Michael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
Title: Blackout Author: Michael Robertson Publisher: Michael Robertson ISBN: B0BN93T5R7 Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B... Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel Blurb: Beyond These Walls 16
They think they’re safe.
They’re not …
Olga and her friends are secure in a tower block control room, but there are diseased everywhere. Not only will they have to work their way through the blocks to regain control, but they have a human-sized rat by the name of Duncan who needs to be made to pay for his betrayal.
Joni and the others are secure in the guard’s block, but they’re a long way from gaining control of the entire building, not to mention helping those guards who want to leave, reach the south gates.
While both groups are safe for now, they have a lot of work ahead. And when they have diseased, angry prisoners, displaced residents, and a human-sized rat to manage, a lot can go wrong …
Blackout is the sixteenth book in the thrilling post-apocalyptic Beyond These Walls saga.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary: The team has broken into two groups to try and get control of the blocks while finding a way to not only survive, but find a future. Olga and her group are determined to take control of the tower, but that forces them to trust a rat named Duncan who would stab anyone in the back if it helped him.
Joni and company are secure, but without supplies, Ammo and just food, forces them out placing them in danger again.
Between the diseased, residents of the falling block, the groups called the vampires, and the old slaves who, danger lurks around every corner. The teams are forced to take chances and put their trust in people who they know nothing about.
This is another wild ride where anyone could loose their lives at anytime. The only thing keeping them alive is trust in each other, their determination to survive, their hope in the future.
Book sixteen in the Beyond these Walls post apocalyptic series finds our group of survivors being played by Duncan who is locked in some control room and playing games with their minds and their safety. Hawk, Ethan and many of the others want to kill the bastard and waste a lot of their time trying to find him however he is monitoring their every move and is one step ahead of them all the way. Meantime Joni's group is doing their best to get to the south doors and get them closed so that the influx of diseased will stop. They are killing in great numbers but these keep on appearing and flooding everywhere. Olga once again trusts some new people they come across, seems she is too kind hearted and has not learnt her lesson after trusting Duncan who is now messing with her brain. However not all are as gullible. I love the action which becomes very fast paced when they finally exit the tower and go in search of the food convoy. This book ends on another cliffhanger of sorts. Will the new alliance work out for our group who really need to get a break? These books make for edge of the seat reading.
This was a hard read. I’m 16 books in, so I’m committed to the end, however they just keep getting worse. I’d say that the last 80% Of this book l scrolled through most of it, just to get it over with. The Alpha Plague was a fantastic start, even the Fury books were good. The beginning of Beyond these walls had a good start, but over time I’ve found the characters so boring and juvenile. Joni was a great new character and I found myself reading the chapters more so with her in it than the others. But the writing, every time Harry is mentioned, there is the immediate mention that Harry is Harriet. I think the readers got it after the first time. Then there’s Nick, Arten and William. Who are basically an afterthought in this book. Not that it matters much, they were boring characters as well. Probably why they really are not in this story, only their names are dropped here and there. And let’s not forget about Hawks undying love for a woman he knew for a hot minute lol. Just surmising this book, I think I might have to be pretty desperate for something to read, to pick up book 17, committed or not. I’m not big on giving bad reviews, but this book just didn’t do it for me.
Our friends have split into two groups: to control the several jail blocks they have taken, and to continue clearing out more so they can eventually escape to freedom. They only control a small area within the prison so far. They must overcome the overwhelming crush of diseased, prisoners wanting out and previous residents angry at losing their posh lifestyle, as well as Duncan, the human-sized rat, who tries to thwart their every effort. Mr. Robertson delights in diving deeply into characters’ personality and testing their endurance with frustrating obstacles. It appears that they take one step forward, only to lose two steps, especially with Duncan setting booby-traps. Are they endlessly locked in a war of attrition? Will any of them survive to win their freedom? This series continues to keep me on the edge of my seat: rooting for our friends, suffering their misfortunes, cheering their their victories. Each new book is better than the last – I highly recommend this series. I am eager to see what Mr. Robertson has up his sleeve!
Blackout: Beyond these walls book 16 by Michael Robertson. In this world beyond the walls, the value of life has no more or less meaning than we can see in our own world. Those that have - still don’t see the value. The have-not’s on the other hand tend to be very family oriented and more moralistic if you will. Generally. It’s hard for me to understand how life doesn’t become more valued for everyone in a zombie-filled world. Still, I am not surprised when those in power and have more than they need, feel they need to keep it that way, no matter what. This lopsided value of life is what our small tribe of youngsters are up against in addition to the always hungry zombies. In this 16th volume, the guys and girls are trying to make a difference. A big difference. No longer up against rocks and spears, it’s guns and tanks they are taking on. This one is a roller coaster! Put it on your TBR. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When the chips are down, will everyone work as part of the team?
Blackout the 16th book in the Beyond These Walls starts different for its predecessors, along with trying to find their nemesis in the block, there is plenty of interpersonal conflict and general disagreement between the members of the group. However, once a couple of new characters are introduced the story takes on an entirely different tone and suddenly the reader is immersed in non-stop action, intrigue & duplicity. Once again, some are lost, some are gained, and new alliances are formed between the folks in the blocks as well as the folks still in the prison. Blackout is a particularly good addition to this series, and a must read for anyone who has read the previous fifteen stories. I received an Advance Reader Copy of Blackout from the author and chose to provide this review.
Momentan gehen die Bücher wirklich abwärts. Der Teil zog sich wie Kaugummi und es passiert nichts , bzw. immer das Gleiche. Sie rennen von einem Zimmer, von einer Etage, von einem Block in den nächsten, töten dabei Infizierte und das geht das Ganze Buch über so. Einmal die Gruppe im Süden um z, Mathilda und Artan. Und dann Joni und Antonia im Gefängnis, wo es das gleiche ist. Am Ende stoßen die im Süden dann auch weitere Überlebende, unzufrieden denen sie stoßen. Mir fehlt der Bezug zu den Protagonisten. Klar kennt man sie mittlerweile, aber sie machen auch keine Entwicklung durch. Man fühlt nichts mehr mit ihnen. Seit die Gruppe damals über die Mauer ins Gefängnis ist, waren die Bücher wirklich langweilig
Blackout is cram packed with action and conflict! I love reading about the main characters that have grown to be friends because I’ve known them for so long. There are two separate story arcs that cover the calm with the prickly of them to keep the reader’s attention! I highly recommend this entire series.
Please note that there is violence and cursing within.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
This was another enjoyable instalment of the Beyond These Walls story. It had plenty of action, certainly battles - who to trust is the dilemma.
The cast of characters fit the story well, my favourite still being Joni. I liked how the story switched between groups of characters separated due to battles and plot necessities.
I don't give spoilers so I can't say much but I will say that this is a great, well-written series and I am looking forward to the next book.
Absolutely fantastic Read another action packed story. Cliffhangers at the end of nearly every chapter. With Joni and companions trying to reach the South gate and close it. Olga and her friends trying to find Duncan and clear the diseased from the towers. Definitely recommend this book
Once again, thrust into danger due to the deceit of Duncan, our southbound group finds their way blocked at every turn and need to make a huge heist in order to find "safety"
Joni and friends continue to clear the prison as some of the group prepares to go south.