About the same as his first one. ( )

Plague War continues on from Plague Year, in this episode we see Cam & Ruth continue to rally against the leadership of Leadville whilst fighting to their fellow North Americans from the plague.

What began as a post apocalypse survival series has turned into somewhat of a military thriller with both Russia & China invading the United States after word spreads of a vaccine to the nanotechnology plague having been discovered.

There's plenty of action as the story unfolds however I found the narrative a little choppy at times with it running smoothly for a few chapters then suddenly taking a leap forward to the next plot point. You kind of get used to it, but each time it is a little jarring and I found myself flipping back to make sure I hadn't just accidentally moved more than one page forward.

Overall, it moves the story line in a new welcome direction and the characters interactions with those on both sides of the Leadville divide is interesting, as was the Russian subterfuge. ( )

ABR's full Plague War: The Author's Cut audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

A mixture of military and post-apocalyptic thriller set in the not too distant future, Plague War captivates it’s audience with several gut wrenching ideas (not necessary new ones) that are communicated clearly and concisely thus making them very real!

Nanotechnology that was designed to create cures for diseases takes an unexpected turn – it is released and begins to eat at all living organisms – plant, animal and human alike – destroying them. Only those that escape and live in the mountains – 10,000 feet above survive.

Staged in the war torn U.S., Dr. Ruth Goldman, Cam, and Nemocheck struggle to reach a military base in Colorado, escape from Leadville and deliver the vaccine to the good guys. Amidst an invasion by China and Russia, our heroes must deliver the vaccine while dodging nuclear bombs, invading forces and their own people!

This book also focuses on the power struggle of nations as well as survival of humankind – we are our own worst enemy. Communications break-down, bombs are no longer a threat but a reality. As if this is not enough, Ruth must find the origin of a ghost nanotech that has taken up residency in the vaccine while navigating a romance.

Well written with high levels of anxiety inducing moments, Carlson achieves a well-developed, very real like plot with twists that leave one wondering what he has in store for them next. An excellent read for those who love military thrillers and those who love relationship themed reads.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator. ( )

Take a world without warm-blooded life below 10,000 feet. Detail its problems of potentially lethal insect swarms, plants dying for lack of pollinators, and vast soil erosion. Add in an American military government trying to find a solution to the “machine plague” of nanotechnology that did all that killing while fighting rebels. Blend with a war against what’s left of the Russian and Chinese militaries.

That’s the world our hero Cam and heroine Ruth wander across, desperately trying to bring their vaccine against the machine plague to isolated mountain top survivors in the Sierra Nevadas – while staying out of the clutches of the American government. It has used nanotech weapons on its own people and wants the strategic advantage of the vaccine for itself.

Even faster paced than its predecessor, Plague Year, and taking place over less time, this novel also stands out not only in its extrapolations of the plague’s effects but the superb characterization of Ruth, Cam, and another character returning from the first novel. The relationship between Cam and Ruth, both damaged physically and psychically by their post-plague experiences, is a complex blend of sexual attraction, guilt, denial, and need. Carlson also does a nice, credible job in depicting military culture and values.

The only quibble I have with the novel is that the ending felt a bit rushed and vague at the end. Still, it’s a very good post-apocalypse story and worthy successor to the first novel. ( )

This sequel to Plague Year was not a disappointment. The action was even better than the first book. I liked hearing Hernandez's perspective. Once again Jeff has hit it out of the park this is one hot on fire artist I am so glad I finally found an author I can be glad every time I pick up one of his books. ( )