I could not put it down after starting. A must read.
July 11, 2021
Great yarn!
Really enjoyed this series of books. Good characters and exciting action. Would like to read more in this series. Enjoy!
Really enjoyed this series of books. Good characters and exciting action. Would like to read more in this series. Enjoy!
July 16, 2021
Outstanding read. Strong story line and powerful characters
Amazing story line paired with strong characters. I loved the pace and the action and honestly couldn’t put this down
Amazing story line paired with strong characters. I loved the pace and the action and honestly couldn’t put this down
July 17, 2021
One fine read !
This story of the extinction cycle will grab you and before you know it
Have become a part of the battle to save human life . A real fine read.!
This story of the extinction cycle will grab you and before you know it
Have become a part of the battle to save human life . A real fine read.!
April 8, 2022
Pretty good series, Well written, great imagination.
May 4, 2021
Great addition to the series
This whole entire series is amazing. I have read/listened and re-read/re-listened too many times to count. It can be read alone or with the first season, but I’d highly recommend reading the whole thing from the start. It’s a great journey to take. While you’re at it do yourself a favor and grab The Tide series by Anthony Melchiorri, you’re guaranteed tons of hours of great apocalyptic entertainment with these two tales.
This whole entire series is amazing. I have read/listened and re-read/re-listened too many times to count. It can be read alone or with the first season, but I’d highly recommend reading the whole thing from the start. It’s a great journey to take. While you’re at it do yourself a favor and grab The Tide series by Anthony Melchiorri, you’re guaranteed tons of hours of great apocalyptic entertainment with these two tales.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews