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Slow Burn #7

City of Stin

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Kill the infection! Kill the Infected!

In the aftermath of the battle for Monk’s Island, Murphy has been nursing Zed back to health in a remote house at the west end of the lake. But every day they see helicopters cross the sky, heading south and then back north again.

Zed wonders if the helicopters are proof that not all civilization has collapsed. He convinces Murphy to seek out the place where the helicopters are landing so they can find the answer to that question. What they find at the end of their journey is both more dangerous and hopeful than either would ever have guessed.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2015

304 people are currently reading
310 people want to read

About the author

Bobby Adair

71 books696 followers
A bio is a weird thing to write.

Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?

When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.

It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.

Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.

And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.

On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.

I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.

Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.

I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.

I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.

I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.

Find out more:
http://www.bobbyadair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyAdairAu...

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5 stars
1,178 (48%)
4 stars
873 (36%)
3 stars
326 (13%)
2 stars
35 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Claude's Bookzone.
1,551 reviews271 followers
November 14, 2022
Book 10 of my Zombie-a-thon 2022! I lost track there and had to go back and renumber them 🤪

3.5 Stars

Oh oh. They are all starting to blur into one! It's because I'm listening to the audiobook box set so it just starts the next one straight away and then I can't remember what has happened in each one. I can guarantee there was more munching and crunching in this one though!
Profile Image for Michael.
216 reviews
September 9, 2018
I'm a shameless fan of the "zombie apocalypse" genre. It really has nothing to do with horror, but I enjoy reading stories about people overcoming adversity and surviving in a world that has been radically affected by a massive catastrophe.

I've read a LOT of books in the genre, and I consider myself a bit of an aficionado. Therefore, when I say that this is one of the best series I've read in the genre, I'm not kidding.

This book is one of a series of books, and I'm leaving the same review for ALL of the books, because I read them all in a back-to-back binge on my Kindle. In my mind, it's all one lengthy well-told story, and I don't see any point in trying to isolate each book for a review. The series is awesome. By them all, read them in order, and you will enjoy them!

So WHY is this series so good? Well, for one thing, Bobby Adair is a very good writer, and the books are well-written with interesting characters and lots of action.

In this series, the "zombies" are people infected with a virus that essentially fries their brain with fever, leaving them more or less mindless and violent. The interesting twist is that not all "zombies" are equally infected. Some zombies retain some of their intellect, and some remain essentially ALL of their intellect, although they cosmetically appear just as infected as the others. I'd never read a zombie story told from the perspective of someone infected, yet not fully mindless, and what it's like to experience persecution from all sides. The other zombies want to eat you, and the "normal" immune survivors don't trust you since you have the pale skin of the infected.

I also REALLY like the fact that the story is set in Austin, Texas. I'm a native Texan myself, and for a while I in Austin, so it was very interesting to me to read a story that's set in a familiar setting. Bobby Adair knows what he's talking about when he writes about what it would be like to experience the collapse of civilization in central Texas in the blazing summer heat of August.

I also really like the fact that the main characters are interesting. For instance, the character "Zed" isn't a bad ass who was a Green Beret, and he wasn't a prepper before the apocalypse. He's a bit of a loser, who graduated from UT with a philosophy degree yet works at Starbucks, and probably drinks too much and smokes too much weed, and is drifting through life thanks to a lack of motivation from his shitty childhood. He's not an angel, and he makes mistakes, and that makes him very easy to relate to.

I might also add that the book is laugh-out-loud funny in many places. The banter back and forth between Zed and Murphy is hilarious and very believable, and really made the characters come alive in my mind.

Read these books! You will thank me!
Profile Image for Lupe.
34 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
I keep getting more and more excited about the end of this series as I continue to read on. There is a great amount of tension, action and comedy that keeps you engrossed throughout this whole series!
Profile Image for Carolyn F..
3,491 reviews51 followers
October 9, 2020
I read this as part of Slow Burn Box Set: The Complete Post Apocalyptic Series

This book was really depressing. Zed and Murphy met some friends but the way this book is, they'll probably either turn out bad or die.
Profile Image for Matt Hart.
Author 4 books21 followers
July 7, 2015
Book was good -- a bit boring at the beginning (I like to see more conflict), but it went pretty well at the end. I'm a little disappointed with the slow increase in the amount of vulgarity as the series has progressed, and this book has it in spades.

I'm also a bit disappointed that the book ended so abruptly -- just when Zed and Murphy had reached an interesting group of folks.

I hope the next book is up to the usual standards of Adair, with more "stuff" happening!
337 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2018
Probably my least favorite of the series so far. Not a bad read at all, just less pulse pounding action and more introspection from Zed and Murphy. I'm on to book 8 now and will write a better overall review when I reach the end of the entire series.
35 reviews
September 13, 2024
This is the 7th book in the Slow Burn series. If you are reading this review you already know that book six wraps up many of the separate story threads introduced through the series, leaving book 7 a relatively clean slate to start a new story arc. And that's what it does, introducing us to a new group of antagonists and friendlies, setting the stage for the next couple of books in the series.

I have really enjoyed the Slow Burn series through the first six books - I listened to all of them as audiobooks in just over a week - but I found this book, and the new storyline it introduces, much less engaging. I think some of the crises and action sequences are becoming repetitive, and the new story arc (and new antagonists) doesn't fit well into the world as it's been developed so far. I'll probably finish the next two books - I own the 9-book omnibus from Audible - but I think I would have preferred that the series ended after the events of the sixth book (he could have written one wrap-up chapter and called it finis).

So, whereas I would rate the first six books a solid 4 or even 4.5, this book is just a 3. The audiobook reader remains great throughout the series, a solid 4.5, maybe even a 5.

My personal rating scale: 5 (best of the genre, highly recommended); 4 (good book, recommend to others who like similar types of books); 3 (decent book, enjoyed reading it but not enough to recommend to others); 2 (has merit, but I didn't enjoy it much, and possibly didn't finish it); 1 (trash that shouldn't have been published).
Profile Image for Tess (Mondi).
215 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
I always love dropping back into this series and read about my favourite duo Murphy and Zed.
Their dynamic is still absolute gold and their banter and teasing is entertaining enough in itself, that I wouldn’t need the rest of the story, despite how good it is.
The realistic feel of this whole series still stuns me. This book especially brought in a lot of weapon knowledge and I loved how the author went through the process of Zed finding his ideal weapon and testing it out. It played a lot into how we see the virus effect Zed and I’m hoping this gets even further explored in the next book.
I loved the grief occasionally peaking out throughout this book, it would have been lacking otherwise, with the way the last book ended. It was great to see Zed mellow out a bit in the beginning due to grief, while still retaining his usual curious recklessness we love.
We get to see some old places from the previous books and I adored finding out how they’ve changed, especially Sarah Manfields house.
The groups of survivors caught my attention the most in the book. Bobby Adair has done a brilliant job at keeping these groups different from each other throughout the whole series, but the groups we get introduced to in this book, where the most interesting so far. Grace’s group might be a series favourite for me.
Overall I had yet again a great time with this series.
Profile Image for Cherry Mischievous.
597 reviews290 followers
May 2, 2023
My Thoughts:
Another middle chapter of a bigger book. Not to be read on it's own.

Relatively good for a middle chapter "only".

Seventh installment down the line and I am seeing a pattern in the books. The author kills off a favourite character every now and then to keep the drama up. Kinda like Joe Abercrombie where everybody dies, the good guys and the bad guys at the end and only a side character that you barely see all throughout the series is left standing. A minor side character, at that. Not a style I like, at all. I hope that Bobby Adair wouldn't do that too, because I like happy endings.

Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 3
World building = 5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 4
Plot = 3

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
172 reviews
April 27, 2025
Ok... at this point this is saying more about me, then the series :))... don't get me wrong, it is a decent series... funzies and games, drama and gore... all the things you might expect. The writing is consistent but I think I actually enjoy these types of books... it's like my brain can go on holiday... like a hallmark Christmas movie... you can guess the main plot within the first 5 minutes, now it's just a matter of waiting it out...

So yeah... we go again... see bad guy, investigate, blow everything up...

By the way... I started this series as a fun break from all the heavy sci fi and fantasy and such... figured I'd read a book, then jump back in... but hell... I'm at book 8 and I will see it trough to the end... so yeah... solid 3* as a book, for me though... just for keeping me hooked up to now... it's slowly rising to a 4* :))
Profile Image for Joel.
734 reviews251 followers
September 12, 2021
I continue to have a mixed relationship with this series. It's fun, fast, and entertaining. At the same time, it's a generic zombie series while trying not to be, it's "too much" a lot of the time, and I still have problems with it. It's very much "conservative wet-dream" type writing - liberal use of the word "fucktard", military and gun worship, lots of glorifying violence, etc. It has a lot of nice aspects, analyzing post-apoc type scenarios and such. It's entertaining, but it also feels like the kind of thing that a January 6th capitol rioter would quote as their favorite works. The book 1-9 box set has meant that I have some motivation to see the storyline out, but I also feel like if I'd bought the first couple books individually, I would not have continued the series.
Profile Image for Nunyah Biznuss.
444 reviews41 followers
August 27, 2017
The story was a little repetitive in places, in fact, at times it was one constant chase, run, fight and slash at the Whites. The Survivor Army subplot was left hanging, as well. Perhaps we'll hear more about them in the next couple of books? HOWEVER, the last part of the story is a major turning point, both in the series and for Zed as a person...

Bad thing is, there's only two books left in the series now and I'm going to force myself not to read them until next week.

I've got no idea how the author is going to wind the series up, but I sure as hell can't wait to go along for the ride!
1,420 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2017
Awesome

The story turns back to Austin proper. The number of variations on the slow burn continue to grow. The main characters meet more survivors and carry out a rescue. The optimism is understated but runs through all the action. That and their fear.

With each book you get a clearer picture of who Zed and Murphy are. The writing and editing are both great as usual. I don't live in zombieland but reading the adventures of these two characters has given me a new way of looking at myself.

You may not discover important insights but you will like this book.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
August 3, 2021
Zeb recovered, thanks to Murphy's attention in a house by the lake.
On encountering helicopters, Zeb's curiosity was caught, and together, the friends made their way to Austin, after obtaining yet another mode of transport.
Picking up another group, they encounter a hidden hideaway.
However, another idea has twicked their curiosity, so now we are moving out of Austin, to see if a cure could be found.
Profile Image for Barb.
939 reviews57 followers
September 28, 2021
These books are all blending together. Maybe because I’m reading the anthology now. I’m always disappointed when zombie books become people vs. people books. It’s a different spin here for sure, but still prefer my zombies to be mindless eating machines. I have to say, throughout the whole series, I appreciate that these zombies are more unrealistic in that they aren’t impossible to kill. There are no torsos dragging themselves through the mud trying to bite people.

OK, on to the next book.
Profile Image for Jenny.
604 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2023
This wasn't my favorite book, but not because of anything bad, writing wise. I was still recovering from the death at the end of the last book. I wasn't also a little angry with the author for allowing it to happen. This book brought a lot of changes and ended with a huge change. I won't spoil it for anyone. But, I'm hoping the author will get back in my good graces with the next book. As always with this series, I needed to immediately begin the next book.
Profile Image for Call me Jeeves.
465 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
I am writing this review to cover books 6-8. While I enjoyed every book, I can for the life of me figure out why he separated this into eight separate books. And while he was preparing eight different books why didn’t he do a better job at ending each of the books properly.
Each of the books really just dumps you off on the side of the road. Not even calling this a serial series works because with serials you look for a cliffhanger
Book for all of the books I give an average of three stars..
13 reviews
July 16, 2024
Slow Burn, a story to keep your belief in mankind alive

After reading the first seven books I am waiting impatiently for book eight. This series hooked me with the first book and it's been hard to put it down. Action packed with a great story being told. Enough detail to keep it interesting and easy to follow without slowing the story down. Every book finishes a story but leaves you wanting more. A definite must read!
Profile Image for Natalie Giron.
23 reviews
January 24, 2019
I really liked meeting some new characters in this book! I’m interested to see where this all goes! It’s hard from previous books like people say Zed is a magnet for bad luck and chaos! I’ve grown to love Zed and Murphy and love continuing their journey of fighting whites and moving on and trying to survive day by day! Another great addition to the Slow Burn series!
Profile Image for Christine Bishop.
523 reviews
June 23, 2019
I can’t get enough of this series!

Slow Burn 7 City of Stin is another great addition to the story.. In book 6 we say goodbye to some amazing characters and that was pretty tough but it seems Zed and Murphy have made some new friends and also so new enemies. I can’t wait to start reading book 8.
Profile Image for Carol.
232 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2019
Sad, only two books left in the series.

Zed and Murphy run across another group of slow burns. The have befriended a couple of older women; one is a math teacher. Zed and her have been talking together. Lots of things have happened since they left their camp. Having found an electric Mustang they are able to travel without making any noise; will it help them to survive?
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
September 4, 2019
I have the omnibus edition of this series but wanted to say that although (in this installment) there is still plenty of action, its mood was more of a reflective nature because Zed is facing a crisis of thoughts and emotions...who is he, what is he?

Another excellent read, another turn of events - great!

Highly recommended.
9 reviews
February 19, 2020
City of Stin... That moment when you realize where the name comes from. If you've gotten this far in the slow burn series, you don't need me to tell you that the books are funny, well written and definitely worth the read (and emotional trauma.) Big thank you to Bobby Adair for ending with Bleed! (Book 6)
Profile Image for Christina ❤️M❤️.
357 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2022
This was a downhill book. At the very end we meet a new group of people that the female lead seems to have the same personality as the other two strong females... Well the name changed.

I am to far in to stop now.. I already have the next two so I will listen to them, but I haven't bought the last one.

We will have to make some serious progress for me to continue after that...
Profile Image for Kristie hunter.
94 reviews
November 6, 2016
Seven in heaven

Love this series. I've been to both Austin and College Station and I'm looking forward to Aggieland. Surely, Zed and Murphy can bring some normalcy to A &M.....not. I am off to read #8
40 reviews
August 12, 2018
Another good story

Bobby Adair continues to bring us good stories about people who have taken on a sense of reality in these seven (so far) books. I am certainly looking forward to reading book eight.
32 reviews
September 4, 2018
I have become addicted to this series. I can't put these books down!

I have become addicted to this series. I can't put these books down! These people are so real and you really get invested in the stories.
824 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2019
Exciting

Just when you think Zed and Murphy are safe danger rears its ugly head. The duo meet up with a small group of slow burns and begin a journey to what might be safe zone. Join the adventure.
715 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2022
This was a disappointment after the pure adrenaline rush of the previous book. I found City Of Stin a bit uninteresting, not exactly boring as I dont think Bobby Adair can write boring books but it definitely felt a bit lacking compared to all the others
Profile Image for Lauren.
842 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2022
This one was very slow like the 6th one, nothing really happens apart from the decision made at the end. Hopefully book number 8 will bring something new seeing as they have decided to join another group.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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