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United States of Apocalypse #1
United States of Apocalypse
When World War 3 erupts on American soil it is up to some less than likely heroes to band together and stand tall against any and all comers as a once proud nation is brought to her knees.
Cowardly terrorist attacks and indifferent Global communities have isolated America as she spirals into a desperate bid for survival.
Follow Darlene Bobich, and her group on the west coast along with Michael Talbot on the east coast as they do everything in their power to thwart those that would take everything that they and all of us are, away.
Cowardly terrorist attacks and indifferent Global communities have isolated America as she spirals into a desperate bid for survival.
Follow Darlene Bobich, and her group on the west coast along with Michael Talbot on the east coast as they do everything in their power to thwart those that would take everything that they and all of us are, away.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2016
128 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 19, 2016
My original United States of Apocalypse audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The writings of Mark Tufo and Armand Rosamilia separately are interesting and action packed, but putting them together in one story – WOW! Split into two sections running concurrently, the stories fit together well presenting a wider view of the nuclear disaster and ensuing rioting.
Michael Talbot, a small time petty criminal, and Officer Lawrence Tines, a big – really big cop, pair up together when all hell breaks loose after Korea and China send over nuclear bombs detonating in Yellowstone National Park followed with the ok to bomb more places sending America to their knees. These two banter like siblings with sarcasm and wit aplenty! Old characters are introduced and give that comfortable and fun feeling. Oh, and yes, Mike keeps getting into trouble or rather trouble has its way of finding him!
A distant cousin of Michael Talbot, Darlene Bobich is in a small isolated town running away from New York. She is much closer to the nuclear site and together with an older man she just met who runs the local gas station and his wife, they band together to build a fortress and defend their lives and their small bit of American soil from the invaders. World War III has happened!
Both teams are fraught with bands of terrorists and danger; will they both make it through their own troubles to fight the incoming insurgents that are bearing down on them? The terrorists who have so far successfully isolated America from her allies?
The writing styles of Tufo and Rosamilia complement one another making the story lines flow well together. As in most good series, Tufo and Rosamilia leave you with big cliffhangers for the next book in the series. Stayed tuned, someone is going to get their comeuppance!
United States of Apocalypse is rich in dialog that is realistic, character developments that leave no room for doubt, and a story line that blends well between the two authors. SPOILER: There are no zombies! There are however, some terrorists, mindless humans blindly following their leader. However, there is a lot of fast-moving action and hilarious banter. Individually the authors are excellent but putting them together … well, you will LOVE this one; best of both worlds.
Tufo writes clearly and develops his new characters slowly and steadily, making them even more realistic. His old characters – Mike Talbot, Officer Lawrence Tines and Tracie – are just as we remembered them – sassy, sarcastic, fun, loud, and as realistic as seeing oneself in the mirror. The new ones are just as vivid and rich with slime and evilness oozing from every pore of their being.
Rosamilia developed his characters and delivered his plot line well written. He wrote the connecting information between the two stories, binding their outcomes together in a future way. Rich in vocabulary one could envision each person, each action clearly and precisely.
As usual Sean Runnette is a perfect narrator in Mike Talbott’s world. The cadence, emotion and energy he puts forth are perfect. One cannot pick up a Mike Talbott story without hearing Runnette running through your head. I was excited to see that Julie Whelan narrated Rosamilia’s section as she is excellent as well. Clear and soothing, listeners would have no trouble connecting her to Darlene’s world. Whelan projected the correct emotions on just the right level – doubt, fear, concern and trepidation. Both of these narrators brought the book and its characters to life.
There were no issues with production, everything went smoothly.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
The writings of Mark Tufo and Armand Rosamilia separately are interesting and action packed, but putting them together in one story – WOW! Split into two sections running concurrently, the stories fit together well presenting a wider view of the nuclear disaster and ensuing rioting.
Michael Talbot, a small time petty criminal, and Officer Lawrence Tines, a big – really big cop, pair up together when all hell breaks loose after Korea and China send over nuclear bombs detonating in Yellowstone National Park followed with the ok to bomb more places sending America to their knees. These two banter like siblings with sarcasm and wit aplenty! Old characters are introduced and give that comfortable and fun feeling. Oh, and yes, Mike keeps getting into trouble or rather trouble has its way of finding him!
A distant cousin of Michael Talbot, Darlene Bobich is in a small isolated town running away from New York. She is much closer to the nuclear site and together with an older man she just met who runs the local gas station and his wife, they band together to build a fortress and defend their lives and their small bit of American soil from the invaders. World War III has happened!
Both teams are fraught with bands of terrorists and danger; will they both make it through their own troubles to fight the incoming insurgents that are bearing down on them? The terrorists who have so far successfully isolated America from her allies?
The writing styles of Tufo and Rosamilia complement one another making the story lines flow well together. As in most good series, Tufo and Rosamilia leave you with big cliffhangers for the next book in the series. Stayed tuned, someone is going to get their comeuppance!
United States of Apocalypse is rich in dialog that is realistic, character developments that leave no room for doubt, and a story line that blends well between the two authors. SPOILER: There are no zombies! There are however, some terrorists, mindless humans blindly following their leader. However, there is a lot of fast-moving action and hilarious banter. Individually the authors are excellent but putting them together … well, you will LOVE this one; best of both worlds.
Tufo writes clearly and develops his new characters slowly and steadily, making them even more realistic. His old characters – Mike Talbot, Officer Lawrence Tines and Tracie – are just as we remembered them – sassy, sarcastic, fun, loud, and as realistic as seeing oneself in the mirror. The new ones are just as vivid and rich with slime and evilness oozing from every pore of their being.
Rosamilia developed his characters and delivered his plot line well written. He wrote the connecting information between the two stories, binding their outcomes together in a future way. Rich in vocabulary one could envision each person, each action clearly and precisely.
As usual Sean Runnette is a perfect narrator in Mike Talbott’s world. The cadence, emotion and energy he puts forth are perfect. One cannot pick up a Mike Talbott story without hearing Runnette running through your head. I was excited to see that Julie Whelan narrated Rosamilia’s section as she is excellent as well. Clear and soothing, listeners would have no trouble connecting her to Darlene’s world. Whelan projected the correct emotions on just the right level – doubt, fear, concern and trepidation. Both of these narrators brought the book and its characters to life.
There were no issues with production, everything went smoothly.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
June 4, 2016
I had no idea this was the first book of a series? This book left off in a
HUGE
cliffhanger. Disappointing in a way, because I HATE cliffhangers!! The book was over all a good read, really short though.
Please Mark Tufo, will there be more?
Please Mark Tufo, will there be more?
April 20, 2017
I've read almost everything by Tufo and Rosamilia. Some I've liked, some not. It's the nature of the game. This absolutely did not work for me. It almost smacked of a money grab. The story has NO resolution. If this was going to be a series, that would be one thing, but to end like these stories did is a huge disservice to the readers that follow both of these men.
There were times when Tufo's narrative almost reminded me of Whitley Streiber's "War Day" but then it would fall back on this Talbot thing. I get it. He is the franchise name, but the writing should be enough, and most of his fans will read a menu if he wrote one, so falling back on the MT thing felt forced here. As for the BT/Talbot dialog (normally a Tufo strength) this felt like it was a cut-and-paste from all the previous interactions between the pair. Okay, so BT was a cop, next make him a sailor, then a biker, construction worker, and Native American and you get the entire Village People line-up. I found Talbot's insistence that he should be cut some slack instead of treated like a criminal when he was just trying to move forward with his life a laugh for my own personal reasons. And the callbacks to aliens and zombies were just pointless. The reader/listener gets it. You write a good zombie series and a decent syfy tale.
Rosamilia had a good story going and to end it like it did was a poor choice. I feel like I got invested in a really cool series (like Firefly) and the had the numbskulls in the network tower kill it after season one. My biggest complaint is his dialog. He said...she said...he said...she said... Give the readers more credit for being able to follow the conversation.
My last complaint is the narration. While Ms. Whelan was okay, just not memorable, I guess I went in expecting something special from Runnette after all I've read. This for me is where the Emperor's New Clothes comes into play. If so many say he is great, then he must be...right? Maybe. If he had more than one tone to his voice, could give character to a female voice in some way. I'm not saying shrill Monty Python stuff, but something...anything would be better than what I heard. And then there is the breathing. All the hitches, breaths, and gasps during the narration were beyond annoying. I can't stand by and say what a great outfit the emperor is wearing here. Sorry, the truth is that he's naked. Find a narrator that can edit that noise out during post-production.
Overall, I can't give a thumbs-up vote for this despite the impending backlash from the mob. I've never padded a review, and won't start now. Both of these writers have received good reviews from me for other works, sadly, this ain't one of them.
There were times when Tufo's narrative almost reminded me of Whitley Streiber's "War Day" but then it would fall back on this Talbot thing. I get it. He is the franchise name, but the writing should be enough, and most of his fans will read a menu if he wrote one, so falling back on the MT thing felt forced here. As for the BT/Talbot dialog (normally a Tufo strength) this felt like it was a cut-and-paste from all the previous interactions between the pair. Okay, so BT was a cop, next make him a sailor, then a biker, construction worker, and Native American and you get the entire Village People line-up. I found Talbot's insistence that he should be cut some slack instead of treated like a criminal when he was just trying to move forward with his life a laugh for my own personal reasons. And the callbacks to aliens and zombies were just pointless. The reader/listener gets it. You write a good zombie series and a decent syfy tale.
Rosamilia had a good story going and to end it like it did was a poor choice. I feel like I got invested in a really cool series (like Firefly) and the had the numbskulls in the network tower kill it after season one. My biggest complaint is his dialog. He said...she said...he said...she said... Give the readers more credit for being able to follow the conversation.
My last complaint is the narration. While Ms. Whelan was okay, just not memorable, I guess I went in expecting something special from Runnette after all I've read. This for me is where the Emperor's New Clothes comes into play. If so many say he is great, then he must be...right? Maybe. If he had more than one tone to his voice, could give character to a female voice in some way. I'm not saying shrill Monty Python stuff, but something...anything would be better than what I heard. And then there is the breathing. All the hitches, breaths, and gasps during the narration were beyond annoying. I can't stand by and say what a great outfit the emperor is wearing here. Sorry, the truth is that he's naked. Find a narrator that can edit that noise out during post-production.
Overall, I can't give a thumbs-up vote for this despite the impending backlash from the mob. I've never padded a review, and won't start now. Both of these writers have received good reviews from me for other works, sadly, this ain't one of them.
September 16, 2023
I almost ditched this. To start with I was looking forward to it because, 1 - I thought Mark Tufo wrote it, and 2 -It's Mike Talbot. But part way through I realised it's actually 2 authors on a collaboration. It's a dual author thing. Urgh, I KNEW it was off when Darlene's chapters were unlike anything Tufo writes. I actually got the ick for him before I realised he didn't write her bits. Thank God! Very nearly gave up but I kept going just for the Tufo. Crisis over. I went and checked the other author's books- Definite ick there.
All three of my stars go to Mr Tufo for his portions of the story. I listened to this on audio and it was like visiting with old friends. I could have done without the other author and Darlene's story though.
All three of my stars go to Mr Tufo for his portions of the story. I listened to this on audio and it was like visiting with old friends. I could have done without the other author and Darlene's story though.
August 1, 2021
Cliff hanger ALERT
I was totally loving this book, right up until it ended in a cliff hanger. I despise it when authors feel the need to inflict crap like that on their readers (so always deduct a star from my rating). If I'm aware that slimy tactic is used, I do my best to wait until the entire series is published before I even start, but there's no warning that this book is part of one. And in searching today, I can find no mention of a sequel!
So, great characters, great story, great action, but no ending -- I'm pissed!
I was totally loving this book, right up until it ended in a cliff hanger. I despise it when authors feel the need to inflict crap like that on their readers (so always deduct a star from my rating). If I'm aware that slimy tactic is used, I do my best to wait until the entire series is published before I even start, but there's no warning that this book is part of one. And in searching today, I can find no mention of a sequel!
So, great characters, great story, great action, but no ending -- I'm pissed!
May 3, 2017
This was a pleasant surprise...I know what to expect from Mark Tufo...he ALWAYS blows me away with smart writing and snarky banter, excellent characters and great story lines....And I have listened to Armand's Dying days series, which was good..but a little on the raunchy side....this was different...clean and crisp..and oh so awesome..he really gave Darlene a different direction...and I loved it!! This collaboration is a 100% WINNER!!!
The USA is under an attack..starting with a nuclear blast in yellowstone....and from there it just goes downhill, it is truly WWIII...of course everyone goes into a panic...and from there it just gets worse...We have Darlene on the west coast and Mike on the east coast...and if you know these characters, you know they have a great will to survive!!
I TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!!! LOL
Second time just as great..need book 2 ASAP..Cliffy Ending!!!!
The USA is under an attack..starting with a nuclear blast in yellowstone....and from there it just goes downhill, it is truly WWIII...of course everyone goes into a panic...and from there it just gets worse...We have Darlene on the west coast and Mike on the east coast...and if you know these characters, you know they have a great will to survive!!
I TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!!! LOL
Second time just as great..need book 2 ASAP..Cliffy Ending!!!!
August 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book by authors Mark Tufo and Armand Rosamilia. Each author wrote a separate story set in the same world where it appears the characters from both stories will eventually meet. It was nice that Tufo's story was larger in scale, while Rosamilia kept his smaller and focused on the characters. I wish the details of exactly what happened and how the country was taken over was more flushed out, but it was still a fun ride. Both authors have their own separate series, making it hard to write another entry in this one, but I do hope they give us one or two more in this setting since it seems to have a lot of potential. Tufo's gang name was a bit cheesy and a few of his characters were over-the-top, but preppers and fans of apocalyptic fiction should have a good time. A few continuity errors aside, this book is recommended.
August 6, 2017
When World War 3 erupts in American some less than likely heroes to band together any and all enemy's that come against them, and a desperate bid for survival for our main characters.
I love Michael Talbot, the giant cat and L. Tynes (he doesn't like to be referred to his first name - don't ask!), I loved their banta and how they become friends in this universe. I like how the story gripped me but that bloody cliffhanger. No!!!!! Is there going to be a second book?
I love Michael Talbot, the giant cat and L. Tynes (he doesn't like to be referred to his first name - don't ask!), I loved their banta and how they become friends in this universe. I like how the story gripped me but that bloody cliffhanger. No!!!!! Is there going to be a second book?
May 18, 2016
Very good until the end
The story was really good, right up until the cliffhangers. I abhor those. Makes me want to quit reading anything by that author. It's bad enough that author's have forgotten how to write a book that has a beginning and an end in one book. Everything is a series now, but a cliffhanger makes this fact even more frustrating.
The story was really good, right up until the cliffhangers. I abhor those. Makes me want to quit reading anything by that author. It's bad enough that author's have forgotten how to write a book that has a beginning and an end in one book. Everything is a series now, but a cliffhanger makes this fact even more frustrating.
July 27, 2016
Not earth shatteringly original but well worth the read. Enjoyed it and looking forward to the second installment
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed the concept behind this novel as it was a unique and scarily plausible take on the possibilities that could cause World War Three and an ensuing apocalypse. The characters were believable with the right amount of earnestness and just enough creepiness to not know if some one was being kind in order to be a good fellow citizen or they were being kind to kill you. My only gripe - and it's a major one - is the story just seemed to end. I wouldn't even call it a cliffhanger, more like a chapter or two is missing. I dig me some cliffhangers and love the concept of having world where not everything is explained but this ending seemed so abrupt that it really spoiled everything that came before it.
July 18, 2020
It's time for another Tufo collaboration and luckily the stories are at least geographically divorced. Darlene Bobbich isnt a bad character, for a one off zompoc story, she's kind of perfect. But... it's just kind of difficult to care about her when the dynamic team of Talbot and Thymes are tearing up the streets of post apocalyptic New York and going head to head militant gangs. This is a great book, once you process the difference in style, tone and yo be honest.. writing ability.
August 30, 2023
This book was freaking fantastic! Starting right into book 2. I loved the great characters, enhanced by seeing Tufo's familiar set introduced in yet another way (IYKYK). The stakes are high, great tension, as we experience a future that could happen, and we pray it never does. I love how the blend these two authors are creating is so seamless, and what is occurring is written very naturally. Powerful fiction, that's also a lot of fun to read, despite the apocalyptic circumstances.
November 3, 2017
Started reading this expecting another mediocre book about apocalypse theme, but it was quite well done actually. The problem is that it looks at least at this moment to be the only one in the series, the way it ended it just works very bad as a standalone book.
January 12, 2018
Every Mark Tufo book puts a smile on my face and this is no exception. Reading another of Michael Talbots lives is always makes me happy, and the counterplay with this co-author telling a separate but linked tale is great.
May 26, 2018
A good read
I hardly ever give a book 5 stars, I did on this. A great story.... although I liked the parts with Mike more than the other half. What can I say, he is just that cool. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
I hardly ever give a book 5 stars, I did on this. A great story.... although I liked the parts with Mike more than the other half. What can I say, he is just that cool. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
March 6, 2021
Stumbled upon this one...
Am a solid fan of Mark Tufo, not so much of his co author. But I bought this book despite reservations and it was good.
Am looking forward to the second and third books.
This book was missing dog/s but I’m sure they’re on their way.
Am a solid fan of Mark Tufo, not so much of his co author. But I bought this book despite reservations and it was good.
Am looking forward to the second and third books.
This book was missing dog/s but I’m sure they’re on their way.
April 18, 2023
Meh, ofcourse I liked the Mike and BT scenes. I always do. I'm not sure about the other group. They had a lot of stuff going on but....I just didn't care about the characters. Maybe that'll change in the next book. We'll see.
September 30, 2024
I’m afraid I only liked half of this book. I tried, I really did, but one of the characters (and writers) was so much better than the other that I found myself annoyed every time we switched back and forth. It wasn’t terrible… but I wanted to stay with the story I liked!
July 25, 2025
Mike and BT
These are two of my FAVORITE book characters of all time. I love the two different perspectives between NY and CA and the different groups. The way the country is falling apart is scary and interesting because it feels VERY real and relatable.
These are two of my FAVORITE book characters of all time. I love the two different perspectives between NY and CA and the different groups. The way the country is falling apart is scary and interesting because it feels VERY real and relatable.
May 4, 2017
Excellent
This is an excellent book. I really can't wait for the next one to come out. I really hate cliff hanger endings when I can't go on to the next one.
This is an excellent book. I really can't wait for the next one to come out. I really hate cliff hanger endings when I can't go on to the next one.
May 4, 2017
Um... where's the rest??? It ends on a major cliffhanger but there's no indication it's part of a series! Help? Giving it 3 stars because of this, if there is a book two I'd take that up to 4!
March 24, 2018
📚📚📚📚📚
Two gripping stories intertwined about Darlene Bobich and Mike Talbot as the United States falls apart. A horrifying possibility as the world is now.
Two gripping stories intertwined about Darlene Bobich and Mike Talbot as the United States falls apart. A horrifying possibility as the world is now.
September 25, 2018
Need more !!!!!
April 2, 2019
A new take on Mike, this time as a small-time criminal, and BT as a cop.
Evil cliffhanger. There better be another book coming.
Evil cliffhanger. There better be another book coming.
April 5, 2019
Liked it..gave one star for ending..or lack of one!!
April 19, 2019
So focused
I got into the story so much I became one of the character and when I turned the next page it was over more I want more.
I got into the story so much I became one of the character and when I turned the next page it was over more I want more.
June 22, 2020
Really good
Took me forever to read this but now that I have, it's real!y good. Really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read book two!
Took me forever to read this but now that I have, it's real!y good. Really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read book two!
October 21, 2021
I see why everyone raves about Mark Tufo. Great and relatable characters. Excellent story and realistic fear. Looking forward to listening to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews