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Sovereign Spirit Saga #1
Voyage of the Dead
Voyage of the Dead is the first book of the Sovereign Spirit Saga detailing the adventures of several groups of survivors of the Zombie Apocalypse. Most of them are aboard a ship that is well equipped to survive the end of civilization, while others struggle to survive in a world suddenly overrun by undead cannibals. This is a science fiction adventure set within a horror genre, full of blood, guts, violence and the human emotions that fuel our survival instincts.
This is the first novel by David P. Forsyth. At least two more books in the Sovereign Spirit Saga will be released this year.
This is the first novel by David P. Forsyth. At least two more books in the Sovereign Spirit Saga will be released this year.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2012
194 people are currently reading
1468 people want to read
About the author
David P. Forsyth
17 books150 followersDavid P. Forsyth holds a masters degree in international relations and has pursued diverse interests and career paths. He is a licensed pilot and certified scuba diver. An avid reader of sci-fi, action-adventure, techno-thriller, horror, fantasy and apocalyptic fiction, Mr. Forsyth's professional endeavors have ranged from higher education to international trade, from travel marketing to charter aviation, and from failed entrepreneur to construction superintendent. David lives in Malibu, California, with the love of his life, Pamela, and nine munchkin cats. His goals are to become a successful enough author to quit his day job, focus on writing, and explore the world. He also buys the occasional lottery ticket.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 20, 2012
hmmmm, let's pretend we're casting the parts in this book for a film version. The following MALE parts are up for grabs. All parts will involve kicking Zombie ass...
-Rich Annoying Hero
-Kick ass Cool Hero
-Ship Skipper #1
-Ship Skipper #2
-Military Commander #1
-Military commander #2
-Marine Sergeant
-Marine #1
-Marine #2
-Marine #3
-Marine #4
-Marine #5
-Helicopter Pilot
-Coastguard
-Coastguard Pilot
- Army Buddy #1
-Army Buddy #2
-Rich Hero's child
-Worldsaving Scientist
-Refinery Worker #1
-Refinery Worker #2
-Refinery Worker #3
-Wifebeater
-Rich Rescuee
The following parts are auditioning for FEMALES. No Zombie ass kicking required, you can even stay in your heels...
-Pathetic Wife #1
-Pathetic Wife #2
-Pathetic Wife #3
-Pathetic girlfriend #1
-Pathetic girlfriend #2
-Pathetic mother
-Pathetic daughter
-Temptress nympho
-Worldsaving Scientist's Assistant
This is possibly the most sexist book i have ever read. So how come it still gets 3 stars? Because Carl kicks Zombie ass! If the whole book had had more Carls on normal boats, no rich annoying 'hero' and some women who perhaps decided it was best to act like they were in a goddamn Zombie Apocolypse, (doh hello?......) then this might have got 5 stars.
-Rich Annoying Hero
-Kick ass Cool Hero
-Ship Skipper #1
-Ship Skipper #2
-Military Commander #1
-Military commander #2
-Marine Sergeant
-Marine #1
-Marine #2
-Marine #3
-Marine #4
-Marine #5
-Helicopter Pilot
-Coastguard
-Coastguard Pilot
- Army Buddy #1
-Army Buddy #2
-Rich Hero's child
-Worldsaving Scientist
-Refinery Worker #1
-Refinery Worker #2
-Refinery Worker #3
-Wifebeater
-Rich Rescuee
The following parts are auditioning for FEMALES. No Zombie ass kicking required, you can even stay in your heels...
-Pathetic Wife #1
-Pathetic Wife #2
-Pathetic Wife #3
-Pathetic girlfriend #1
-Pathetic girlfriend #2
-Pathetic mother
-Pathetic daughter
-Temptress nympho
-Worldsaving Scientist's Assistant
This is possibly the most sexist book i have ever read. So how come it still gets 3 stars? Because Carl kicks Zombie ass! If the whole book had had more Carls on normal boats, no rich annoying 'hero' and some women who perhaps decided it was best to act like they were in a goddamn Zombie Apocolypse, (doh hello?......) then this might have got 5 stars.
June 21, 2012
It's about a millionaire that happens to be on a cruise ship with friends and family when the zombie apocalypse hits. It's loaded with just about every conceivable thing you'd need to survive. Because of this, there is a lack of conflict that you see in most other books of this genre. There is really no suspense, as the protagonist has already bought his way out of every challenge they might encounter before the book even starts. I could not immerse myself in this book because the situations, characters and dialogue are so contrived. There is a subplot about a character named Carl that is much more interesting, but unfortunately doesn't get as much attention.
Very disappointing because I thought the book had potential.
Very disappointing because I thought the book had potential.
February 14, 2016
I have decided that I am--at least for now--giving up any attempt to find good free zombie fiction.
This book was...well, at first I thought it was going to be good. The prologue is very exciting, as it features Carl and his wife, Pricilla, at the airport just as the zombie apocalypse breaks out. We witness Carl losing his wife and his frantic attempts to stay alive.
And then it just switches gears. The main character is not Carl, and is actually a man actually named Scott Allen, He's a handsome multi-gajillionaie (having won the lottery) who's in his late 40's, has a beautiful, talented wife (former model, artist, gourmet cook, etc.), and an awesome son. He also happens to find himself on his fully tricked out, fully stocked ocean liner when the zombie apocalypse happens. He's so perfect, and always right, and is so good at everything, and has no discernible flaws, that, if you ask me, his name should have been Gary (as in Stu). He acts like he's better than everyone else, and he just...UGH irritated me to no end. And what's worse, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE deferred to him like he was lord on high. The military, marines, what have you...EVERY. ONE.
There was also very little threat to the survivors, due to the fact that the ship had everything, literally everything that one would need to survive the end of the world in the lap of luxury. The ship had: weapons, cars, food, a helicopter, internet, sat phones, a bowling alley, movies, hot water, you name it, it was on that damn ship. Any threats they did come across (whether from zombies or other humans) were easily overcome.
(And the ad nauseam descriptions of the various types of guns/weapons/military vehicles/whatever, really was not my cuppa, and I skimmed a lot of that.)
Now...we have to discuss the female 'characters' for a moment. Is there a distinction that's even less than 'one dimensional'? Because that's what the women were in this book. I'm not even sure you can call them characters, actually. Their only contributions to the story were to: cry/panic/wring their hands/be rescued/offer sexual favors for said rescuing. Not one of them had any agency of their own or were characters in their own right.
The only saving grace of this book were the 'Interludes in Hell' that occurred at the end of every chapter, and featured the previously mentioned mentioned Carl of the prologue. As he was in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, his situation felt much more precarious, but again, there was a distinct lack of threat and convenient solutions to problems--though, not nearly as much as with the survivors on the ship.
This book was...well, at first I thought it was going to be good. The prologue is very exciting, as it features Carl and his wife, Pricilla, at the airport just as the zombie apocalypse breaks out. We witness Carl losing his wife and his frantic attempts to stay alive.
And then it just switches gears. The main character is not Carl, and is actually a man actually named Scott Allen, He's a handsome multi-gajillionaie (having won the lottery) who's in his late 40's, has a beautiful, talented wife (former model, artist, gourmet cook, etc.), and an awesome son. He also happens to find himself on his fully tricked out, fully stocked ocean liner when the zombie apocalypse happens. He's so perfect, and always right, and is so good at everything, and has no discernible flaws, that, if you ask me, his name should have been Gary (as in Stu). He acts like he's better than everyone else, and he just...UGH irritated me to no end. And what's worse, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE deferred to him like he was lord on high. The military, marines, what have you...EVERY. ONE.
There was also very little threat to the survivors, due to the fact that the ship had everything, literally everything that one would need to survive the end of the world in the lap of luxury. The ship had: weapons, cars, food, a helicopter, internet, sat phones, a bowling alley, movies, hot water, you name it, it was on that damn ship. Any threats they did come across (whether from zombies or other humans) were easily overcome.
(And the ad nauseam descriptions of the various types of guns/weapons/military vehicles/whatever, really was not my cuppa, and I skimmed a lot of that.)
Now...we have to discuss the female 'characters' for a moment. Is there a distinction that's even less than 'one dimensional'? Because that's what the women were in this book. I'm not even sure you can call them characters, actually. Their only contributions to the story were to: cry/panic/wring their hands/be rescued/offer sexual favors for said rescuing. Not one of them had any agency of their own or were characters in their own right.
The only saving grace of this book were the 'Interludes in Hell' that occurred at the end of every chapter, and featured the previously mentioned mentioned Carl of the prologue. As he was in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, his situation felt much more precarious, but again, there was a distinct lack of threat and convenient solutions to problems--though, not nearly as much as with the survivors on the ship.
August 26, 2012
I had to stop reading. Everything was just too convenient for the people and there was no drama. I also really didn't care at all about any of the characters, other than they all annoyed me. Everyone was perfect. The wives were perfect and expected to be making everyone dinner. I thought the book idea was a good one, but extremely poorly executed.
July 18, 2013
I do not like Scott Allen, the main character. I think I am SUPPOSED to like him, being that he is all prepared and rich and perfect and knows everything and does everything right and always makes the right decisions and can save the whole entire world and smile while doing it. I, however, think he is insufferably arrogant. I don't think he is supposed to come across that way, but he does. That's not to say he is a bad guy - he's not, and his intentions are good...it's just that I hate him.
He has E V E R Y T H I N G and it's all his and any single solitary thing a community, even a floating one, could possibly ever need to survive the zombpocalypse, well Scott has it. He's willing to share, of course, even with strangers, but it's HIS stuff and he doles it out in an insufferably arrogant way....like his personality. Insufferably arrogant. And even, at a point, high ranking Marine and Coast Guard officers are put under SCOTT'S CIVILIAN command (not believable at all) in the middle of a WORLD APOCALYPSE (even less believable).
But enough about Scott, who I may have mentioned that I hate.
The rest of the book is outstanding. Great story, plot, arc, characters, situation, and I have already decided that I am going to purchase and retrofit my very own cruise ship to live on NOW so that when the zombpocalypse comes, I'm already set.
EDITED JULY 18, 2013:
So...based on this review, particularly the parts about the book's main character, Scott, who I may have mentioned that I hate, the author hired me to edit this book, and the two following it.
Since I had a chance to get my hands on Scott and tone him down some (Did I tell you he was insufferably arrogant? If not, I meant to.), I hate him less now. And actually, in subsequent books, things happen to Scott that may even make you have sympathy for him, because he is brought down to earth in a pretty mean way.
Having now read the three books in the series, I can heartily recommend that if you are a zombie/horror/PA fan, you hie thee to your nearest online or brick and mortar bookstore, get them all, and commence to readin'.
He has E V E R Y T H I N G and it's all his and any single solitary thing a community, even a floating one, could possibly ever need to survive the zombpocalypse, well Scott has it. He's willing to share, of course, even with strangers, but it's HIS stuff and he doles it out in an insufferably arrogant way....like his personality. Insufferably arrogant. And even, at a point, high ranking Marine and Coast Guard officers are put under SCOTT'S CIVILIAN command (not believable at all) in the middle of a WORLD APOCALYPSE (even less believable).
But enough about Scott, who I may have mentioned that I hate.
The rest of the book is outstanding. Great story, plot, arc, characters, situation, and I have already decided that I am going to purchase and retrofit my very own cruise ship to live on NOW so that when the zombpocalypse comes, I'm already set.
EDITED JULY 18, 2013:
So...based on this review, particularly the parts about the book's main character, Scott, who I may have mentioned that I hate, the author hired me to edit this book, and the two following it.
Since I had a chance to get my hands on Scott and tone him down some (Did I tell you he was insufferably arrogant? If not, I meant to.), I hate him less now. And actually, in subsequent books, things happen to Scott that may even make you have sympathy for him, because he is brought down to earth in a pretty mean way.
Having now read the three books in the series, I can heartily recommend that if you are a zombie/horror/PA fan, you hie thee to your nearest online or brick and mortar bookstore, get them all, and commence to readin'.
January 25, 2015
How does one describe this book effectively? You have a rich white dude who just happens to be on his mega yacht when the zombie apocalypse occurs. He has all the bells and whistles and access to anything and everything he needs. This also includes marines and all sorts of military toys at his disposal. Then you have another rich white dude who escapes from the airport and just happens to get super ass lucky and manages to escape all attacks. Hen then finds a safe haven at an oil refinery with a bunch of other lucky stiffs and together they all build these really cool zombie slaying cars.
What this book has: Several descriptions of uber rich guys mega yacht along with all his cool toys and amenities. If you miss the description in one chapter, don't worry you will get it several times more throughout the book. Occasionally you get some zombie action, but don't worry the zombies don't win. You can also read how the military kisses rich guys ass and treats him like he's the best thing since sliced bread since Homeland Security, FEMA, and the CDC have entrusted rich dude with rescuing a scientist. Some more zombie action pops up, but they get their heads exploded and all fall down or they run away because they are afraid of water. After a paragraph of that we are back to how really cool and awesome uber rich guy is and how his mega yacht is going to save civilization.
What this book doesn't have: No strong female characters. Not even one that might have some potential. Most of them are all damsels in distress. They either sit in their stateroom on the super yacht painting or they are giving booty calls to the big bad men who save them. There's a plot somewhere in this story, but I think it's hidden behind the bowling alley that they are turning into a shooting range for the other rich peeps to train on.
I will not be finishing the series.
What this book has: Several descriptions of uber rich guys mega yacht along with all his cool toys and amenities. If you miss the description in one chapter, don't worry you will get it several times more throughout the book. Occasionally you get some zombie action, but don't worry the zombies don't win. You can also read how the military kisses rich guys ass and treats him like he's the best thing since sliced bread since Homeland Security, FEMA, and the CDC have entrusted rich dude with rescuing a scientist. Some more zombie action pops up, but they get their heads exploded and all fall down or they run away because they are afraid of water. After a paragraph of that we are back to how really cool and awesome uber rich guy is and how his mega yacht is going to save civilization.
What this book doesn't have: No strong female characters. Not even one that might have some potential. Most of them are all damsels in distress. They either sit in their stateroom on the super yacht painting or they are giving booty calls to the big bad men who save them. There's a plot somewhere in this story, but I think it's hidden behind the bowling alley that they are turning into a shooting range for the other rich peeps to train on.
I will not be finishing the series.
February 3, 2012
This is one of those books that starts with a bang and I read waiting for the pace to slacken, except it doesn't. Too often, books of this kind start out with an action scene, and then we get chapters of backfill and descriptions of the soap opera-like travails of our chracters. While Forsyth indeed fills in the characterizations, the key quality of this book is that most valuable in any kind of thriller--PACING.
After so many weary replays of Romero situations, it's rewarding to read something that really does something different with this material. Imagine an action-movie situation, now throw in zombies. That's easy to imagine, but difficult to pull off. The author also has a droll sense of humor I found enjoyable without falling into the foolishness of so many books and films which dilute the horror with jokes. (I laughed out loud at this line: “What is the nature of your emergency, Three Two Foxtrot?” was the immediate reply. “Zombies,” replied Mick before Scott could stop him.) The humor seems to pop out of the mouths of people caught unawares by their situations and seems natural, not forced, and thus keeps the proceedings from getting depressing.
I am very, very hard on action stories, and almost as hard on horror stories, so I was surprised to find this combination of both to be so engrossing and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next volume, which surprises me even more, since I can't tell you how many multi-volume sagas I've abandoned. Very enjoyable.
After so many weary replays of Romero situations, it's rewarding to read something that really does something different with this material. Imagine an action-movie situation, now throw in zombies. That's easy to imagine, but difficult to pull off. The author also has a droll sense of humor I found enjoyable without falling into the foolishness of so many books and films which dilute the horror with jokes. (I laughed out loud at this line: “What is the nature of your emergency, Three Two Foxtrot?” was the immediate reply. “Zombies,” replied Mick before Scott could stop him.) The humor seems to pop out of the mouths of people caught unawares by their situations and seems natural, not forced, and thus keeps the proceedings from getting depressing.
I am very, very hard on action stories, and almost as hard on horror stories, so I was surprised to find this combination of both to be so engrossing and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next volume, which surprises me even more, since I can't tell you how many multi-volume sagas I've abandoned. Very enjoyable.
January 1, 2013
I really like the idea behind this book. While I've read a few zombie novels and a lot of apocalyptic books, I've never read one centered on boat based survival. The reason I read through the book was to see how the author built that world up. That said, the writing really needs some work.
The author needs to put some more work into developing conflict, character development, dialog, and pacing. Other than the zombie thing, most of his conflicts are very short lived and he really tilts the world in favor of his main character. With the odds so skewed in the hero's favor even the long-term apocalypse conflict just isn't as compelling. Many of the characters are one-dimensional which I understand with minor players, but even the main ones just don't have much depth. This leads to dialog problems in that once you understand what that character's singular motivation is, the conversations will be obvious. The author does have some good scenes in the book but most of the time the pacing of the writing stops you from really sinking into the scene.
If you are into survival or zombie apocalypse novels I recommend reading the sample. If you don't mind the writing style then you will probably get something from the book. However, if you have difficulties with the writing in the sample, let this one go as it won't improve.
Additionally, don't count the author out for future books. Some of the ideas are novel and there are definitely glimmers of potential here. As he gains experience and maybe gets some editing help I think he could get some good writing done.
The author needs to put some more work into developing conflict, character development, dialog, and pacing. Other than the zombie thing, most of his conflicts are very short lived and he really tilts the world in favor of his main character. With the odds so skewed in the hero's favor even the long-term apocalypse conflict just isn't as compelling. Many of the characters are one-dimensional which I understand with minor players, but even the main ones just don't have much depth. This leads to dialog problems in that once you understand what that character's singular motivation is, the conversations will be obvious. The author does have some good scenes in the book but most of the time the pacing of the writing stops you from really sinking into the scene.
If you are into survival or zombie apocalypse novels I recommend reading the sample. If you don't mind the writing style then you will probably get something from the book. However, if you have difficulties with the writing in the sample, let this one go as it won't improve.
Additionally, don't count the author out for future books. Some of the ideas are novel and there are definitely glimmers of potential here. As he gains experience and maybe gets some editing help I think he could get some good writing done.
July 21, 2012
What an incredible read! This is a lot different from the usual Zombie formula and is set aboard the Sovereign Spirit an old North Sea roll on roll off ferry that has been turned into a mega luxury ship by billionaire Scott Allen and his family. The boat has every luxury you can name from bowling alley to cinema to casino and Internet cafe all on board. Scott has also fitted out the Soverign Spirit with it's own helicopter, mini-sub, SUV, stacks of weaponry and even a marine laboratory. Scott's idea is to spend his fortune sailing the oceans and taking his friends and paying passengers on exclusive round-the-world cruises with all manner of excursions included. Everything is well in Scott's world until almost simultaneously in big cities around the globe people start to turn into flesh eating zombies attacking others and quickly spreading the infection across the planet. From the safety of his ship in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Northern Mexico, Scott has a ring side seat as he watches the TV news networks show what could be the end of society as we know it. Can Scott and his passengers find survivors on the coast? I absolutely loved this first book in the Sovereign Spirit saga, many other reviewers have said it is like The Walking Dead meets Battlestar Galactica... All I can say is I LOVED IT and I have already bought the next book Flotilla of the Dead on Kindle.
March 4, 2012
Welcome to the Zombie Apocalypse! Unlike some ZA authors, this one clearly has not been bitten yet and still has the ability to form plot lines. I loved how the story alternated between the "average Joe" (who loses everything that's important to him in the first couple of pages and has to think on his feet and appropriate whatever resources he can find to survive) and the lottery winner with the massive tricked-out yacht (who has the ability to figure out the "big picture" and plan more audacious rescue efforts from his position of relative safety). The explanation for the source and nature of the infection is original, too, and I suspect we will learn a lot more about it in the sequel.
Must-read material for the coming apocalypse, along with The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From The Living Deadand World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War!
Must-read material for the coming apocalypse, along with The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From The Living Deadand World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War!
January 28, 2014
The game many people are playing these days is the name your friends, tools, weapons and plans for survival in case of Zombocalypse game. This book takes that intellectual exercise and runs with it. Or should I say 'sets sail with it'? Imagine there are no rules, no limits to spending, no preparation that can't be made if the world is going to go down in a mass of crawling, staggering, shambling, gnashing corpses tomorrow. Well that's what the author does and he does it well combining technical and tactical knowledge with a sense of drama and urgency that depart from the standard zombie epic in a high powered speedboat loaded with guns pushing Eighty over open water. The fall of Baja and Southern California are depicted with a fresh practicality that draws the reader into this boat cruise through hell as the Everyman hero who hit the lottery just before the end of everything cobbles together a flotilla of marines, survivors and hotheads to survive just one more day against a world gone corpse-raving mad. Buy the ticket and take this ride!
May 30, 2012
I don’t normally read zombie stories, but I’d heard so many people talk about this one that I had to try. And I’m glad I did! Voyage of the Dead tells the story of a zombie apocalypse from two perspectives – from aboard a private luxury cruise ship equipped with every possible convenience, to an average Joe who’s caught in the middle of the mayhem with only his wits to survive.
Scott, who has outfitted his floating palace thanks to winning the lottery (although I’m not sure even the largest lottery windfall would buy all the bells and whistles he’s got), is on a rescue mission. Carl is just trying to survive. Both stories have some hair-raising moments as they fight their way thru hordes of the undead. Although Scott has all the expensive toys, Carl comes up with some pretty cool weapons. Graphic and gruesome at times, the story is nevertheless compelling and convincing and keeps you turning the pages. I’m looking forward to the second installment! Good job, Mr. Forsyth.
Scott, who has outfitted his floating palace thanks to winning the lottery (although I’m not sure even the largest lottery windfall would buy all the bells and whistles he’s got), is on a rescue mission. Carl is just trying to survive. Both stories have some hair-raising moments as they fight their way thru hordes of the undead. Although Scott has all the expensive toys, Carl comes up with some pretty cool weapons. Graphic and gruesome at times, the story is nevertheless compelling and convincing and keeps you turning the pages. I’m looking forward to the second installment! Good job, Mr. Forsyth.
June 8, 2012
So I enjoyed this book, but it kind of felt like the main character didn't ever really have any serious obstacles. He had a few minor speed bumps, but that's really all they were. He was literally in the best possible situation EVER for a zombie apocalypse. It made for an entertaining book, but it would have been a lot better if he actually had some real obstacles to over come.
March 22, 2012
Voyage of the Dead is a zombie apocalypse book with two main characters, Carl and Scott. Scott won the lottery a few years back, and was on his private cruise ship with his closest family and friends when the outbreak happens. Carl is not so lucky, as he's stuck in LAX airport when the first incidents in town happen. Carl has to work for his survival, using strong instincts and keen observation to get him through the first hours, then finding an oil refinery with strong fencing around it to take refuge in.
Honestly, Scott's story was a bit ridiculous and bothered me. I don't understand why a normal man would have a floating arsenal with all those amphibious vehicles. Yes, I understand he's rich, but I know a lot of rich people and they're boats don't hold those sorts of things. It seems really outrageous, and almost like the author was writing a personal fantasy come to life with the whole concept. I think this weak element of the story could have been easier thought out by making the ship smaller, the passengers fewer (how many of his close family and friends could really afford to not work for a year?)or making it the ship of a paranoid prepper who used it as his bug out location. The way it played out the way it was just wasn't realistic at all. Yes, zombies aren't realistic either, but you have to make any story seem as real to the reader as possible.
The things with the government asking them for help and them rescuing all the survivors was also a little far fetched. It just feels as if there are too many survivors. Understandably this is the beginning of the apocalypse, but many of the people they rescue don't seem at all prepared for this sort of harsh environment. I think most of them would have been zombie meat in a realistic world. I'm also disappointed that Scott just seems SO lucky. It's like you know nothing is going to happen to him or anyone that he loves, there is no danger with his story, it was almost boring. Might as well have written a romance novel at that point. Most people would not be able to survive in their homes, and I don't understand why the zombies are so tame they aren't even able to break through RV doors. Seems like these sort of zombies would have easily been able to have been controlled by our government and police forces. Fast, strong, undead is what gives zombies the advantage in most stories, something slow, stupid, and weak would quickly be overwhelmed by us without apocalyptic loses.
Now Carl's story is a lot more interesting, he's had to fight on the front lines more, and it seems like his brain is what's giving him the advantage. I like some of the modifications he makes to the vehicles, they sound like they would be real assets. He seems like the sort of person that would survive a situation like this. However, the story never really focuses on him as it seems like he's being set up to a provider of oil to the flotilla of ships later on. It's really sad that he's probably going to be so easily dismissed since he's the more interesting character.
Overall I think the story is just a little to silly to be considered interesting. The characters are just a little to lucky, and of course there are always lucky people in horrible situations, but nobody really wants to hear that story. We want to know about the people who struggle, who lose loved ones, and who are fighting the hard and gritty fight with the rest of the peons. Scott is exactly where I would want to be in an apocalypse, but when reading fiction, it's not that interesting to hear his story of rescue and posh living. Honestly though, it's not a bad read, it's just not a very good one either. The dialogue is a little silly, but the descriptions are decent. It brings up some interesting points, and creates a couple new ideas in the way of zombies. I did like the fairly unique idea that the zombies naturally moved downhill because it was the force of least resistance.
Honestly, Scott's story was a bit ridiculous and bothered me. I don't understand why a normal man would have a floating arsenal with all those amphibious vehicles. Yes, I understand he's rich, but I know a lot of rich people and they're boats don't hold those sorts of things. It seems really outrageous, and almost like the author was writing a personal fantasy come to life with the whole concept. I think this weak element of the story could have been easier thought out by making the ship smaller, the passengers fewer (how many of his close family and friends could really afford to not work for a year?)or making it the ship of a paranoid prepper who used it as his bug out location. The way it played out the way it was just wasn't realistic at all. Yes, zombies aren't realistic either, but you have to make any story seem as real to the reader as possible.
The things with the government asking them for help and them rescuing all the survivors was also a little far fetched. It just feels as if there are too many survivors. Understandably this is the beginning of the apocalypse, but many of the people they rescue don't seem at all prepared for this sort of harsh environment. I think most of them would have been zombie meat in a realistic world. I'm also disappointed that Scott just seems SO lucky. It's like you know nothing is going to happen to him or anyone that he loves, there is no danger with his story, it was almost boring. Might as well have written a romance novel at that point. Most people would not be able to survive in their homes, and I don't understand why the zombies are so tame they aren't even able to break through RV doors. Seems like these sort of zombies would have easily been able to have been controlled by our government and police forces. Fast, strong, undead is what gives zombies the advantage in most stories, something slow, stupid, and weak would quickly be overwhelmed by us without apocalyptic loses.
Now Carl's story is a lot more interesting, he's had to fight on the front lines more, and it seems like his brain is what's giving him the advantage. I like some of the modifications he makes to the vehicles, they sound like they would be real assets. He seems like the sort of person that would survive a situation like this. However, the story never really focuses on him as it seems like he's being set up to a provider of oil to the flotilla of ships later on. It's really sad that he's probably going to be so easily dismissed since he's the more interesting character.
Overall I think the story is just a little to silly to be considered interesting. The characters are just a little to lucky, and of course there are always lucky people in horrible situations, but nobody really wants to hear that story. We want to know about the people who struggle, who lose loved ones, and who are fighting the hard and gritty fight with the rest of the peons. Scott is exactly where I would want to be in an apocalypse, but when reading fiction, it's not that interesting to hear his story of rescue and posh living. Honestly though, it's not a bad read, it's just not a very good one either. The dialogue is a little silly, but the descriptions are decent. It brings up some interesting points, and creates a couple new ideas in the way of zombies. I did like the fairly unique idea that the zombies naturally moved downhill because it was the force of least resistance.
December 1, 2013
This book was a very enjoyable read. I haven't read zombie books for awhile after I binged on them several years ago and grew bored -quickly by the same old plot. This book is very unique in that it takes place, mostly, on a very fancy, well-equipped yacht. The author explores many different aspects of a zombie apocalypse that I hadn't encountered in the genre previously. I recommend reading it! I am excited to read the other ones as well and see where this story goes. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was a slightly slow start. The second half of the book was 5 stars all the way.
**possible light spoilers below, but not really**
Now, I want to address a running theme in all the 1 star reviews. Having read some of those reviews before reading the book, I expected this thing to have a bunch of gun crazy, 'Murica!, Don't Tread On Me kind of junk in it. It didn't. I didn't notice anything that was overtly political at all. Yes, a rich man has a very well-equipped yacht and when the military finds out about it, they want to take it. I agree with that. In a collapse of society situation, the gov't has a duty to take certain things that will help everyone. It has been done in the past and it will be done again. I'm okay with that. What I really thought was unique about this book was the fact that when the gov't finds out the man who owns the yacht actually has his head on straight and is handling things well, they let him keep it because he's doing a fine job. (yeah yeah, scuttling charges, whatever).
Seriously, I don't think this is any kind of liberal bashing, big gov't thing. It's a very good story of the country going to hell in a handbasket and several groups of people all trying to do what they think is right and good.
If those reviews mentioning a bunch of political stuff are holding you back, don't let them. People will fault Bush or Obama for the expired milk in their fridge just because they look for political conflict in everything.
Read this if you like zombie books or good stories about good people. You won't be let down.
**possible light spoilers below, but not really**
Now, I want to address a running theme in all the 1 star reviews. Having read some of those reviews before reading the book, I expected this thing to have a bunch of gun crazy, 'Murica!, Don't Tread On Me kind of junk in it. It didn't. I didn't notice anything that was overtly political at all. Yes, a rich man has a very well-equipped yacht and when the military finds out about it, they want to take it. I agree with that. In a collapse of society situation, the gov't has a duty to take certain things that will help everyone. It has been done in the past and it will be done again. I'm okay with that. What I really thought was unique about this book was the fact that when the gov't finds out the man who owns the yacht actually has his head on straight and is handling things well, they let him keep it because he's doing a fine job. (yeah yeah, scuttling charges, whatever).
Seriously, I don't think this is any kind of liberal bashing, big gov't thing. It's a very good story of the country going to hell in a handbasket and several groups of people all trying to do what they think is right and good.
If those reviews mentioning a bunch of political stuff are holding you back, don't let them. People will fault Bush or Obama for the expired milk in their fridge just because they look for political conflict in everything.
Read this if you like zombie books or good stories about good people. You won't be let down.
October 15, 2012
I've quit maybe three books in my life. I'm always hopeful, and I honestly feel a certain obligation to the author to give their hard work a chance. With all the great reviews I was looking so forward to getting into this series, unfortunately it was just not meant to be. I feel this book was directed toward a male audience, I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters (maybe Carl at first), the dialog between the college students was awkward, and I didn't like that other books and movies were referenced so much...I was already having a hard time just getting through the pages, but the nail in the coffin was George accepting Carlas advance because she wanted to "thank" him for saving her...he's married, but couldn't say no to her flattering figure. Men! I'm not a prude, but the reasoning and willingness was just out of place. His daughter and grandchildren were in the vacinity...yeah. I read a little beyond that and I was done. Maybe it makes sense down the road, but I'll never know.
April 4, 2014
Blah. I wanted to give it 2 stars, but it only gets one out of pity. The story was good - primarily the 'interludes' with Carl and his story - but the ideas are wasted. I don't recall reading another novel in which the main character has zero obstacles to overcome. Maybe this was a YA sci-fi work, and I was misinformed. In any case, this is one series I won't likely continue reading.
April 17, 2017
Scott is the guy you want to be friends with if the zombie apocalypse comes. Having won the lottery, he bought himself a huge cruise ship and fitted it out with every gadget you could ever want including guns, supplies, communications, small boats, helicopter and mini submarine. Scott indicates in the book he he bought all those boy toys that any guy could imagine. So he has just treated his friends and family to a cruise on what sounds like the most amazing ship ever, when the apocalypse begins. Like I said, you want to be his friend and be on the ship, safe offshore as all hell breaks loose.
The other MC is Carl, a normal guy with no gadgets who is at the airport when hell breaks loose and has to rely on himself to escape and find somewhere safe to hole up. I liked the complete contrast between our two heroes. One is equipped for every possible mission while the other, frankly, is flying by the seat of his pants and trying to come up with a plan to stay alive. It is also a clever way to remove the need for boring parts where the ship might be sailing for hours with nothing happening. This way, we leave Scott when the action ends, follow Carl in danger, and back to Scott for his next adventure. Clever and entertaining.
The action is pretty much non-stop, which I love in my zombie books. There are rescue missions made by those on the boat, trying to save their families who are trapped on land. There are the adventures of Carl and others stuck on land who need to get creative to stay alive. There action scenes are tense, well described and you can easily see in your head what the author is describing to you. I engaged fully with the characters and plot and had a fun time with this book.
A few things have been mentioned by other reviewers that I want to comment on. Yes it is rather convenient that Scott has everything he needs for every situation, but to be honest, that doesn't bother me as long as the action created by his toys is exciting. And it was. I noticed that a lot of people don't seem to like Scott but I did. I saw him as a guy determined to keep everyone on the boat safe and to do that, he had to ensure the military did not get his ship. I get that and I liked his stubborness.
I do agree about the role of women in the book, especially George having sex with a female survivor who was so grateful to be rescued that she offers sex and turned fatal attraction when he bleats about loving his wife. They of course have to have the woman like a slut and then turning psycho so George is the victim. This incident put me off George, who I had liked. You are away from your wife a short period of time to rescue the grandkids and you just have sex with a strange woman? Didn't like that bit at all. It just felt as if it was decided that there needed to be sex somewhere in the book and it was just shoved there.
However, overall I really enjoyed the book and there was plenty action for the zombie fan to enjoy. I read this as a free e-book then bought the paperbacks for this and book two, which I hope to read soon. I also hope it doesn't take me a whole year to review the next one, like this book...!
The other MC is Carl, a normal guy with no gadgets who is at the airport when hell breaks loose and has to rely on himself to escape and find somewhere safe to hole up. I liked the complete contrast between our two heroes. One is equipped for every possible mission while the other, frankly, is flying by the seat of his pants and trying to come up with a plan to stay alive. It is also a clever way to remove the need for boring parts where the ship might be sailing for hours with nothing happening. This way, we leave Scott when the action ends, follow Carl in danger, and back to Scott for his next adventure. Clever and entertaining.
The action is pretty much non-stop, which I love in my zombie books. There are rescue missions made by those on the boat, trying to save their families who are trapped on land. There are the adventures of Carl and others stuck on land who need to get creative to stay alive. There action scenes are tense, well described and you can easily see in your head what the author is describing to you. I engaged fully with the characters and plot and had a fun time with this book.
A few things have been mentioned by other reviewers that I want to comment on. Yes it is rather convenient that Scott has everything he needs for every situation, but to be honest, that doesn't bother me as long as the action created by his toys is exciting. And it was. I noticed that a lot of people don't seem to like Scott but I did. I saw him as a guy determined to keep everyone on the boat safe and to do that, he had to ensure the military did not get his ship. I get that and I liked his stubborness.
I do agree about the role of women in the book, especially George having sex with a female survivor who was so grateful to be rescued that she offers sex and turned fatal attraction when he bleats about loving his wife. They of course have to have the woman like a slut and then turning psycho so George is the victim. This incident put me off George, who I had liked. You are away from your wife a short period of time to rescue the grandkids and you just have sex with a strange woman? Didn't like that bit at all. It just felt as if it was decided that there needed to be sex somewhere in the book and it was just shoved there.
However, overall I really enjoyed the book and there was plenty action for the zombie fan to enjoy. I read this as a free e-book then bought the paperbacks for this and book two, which I hope to read soon. I also hope it doesn't take me a whole year to review the next one, like this book...!
May 29, 2012
It is hard to decide how to rate this book.
**Spoilers ahead**
Other than a few typos, the story was reasonably well written. The problems I had with the story were the many implausibility factors that really affected my suspension of disbelief. I have a really hard time believing that the people working on the yacht would just keep on working, just because they were "safe." The setup of the book had the protagonists so over- prepared, there were no real challenges or problems to solve. I found it hard to believe that government agencies would hand the control over to a private party, no matter how well prepared.
There were events that were never followed up on that left major holes in the plot. (To be fair, it is the first part of the series, so parts of the story may be followed up on in the second part to the series.)
I didn't feel that any of the characters were fully developed. Scott, the main character was horribly arrogant. The character of Carl was probably much more interesting, genuinely resourceful. The women characters in the book were nothing more than stereotypes, to the degree that they almost became jokes.
Because of the implausibility and the lack of any real problems, most of the book had no real tension to hold your interest.
For me, this book falls into the category of so-so zombie survivalist literature, the kind where more attention is paid to the details of the guns and equipment than are paid to the characters. There are a lot of good books like Day By Day Armageddon that do It much better.
Now. All of that being said, the book did have a certain excitement and momentum to it (at least as long as you don't think too much!). At the end of the book was an excerpt of the beginning of the next book in the series. When, I finished reading it, I very easily could have clicked through to buy the next installment. I still may. But if Flotilla of the Dead doesn't start following through with story lines, I won't give number three a chance....
**Spoilers ahead**
Other than a few typos, the story was reasonably well written. The problems I had with the story were the many implausibility factors that really affected my suspension of disbelief. I have a really hard time believing that the people working on the yacht would just keep on working, just because they were "safe." The setup of the book had the protagonists so over- prepared, there were no real challenges or problems to solve. I found it hard to believe that government agencies would hand the control over to a private party, no matter how well prepared.
There were events that were never followed up on that left major holes in the plot. (To be fair, it is the first part of the series, so parts of the story may be followed up on in the second part to the series.)
I didn't feel that any of the characters were fully developed. Scott, the main character was horribly arrogant. The character of Carl was probably much more interesting, genuinely resourceful. The women characters in the book were nothing more than stereotypes, to the degree that they almost became jokes.
Because of the implausibility and the lack of any real problems, most of the book had no real tension to hold your interest.
For me, this book falls into the category of so-so zombie survivalist literature, the kind where more attention is paid to the details of the guns and equipment than are paid to the characters. There are a lot of good books like Day By Day Armageddon that do It much better.
Now. All of that being said, the book did have a certain excitement and momentum to it (at least as long as you don't think too much!). At the end of the book was an excerpt of the beginning of the next book in the series. When, I finished reading it, I very easily could have clicked through to buy the next installment. I still may. But if Flotilla of the Dead doesn't start following through with story lines, I won't give number three a chance....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2012
As a fan of a good zombie story, I want to start off by saying this is one of the best ones I have read so far. David Forsyth does a great job of taking tried and true story, that of a "zombie apocalypse", and putting a unique spin on the concept. The idea of taking a group of survivors away from the normal "holed up in a mall/super store/apartment complex" and placing them on a practically self-sustaining ship was quite interesting. The story in general is very well written, does a good job of developing characters, and provides a good deal of detail on locations, materials, and even acknowledges other stories in the genre.
The story follows a rich, lottery winner on the first days as the dead come back to life. As the owner of his own heavily modified cruise liner on trip around the world when the world goes to hell, the protagonist is quick to determine that his ship might be humanities best chance of survival. From his floating fortress in the ocean, the main character begins organizing rescue attempts, contacting what remains of the government, and becomes a privateer with the goal of helping save the human race. In every chapter we also get the look at another character, a survivor in the midst of everything as the zombie apocalypse begins. While the main character is shown as a leader and decision maker, this secondary character puts us more in the action as he tries to simply survive being in a city mostly controlled by the dead. Having both of these perspectives really adds a greater level of detail to the book and helps infuse the story with different situations.
The story follows a rich, lottery winner on the first days as the dead come back to life. As the owner of his own heavily modified cruise liner on trip around the world when the world goes to hell, the protagonist is quick to determine that his ship might be humanities best chance of survival. From his floating fortress in the ocean, the main character begins organizing rescue attempts, contacting what remains of the government, and becomes a privateer with the goal of helping save the human race. In every chapter we also get the look at another character, a survivor in the midst of everything as the zombie apocalypse begins. While the main character is shown as a leader and decision maker, this secondary character puts us more in the action as he tries to simply survive being in a city mostly controlled by the dead. Having both of these perspectives really adds a greater level of detail to the book and helps infuse the story with different situations.
November 2, 2013
I'll be honest right from the get-go: Voyage of the Dead was not my kind of zombie tale. This obviously puts me in the minority on Goodreads, and that's great, because David Forsyth is an independent author and this is his first book, so I wish him every success.
It just didn't work for me. Others have noted the lack of identifiable female characters, but I could overlook that. Some have pointed to Scott Allen's God complex as off-putting, and yes, this did strike a negative chord with me. I'd also add the dialogue through most of the book reads falsely in that there's no realistic beat or rhythm to it. Just one character (usually Scott) talking at length to others. But the clincher for me - the real issue I had - was with the lack of threat posed by the "zombies".
Everything seemed to go incredibly well for the characters on the Sovereign Spirit. They were unintentionally perfectly placed to survive the first outbreak. Fine. But to have such a well-stocked and impregnable fortress from which to operate, took away much of the thrill for me as a reader. I mean, the navy ends up being far more of a palpable threat than the zombies themselves! By contrast, Carl's storyline on land was far more engaging. He, at least, was at risk and provided this reader with occasional moments of tension.
So, overall, I was disappointed with Voyage of the Dead. I imagine the next two books in the series up the threat level, and hopefully the author continues to develop his craft, but for now, I'll be taking one of the life rafts and striking out on my own.
1.5 Well-Stocked Hidden Armories for Voyage of the Dead.
It just didn't work for me. Others have noted the lack of identifiable female characters, but I could overlook that. Some have pointed to Scott Allen's God complex as off-putting, and yes, this did strike a negative chord with me. I'd also add the dialogue through most of the book reads falsely in that there's no realistic beat or rhythm to it. Just one character (usually Scott) talking at length to others. But the clincher for me - the real issue I had - was with the lack of threat posed by the "zombies".
Everything seemed to go incredibly well for the characters on the Sovereign Spirit. They were unintentionally perfectly placed to survive the first outbreak. Fine. But to have such a well-stocked and impregnable fortress from which to operate, took away much of the thrill for me as a reader. I mean, the navy ends up being far more of a palpable threat than the zombies themselves! By contrast, Carl's storyline on land was far more engaging. He, at least, was at risk and provided this reader with occasional moments of tension.
So, overall, I was disappointed with Voyage of the Dead. I imagine the next two books in the series up the threat level, and hopefully the author continues to develop his craft, but for now, I'll be taking one of the life rafts and striking out on my own.
1.5 Well-Stocked Hidden Armories for Voyage of the Dead.
November 28, 2012
One of my favorite authors recommended Voyage of the Dead through twitter, and I snatched it up pretty quickly, finishing it on June 17th, 2012. You can find my review and 5-star rating on Amazon and Goodreads.
What I love about this book is the main character, Scott. He is just an average man, who basically got lucky. He won the lottery, and with that came a lot of toys. On his cruise ship he has a private helicopter, an SUV, a mini sub, a laboratory and tons of weaponry, not to mention plenty of food and rooms available for guests. He is clearly prepared for whatever comes his way. Though he seems to have everything, he is the least selfish character in the book. He is willing to go out of his way to help those in need, though he looks out for his own guests’ safety first. Scott is organized, knowledgeable, and well equip to take on multiple tasks, as well as be able to fight off some flesh-hungry zombies in the process.
This book kept me entertained. Every time I thought there would be a pause in the pace, something else would happen to stir up problems for the characters. Since reading Voyage of the Dead, I’ve been constantly searching for new zombie themed books to read. This one isn’t too gory, and I was able to stomach the zombie killing scenes. However, I am hoping that the third book will have more disgusting, descriptive events that the characters must face. It seems that the characters have gotten their civilization pretty well organized by the second book, now I’m just waiting for more disaster to happen.
What I love about this book is the main character, Scott. He is just an average man, who basically got lucky. He won the lottery, and with that came a lot of toys. On his cruise ship he has a private helicopter, an SUV, a mini sub, a laboratory and tons of weaponry, not to mention plenty of food and rooms available for guests. He is clearly prepared for whatever comes his way. Though he seems to have everything, he is the least selfish character in the book. He is willing to go out of his way to help those in need, though he looks out for his own guests’ safety first. Scott is organized, knowledgeable, and well equip to take on multiple tasks, as well as be able to fight off some flesh-hungry zombies in the process.
This book kept me entertained. Every time I thought there would be a pause in the pace, something else would happen to stir up problems for the characters. Since reading Voyage of the Dead, I’ve been constantly searching for new zombie themed books to read. This one isn’t too gory, and I was able to stomach the zombie killing scenes. However, I am hoping that the third book will have more disgusting, descriptive events that the characters must face. It seems that the characters have gotten their civilization pretty well organized by the second book, now I’m just waiting for more disaster to happen.
August 31, 2016
While this novel is a little rough around the edges, all the critical elements are present: a good story, well revealed, with interesting characters that change in response to their challenges. It also adds a few original wrinkles to the zombie myth, something I've decided is critical for zombie apocalypse novels.
What's unusual about this book for a zombies-ate-the-world tale is that it is less a tale of doom than a tale of survival, with the characters not satisfied with their personal escapes but demanding more of themselves and others. In many ways it's less survival horror and more an adventure tale, with a more positive, humanist and hopeful outlook than is typical of the genre. The author steps back from much of the gore and other disturbing material, making this almost a YA piece.
Personally, as a fan of the zombie genre, I've often thought, "Why don't they..." and this book takes that thought and runs with it. The characters aren't just boarding up the windows, they're coming up with plans to take on the crisis. I'm determined the read the books that follow, to see how they do.
What's unusual about this book for a zombies-ate-the-world tale is that it is less a tale of doom than a tale of survival, with the characters not satisfied with their personal escapes but demanding more of themselves and others. In many ways it's less survival horror and more an adventure tale, with a more positive, humanist and hopeful outlook than is typical of the genre. The author steps back from much of the gore and other disturbing material, making this almost a YA piece.
Personally, as a fan of the zombie genre, I've often thought, "Why don't they..." and this book takes that thought and runs with it. The characters aren't just boarding up the windows, they're coming up with plans to take on the crisis. I'm determined the read the books that follow, to see how they do.
February 23, 2012
Voyage of the dead is a refreshing and exciting action packed page turner about 2 groups of survivors during the first few days of the Zombie Apocalypse. Most of them are aboard a ship that is well equipped to survive the end of civilization & others try to survive in a world suddenly overrun by the undead . For once its more about surviving in a clever way than just running & getting eaten.
There are 2 groups trying to survive Scott Allen a lotto winner who bought a retired ship and turned it into a an expedition mega yacht. He, his family, and close friends, are in the process of completing an around the world cruise when the end of the world happens. While they are cut off physically from the actual events, they have up to date satellite transmissions. Scott has all these interesting toys that help him & the people aboard survive the apocalypse [ sometimes the toys get a little much & things seem to come to easy to the main character ] but you get use to it eventually.
Then there's Carl a great character, a man about to catch a flight out of LAX for a vacation with his wife who then decides to eat him instead. His fight & flight to safety is a great read. Carl isn't the lager than life personality that you find in scott but they both have the same goal to help & safe lives as far as they go, its not just every man for himself.
The book was well written and has a new take on the zombie apocalypse & well worth the read. I can't wait to read the next installment.
There are 2 groups trying to survive Scott Allen a lotto winner who bought a retired ship and turned it into a an expedition mega yacht. He, his family, and close friends, are in the process of completing an around the world cruise when the end of the world happens. While they are cut off physically from the actual events, they have up to date satellite transmissions. Scott has all these interesting toys that help him & the people aboard survive the apocalypse [ sometimes the toys get a little much & things seem to come to easy to the main character ] but you get use to it eventually.
Then there's Carl a great character, a man about to catch a flight out of LAX for a vacation with his wife who then decides to eat him instead. His fight & flight to safety is a great read. Carl isn't the lager than life personality that you find in scott but they both have the same goal to help & safe lives as far as they go, its not just every man for himself.
The book was well written and has a new take on the zombie apocalypse & well worth the read. I can't wait to read the next installment.
June 25, 2012
Voyage of the Dead
Sovereign Spirit Saga Book One
By David P. Forsyth
A ship full of passengers receive startling news from ashore, the ship has been at sea for the past few weeks and now on land there is an outbreak of what looks like zombies. The CDC is calling it a virus, super rabies to be exact and through social media and the toys of a man who has just won the lottery, the members aboard the ship do everything they can to save the people they care about.
This was an amazing book, right from the beginning the author jumps in with action and violence as the zombie plague spreads through LAX airport. Unlike some zombie books out there, this one has an origin a place where the zombies actually came from instead of just being an act of God, which I thoroughly enjoyed and for me it made the zombie apocalypse much more believable. Another aspect I enjoyed of this book is that the people it surrounds are not only out there to save themselves but they truly want to save other people from a terrible fate and you don’t see that very much anymore. All in all this is a great action novel, with fast paced scenes and gruesome details it is sure to please any fan of the action genre.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
Sovereign Spirit Saga Book One
By David P. Forsyth
A ship full of passengers receive startling news from ashore, the ship has been at sea for the past few weeks and now on land there is an outbreak of what looks like zombies. The CDC is calling it a virus, super rabies to be exact and through social media and the toys of a man who has just won the lottery, the members aboard the ship do everything they can to save the people they care about.
This was an amazing book, right from the beginning the author jumps in with action and violence as the zombie plague spreads through LAX airport. Unlike some zombie books out there, this one has an origin a place where the zombies actually came from instead of just being an act of God, which I thoroughly enjoyed and for me it made the zombie apocalypse much more believable. Another aspect I enjoyed of this book is that the people it surrounds are not only out there to save themselves but they truly want to save other people from a terrible fate and you don’t see that very much anymore. All in all this is a great action novel, with fast paced scenes and gruesome details it is sure to please any fan of the action genre.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
July 14, 2013
3 1/2 stars rounded up to four cause that's how rounding works...
As the Sovereign Spirit kept gaining new passengers from rescue missions, the little female part of my brain kept asking, "who the hell is going to do all those dishes?" We're serving food three times a day and the sushi bar opens at 4 pm. :) I had a messy roommate once who left pieces of himself behind like Pigpen. I can imagine a boatload of these people. But I digress.
I really enjoyed this book - a manly man's take on the zombie apocalypse that takes the saying "he who dies with the most toys wins", er...the guy with the most toys survives the zombie apocalypse. And this book is a toy lover's wet dream - a lottery winner outfits a luxury boat with every possible upgraded vehicle known to man, and then some. Weaponry, too. 007's Q is probably in the back somewhere, creating new devices of destruction for the Marines to use.
This was a really cool book, but I got bored with Commodore Scott after a while. He seemed a little too flat, too honorable, too meh. He probably doesn't even fart. Now Carl, our engineer hero who turns the vehicles at the oil refinery into zombie-death-dealing vehicles a la Road Warrior - him I truly enjoyed.
Overall this is a good read, and recommended.
As the Sovereign Spirit kept gaining new passengers from rescue missions, the little female part of my brain kept asking, "who the hell is going to do all those dishes?" We're serving food three times a day and the sushi bar opens at 4 pm. :) I had a messy roommate once who left pieces of himself behind like Pigpen. I can imagine a boatload of these people. But I digress.
I really enjoyed this book - a manly man's take on the zombie apocalypse that takes the saying "he who dies with the most toys wins", er...the guy with the most toys survives the zombie apocalypse. And this book is a toy lover's wet dream - a lottery winner outfits a luxury boat with every possible upgraded vehicle known to man, and then some. Weaponry, too. 007's Q is probably in the back somewhere, creating new devices of destruction for the Marines to use.
This was a really cool book, but I got bored with Commodore Scott after a while. He seemed a little too flat, too honorable, too meh. He probably doesn't even fart. Now Carl, our engineer hero who turns the vehicles at the oil refinery into zombie-death-dealing vehicles a la Road Warrior - him I truly enjoyed.
Overall this is a good read, and recommended.
January 14, 2014
Took me awhile to start to even slightly like the main character. Seems a little too well put together. Spoiler on the first chapter - he's good looking, he recently won millions in the lottery , has a incredibly beautiful wife and has a great kid! However, I got over my petty jealousy of his character and understand how the lottery thing was needed to develop the story. I am still miffed about the complete lack of female characters in the first book -Why?
However, all this aside, I liked the story development as it kept moving along well. The books is well written and organized. I've read too many books where I start to skim the story out of boredom. I read every word here. Another point in favor of this book is no long boring descriptive fillers, no long boring internal emotional hand wringing (a pet peeve of mine). Not a lot of gore, but lots of good zombie butt kicking, changes in location and so forth. The idea of surviving the PA world at sea is a premise not overly used. I've only read this scenario once before. Will read the second book.
However, all this aside, I liked the story development as it kept moving along well. The books is well written and organized. I've read too many books where I start to skim the story out of boredom. I read every word here. Another point in favor of this book is no long boring descriptive fillers, no long boring internal emotional hand wringing (a pet peeve of mine). Not a lot of gore, but lots of good zombie butt kicking, changes in location and so forth. The idea of surviving the PA world at sea is a premise not overly used. I've only read this scenario once before. Will read the second book.
August 8, 2012
I wish that I could have rated this as 3.5 stars because I think this is where the rating really belongs for me. I really enjoyed the book as a whole. The only thing that would have kept me from rating it as 4 stars was the editing which seemed to get worse as the book progressed. I have come to expect this from independent fiction but it doesnt mean that I have to like it.
That said, I really enjoyed the larger than life story concept. Sure the main character has every tool imaginable to make his life easier but it still doesn't solve the larger issue of why things are the way that they are. I have read TONS of zombie fiction where the main characters doesn't have any of the right tool to survive but does so anyways so I found this an interesting turn.
I really liked where I think the story is going, and I will be purchasing the next book in the series as soon as I get done typing this. Isn't that the only real recommendation that a book needs?
That said, I really enjoyed the larger than life story concept. Sure the main character has every tool imaginable to make his life easier but it still doesn't solve the larger issue of why things are the way that they are. I have read TONS of zombie fiction where the main characters doesn't have any of the right tool to survive but does so anyways so I found this an interesting turn.
I really liked where I think the story is going, and I will be purchasing the next book in the series as soon as I get done typing this. Isn't that the only real recommendation that a book needs?
September 11, 2016
I read a lot of apocalyptica and zombie stories. I would like to give this book a higher rating, but much like many of the folks who have commented here, I was very put off by the way the women characters were written. I felt like I was reading a book aimed at the 13-18 year old male crowd. Compared to some of the outstanding post-apocalyptic stories out there (Nick Cole's Wasteland Saga; Mira Grant's Newsflesh trilogy; John L Campbell's Omega Days; Hugh Howey's Wool) this one felt stilted and somewhat juvenile. I was about to put it down and give up, but perservered, and have to admit that the second half of the book picked up and held my interest (mainly thanks to Carl). I will give the next book in the series a try, in the hopes that the characters become more three dimensional, and at least one of the women becomes capable of picking up a gun and kicking some zombie butt, instead of sitting around crying.
March 14, 2012
I have to agree with the other reviewers. This book was very spectacular and a refreshing take in this genre. It starts out big, continues big, and ends big. Our main characters (Scott and Carl) are very capable men who use their brains and diplomacy skills to continue surviving - Scott in his cruise ship which seems to be too perfect to be real, and Carl in a refinery with epic vehicles and resources. Both are charming characters and I haven't found one that I disliked! In fact, I felt like rooting for all of them throughout the novel, and I am glad that no one important/unforgettable was killed. :-)
I'm glad that this one will be a series. While the storyline is strong, there is still so much room for twists and further developments. I'll be looking out for the rest of the books for sure! Thank you David Forsyth for a wonderful zombie book!
I'm glad that this one will be a series. While the storyline is strong, there is still so much room for twists and further developments. I'll be looking out for the rest of the books for sure! Thank you David Forsyth for a wonderful zombie book!
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