The Americans

Apex Trilogy #2

by Jake Bible

Hundreds of years after the United States is turned into a radioactive, zombie infested wasteland, the descendants of peacekeeping troops stranded abroad are now the world’s marshals, keeping law and order in a futuristic landscape of high-tech feudalism and raw, bioorganic metal.

They are known simply as: The Americans.

The exciting sidequel to DEAD MECH takes you on a hellride through Europe, Asia and beyond as American Ghost Heather Walton must save her family, her friends, and an all important cargo, as all Americans struggle to maintain their place in a world where the powers that be no longer want them. And will stop at nothing to put an end to their standing and their very existence!

Haven’t read DEAD MECH? Not a problem! The Americans is a stand-alone novel that takes place at the same time as the events in DEAD MECH. Read either one first then get ready for the third and final book in the Apex Trilogy, Metal And Ash.

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Ebooks

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2011

About the author

Jake Bible, Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, has entertained thousands with his horror, sci/fi, thriller, and adventure tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters and genres.

Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.

Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.

Reviews

[Jennifer Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit harder to keep up with. But I enjoyed the concept of some genetically modified people being able to manipulate BC (a completely made up metal for the purposes of this storyline) into whatever form/function they desire.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Apex trilogy by Jake Bible, while set in the same timeframe, introduces an entire new set of characters. Book 1 was set in America after the fallout of several nuclear strikes to rid the continent of the zombies. Book 2 takes place in Europe and Americans no longer have a home. They are visitors in every foreign land but must set up new places to live amongst those that would rather not have them there at all. Battling the zombies and the wars that followed after left everyone more than a little war torn, she'll shocked and craving a safer world. A new technology that was introduced during this time of was a new material named BC. It was organic in nature and could be manipulated by human touch; sometimes with thought alone. The Americans held the secret to this technology & were not giving up their hard won accomplishments easily. Tensions began to mount & new American spies, called Ghosts were sent out to help protect & if need be, destroy this technology to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. While this book does not directly link up with Book 1 right away, you will have an aha moment when it begins to tie together. Bible does an excellent job of creating believable characters with great depth. You can watch Melissa & Beth grow into their new roles; no longer just high school teenagers but tasked at helping to save their people. Even the story itself is not so far out there. Do I think the dead will rise up from their graves one day soon? Not exactly. But I do believe that it is in our capabilities to create a virus that mimics death & leaves the host resembling the undead. I really do think humanity can screw that you. I very much enjoyed this book, even with a brand new cast of faces to remember. Normally I groan when an author introduces another plethora of people & honestly expects you to remember who everyone is. I had to issues keeping up with all the faces and names and I cannot wait to read how he brings this together in Book 3!

[David P. Duffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inane & Fantastical Supercharged Zombie Fad Novel

"The Americans (Apex Trilogy Book 2)," is another inane, though decently written, supercharged zombie fad novel authored by Mr. Jake Bible. It is an adjunct in his "Apex Trilogy," which continues to break all credulity, moving from simple farcical zombie, to fantasy on all levels.

A disclaimer is in order: I am not a fan nor follower of the whole zombie craze. It's too outlandish in its core premise of the "undead" can be reanimated and survive cellular degradation and death. However, Mr. Bible does write well, and I enjoyed the prior book, "Dead Mech," and was willing to let the whole zombie thing sit to the side.

In "The Americans," the author makes it impossible for this reader to let the zombie thing unfold. There are regular zombies, nanotech-enriched super zombies, genetically enhanced humans who merge with the zombie virus, mutated from nuclear fallout zombies: it just goes on, and on, and on. Further, the author has mutated humans, mutated snakes, and other mutated animals from nuclear fallout zones. The genetically enhanced humans ("ghosts"), can form just about ANYTHING (caps intentional) from "biochrome," advanced liquid to solid metal. Giving an author one or even a few "leaps" into the unreasonable, is something most readers of SciFi do on a regular basis, in order to let an author tell the story. Mr. Bible, has misused that reader generosity greatly. "The Americans," is mind numbingly dumb. It is a stupidly bad story written well; a waste of writing talent.

A rabid fan of zombies, monsters, and silly horror fiction may enjoy this eBook (hence, the two [2] star rating). For all others, "The Americans," is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.

[BigJohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second produced story in the Apex Trilogy, The Americans is a "sidequel" to Book One, Dead Mech. The stories take place simultaneously, and it doesn't really matter which one you read first. Fans of Dead Mech will revel in the imaginative future technology, genetic manipulation, a melting pot filled with monster bouillabaisse, political infighting and some of the most refreshingly creative concepts. Jake Bible takes the Apex Trilogy to an entirely new level, and you will not be disappointed in the fast-paced, action packed storytelling.

[Pauline Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, excellent strong female characters, just as important to the story as the males(thank you Mr Bible!!! that's a breath of fresh air, and is why this author is in my top three. it was a frenetic, exciting story line and i am sad to leave these characters behind.

I read this in one 4 hour plane journey, couldn't put it down.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different book from "Dead Mech," but you still have the great characters, non-stop action, and imaginative technologies. I finished it in 2 days (work interrupted me!) And immediately downloaded the final book in the trilogy.

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars. All I can really say at this point that might make sense is: what the literal fudgesicle did I just read from cover to cover practically without stopping?

Kids and kids-at-heart alike, I cannot stress this enough: except for the action part - and 'The Americans' is just one long action-sequence truth be told - this book has seemingly NOTHING to do with 'Dead Mechs'. Different style (no dribbling, drabbling or whatever), different focus (wait, you mean real people being real bastards and worse?) and just a hellavu lot of intrique. Whereas 'Dead Mechs' satisfied my semi-regular need for testosterone-laced gore-festing (or should that be feasting?), 'The Americans' is just a really REALLY amazing sci-fi, dystopian, no-holds-barred throw-down! And until you're well past the halfway point when a name gets dropped, I really don't see how else you can think about this book if and only if you read Part 1 - the sidequel, love it! - first!

I mean, I like to think I read for the most part in a way that allows me to be able to review a book at very least in my own mind after finishing it, but I may have to read this one again just to cover all the basics. Maybe it's the change-in-scenery shock or maybe it's just the all-consuming question of HOW THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO MELD THESE TWO WORLDS NOW? but I'm just a tad stunned. We go from living our lives with a nice tea and some scones to what exactly? Holy cows...

This was fun. 'Nuff said.

P.S. Having said that, there was one spelling error that was un-intentionally hilarious (there were other hiccups but not this funny). If the author ever reads this review, you just maaaaaaay want to clean this one up:
"As long as there’s a bed, it’s fine by me,” Heather purred, shifting and straddling Alex’s WASTE. They held each other’s gaze for a moment, and then kissed deeply, their bodies pressed as close together as possible, trying to become one."
Marked in Kindle edition at 4595-4598. Severed Press.

[Ben Tuthill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the first book, which I immediately liked, this one took me a while to figure out what was going on. I couldn’t initially tell if it was a stand alone story, a prequel, or sequel. Once I got into it though, I did enjoy the story and characters. The BC was like the terminator in T2. Reginald and Mr. Stone were the highlights.

[Ethan P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book went nearly as good as Dead Mech. The only reason I read this book was because of hopes that it would be as amazing as it’s side-qual. I liked the smut with Beth and the security officer. The characters were funny as always. But the lack of mechs and zombies is just disappointing. Hopefully the third book redeems the trilogy.

[Steven Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second of the series. First book was written in a way never seen before. This one is more traditional, yet starts with a whole new cast, limited story line, limited character development and too many right turns to make sense. Like most sequels, this one was just not a good continuation of the story.

[Wenzel Roessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a bit to figure out this world, I was expecting a direct sequel to book #1. Once I understood what was going on I sat back and enjoyed the science fiction and cast of wonderful characters. Some parts of the book work better than others but overall well worth it.

[Danielle Vandehaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. That was a wild ride. Don’t let the totally different cast of characters and location throw you. It comes back to book one in the end and is totally worth the sidetrack.

[Mike Carioscio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much profanity for my taste.

[Heather Faville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, am I behind in the times. I read DEAD MECH back in March of 2011 and loved every second of it. But, work, life and a crap ton of review requests kept me from reading it's "sidequel", The Americans, until now. Yes, that read sidequel...meaning it takes place at the same time as DEAD MECH , but with different characters and in a different location.

The Americans continues with the author's tradition of colorful language, fun and engaging dialogue and action....lots and lots of action. The characters are well fleshed out. And while there are a plentiful number of characters, I did not feel as if I struggled to keep them squared away in my head as to who's who and what role they played in the story. As I mentioned, Jake Bible, has a knack for fresh and captivating dialogue which aids in keeping the narrative flow going thus keeping the reader in the story.

Our journey takes us to various locations from America through Europe and into Asia. All locations are given the detail needed to allow the reader to paint a picture in their mind of what the areas look like without being too wordy, which is a problem I have with many authors. Detail is great, but sometimes there can be too much and it can come off as having too much flourish. This is not the case with The Americans.

Essentially, my two cents is this, if you like a story involving good sci-fi technology, the survival of a race and the conspiracy behind their attempted destruction, then The Americans will have you buzzing with enjoyment. So go pick up a copy today!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, I have read Jake Bibles other Apex Trilogy book - Dead Mech - and thoroughly enjoyed it, and have been waiting for the next part of the trilogy. This book did not disappoint!

I downloaded the sample (as I always do with books nowadays, even when I know I am going to buy them!) and after the first couple of pages I was absolutely hooked, immediately bought the book (I tend to use samples as a gauge to whether I *need* to read the book *OMGRIGHTNOW* or it can go in my to read pile). This book was one of the few that recently have are un-put-downable, I literally couldnt put it down and finished it within two evenings - of only reading while in bed - yes this did mean that I then had very late nights of reading until silly O'Clock.

If you have read Dead Mech, then this is a must, if you haven't already read Dead Mech (then why not?) then this is a must anyway. They are part of the same Trilogy but do not follow one after the other, more like side by side. I couldnt recommend this book highly enough - seriously go read it now!

[Bex Ciantelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first reaction to this book as a companion to Dead Mech was that it felt off. Something about it made me question why I was reading it at times, and then sudden drop into an action scene. Not to mention, you hear about a mech once in the whole book... I felt a little gyped.
Personally I find that an author punches holes in their story, adds extra that doesnt initially seem right from the side of another novel, and then forces them together, they're grasping and not living up to their potential. In this one instance, I was proven completely wrong.
I think the highest points were the combat scenes, because that's where ALL character development went. But then some characters do a full 180 at times and you lose all that work.
Was the book enjoyable? Yes. Did it set up for novel 3 by giving some room to expand? Yes. Could it have been done in a better format? I think so. All in all though, a solid read from jack point to jack point.

[Amy Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another side of an AMAZING story

The world isn't dead. This story takes place in Europe during the same time frame as Dead Mech, so this isn't a sequel, more of another plot line to a bigger story. We meet more interesting characters with new super human abilities stemming from technological advances over hundreds of years. These are the last remaining Americans left in the world and they are on a mission to return home to North America. This great on up encounters many dangers along the way and experience great loss. The few Americans that make it to the shore make contact with ships bound for new territory and hear from some familiar people. Now it's on to the next one to see how it all ends.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other two in the trilogy. I liked the new characters well enough, but the over-reliance on "BC" was really tiring. I get it; it's a very cool concept. But jeez. It just seemed extremely convenient to me. Bible did a fairly admirable job convincing me that they were still in danger, despite basically *everyone* being a freaking superhero, but it just got old. Also, the entire time I was wondering about the people in Dead Mech. I get the side-sequel concept, and I *was* happy to learn [SPOILER] that the rest of the world hadn't been obliterated, but I would've rather had a longer book that checked in on the Wasteland some.

[Tobias Wolter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't bother. The writing is pretty subpar.

The story's premise, in general, is okayish, but starting at a third of the way in, the writing quality just dissolves, leaving behind a couple of not well thought out ideas and an adolescent's idea of an Awesome Story[tm] that grates on you if you've got enough of a brain to sneer.

If you're into it, you could have a lot of fun comparing list of writing fallacies and the less than good tropes from TVTropes and have a blast. As it is, I've just pulled the ripcord and probably won't read it any further.

[Steven H Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started confusing -- Ended with a bang

If I had perhaps a better understanding of rather beginning situation the first half of the book would have been much better . Having to figure out what was going on was like changing a tire on a moving vehicle. Great story and sequel to the series intro. Only a four because of the start.

[Jay Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Bible has written an epic series of books. I lost count of how many stories this one makes in the same timeline/universe. Entertaining, fun reads, all of them!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

[Rich Fiege · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Better than book 1!

[PJ Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Never underestimate an American.
Tech, mech and monsters make for a book that drags you in and keeps you reading. Absolutely loved it.