Bryan James (3)

Normally readers complain about the lack of action in a zombie book - LZR:1473: Evolution doesn't let up and it will be difficult to catch your breath. I did not read book #1 and thought I'd miss out on much of the back story that happened prior to this addition, but the author provides readers with periodic updates as to what had occurred in the past, thus, eliminating the question marks that might exist otherwise.

This story begins on the aircraft carrier, Enterprise, where Mike and Kate show more find they are now immune to zombie bites and also have improved healing elements within their bodies as a result of receiving a shot of a perceived vaccine in the earlier book. Things go awry and the vaccine sample vile goes missing, leaving the two of them to fight for survival as everyone else on the ship had suddenly become zombies because of a misjudgment by the captain and the ship was minutes away from running aground on the shore.

The military in Maryland double cross Michael and Kate, who soon discover that they have their own agenda and will do everything in their power to capture the duo and keep the vaccine for themselves. There are so many gauntlets that the duo enter and each one seemed to be their downfall, but somehow, they manage to escape or to be rescued by another survivor(s). Their goal is to reach Washington DC where they believe that scientists and other military survivors exist, and hopefully, are able to use their blood to develop a cure.

There is a love interest that develop between the duo and additional characters join up with the group during their quest...some of them die along the way. If you enjoy blood, gore, and fights against overwhelming odds that keep readers on the edge of their seats, then this book is for you.

There are two more books left in the series, which I will revisit, after a short break. Enjoy! show less

This was a fun short story to read close to Christmas. I enjoyed reading a back story for Santa Claus that is darker and paints him in a very different light. There were a few editing issues, but none that detracted from the experience. I can see it easily leading to more stories, but it works well as a standalone work. If you're looking for a Christmas story with good horror and a unique take on a familiar character, this is a great option.

Micheal, Ky, and Kate continue their quest to reach Vancouver and rescue Kate's daughter. En route, they have to survive roving hordes of zombies, soldiers gone bad, and earthquakes/tsunamis caused by a nuclear sub crashing into one of the faults off of the Pacific coast of the United States.

While crossing a swollen river through a crashed ferry that crashed into one of the remaining bridges, Mike and the girls get separated. The storyline continues to follow each of the two groups show more separately - Mike joining up with survivors that nurse him back to help after he's injured in the ferry, and Kate and Ky are eventually rescued/captured by a group of sadistic female soldiers. Mike's rescuers lead him to a group of survivors holed up in one of the major dams and attempts to lead them to safety and blowing up the dam to drown millions of the undead who are heading their way through the valley below.

There is another side story here about Kate's daughter in Vancouver, who survived so far, but was stuck in a high-rise that was surrounded by millions of zombies. Part of her escape plan is to travel through the vent system of the building. It looks like she is finally trapped and that part of the story ends.

The ending is something that I didn't expect, and I'm disappointed that the author decided to finish it like this. Thinking that this was the finale of the series, I was surprised to see the author include a preview of the next book that was due earlier this year (2019)...it's mid-July and not out yet.

Perhaps, the next installment will answer many questions that remain - especially about Kate's daughter's escape from the building to the point where she suddenly appears and meets up with the group in the final chapter of the group.

One final point, this installment was rife with errors and typos...much more than the previous editions. It also appears, to me anyway, that the fight scenes between humans and zombies are becoming blase and repetitious from one scene to the next. However, I do have to give kudos to the author for keeping my interest during this long and arduous journey. show less

This collection of short stories allows a glimpse into different lives/perspectives as people deal with the zombie outbreak.

Elements of action, compassion, heroism, evil, etc entwine to show how even in times of stress, characters can demonstrate who they are and what they are made of.

Characters are varied, flawed, and have lots to deal with physically and emotionally.

Overall, an intriguing read.