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Zombie Fallout #4
The End Has Come and Gone
She is coming for you....
The end... has come and gone. This is the new beginning, the new world order and it sucks. The end for humanity came the moment the US government sent out the infected flu shots. My name is Michael Talbot and this is my journal. I'm writing this because no one's tomorrow is guaranteed, and I have to leave something behind to those who may follow.
So continues Mike's journey. Will he give up all that he is in a desperate bid to save his family and friends? Eliza is coming: Can anyone be prepared?
The end... has come and gone. This is the new beginning, the new world order and it sucks. The end for humanity came the moment the US government sent out the infected flu shots. My name is Michael Talbot and this is my journal. I'm writing this because no one's tomorrow is guaranteed, and I have to leave something behind to those who may follow.
So continues Mike's journey. Will he give up all that he is in a desperate bid to save his family and friends? Eliza is coming: Can anyone be prepared?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2011
262 people are currently reading
1628 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
November 21, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4
Book 5 in my zombie-a-thon!
CW: So so many
Well jeepers that was the best one yet!
Another pretty action driven and gripping novel but with some existential stuff creeping in there too. Best zombie show down scenes yet! Look, the story is getting more and more bonkers but I have grown to appreciate our merry band of misfits even if they are pretty one dimensional. On to the next fun zombie romp in this series!
Book 5 in my zombie-a-thon!
CW: So so many
Well jeepers that was the best one yet!
Another pretty action driven and gripping novel but with some existential stuff creeping in there too. Best zombie show down scenes yet! Look, the story is getting more and more bonkers but I have grown to appreciate our merry band of misfits even if they are pretty one dimensional. On to the next fun zombie romp in this series!
June 26, 2012
I listened to the book through Audible and I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I love meeting the rest of the Talbots and thus far BT is my fave character. As a Black person I am so glad he has not died yet! I started the series a week ago on Audible and I am hooked. Mike drives me crazy at times and I am just waiting for Tracy to beat him with a tire iron.
July 3, 2021
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
Narration 5/5
November 29, 2020
I love the guy who does these audiobooks. I feel he's just perfect for it. I'll miss it when my audiobooks run out. I only have access up to book 6. :(
I did like this one. There is a lot that is going on in this one that I'm concerned about though. I really hope it gets resolved because I miss certain aspects of characters that I'm afraid I won't see again. The little bonus stories at the end are fun too.
I did like this one. There is a lot that is going on in this one that I'm concerned about though. I really hope it gets resolved because I miss certain aspects of characters that I'm afraid I won't see again. The little bonus stories at the end are fun too.
December 28, 2012
I'm a little irritated because I just found out this series has quite a few more installments. I'm hooked enough to want to find out what happens to Talbot, but am getting tired of neverending series too.
July 23, 2015
STILL A GOOD STORY...HOWEVER...
...it's noted that the story of Mike Talbot and his family is starting to drag on a bit. Here's why: most of book four was told as flash backs and back stories, not enough moving the story forward. Don't get me wrong, I'm still invested, if for no other reason than to finally have an acceptable end to this nightmare or at least a reasonable hope of a new normal for the Talbot family, their friends and all of humanity.
I'm beginning to have issues with the repetitive phrasing and use of words. I know there are many ways to describe body fluids other than viscus, even if he is describing fluid coming from the heart, liver or intestines. Also, saying "Ya think?" every time a statement is made to the obvious, get's old.
Another issue is the author having to explain repeatedly what is obvious to the reader, for example: 'Are all you Talbots programmed in Smart ass?" BT said with exasperation. The fact that Mark used exasperation and keeps doing that during the dialogue get's cumbersome for the listener.
There is still a lot of action, but I think to have an eight book arc is a bit much for this story. I'm currently on book 5, Alive In A Dead World and so far, it's no different than book 4. I have a strong hunch the rest of the series will be much of the same fodder.
Zombie Fallout should have been 1 or 3 books at the most and then I think, Mark should have go on to other stories, even sidetracking off other memorable characters.
I'm still in for the long haul like I said, but I wish the story had ended with book 3 and gone out on top instead of they way it's ending up which is mired in unoriginality.
Three solid stars because the the first 3 books make you want to finish the entire 8 book series!
...it's noted that the story of Mike Talbot and his family is starting to drag on a bit. Here's why: most of book four was told as flash backs and back stories, not enough moving the story forward. Don't get me wrong, I'm still invested, if for no other reason than to finally have an acceptable end to this nightmare or at least a reasonable hope of a new normal for the Talbot family, their friends and all of humanity.
I'm beginning to have issues with the repetitive phrasing and use of words. I know there are many ways to describe body fluids other than viscus, even if he is describing fluid coming from the heart, liver or intestines. Also, saying "Ya think?" every time a statement is made to the obvious, get's old.
Another issue is the author having to explain repeatedly what is obvious to the reader, for example: 'Are all you Talbots programmed in Smart ass?" BT said with exasperation. The fact that Mark used exasperation and keeps doing that during the dialogue get's cumbersome for the listener.
There is still a lot of action, but I think to have an eight book arc is a bit much for this story. I'm currently on book 5, Alive In A Dead World and so far, it's no different than book 4. I have a strong hunch the rest of the series will be much of the same fodder.
Zombie Fallout should have been 1 or 3 books at the most and then I think, Mark should have go on to other stories, even sidetracking off other memorable characters.
I'm still in for the long haul like I said, but I wish the story had ended with book 3 and gone out on top instead of they way it's ending up which is mired in unoriginality.
Three solid stars because the the first 3 books make you want to finish the entire 8 book series!
January 13, 2013
This series is getting downright convoluted in nature and I mostly get infuriated when stories get too convoluted; it generally reads to me that the author is trying too hard. In this case though... I'll make a huge exception!
The book becomes more and more complex with various twists and turns appearing throughout the title. As soon as you think that you have gotten a good enough grasp of the series something new is introduced which adds a twist to the series but makes it a bit more harder to follow. I find myself feeling sorry for the Talbots, they seem to can't catch a break... With all that being said though, I can't help but be gripped by the entire book... I will see this book through to the end come hell or high water and anyone who has gotten this far in the series would probably agree.
Again this series shine mostly due to the characters whose vantage point we read from. The neurotic germophobe that is Mike Talbot, his formidable and dedicated wife Mrs. Talbot, the loveable Tommy, the dangerous Thomas and the vicious Eliza all brings about their own special touch to the book. Their differing vantage points are fascinating to view from and will have you cracking up or on the edge of your seat with excitement.
The series thus far has been just plain fun to experience, with this one only adding to it. It doesn't take itself too seriously but it isn't a complete joke either. A young crowd will certainly love these books.
P.S. The book once again ends with a cliff hanger....
The book becomes more and more complex with various twists and turns appearing throughout the title. As soon as you think that you have gotten a good enough grasp of the series something new is introduced which adds a twist to the series but makes it a bit more harder to follow. I find myself feeling sorry for the Talbots, they seem to can't catch a break... With all that being said though, I can't help but be gripped by the entire book... I will see this book through to the end come hell or high water and anyone who has gotten this far in the series would probably agree.
Again this series shine mostly due to the characters whose vantage point we read from. The neurotic germophobe that is Mike Talbot, his formidable and dedicated wife Mrs. Talbot, the loveable Tommy, the dangerous Thomas and the vicious Eliza all brings about their own special touch to the book. Their differing vantage points are fascinating to view from and will have you cracking up or on the edge of your seat with excitement.
The series thus far has been just plain fun to experience, with this one only adding to it. It doesn't take itself too seriously but it isn't a complete joke either. A young crowd will certainly love these books.
P.S. The book once again ends with a cliff hanger....
January 2, 2012
This is a post-apocolyptic zombie/vampire masterpiece. And, no, the vampires are not of the glittery variety. I finished this book with the full expectation that I would be able to go into book 5. I am so disappointed that I will have to wait. Oh such is the world of the e-book. Instant gratification of a continued saga will not be immediately met this time around. I have travelled this far down the rabbit hole and am not quite ready to leave wonderland just yet. Oh how books 5 and 6 can not get here fast enough.
February 15, 2018
I just can not put this series down...I am moving on to book 5 now!! I love Mike and his family...well worth your credits...I had to buy more credits...This one was a lot of action and misadventures....start at the beginning...and your hooked!! 2 huge thumbs up!! Mark Tufo rocks!!!!
Second listen was just as entertaining..and I am continuing on to book 5!!!
3RD TIME WAS GOOD TOO..
Second listen was just as entertaining..and I am continuing on to book 5!!!
3RD TIME WAS GOOD TOO..
June 16, 2021
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Currently on Audible Plus
July 30, 2023
The action continues with stunning developments 👀🚩🤔😮😮🚩🤐🤐Tommy/Thomas, boy what are you up to now?
October 12, 2023
Didn't hold my attention like the previous three books but still enjoyable!
August 9, 2025
Mike is hilarious
March 15, 2021
Really enjoyed listening to these as a family while on long drives with my teen son. He loved the series!
March 31, 2017
Damn this series just keeps getting better and better! Just when you think it's going to end, nope another wrinkle thrown in to keep it going.
July 20, 2017
“I know my imagination can be like a three-year-old on Red Bull and still I feed it.”
I think this series has now jumped the shark.
Or maybe it did that with the prequel that was tucked in between books 3 and 4, which I panned in a recent review. I think the story could have been tied up neatly with a trio of books, or at most - with this fourth. At this point I'm more than a little burned out and the story is starting to seriously drag.
The pros? Less vile, disgusting stuff. Or maybe I'm just used to it now. At any rate, the puking (the actual puking in the book, which I complained about the volume thereof in book three) seems to have died down a little. The fart and poop jokes are still there, but seem less constant. There are a few new characters, one of which is a pretty cute little six year old girl that immediately warms the heart of Mike's dad.
“Pretty lady. Why are you crying? My mom says crying makes your asscarrots run,” Angel said.”
There's no crying in the zombie apocalypse!!
Ahem. Er, we also get to know Mike's family a little bit more, and they're an interesting group. It helps explain how/why Mike is the way he is, as well. There's very little more of Tommy, and while I'm happy for any sighting, this one makes it to the cons list as well.
The cons? If you were reading this series because you adored Tommy, you can stop reading now. I hate what happened to him, and am uncertain at this point whether I'll read further books. He was pretty much the entire reason I read this one. I also feel like what happened with him was a little gratuitous - just designed to whip up more reader frenzy against Eliza and keep people reading from a revenge angle. It didn't work for me; my head spun off a dozen different ways they could have worked this angle while still keeping Tommy as he was - crazy poptart flavours in his magical bag of holding and all.
Additionally, the story is getting more and more preposterous with each iteration and my suspension of disbelief is seriously strained at this point. There are some real problems with repetition of situations, ways you can get trapped by zombies, ways you can get threatened by a crazy vampire, ways you can put your family in danger, ways your dog can stink up a car... haven't we seen all this by now? The "new" material in this book is probably stuff that could have covered a 35 page "afterword" in the last book. It's just getting a bit tedious.
While I still enjoy the Talbot family in general (Tracy, the wife, in particular) and am curious about their fate, it's all getting a bit stale by now. I like the author's sense of humour, and his follow-through with getting this many books on a topic written and published - which is why it gets three stars from me. Die-hard zombie fans will still like this one. People looking for a little more meat on their story bones, even with zombie stories, might be disappointed here.
January 16, 2014
If you've been reading my last 4 reviews of this Zombie Fallout series you will know Im addicted to this brilliant series, its my alltime favorite. Mark is the master of the zombie fiction.
Each book has something quite different thrown into the mix and Book #4 is no exception. Still written in journal form but this time everyone is writing in it so we are getting some different point of views. I dont normally like characters jumping around from first person point of view; but Mark has made it work seamlessly into the plot.
Book #4 wow the best yet, another zombie masterpiece; Mike and BT have to be my favorite characters ; everyone needs a BT in the family and Henry of course.
Mark draws you into the whole storyline with brilliant psychological terror, which will get your adrenaline going throughout the whole book #4....if not..then check your own pulse..are you dead?
Book #4 picks up the pace again as we follow several groups of the Talbot family with yet again a fantastic combination of humour and Mike-ism's. Mikes group are off to save Alex's group from Eliza and the plot thickens as they run into more trouble with a redneck bible group with strange powers and their own method of justice.
BT, Mikes daughter and of course; the famous farting hound Henry secretly follow Mikes group...just incase he runs into trouble...no way! Plus Tracey and her rescued group run into their own problems introducing some new characters to the mix. They all finally meet up... Im not giving anything else away....for the amazing showdown with Eliza who once again has hunted Mike down. He risks everything; the ultimate sacrifice to save his family and friends; as he faces Eliza and his arch enemy Durgan with some help from Tommy...but is it really help?
Yet another unputdownable read!
I love how this series has grown from slow zombies with the bug evolving to the more intelligent tracker, speeder zombies to vampires and now with ancient Indian witch doctors thrown into the mix. It gets more disturbing and creepy as this brilliant series evolves. I didn't see that ending coming. Just brilliant!
I cant wait to read book #5 and #6.
Each book has something quite different thrown into the mix and Book #4 is no exception. Still written in journal form but this time everyone is writing in it so we are getting some different point of views. I dont normally like characters jumping around from first person point of view; but Mark has made it work seamlessly into the plot.
Book #4 wow the best yet, another zombie masterpiece; Mike and BT have to be my favorite characters ; everyone needs a BT in the family and Henry of course.
Mark draws you into the whole storyline with brilliant psychological terror, which will get your adrenaline going throughout the whole book #4....if not..then check your own pulse..are you dead?
Book #4 picks up the pace again as we follow several groups of the Talbot family with yet again a fantastic combination of humour and Mike-ism's. Mikes group are off to save Alex's group from Eliza and the plot thickens as they run into more trouble with a redneck bible group with strange powers and their own method of justice.
BT, Mikes daughter and of course; the famous farting hound Henry secretly follow Mikes group...just incase he runs into trouble...no way! Plus Tracey and her rescued group run into their own problems introducing some new characters to the mix. They all finally meet up... Im not giving anything else away....for the amazing showdown with Eliza who once again has hunted Mike down. He risks everything; the ultimate sacrifice to save his family and friends; as he faces Eliza and his arch enemy Durgan with some help from Tommy...but is it really help?
Yet another unputdownable read!
I love how this series has grown from slow zombies with the bug evolving to the more intelligent tracker, speeder zombies to vampires and now with ancient Indian witch doctors thrown into the mix. It gets more disturbing and creepy as this brilliant series evolves. I didn't see that ending coming. Just brilliant!
I cant wait to read book #5 and #6.
March 31, 2015
My Rating Scale:
1 Star - Horrible book, It was so bad I stopped reading it. I have not read the whole book and wont
2 Star - Bad book, I forced myself to finish it and do NOT recommend. I can't believe I read it once
3 Star - Average book, Was entertaining but nothing special. No plans to ever re-read
4 Star - Good Book, Was a really good book and I would recommend. I am Likely to re-read this book
5 Star - GREAT book, A great story and well written. I can't wait for the next book. I Will Re-Read this one or more times.
Number of times read: 1
A promising series that failed to meet expectations. This is not even worth reading.
Characters - The characters have become ridiculous. The first 2 books were entertaining, the remaining have been painful to read. This is the last book in the series that I intend to read.
Story - Not much to say. Fart jokes, stupidity, bad planning, impossible escapes (I mean there is no way the escape used could have ever worked). Just a really bad book. If I hadn't enjoyed the first 2 books I would have never finished this book.
Overall - Don't read it, don't touch it or it may infect you with stupidity.
1 Star - Horrible book, It was so bad I stopped reading it. I have not read the whole book and wont
2 Star - Bad book, I forced myself to finish it and do NOT recommend. I can't believe I read it once
3 Star - Average book, Was entertaining but nothing special. No plans to ever re-read
4 Star - Good Book, Was a really good book and I would recommend. I am Likely to re-read this book
5 Star - GREAT book, A great story and well written. I can't wait for the next book. I Will Re-Read this one or more times.
Number of times read: 1
A promising series that failed to meet expectations. This is not even worth reading.
Characters - The characters have become ridiculous. The first 2 books were entertaining, the remaining have been painful to read. This is the last book in the series that I intend to read.
Story - Not much to say. Fart jokes, stupidity, bad planning, impossible escapes (I mean there is no way the escape used could have ever worked). Just a really bad book. If I hadn't enjoyed the first 2 books I would have never finished this book.
Overall - Don't read it, don't touch it or it may infect you with stupidity.
August 20, 2015
this audio book took me a while to finish.. it got boring about half way through so I started listening to something else.. Something fluffy and funny- the one and only Janet Evanovich..
I ended up going back after I was done and got really into it near the end! it was an action packed ending..
overall not one of my favourite ones.. I'm
not understanding how the whole vampire theme fits into a zombie world.. but I guess that sounds kind of funny how I can believe enough in zombies to enjoy a book after book about them but vampires are too far fetched LOL!
anyways not much happened in this one.. a bunch of crap between Eliza and the talbots ! something a little dramatic happens to mike! I miss Tommy! books aren't the same without him! I had a few laughs but not as many as the previous 3 books! I've just started #5 and it's back to be hilarious!
I'm glad I listened to it so I know what happened but I won't be listening to this one again! I gave it a 3 because I love the character and the one action part near the end had me on the edge of my seat! I actually had to sit in my car once I got home cuz I had to know what happened !!
I ended up going back after I was done and got really into it near the end! it was an action packed ending..
overall not one of my favourite ones.. I'm
not understanding how the whole vampire theme fits into a zombie world.. but I guess that sounds kind of funny how I can believe enough in zombies to enjoy a book after book about them but vampires are too far fetched LOL!
anyways not much happened in this one.. a bunch of crap between Eliza and the talbots ! something a little dramatic happens to mike! I miss Tommy! books aren't the same without him! I had a few laughs but not as many as the previous 3 books! I've just started #5 and it's back to be hilarious!
I'm glad I listened to it so I know what happened but I won't be listening to this one again! I gave it a 3 because I love the character and the one action part near the end had me on the edge of my seat! I actually had to sit in my car once I got home cuz I had to know what happened !!
January 21, 2026
Soft review/rating:
Just one of the many books I've read this year adding to my "book journal". Full review coming soon hopefully. Awesome series!
(* * * * 1/2 stars)
memorable quoted
"God has a 50 cal? fucking sweet.." -Mike Talbot
January 2026 review
Even after repeated listens. I still enjoy this series. I think the narrator distinctly voicing multiple characters is why I keep returning to this series. I am a few books behind the newest releases but seeing the same narrator has me committing to reading those as well. I've listened to the full series at least three times. I have a few new ones to catch up on. This challenge is the perfect excuse to reread my favorite zombie book series [followed closely by DEAD MEAT by Nick Clausen]
Just one of the many books I've read this year adding to my "book journal". Full review coming soon hopefully. Awesome series!
(* * * * 1/2 stars)
memorable quoted
"God has a 50 cal? fucking sweet.." -Mike Talbot
January 2026 review
Even after repeated listens. I still enjoy this series. I think the narrator distinctly voicing multiple characters is why I keep returning to this series. I am a few books behind the newest releases but seeing the same narrator has me committing to reading those as well. I've listened to the full series at least three times. I have a few new ones to catch up on. This challenge is the perfect excuse to reread my favorite zombie book series [followed closely by DEAD MEAT by Nick Clausen]
July 24, 2012
Zombie Fallout 4 is quite possibly the best in the series so far. Many of the loose threads were explained away. The best part was the non-stop humor though. Mark Tufo truly does understand the sarcastic nature that is bred into people from Massachusetts.
I must say the ending was a bit of a letdown, but overall this was a highly entertaining read. Now if only Eliza and Tomas can find their end.
I must say the ending was a bit of a letdown, but overall this was a highly entertaining read. Now if only Eliza and Tomas can find their end.
January 27, 2015
I am so excited that ZF will be made into a movie. You go Mark Tufo. I can't wait to see who the actors will be.
I'm sad about Tommy, but I liked what he did for Mike. And I loved what Mike did with what he was given. Ok, Ms. Deneaux, hoardin all the cigs wouldn't even happen. She'd have to unass em. I'm just sayin. As always I look forward to the next book, which I'm about to get right now.
I'm sad about Tommy, but I liked what he did for Mike. And I loved what Mike did with what he was given. Ok, Ms. Deneaux, hoardin all the cigs wouldn't even happen. She'd have to unass em. I'm just sayin. As always I look forward to the next book, which I'm about to get right now.
October 20, 2012
Another good story from Mark Tufo. His Zombie Fallout series is truly one of the best I've read in a long time. Mr Tufo manages to keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, one book to the other. Not only does he keep his storylines interesting but he infuses a freshness into an on-going tale that has contiued over four books. I will certainly be reading more of this wonderfully horrific series.
September 13, 2014
WHAT CAN I SAY? I JUST KEEP LOVING THESE BOOKS THE MORE I READ THEM. I AM GETTING READY TO ORDER THE LAST IN THIS SERIES AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SERIES WITH THE MAIN CHARACTER (MIKE) FROM THIS SERIES IN IT.
I HOPE MARK KEEPS THESE BOOKS GOING FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCH AND THEY ARE SO DAMN FUNNY I CAN'T STAND IT.
OH I'M ALSO PICKING UP MARK'S ZOMBIE DOG BOOK.. I WILL LEAVE THAT ONE TO THE IMAGINATION OR FOR YOU TO LOOK FOR YOURSELF :)
I HOPE MARK KEEPS THESE BOOKS GOING FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCH AND THEY ARE SO DAMN FUNNY I CAN'T STAND IT.
OH I'M ALSO PICKING UP MARK'S ZOMBIE DOG BOOK.. I WILL LEAVE THAT ONE TO THE IMAGINATION OR FOR YOU TO LOOK FOR YOURSELF :)
November 15, 2014
Not as fantastic as the first three books, but I will tell you there were several times where I gasped over the horror and gore and several times where I laughed out loud (literally)! The narrator has such an awesome sense of humor.
This book takes the Talbot family in a very different direction and I am really looking forward to reading book 5 to see where Mark Tufo takes these characters.
This book takes the Talbot family in a very different direction and I am really looking forward to reading book 5 to see where Mark Tufo takes these characters.
December 7, 2016
Read Kindle version 6/19/2013. Just listened to it via audio book. Rating remains the same.
March 30, 2014
The great time for a great battle arrives as Mike just do everything he can to ensure the safety of his family.
Great little book.
Great little book.
September 11, 2020
This is one of the best series I have ever read. I continue to gobble these up and love every mouth filled bite.
January 23, 2017
the fifth book is a little tiring in some places with the story barely inching forward, ever so slowly, because of too much flashback storytelling. otherwise a good read in a action zombie series.
August 11, 2016
3.5 stars. I was really enjoying this but, unfortunately, it went downhill at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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