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The Old Man and the End of the World: Book One: Things Fall Apart
Mysterious spores spread across the Earth, unseen, undetected. They embed in the sinuses, move to the brain, and colonize the entire nervous system. When the takeover is complete, they kill the host and animate the body, making them truly undead, flesh-devouring zombies.As the pandemic spreads the world becomes aware of the peril, but there is no cure, and there is no refuge. Society crumbles, governments search in vain for solutions, and individuals around the world struggle to save themselves and the people they love. Watch as a grizzled old ex-Marine outside Chicago, a Cossack firefighter from the Siberian Arctic, a twelve-year-old sword-wielding Japanese schoolgirl, a policeman from Cairo, a primate researcher in the Congo and many others struggle for survival against the impending apocalypse. WHAT REVIEWERS ARE “Just finished The Old Man & the End of The World. It's the best zombie novel I've ever read and I've read a lot! I cannot wait for the next book!”“Absolutely loved this book. It is so well written with thorough research and honestly a completely believable plot on how zombies could someday become a reality. I love the different story lines where the author takes you all over the world to experience the different views and struggles people in the same pandemic. You will fall in love with the characters he builds and root for them as they navigate their new world. This is a must read for anyone who loves sci fi. I cannot wait for book 2!”“I love this series! Zombies and great characters written with so much detail and fun! If you love zombies and a complex story with fascinating people this is it. The author doesn't rush into his story's taking his time to build everything but not in a way that you are bored. One of the best series I've read in a long time.”“Unless I'm interested in the characters in a zompoc book I don't care who the zombies eat. Billionaire Navy Seal? I'm secretly cheering for the zombies. Prepper with ten years’ worth of supplies and an underground bunker? Get 'em zombies! Disabled retired old man, or skinny little Japanese teenager, now we have a story! This is not the book you want to pick up in the evening if you need a good night’s sleep. I kept telling myself "Just one more chapter" until I finished it!”"This is really a fantastic book! I couldn’t put it down. Let me preface this by saying I've read a lot of post-apocalyptic, empty world, zombie type novels, and this one is right at the top of the list. It’s extremely readable and really provides a fresh perspective. Character development was very good. I often found myself using google maps to view the areas that the character was in, just to get a perspective on what they were seeing and going through. Even if you aren’t a fan of this genre, I think you will enjoy the read. Can’t wait for the next in the series!"“I loved this book! Great characters and well developed, this novel was one that I could not put down. Plan on reading it straight through...it's going to grab hold of you and not let go. It's well written and thoughtful; it makes sense, following a logical stream of development and thinking. I read zombie/apocalypse/pandemic books all the time (a few every week). I like heaps of them. I love only some and bother to review even fewer...the really good ones. This one is worth your time and your energy. The characters are going to hold your attention and leave you wanting even more. I did not want this story to end...and now I have hope that there will be a book 2 for me to dig into.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2021
250 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
William Harrison
241 books6 followersWilliam Harrison (18 April 1534 – 24 April 1593) was an English clergyman.
Harrison entered Christ Church, Oxford and in 1560 was awarded his Bachelor's degree. Continuing his theological studies at Cambridge, Harrison took the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in 1571. In the same year he was instituted vicar of Wimbish in Essex. Harrison also held positions at another two London parishes. Near the end of his life, Harrison received an appointment as a canon at St. George's Chapel at Windsor, city wherehe was buried in 1593.
Harrison has principally been known for his "Description of England", first published in 1577 as part of "Holinshed's Chronicle". This work enumerated England's geographic, economic, social, religious and political features and represents an important source for historians interested in life in Elizabethan England. He gathered his facts from books, letters, maps, the notes of John Leland, and conversations with antiquaries and local historians like his friends John Stow and William Camden. He also used his own observation, experience and wit, and wrote in a conversational tone without pedantry, which has made the work a Harvard Classic. The result is a compendium of Elizabethan England during the youth of William Shakespeare. "No work of the time contains so vivid and picturesque a sketch," was the assessment of The Cambridge History of English and American Literature.
Harrison also wrote a number of unpublished manuscripts, including The Great English Chronologie. This work traced fortunes of the Christian church in history, stretching from creation to his own time. In the Chronologie, Harrison revealed his sympathy with the Calvinist perspective of those seeking to reform the Church of England. At the same time, Harrison also indicated his distrust of the political intentions of England's Puritans and his ultimate loyalty to England's ecclesiastical authorities.
Harrison entered Christ Church, Oxford and in 1560 was awarded his Bachelor's degree. Continuing his theological studies at Cambridge, Harrison took the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in 1571. In the same year he was instituted vicar of Wimbish in Essex. Harrison also held positions at another two London parishes. Near the end of his life, Harrison received an appointment as a canon at St. George's Chapel at Windsor, city wherehe was buried in 1593.
Harrison has principally been known for his "Description of England", first published in 1577 as part of "Holinshed's Chronicle". This work enumerated England's geographic, economic, social, religious and political features and represents an important source for historians interested in life in Elizabethan England. He gathered his facts from books, letters, maps, the notes of John Leland, and conversations with antiquaries and local historians like his friends John Stow and William Camden. He also used his own observation, experience and wit, and wrote in a conversational tone without pedantry, which has made the work a Harvard Classic. The result is a compendium of Elizabethan England during the youth of William Shakespeare. "No work of the time contains so vivid and picturesque a sketch," was the assessment of The Cambridge History of English and American Literature.
Harrison also wrote a number of unpublished manuscripts, including The Great English Chronologie. This work traced fortunes of the Christian church in history, stretching from creation to his own time. In the Chronologie, Harrison revealed his sympathy with the Calvinist perspective of those seeking to reform the Church of England. At the same time, Harrison also indicated his distrust of the political intentions of England's Puritans and his ultimate loyalty to England's ecclesiastical authorities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 3, 2021
A grim tale of of a worldwide zombie pandemic, with the dead rising in every part of the world. Chief among the protagonists is a winter warrior who's long sensed trouble on the horizon, even if the precise nature of the collapse - flesh eating abominations hungry for the living - surprise and horrify everyone.
But the Old Man hasn't run out of tricks by a long shot, he's thought of everything and he's got cunning and grit to spare when rising to this last and biggest challenge. Definitely pick this one up and give it a shot.
But the Old Man hasn't run out of tricks by a long shot, he's thought of everything and he's got cunning and grit to spare when rising to this last and biggest challenge. Definitely pick this one up and give it a shot.
May 4, 2022
Enjoyed the book EXCEPT for the authors political.views
Since the Republican party spent 4 years trying to ignore and proclaim Covid was a hoax, writers of world killing viruses should refrain from portraying Dems as out of touch with science. Stupidity and bravery crosses party lines. You listening to this, authors? Unless essential to the story politics are like buttholes: we all have one but no one wants yo read about yours
Since the Republican party spent 4 years trying to ignore and proclaim Covid was a hoax, writers of world killing viruses should refrain from portraying Dems as out of touch with science. Stupidity and bravery crosses party lines. You listening to this, authors? Unless essential to the story politics are like buttholes: we all have one but no one wants yo read about yours
February 2, 2022
As a reader, I loved how both the major and minor characters were developed. Getting to know them and in some cases their histories, and following their experiences truly captivated me. It reminded me of the way Stephen King handled the various groups of characters in "The Stand"... a book I've read three times. Of course the storyline also held me captive and I immediately downloaded the next of the trilogy.
As a writer, I'm simply in awe. It's difficult to imagine how many details are from personal experience and how much exhausting research must have been done. Even just keeping track of the timeline can sometimes be daunting when writing (as I've discovered). I applaud the amazing work that I know went into creating this wonderful work of art!
As a writer, I'm simply in awe. It's difficult to imagine how many details are from personal experience and how much exhausting research must have been done. Even just keeping track of the timeline can sometimes be daunting when writing (as I've discovered). I applaud the amazing work that I know went into creating this wonderful work of art!
December 19, 2021
Promising premise, but....
Offered an intriguing premise to the stale zombie apocalypse plot line, but the book was almost ruined by heavy-handed political polemics
Offered an intriguing premise to the stale zombie apocalypse plot line, but the book was almost ruined by heavy-handed political polemics
February 4, 2022
I love zombie books. Can't get enough of them, actually. This specific book falls into a category unto itself, primarily because of the immense amount of research the author has put into his world-building. Suspending your disbelief is easy to do when you've got this much detail into a fictional universe. It was a thrilling, slow-building story where I learned a lot, almost on every page. The experience of reading this is akin to reading World War Z, in how real everything feels. Highly recommend!
February 26, 2022
Beyond Good!!
Ive read dozens of TEOTWAWKI novels but this is one of only two that got in my head and my heart. When an author can make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up at imagined tragedy the next he has done his job. Mr Harrison has succeeded brilliantly, but that's no surprise. He's the "Best Ever". If you don't believe it just ask him! ( Read his author's bio to hear about an AMAZING man) Beautifully done, Sir.
For all you dystopian story lovers out there, Don't miss this one!
Ive read dozens of TEOTWAWKI novels but this is one of only two that got in my head and my heart. When an author can make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up at imagined tragedy the next he has done his job. Mr Harrison has succeeded brilliantly, but that's no surprise. He's the "Best Ever". If you don't believe it just ask him! ( Read his author's bio to hear about an AMAZING man) Beautifully done, Sir.
For all you dystopian story lovers out there, Don't miss this one!
April 6, 2021
Just finished The Old Man & the End of The World. It's the best zombie novel I've ever read and I've read a lot! I really liked the way you went to different countries, telling people's stories as the infection starts to take hold. I cannot wait for the next book & I want to thank you for gifting me a copy of this book.
April 24, 2021
A very well written and intriguing story. Easy to start but hard to put down as the book continues as the story takes place in several locations. Great characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Zombies!
May 17, 2021
An amazing take on the zombie apocalypse!
I'm glad I bought this book and look forward to the next! The characters are well developed and the tale is top notch! Not your average zombie and I'm dying to find out how it all began!
I'm glad I bought this book and look forward to the next! The characters are well developed and the tale is top notch! Not your average zombie and I'm dying to find out how it all began!
July 27, 2021
Fantastic!
This one of the best apocalyptic books I have read! I really enjoyed how we see how things start, how the various government responds and how our characters respond. Can't wait to read the next one!
This one of the best apocalyptic books I have read! I really enjoyed how we see how things start, how the various government responds and how our characters respond. Can't wait to read the next one!
October 5, 2021
Great addition to the genre
I love this book! Very well written and great character building. So many contributions to this genre and this is a cut above the rest. Excited to read the rest of the series.
I love this book! Very well written and great character building. So many contributions to this genre and this is a cut above the rest. Excited to read the rest of the series.
June 20, 2022
Decent read. Good story. A bit too much right wing/ republican bias lowered my enjoyment somewhat
December 22, 2022
I loved this!
This is a refreshing look at an end of the world scenario that I haven’t seen done. Not a virus, but a spore. The question is…where did it come from? You start to itch and the next thing you know you’re tearing off your clothes and trying to eat people.
I love Owen. He’s an old ex Marine and tough as nails. And he knows what he’s doing.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
This is a refreshing look at an end of the world scenario that I haven’t seen done. Not a virus, but a spore. The question is…where did it come from? You start to itch and the next thing you know you’re tearing off your clothes and trying to eat people.
I love Owen. He’s an old ex Marine and tough as nails. And he knows what he’s doing.
I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
March 29, 2022
surprisingly good 😊
Surprise at house much I enjoyed this even with all the telling. It could do with a once over but I loved the story and the characters and far out now I gotta hope there’s a book 2! There better be a book 2!
Surprise at house much I enjoyed this even with all the telling. It could do with a once over but I loved the story and the characters and far out now I gotta hope there’s a book 2! There better be a book 2!
January 13, 2022
Not a book, just a bunch of scattered vignettes
I really tried to like this book, as it is in my favorite genre. I stopped counting at 20 characters and no longer cared much about what happened to them. I just couldn’t keep track. I skimmed through the second half of the book and I’m going to go onto book 2, hoping it gets into just a couple of characters and their survival methods. It’s a shame, because what’s here is well written.
I really tried to like this book, as it is in my favorite genre. I stopped counting at 20 characters and no longer cared much about what happened to them. I just couldn’t keep track. I skimmed through the second half of the book and I’m going to go onto book 2, hoping it gets into just a couple of characters and their survival methods. It’s a shame, because what’s here is well written.
May 16, 2021
Loved this book!
I really enjoyed this book! Very modern and current in these times. I loved all the different characters and tales from all over the globe. I cannot wait for the second instalment? Brilliant!
I really enjoyed this book! Very modern and current in these times. I loved all the different characters and tales from all over the globe. I cannot wait for the second instalment? Brilliant!
August 12, 2021
I was unable to come even close to getting into this book. It seemed to have too much going on with so little meaning as to moving the story along. Did not finish and have no plans to look into this author's other works.
December 18, 2021
A must read
I like when the stories start at the beginning. Likable characters, well developed. Plausible scenario. The zombies are a different twist and the plot gives good action without being over done. Give it a try I think you'll enjoy it.
I like when the stories start at the beginning. Likable characters, well developed. Plausible scenario. The zombies are a different twist and the plot gives good action without being over done. Give it a try I think you'll enjoy it.
August 16, 2022
Amazing! I’d give it more stars if I could!
This is such a great book! I’m not great at writing reviews but I’m going to do my best. Just read the book! If you like apocalypse type books I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all. This is one of the best books I’ve read in quite awhile. I only thought I had read some good books recently…they may have been good but this one is Great!! It has it all…at least everything you’d want in a zom-poc book and more. I like how the whole world is described in this book. How the “infection” is taking over different parts of the world and how different places and people are reacting to it. There’s parts that are tear jerkers…definitely had tears in my eyes during certain parts. Love. Action. Family. A little betrayal. Seriously it has it all. The government trying to tell their people how to become preppers so that maybe the survivors will have a future. The author has a pretty great writing style. There’s no big plot holes. No noticeable grammar errors. The way the science is explained completely makes sense. You understand this disease by the end of the book. I’m not sure what else I need to say to make you want to pick up a copy and read it…just do it!!
This is such a great book! I’m not great at writing reviews but I’m going to do my best. Just read the book! If you like apocalypse type books I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all. This is one of the best books I’ve read in quite awhile. I only thought I had read some good books recently…they may have been good but this one is Great!! It has it all…at least everything you’d want in a zom-poc book and more. I like how the whole world is described in this book. How the “infection” is taking over different parts of the world and how different places and people are reacting to it. There’s parts that are tear jerkers…definitely had tears in my eyes during certain parts. Love. Action. Family. A little betrayal. Seriously it has it all. The government trying to tell their people how to become preppers so that maybe the survivors will have a future. The author has a pretty great writing style. There’s no big plot holes. No noticeable grammar errors. The way the science is explained completely makes sense. You understand this disease by the end of the book. I’m not sure what else I need to say to make you want to pick up a copy and read it…just do it!!
August 16, 2022
Really good!
At first, as there is so much characters, it can be confusing, but what I really liked is the fact that, even if a protagonist is only present for a chapter, there is always some substance or a back story about them. That story differs from the cliché post-apocalyptic zombies stories that we are used to read: first, the pandemic took time to take over the world. Second, there is no real bad-ass vilain that take over an entire region and terrorizes and kill all the good people. And third, even if there is a « soldier » among the main characters, he's not a bad-ass taciturn super-hero that resolves everything with guns and shear strength and get to get the super hot girl. Hell, he's 70!
At first, as there is so much characters, it can be confusing, but what I really liked is the fact that, even if a protagonist is only present for a chapter, there is always some substance or a back story about them. That story differs from the cliché post-apocalyptic zombies stories that we are used to read: first, the pandemic took time to take over the world. Second, there is no real bad-ass vilain that take over an entire region and terrorizes and kill all the good people. And third, even if there is a « soldier » among the main characters, he's not a bad-ass taciturn super-hero that resolves everything with guns and shear strength and get to get the super hot girl. Hell, he's 70!
January 31, 2022
brilliant book!
I absolutely love this book and cannot wait to jump into number two. Such great writing and thorough coverage of the start of the infection from all around the globe. Has a similar feel to World War Z, but from the beginning and middle of the action instead of looking back. Love the Old Man and his story as well as the raw look at how society would deal with an outbreak of this magnitude- like with human rights activists fighting for the infected! (so believable seeing how people have reacted to COVID). On to number two!
I absolutely love this book and cannot wait to jump into number two. Such great writing and thorough coverage of the start of the infection from all around the globe. Has a similar feel to World War Z, but from the beginning and middle of the action instead of looking back. Love the Old Man and his story as well as the raw look at how society would deal with an outbreak of this magnitude- like with human rights activists fighting for the infected! (so believable seeing how people have reacted to COVID). On to number two!
May 1, 2022
Mysterious pathogen creates zombies.
It was a good idea. Prepper believes unseen aliens sprayed Earth with the virus. I read half of it. This author is certainly knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics and has done some research. There was a lot of lengthy descriptions, intricate details, and background information. So much so that it seemed that we would never get on with the story. In some novels you are just dying to know what happens next, or they are scientifically fascinating or wildly imaginative. This is not that.
It was a good idea. Prepper believes unseen aliens sprayed Earth with the virus. I read half of it. This author is certainly knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics and has done some research. There was a lot of lengthy descriptions, intricate details, and background information. So much so that it seemed that we would never get on with the story. In some novels you are just dying to know what happens next, or they are scientifically fascinating or wildly imaginative. This is not that.
July 21, 2022
crazy good
I am giving it 5.....even if the characters were "South side" "Texas" ...... Just in USA why use the MOST ENGLISH NARRATOR THERE WAS TO FIND? LOL....but....
The narrator was such a good story teller I had to forgive the stop for "bag of crisps"
The author does have great character mbuld up, did not try to be a comedian or make the plots into corny romance novel. There was a perfect mingle of all real human emotion and reaction.
I loved and will be staring book 2
And read the Author of it does not make a double take and than a laugh then you are a tuff one!!😊
I am giving it 5.....even if the characters were "South side" "Texas" ...... Just in USA why use the MOST ENGLISH NARRATOR THERE WAS TO FIND? LOL....but....
The narrator was such a good story teller I had to forgive the stop for "bag of crisps"
The author does have great character mbuld up, did not try to be a comedian or make the plots into corny romance novel. There was a perfect mingle of all real human emotion and reaction.
I loved and will be staring book 2
And read the Author of it does not make a double take and than a laugh then you are a tuff one!!😊
November 17, 2022
unbelievably impressive
This book impressed me beyond belief. Quite possibly one of the best zombie books I’ve ever read, the research is impeccable, and the storytelling rivals Stephen King.
The complex interweaving of characters is incredibly well done, and you find yourself getting invested in each, and everyone of them… Even though they usually die by the end of the chapter. Lol.
I’m really excited to see more of this rambunctious old man. And I won’t spoil the ending… But let’s just say it definitely keeps you reading onto the next book. Now for book 2!
This book impressed me beyond belief. Quite possibly one of the best zombie books I’ve ever read, the research is impeccable, and the storytelling rivals Stephen King.
The complex interweaving of characters is incredibly well done, and you find yourself getting invested in each, and everyone of them… Even though they usually die by the end of the chapter. Lol.
I’m really excited to see more of this rambunctious old man. And I won’t spoil the ending… But let’s just say it definitely keeps you reading onto the next book. Now for book 2!
September 12, 2022
A new and frightening take on "zombie" apocalyptic outbreaks!
A new and potentially world ending pandemic has arrived and as if that and infected turning into zombies weren't bad enough...different factions domestically and abroad use this as an excuse for furthering their own agendas... by lethal means. A frighteningly plausible zombie apocalypse tale very well told! Will be reading the complete series and searching this author's backlist! Bravo, Mr. Harrison!
A new and potentially world ending pandemic has arrived and as if that and infected turning into zombies weren't bad enough...different factions domestically and abroad use this as an excuse for furthering their own agendas... by lethal means. A frighteningly plausible zombie apocalypse tale very well told! Will be reading the complete series and searching this author's backlist! Bravo, Mr. Harrison!
March 4, 2022
I only managed to read 1\3..
Too much unnecessary information. It's tiring.😲
“A spore is basically a seed. When it finds a place to grow, it creates a whole organism, like mold or mushrooms. Unfortunately, this particular spore is parasitic. Once inside the human body, it takes over the nervous system until it kills the host, and then it operates the body directly.”
Too much unnecessary information. It's tiring.😲
“A spore is basically a seed. When it finds a place to grow, it creates a whole organism, like mold or mushrooms. Unfortunately, this particular spore is parasitic. Once inside the human body, it takes over the nervous system until it kills the host, and then it operates the body directly.”
July 25, 2022
Read : July 25, 2022
Rating :4, 5 Stars
This was good, I love zombie stories that take you trough the beginning of the end a lot more than the ones where it has happened in the past.
The frantic dash towards safety, the precarious balance beam that tips more and more towards certain doom, ah, love it!
Rating :4, 5 Stars
This was good, I love zombie stories that take you trough the beginning of the end a lot more than the ones where it has happened in the past.
The frantic dash towards safety, the precarious balance beam that tips more and more towards certain doom, ah, love it!
July 16, 2023
William Harrison definitely ticked the originality box and that is extremely important for me especially when it comes to zombie/pandemic books. There is good world, relationship and character building and he really sets the scene for the next two books which I anticipate will be action right up front. Definitely a good one for the bug-out bag.
January 26, 2024
Interesting..
I really enjoyed this book. The zombie virus is a new spin that is refreshing, and it focuses more on what will happen in the world. It did seem to meander a little in the middle, but overall, I liked it. It was depressing in spots, but that is because it accurately (I think) depicts what would happen in the world if something like this happened.
I really enjoyed this book. The zombie virus is a new spin that is refreshing, and it focuses more on what will happen in the world. It did seem to meander a little in the middle, but overall, I liked it. It was depressing in spots, but that is because it accurately (I think) depicts what would happen in the world if something like this happened.
November 8, 2021
Outstanding
Very enjoyable read. The end comes incrementally allowing the drama to unfold. Real story lines instead of the more common super soldier fighting masses of zombies every few pages like some sort of arcade game.
Very enjoyable read. The end comes incrementally allowing the drama to unfold. Real story lines instead of the more common super soldier fighting masses of zombies every few pages like some sort of arcade game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews