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The Primal Age Chronicles #1
Foamers
Terminally diagnosed with Huntington's disease as a child, Kade gave up on living a productive existence. He spent most of his time preparing for the Primal Age, even though he knew the end of the world wouldn’t happen in his shortened lifetime.
In Kade's twenties, the United States is being ravaged by the Feline Flu. After the Flu hits pandemic levels, a vaccine is released to the public. Viewed as the last chance to stop the virus, over ninety percent of the population receives the vaccine within a single day.
The vaccine takes on a life of its own and deprives the recipients of their higher functions, leaving them with only their primal urges. These bloodthirsty monsters become known as foamers because of the red foam that forms around their mouths when they hunt.
As the world as he knows it descends into the Primal Age, Kade finds that he is not only useful, but is expected to lead other survivors. His group is constantly assaulted by foamers and a warmongering paramilitary unit. In an unrelenting fight for their lives, his group is forced to redefine humanity in a world without law.
In Kade's twenties, the United States is being ravaged by the Feline Flu. After the Flu hits pandemic levels, a vaccine is released to the public. Viewed as the last chance to stop the virus, over ninety percent of the population receives the vaccine within a single day.
The vaccine takes on a life of its own and deprives the recipients of their higher functions, leaving them with only their primal urges. These bloodthirsty monsters become known as foamers because of the red foam that forms around their mouths when they hunt.
As the world as he knows it descends into the Primal Age, Kade finds that he is not only useful, but is expected to lead other survivors. His group is constantly assaulted by foamers and a warmongering paramilitary unit. In an unrelenting fight for their lives, his group is forced to redefine humanity in a world without law.
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2014
13 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Justin Kassab
4 books10 followersJustin Kassab graduated in 2009 to the worst job market since the Great Depression: the end of the world didn’t look so bad. To pass his time of being unemployed, he took an interest in survivalist skills. The hobby carried over into his writing and led to the crafting of The Primal Age Chronicles, a series of short stories and novels about the end of the world. Foamers is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 9, 2017
2 Stars
Review:
I really wanted to love this book because there are so few post-apoc books out there that include disability, but unfortunately I had too many issues. The general premise of an apocalypse being caused by a vaccine being rushed out before being properly tested was scarily realistic, but the execution of that premise, as well as much of the plot, was full of holes and logic flaws. There were a lot of perfect coincidences that allowed the characters to have it pretty easy. The characters sometimes made TSTL decisions and were often immature for their ages. The 3rd person omniscient POV made me feel distanced (albeit that one is a personal preference kinda thing). Even the disability aspect was hardly explored; the main character is someone who knew he was going to have a terminal illness rather than someone who already had one, which I figured would still be an interesting perspective, but there was really only one or two insightful moments. The authors take on the zombies (well, technically foamers) was unique though since they were more like animals with some intelligence rather than mindless brain-eaters. That being said, if you're a plot person and just looking for an entertaining post-apoc read and are able to brush off logic flaws and coincidental things and accept them how they are, you might like this book more than I did.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I really wanted to love this book because there are so few post-apoc books out there that include disability, but unfortunately I had too many issues. The general premise of an apocalypse being caused by a vaccine being rushed out before being properly tested was scarily realistic, but the execution of that premise, as well as much of the plot, was full of holes and logic flaws. There were a lot of perfect coincidences that allowed the characters to have it pretty easy. The characters sometimes made TSTL decisions and were often immature for their ages. The 3rd person omniscient POV made me feel distanced (albeit that one is a personal preference kinda thing). Even the disability aspect was hardly explored; the main character is someone who knew he was going to have a terminal illness rather than someone who already had one, which I figured would still be an interesting perspective, but there was really only one or two insightful moments. The authors take on the zombies (well, technically foamers) was unique though since they were more like animals with some intelligence rather than mindless brain-eaters. That being said, if you're a plot person and just looking for an entertaining post-apoc read and are able to brush off logic flaws and coincidental things and accept them how they are, you might like this book more than I did.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
March 26, 2014
I have to admit, I don’t usually gravitate toward post-apocalyptic fiction, but Justin Kassab’s FOAMERS came so highly recommended, I had to buy it. What a great read!! Kassab throws his characters into an impossible future and lets us watch as they fight their way through. Fascinating! His writing has a cinematic quality which works well for this genre. They story is fast-paced and the characters, interesting. If I ever find myself in a post-apocalyptic world, I hope Kade and company are nearby.
April 9, 2014
“Foamers” is a well-crafted novel -- the first in what promises to be an exciting series – that may, at first glance, appear to simply follow the tradition of post-apocalyptic action works. But don’t be fooled: this book is anything but traditional boys-club, survivalist fiction. Mr. Kassab delves well beyond the usual surface action/horror genre and settles comfortably into an intellectual depth where he asks his readers to contemplate society and humanity. If all the modern trappings of our world disappeared, what would be important to us then? And, more importantly who would we be if suddenly there was no “society” levelling expectations on us and pre-defining us? Who would we choose to be if we could make ourselves over in our own image?
For those who like their action laced with insight, this is the perfect read. This book has some important questions cleverly lurking beneath every shotgun blast, and beneath every brass-knuckled, blood-inducing face punch.
But,don’t get me wrong, guys (and girls), if you don’t want to have to “think too much” and just want some heart-pounding suspense and non-stop action, this novel has plenty to keep you turning pages. Set in an alternate modern-day, a group of friends and acquaintances in the northeastern part of the US must band together to survive and rebuild after an epidemic ravages the country, killing most and destroying higher brain-function in the rest, thus turning them into savages. But who poses a greater danger, these new animal-like creatures or other survivors?
For those who like their action laced with insight, this is the perfect read. This book has some important questions cleverly lurking beneath every shotgun blast, and beneath every brass-knuckled, blood-inducing face punch.
But,don’t get me wrong, guys (and girls), if you don’t want to have to “think too much” and just want some heart-pounding suspense and non-stop action, this novel has plenty to keep you turning pages. Set in an alternate modern-day, a group of friends and acquaintances in the northeastern part of the US must band together to survive and rebuild after an epidemic ravages the country, killing most and destroying higher brain-function in the rest, thus turning them into savages. But who poses a greater danger, these new animal-like creatures or other survivors?
April 19, 2014
The immunization for the Feline Flu is having some unexpected and deadly side effects. Luckily Kade has been preparing for apocalyptic situations for years. How will his band of friends and family survive?
An action packed detailed narrative drives the plot and helps develop the story line and characters while being laced with humor, romance, and science.
Characters are varied, typically caring, and authentic. Some could be considered crazy or extreme, particularly the antagonistic humans.
Overall, an exciting read.
An action packed detailed narrative drives the plot and helps develop the story line and characters while being laced with humor, romance, and science.
Characters are varied, typically caring, and authentic. Some could be considered crazy or extreme, particularly the antagonistic humans.
Overall, an exciting read.
May 9, 2014
I was given the opportunity to read this for free in exchange for an honest review from librarything.com.
This book was a different take from the usual fare of apocalyptic fiction out there. It flows very well, and the characters are likable. I will be looking forward to reading the next in the series!
This book was a different take from the usual fare of apocalyptic fiction out there. It flows very well, and the characters are likable. I will be looking forward to reading the next in the series!
April 19, 2014
Good read. Enjoyed the storyline and characters. Cant wait for next book!
September 1, 2016
This is a fresh take on the "zombie" apocalypse. Do you have your plan in place or are you part of someones plan? How well will it actually work?
February 1, 2018
For a group that was supposedly preparing for survival in an apocalypse they seem quite inept at survival. Very hard to care about the characters
September 10, 2018
Enjoyable read
I liked the book and premise always keeps me interested. Good character and plot development, looking forward to more from Justin Kassab.
I liked the book and premise always keeps me interested. Good character and plot development, looking forward to more from Justin Kassab.
September 1, 2023
I read this because the author was a colleague. It was good.
August 1, 2014
I received a review copy thru LibraryThing Early Reviewers
America is suffering from a Feline Flu epidemic that is the deadliest flu since the Spanish Influenza, 90 percent of the American population had been inoculated.
Of the 90 percent who received the vaccine, 20 percent of them will die, 20 percent will be immune, and 60 percent will transform into some sort of blood thirsty monster called foamers, because their mouths foam a red liquid.
Kade Zerris, and his friends have been practicing survival scenarios for most their lives, The Feline Flu vaccine was the brain child of Kade’s twin brother, Damian, now their survivalist skills must be put to the test while Damion works on an answer to the vaccine.
The first book in an apocalypse series with fast paced action, and developing characters, with the way left open for the survivalist and the foamers, to develop, or even evolve in a new world.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how the series develop.
America is suffering from a Feline Flu epidemic that is the deadliest flu since the Spanish Influenza, 90 percent of the American population had been inoculated.
Of the 90 percent who received the vaccine, 20 percent of them will die, 20 percent will be immune, and 60 percent will transform into some sort of blood thirsty monster called foamers, because their mouths foam a red liquid.
Kade Zerris, and his friends have been practicing survival scenarios for most their lives, The Feline Flu vaccine was the brain child of Kade’s twin brother, Damian, now their survivalist skills must be put to the test while Damion works on an answer to the vaccine.
The first book in an apocalypse series with fast paced action, and developing characters, with the way left open for the survivalist and the foamers, to develop, or even evolve in a new world.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how the series develop.
October 25, 2015
Before reading I thought this would be a book about zombies. Not my favorite topic. I was wrong. It's actually about survivalists which I am into. Very much like the Walking Dead series. All about how to survive when the world goes to shit...for any reason. Foamers is about a virus causing most to die and some to turn into, well....Foamers. If you read carefully you could make a list of the things you might need should something cataclysmic occur. I especially enjoyed the beginning of the third act. Victoria and Sarge planned the attack of the cohort. A couple things I wish were addressed: How do the Foamers get their names? Seems they can communicate with each other, but can they talk? Do they have rational thought and reasoning? Maybe these and more questions will be answered in the sequel which I plan to read. If you like the Walking Dead series, you'll love Foamers!
September 4, 2014
I purchased Foamersas part of a sale ad that I saw, I believe on Lifehacker. It seemed at first like a decent book with an interesting take on the zombie genre. It gave a different spin, making the infected individuals not *zombies* exactly, but a devolved life form known as a foamer. (They end up being more like primal pack animals with more or less animal instincts and urges.) However, my main point of contention with the book was the rather abrupt ending. It seemed overly packaged as well as a break in the books pace, like the author had run out of steam and decided to finish the book very suddenly.
November 15, 2014
Too much detail, not enough action I received this through LibraryThing early reviews.
This started off in a good way, but very quickly became bogged down in too many incidental details. A lot of the Foamer action seemed stilted, and of now real threat, although the Foamers themselves were a nice addition to the zombie genre. I also found that a lot of the personal stuff just dragged. Does Kade want Tiny? Doesn't he? Who cares! It didn't really add anything to the story, and the characters themselves seemed to be quite dull.
In short, not enough action, too much pondering.
This started off in a good way, but very quickly became bogged down in too many incidental details. A lot of the Foamer action seemed stilted, and of now real threat, although the Foamers themselves were a nice addition to the zombie genre. I also found that a lot of the personal stuff just dragged. Does Kade want Tiny? Doesn't he? Who cares! It didn't really add anything to the story, and the characters themselves seemed to be quite dull.
In short, not enough action, too much pondering.
March 5, 2016
Foamers is a postapocalyptic story that has a small group of people fighting against mutants that foam out the mouth as they hunt and kill survivors of the flu shots. A small group of young preppers try to establish a small community. They must fight not only the foamers but other human survivors intent on killing them. This is not my usual genre but this book held my interest from the beginning page and it would be nice to have a book 2 that continues their quest to survive.
July 27, 2014
Laughable
Laughable
I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a serious zombie horror novel or a comedic zombie novel, but it reads like it was written by a middle-schooler who was tone deaf to comedy and horror. Laughable in all the wrong ways.
Laughable
I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a serious zombie horror novel or a comedic zombie novel, but it reads like it was written by a middle-schooler who was tone deaf to comedy and horror. Laughable in all the wrong ways.
April 27, 2016
I was just disappointed in how this was written and played out.
August 12, 2016
Run-of-the-mill YA survivalist fiction--entertaining enough while i was reading; that being said, the characters and plot didn't really stick with me at all, and i finished it only a few weeks ago.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews