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SecondWorld

(SecondWorld #1)

Jeremy Robinson (Goodreads Author)

3.98 · Rating details · 1,755 ratings · 180 reviews

The high adventure of James Rollinsmeets the grippingsuspense ofMatthewReilly in Jeremy Robinson's explosive new thriller, SecondWorld.

Lincoln Miller, an ex-Navy SEAL turned NCIS Special Agent is sent to Aquarius, the world’s only sub-oceanic research facility located off the Florida Keys, to investigate reports of ocean dumping. A week into his stay, strange red flakes ...more

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Hardcover, 341 pages

Published May 22nd 2012 by Thomas Dunne Books

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· 1,755 ratings · 180 reviews

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Mar 19, 2012 Kristin Lundgren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: thriller, military, megalomaniac, alt-history

I read a lot of YA books which tend to fall into the paranormal/fantasy, SF, and dystopian genres, and a few stragglers. And I enjoy them, some immensely. But they don't give me that thrill. That rush of adrenaline, which I had been missing. Then I picked up Jeremy Robinson's latest thriller. He writes like James Rollins and Matt Reilly - somewhat improbable plot, improbable feats of derring-do, etc. But they are fun and enjoyable, and they all do well in bringing people to life. And that was I read a lot of YA books which tend to fall into the paranormal/fantasy, SF, and dystopian genres, and a few stragglers. And I enjoy them, some immensely. But they don't give me that thrill. That rush of adrenaline, which I had been missing. Then I picked up Jeremy Robinson's latest thriller. He writes like James Rollins and Matt Reilly - somewhat improbable plot, improbable feats of derring-do, etc. But they are fun and enjoyable, and they all do well in bringing people to life. And that was this book. Using a new character, an NCIS agent, it starts out with him underwater, supposedly studying some ocean stuff in an underwater habitat, but really an enforced vacation. Then strange red flakes start falling, and his habitat is unlivable and he surfaces, to find all life around him dead. He manages to get to shore, and works his way up the coast to Miami where it appears everyone has died from the red flakes, so he uses his scuba gear to be able to keep breathing, because somehow, the red flakes sucked the oxygen out of the air. What follows is his attempt to reach a safer zone, save a sick little girl, and be one of the few people trusted by POTUS to help save the world. Fun, blasting energy, but time for some small moments as well - sharing pudding with the girl, talking and joking with his comrades, a motley rag-tag bunch. It's pure adrenaline, a headlong rush into a secret plot that has been hatching for 70 years - "an enemy reborn from the ashes of WWII". Can't say more without spoilers - it's that kind of book, but once again he proves he is a master at his genre. Great action, great characters, fun, if improbable set-up, and a roller coaster ride to the finish line. And that was a wake-up, a refresher, from the quieter books I have been reading, so my next few reviews will be in this genre. Once I get started it takes me a few to stop. Then I get overloaded, and need to go back to the quieter ones - the YA genres. So if this is not to your taste, stay tuned. I won't stay here forever, just a drop-in now and then to refresh myself at the font of action and mayhem. ...more

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Apr 25, 2014 Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books) rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: action adventure fans, Matt Reilly, James Rollins fans

Shelves: favorites, hero-to-die-for, to-buy-wish-list, navy-seal, action-adventure, antarctica, seafaring, ww2, library-checkout, mad-scientists

I started this on Playaway and I had to turn it off because of the disturbing scene at the beginning. I got the print copy and I'm so glad I picked this up again, because this book rocked!

Warning: If you hate Nazis, you will either love this book, or you will find your hatred for Nazis inflamed to even higher levels. The Nazis (and all their modern counterparts) seriously suck (which is putting it lightly) and inspired many violent thoughts in my head as I was reading. I think that this book I started this on Playaway and I had to turn it off because of the disturbing scene at the beginning. I got the print copy and I'm so glad I picked this up again, because this book rocked!

Warning: If you hate Nazis, you will either love this book, or you will find your hatred for Nazis inflamed to even higher levels. The Nazis (and all their modern counterparts) seriously suck (which is putting it lightly) and inspired many violent thoughts in my head as I was reading. I think that this book might be therapeutic in that way. Having studied WWII and been sickened by the horrible acts perpetrated by the Nazis against the Jews (and everyone else they deemed unfit), I have stored up a fair amount of enmity against them. At least in fiction, you can see the Nazis get theirs. And I hope that we can learn from history and not let anything like this happen ever again.

In other ways, this was a great read. Lincoln Miller, while he is from a kickbutt elite Navy SEALs background, he still feels like an everyman hero. He assumes accountability to save the world, because he is in the right place at the right time. I loved to see him think through the very desperate circumstances he faced in this book. Imagine not being able to breathe in open air? Really scary. I love a resourceful lead character, and Miller's way of thinking through situations was always credible. Miller has a strong moral compass. While he's not a believer in God, he definitely knows the difference between right and wrong, and has a sense of justice that causes him to fight the good fight and to take a hard line against bullies and murderers. He doesn't kill wantonly, but he's not going to hesitate if killing is necessary.

I liked the secondary characters, although I never did trust one of them. Arwen is awesome. I hope to see more of her. I want to see Lincoln make good on his promise to her. I loved Cowboy! He has a novella out that I will definitely be buying for my Kindle. Also liked Elizabeth a lot. She's a good action heroine, realistic and admirable. Her smarts play a crucial role in this story.

Including the Nazis, there are some aspects of this novel that are very disturbing. I found the far-reaching enormity of the conspiracy quite harrowing, although not surprising, considering how prevalent (and entrenched) racism and prejudice is in this world (and most definitely in the United States). Part of me wondered how people could willingly get in bed with the Nazis, but if your ideology is similar, I guess what they believe is just a more extreme expression of your own beliefs (terrible to consider).

The action was off the charts. I did like how Robinson is realistic in how he describes Miller's reactions to the continual stresses on his body, and how he takes measures to keep himself going when rest isn't an option. For those who like Antarctica as a setting, look no further (although they aren't there very long). There is a big body count, but it's not gratuitous, and I didn't feel sorry for the Nazi/racist bad guys at all.

I decided I was being nitpicky in not giving this five stars. It really is a fiver for me. I wouldn't change anything about the writing. It's easy to read and I liked Robinson's way of explaining things without getting too technical, and also how he keeps the action going. He has a great imagination. Some readers may find the portrayal of the Nazis as being stereotypically evil, but that wasn't a big problem for me. To me, they are the essence of evil. If a reader wants a book with more shades of gray, this probably isn't a book for them.

I'm glad that this book was chosen for the Action/Adventure Aficionados group read, because it was a very fun, exciting read. I talked to this book almost the whole way through, and I didn't want to put it down until I finished the last paragraph. Highly recommended.

...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Cheryl rated it it was amazing

Ex-Navy Seal turned NCIS agent, Lincoln Miller has been tasked to check out the Aquarius underwater facility in the Florida Keys. Lincoln notices something strange. The sky is blazing red with red specks falling from the sky. Fish are dying Lincoln makes it to land, only to learn that an attack has been launched on the world. Someone has depleted the world of oxygen. With the lack of oxygen, people are also dying and the specks falling from the sky is all that is left of civilization. Miller ...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Mike rated it it was ok

Attention, Clevelanders -- Miami is DESTROYED in this book! Not the Heat basketball team, the ENTIRE CITY! LeBron James won't be winning any NBA championships after Navy SEAL Lincoln Miller saves the world and cleans up the mess resurrected Nazis create in this world.

Yes, resurrected Nazis. Seems the biggest villains of all time are back to take over the world 70 years after they lost World War II. Miller and his little band of rag-tag commandos must dodge thousands of bullets, ward off aerial ...more

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May 14, 2015 Julie Carter rated it it was amazing

Lincoln Miller is an ex Navy Seal who can take care of himself in any situation. This story takes him all over the world, and the precarious situations he finds himself in will leave you breathless. Very fast-paced story with great character interaction!

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Oct 11, 2017 Jonathan Wilson rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars

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Jun 15, 2013 Susan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: thriller, adventure, 2013

I loved this book from the first page to the last.

It is a rip-roaring, heart-pounding adventure and one of the best books I have read in recent times.

If you love high adventure and haven't yet discovered Jeremy Robinson, do yourself a favor and read this.

I can't wait to read more about Lincoln Miller, he is giving King and the Chess Team a run for the money.

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Jun 30, 2013 Thom rated it it was amazing

I'll be honest - parts of this book are (unintentionally?) hilarious. No spoilers, but the final scene is so over the top that I have to think that Robinson is in on the fun as well. But I look past all that because this is an incredible concept with delicious sci-fi inspired action that is just close enough to reality to be great. Five stars.

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Oct 04, 2012 Diane rated it it was ok

Shelves: thriller-mystery-suspense

The beginning was 5 stars, but once the hero is out of immediate danger, it got boring and bogged down with history and explanations . So I just skipped to the end to see what happened.

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Mar 13, 2019 Audrey Arnold rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

This was a really good book! The apocalypse, Nazis, and fast-paced action -- what could be better? Jeremy Robinson takes readers on a whirlwind ride with twists, turns, and danger around every corner. Perfect for lovers of action and intrigue.

This book sucked me right in and held me there until the very end. Highly reccomend SecondWorld!

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Dec 22, 2014 Jordan Anderson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have often times wondered what would happen if James Rollins and Matt Reilly somehow managed to team up and pen a new thriller. Two of the penultimate (and two of my all-time favorite) thriller authors, combining their respective talents. The result would be nothing short of marvelous! Now, I know that's more of a self-professed book nerd's wet dream. The chances of something as fantastic as that are most likely never to happen.

However, there is a close second to that never-to-happen fantasy, I have often times wondered what would happen if James Rollins and Matt Reilly somehow managed to team up and pen a new thriller. Two of the penultimate (and two of my all-time favorite) thriller authors, combining their respective talents. The result would be nothing short of marvelous! Now, I know that's more of a self-professed book nerd's wet dream. The chances of something as fantastic as that are most likely never to happen.

However, there is a close second to that never-to-happen fantasy, and it has actually happened. Jeremy Robinson has somehow managed to bridge the gap between the 2 and write something very similar to what those guys would ever produce. Hell, he could quite possibly be the lovechild between those 2!

I say all that because "Secondworld" was almost the most perfect blending of Rollins's science/plot and Reilly's over-the-top, thrill-a-minute action. Both are here and both work in such an awesome, fun way. The book never seems to let up and just when you think there can't possibly be anything else, any other way to ratchet up the excitement or thrill, Robinson finds a way to prove you wrong. And when you think you've had enough of the Nazis and all their heinous ways, there's Robinson once more, making you hate them all over again, while at the same time renewing scientific conspiracies and causing you to think "what if...?" I could continue singing my praises for this one, but just ponder this: If there was ever a time for a new screenplay, it should be something from Robinson. The guy is freaking fantastic.

I suppose that's not much of a surprise since he has been compared to both Rollins and Reilly (as well as Cussler). It's a huge compliment and a huge burden to bear on his shoulders but somehow, sliding under the radar, Robinson's "Secondworld" is quite possibly one of the best thrillers I have read and makes me have hope that there are still a lot of relatively unknown (or at least not overrated) authors out there who can write. And all this time, his books have sat just one or two over from Rollins. Such a shame it took me so long to discover him.

...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Dee Haddrill rated it it was amazing

Shelves: thriller, action-adventure, post-apocalyptic, 5-stars, horror, read-2013, audible

Originally read 27 April 2013; listened to via Audible 24 June 2015 (Phil Gigante has an amazing voice and really brought the characters to life!)

Lincoln Miller is an ex-Navy Seal turned NCIS agent who finds himself smack-dab in the middle of a terrifying scenario. The world around him is suddenly inundated with strange red flakes that appear to have one purpose - remove the oxygen from the air around him. With evil villains (Neo-Nazis)abounding, and an assortment of interesting sidekicks beside ...more

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Jul 11, 2015 Brian Taylor rated it liked it

SecondWorld is a solid read that will keep you entertained. It has plenty of action and characters that could have stepped out of an action movie (even if the nicknames were annoying). What I like about Jeremy Robinson is he's not afraid to go big with his plot...although there are times where things seem a little too unbelievable, or a little too convenient. If you're looking to get lost from your everyday life for a little while, give SecondWorld a try.

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May 02, 2012 Nathalia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, first-reads

I won a copy of this book through First Reads.

One of the best books that I've read all year! The plot was absolutely refreshing, the characters were fantastic and action scenes kept me on my toes until the very end. Great read!

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Apr 10, 2012 Suzanne rated it it was amazing

SO MUCH FUN!
This book was exactly what I needed. If you love movies like Die Hard, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Con Air, then this book is for you. The action never stops and the short chapters keep the story racing. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

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May 29, 2012 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites-read-in-2012

Loved this thriller, absolutely loved it - I could barely control the pages flying through my fingers. One of the most enjoyable reads I've had this year so far. Review to come on FWN.

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May 26, 2012 Cheryl rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Makes you think & frightens you......an amazing read!!!

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May 21, 2012 Jeffrey Higgins rated it it was amazing

Oh man can Mr. Robinson spin a tale. Don't miss this one. One of his bestt

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Dec 03, 2018 Daniel Rudge rated it really liked it

Shelves: action

An adrenaline-packed thrill ride that combines the best conspiracy theories into one plot, SecondWorld delivers the goods for action/adventure fans. The pace is set at a break-neck speed, the plot weaves in some science fiction and the action is almost non-stop. It loses a star for the lack of character-development, and for some of the action scenes not as well-scripted as say Matthew Reilly's best. Otherwise, a very enjoyable escapist read highly recommended to action/adventure and thriller ...more

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Mar 26, 2019 Mary rated it liked it

To say this novel is non-stop adventure and thrills is a gross understatement. With maybe one or two brief moments where the reader is allowed to catch a breath, the action literally does not stop. So why only 3 stars? This is something I never thought I would ever say but there is just too damned much. Too much damage one person could ever inflict. Too much coincidence. Too much luck. Too much pain and injury one person could endure. Too many bad guys. And too damned much need to suspend ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Elektrohase rated it did not like it

DNF!
Yeah. Of course. The bad, bad Germans who were forced to support Nazis in thread to their family being killed had a choice. Descendants of Germans who were forced supporters better were never been born. Sure. The book is a little TOO USA-and-anti-german patriotic. And all the shaved Nazis with the blond hair and the heavy German accent. Please! How ridiculous!
Garbage!
And a 12 year old girl that is soooo intelligent and has the same thoughts as the 'hero'? Garbage. Who should believe this. ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Michael rated it really liked it

I quite enjoyed this! I’ve read 3 of his books before, but there were aspects of those that annoyed me. Not so with this one.
Outlandish, both in plot and pace of action, this was a delightful bobsled ride of a book. The premise was just believable enough to make it interesting. The characters were charming. I’m glad he didn’t attempt some idiotic romantic side-plot. Yeah, use a hot girl as a main character but her appeal was that you didn’t know if you could trust her right up till the end; not ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Grace Heneks rated it liked it · review of another edition

Listened to this as an audiobook on our trip up to Colorado for Christmas. It was a fun listen. It kept both of us awake which helped make the long drive more bearable. I will say that the characterization was a little canned and the plot needed some trimming. It felt a little messy at times. I also did not like the narrator’s female voices. But overall, it was a fun, silly book that made a great road trip listen.

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Jul 22, 2018 Kasey rated it really liked it

I have read quite a few action books—mostly James Rollins. What stood out the most to me in this book was not only the lack of a forced and uncomfortable romance (thank goodness!) but the better-than-usual writing of a female character. She was a real person with real skills, and it was a nice break from how many female characters in this genre are written.

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Nov 17, 2017 Crystal M. Ecker rated it liked it

The first 50 percent of this book was amazing! Full of action. The last half had action, but I was less interested in this action. The two air battle scenes were not enjoyable to me. I liked the characters well enough, but the plot felt a bit weak and predictable in the second half. Really good concept for a story and perfect execution in the first half. 3.5 Stars.

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Feb 14, 2020 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: thrillers-mysteries

I thoroughly enjoy reading thrillers like this one. Jeremy Robinson expertly weaves factual historical facts into his own plotlines. This was pure escapism which is exactly what I was in the mood for.

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Sep 24, 2019 Tony rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 07, 2019 Brian rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Pretty good, high paced and fast action Science Fiction Thriller.

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Jun 01, 2017 Jeff Correll rated it really liked it

More like a 3.9er. The last 50 or 75 pages seemed like Mr. Robinson was just throwing things at the characters to up the page count. I did like the book though.

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Mar 31, 2019 Joe rated it it was amazing

Catching up on logging old reads and discovered this one in the mix.
It keep me up waaay past my bedtime - and that's the best review I can think of!

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Action/Adventure ...: August 2014 Random Read Group Read: Secondworld by Jeremy Robinson Spoilers	20	16	Oct 12, 2014 02:41PM

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About Jeremy Robinson

Jeremy Robinson

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Jeremy Robinson is the international bestselling author of sixty novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and ...more