What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alpha Plague #4
The Alpha Plague 4
Vicky, Rhys, Larissa, and Flynn have avoided the horde of diseased that chased them from Summit City, but they’re far from free.
Although the diseased can’t get to them while they remain on top of the shipping container, at some point they’ll have to come down.
With a sea of enraged monsters as far as they can see, coming down means certain death.
Exhausted from their escape, they may be able to rest for now, but sooner rather than later, they’re going to have to take action …
Although the diseased can’t get to them while they remain on top of the shipping container, at some point they’ll have to come down.
With a sea of enraged monsters as far as they can see, coming down means certain death.
Exhausted from their escape, they may be able to rest for now, but sooner rather than later, they’re going to have to take action …
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2016
105 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
98 books206 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2020
Another 5*
This is a series that just keeps on getting better!
"Each step drained her already exhausted frame, and she lost focus several times."
Shocking events and twists had me on the edge of my seat throughout this one. One in particular caught me completely off guard 😬
Can't wait to see where the next one goes 👌
This is a series that just keeps on getting better!
"Each step drained her already exhausted frame, and she lost focus several times."
Shocking events and twists had me on the edge of my seat throughout this one. One in particular caught me completely off guard 😬
Can't wait to see where the next one goes 👌
March 31, 2016
This 4th installment to the series chronicling a British rage-style zombie apocalypse stands alone despite or rather because of its placement. The opening trilogy largely follows 12 hour increments of the pandemic's spread from the limited POV of Rhys and later Vicky as they save 6 y.o. Flynn [Book 1], then Larissa [Book 2], and then battle the healthy and the infected to meet back up [Book 3].
This book veers dramatically on a new course into existing with the infected littering the landscape on a long term basis. The early chapters show Rhys and Vicky doing their first supply run from the freight containers in which they had taken shelter at the end of the last book. Boldly and abruptly, as they start their retreat back to young Flynn and his mother Larissa back at the containers, the storyline jumps a full ten years to Rhys and Vicky returning to the freight containers from yet another supply run. 10 years, no change in prospects and barely a notch forward in comfort. They've found nobody in the decade that's elapsed.
Flynn is now a strapping teen still not allowed to leave the safe confines of the freight containers. His mother is just as unprepared since Rhys and Vicky have been doing all of the heavy lifting the entire time. But it's time for Flynn's education to begin.
The outer world starts to assert itself, too. Others have survived and are grouping together. A radio message beckons the uninfected to find the sanctuary of Home. A couple societies are glimpsed, with very different responses to the new state of the country.
This tale stands as Flynn's coming-of-age. Unexpected turns of event separate Vicky and Flynn from Flynn's parents, echoing the 3rd book. The plot really revolves around Flynn's quick social and educational growth as he doesn't remember people or times before life in the freight containers surrounded by zombies. His entire world has been 3 adults in a fractured world.
I highly enjoyed the previous three installments in the series [enough that it made my Jaffalogue's Best Reads of 2015: Part 2]:
The Alpha Plague --5 stars
The Alpha Plague 2 --4 stars
The Alpha Plague 3 --5 stars
This book veers dramatically on a new course into existing with the infected littering the landscape on a long term basis. The early chapters show Rhys and Vicky doing their first supply run from the freight containers in which they had taken shelter at the end of the last book. Boldly and abruptly, as they start their retreat back to young Flynn and his mother Larissa back at the containers, the storyline jumps a full ten years to Rhys and Vicky returning to the freight containers from yet another supply run. 10 years, no change in prospects and barely a notch forward in comfort. They've found nobody in the decade that's elapsed.
Flynn is now a strapping teen still not allowed to leave the safe confines of the freight containers. His mother is just as unprepared since Rhys and Vicky have been doing all of the heavy lifting the entire time. But it's time for Flynn's education to begin.
The outer world starts to assert itself, too. Others have survived and are grouping together. A radio message beckons the uninfected to find the sanctuary of Home. A couple societies are glimpsed, with very different responses to the new state of the country.
This tale stands as Flynn's coming-of-age. Unexpected turns of event separate Vicky and Flynn from Flynn's parents, echoing the 3rd book. The plot really revolves around Flynn's quick social and educational growth as he doesn't remember people or times before life in the freight containers surrounded by zombies. His entire world has been 3 adults in a fractured world.
I highly enjoyed the previous three installments in the series [enough that it made my Jaffalogue's Best Reads of 2015: Part 2]:
The Alpha Plague --5 stars
The Alpha Plague 2 --4 stars
The Alpha Plague 3 --5 stars
September 6, 2017
In the 4th evolution of the series, Rhys, Lyrissa, Vicky and Flynn start trapped on top of the shipping containers, surrounded by an unknown amount of diseased and no hope of escape.
They have no food, water or shelter, and it looks like this is going to be the end for our heroes.
Until they get a lucky break, and find that they can get into one of the containers. Eventually, they work out a way to distract the diseased and make a break to a set of shops not far from the containers to get supplies, so they don’t die from dehydration or starvation.
This is a bit of a different book this time around. It isn’t a desperate fleeing struggle as the first books have been, this one is about trying to work out how to escape, how to escape from a situation that is unescapable.
Robertson does a magnificent job of describing their emotional state, the utter despair they go through at their situation.
This book is also a bit different in that the time frame in the book moves at a bit of a different rate in one part, allowing us to see some changes in the characters we would normally have to wait some time to see.
As the book moved further into the story, it really picks up, covering new plot lines and opening up some interesting new stories. Robertson shows us a new world that has been torn asunder by the diseased and the effect of the plague, and his world is both haunting and beautiful as nature tries to reclaim mankind’s realm, as well as the rise of the diseased.
Alpha Plague 4 is probably the best in the series yet, giving us insight into the new world, more insight into the characters, and showing us that no one is safe.
If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, you will absolutely love this series, but if you just like a good Post-Apocalyptic read, this is definitely worth your time.
They have no food, water or shelter, and it looks like this is going to be the end for our heroes.
Until they get a lucky break, and find that they can get into one of the containers. Eventually, they work out a way to distract the diseased and make a break to a set of shops not far from the containers to get supplies, so they don’t die from dehydration or starvation.
This is a bit of a different book this time around. It isn’t a desperate fleeing struggle as the first books have been, this one is about trying to work out how to escape, how to escape from a situation that is unescapable.
Robertson does a magnificent job of describing their emotional state, the utter despair they go through at their situation.
This book is also a bit different in that the time frame in the book moves at a bit of a different rate in one part, allowing us to see some changes in the characters we would normally have to wait some time to see.
As the book moved further into the story, it really picks up, covering new plot lines and opening up some interesting new stories. Robertson shows us a new world that has been torn asunder by the diseased and the effect of the plague, and his world is both haunting and beautiful as nature tries to reclaim mankind’s realm, as well as the rise of the diseased.
Alpha Plague 4 is probably the best in the series yet, giving us insight into the new world, more insight into the characters, and showing us that no one is safe.
If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, you will absolutely love this series, but if you just like a good Post-Apocalyptic read, this is definitely worth your time.
September 1, 2016
By far, the best of the lot! Alpha Plague 4 picks up from the preceding installment and then fast forwards 10 years into the future. The foursome are still on the containers near the airport, but have carved out a life there for over 10 years. Daily scavenger hunts are still required and usually left to Vicky and Rhys to forage and provide sustenance for the group. They maintain a small garden and have opened and used every container as part of their living space. The three adults remain over-protective of Flynn, and even at the age of 16 still refuse to allow him off the containers. This may or may not help him in the near future.
Vicky finds a small wind-up radio on a mission and soon hears a message broadcasted over one of the channels. The voice invites all survivors to come HOME where it's safe, with plenty of food, water and electricity. Could there be others alive? Is this real?
A decision is soon reached to leave the container mansion and head for HOME. However, there in lies plenty between their containers and the new destination who lie in wait, intent on stopping them.
This installment kept me on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath. I have to commend the author on his imagination and ability to craft surprises and traps that seem impossible to escape, then an unexpected turn of events turn things around again. Bravo Mr. Robertson! I'm already half way through #5 and can't wait to see how the series ends.
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
Vicky finds a small wind-up radio on a mission and soon hears a message broadcasted over one of the channels. The voice invites all survivors to come HOME where it's safe, with plenty of food, water and electricity. Could there be others alive? Is this real?
A decision is soon reached to leave the container mansion and head for HOME. However, there in lies plenty between their containers and the new destination who lie in wait, intent on stopping them.
This installment kept me on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath. I have to commend the author on his imagination and ability to craft surprises and traps that seem impossible to escape, then an unexpected turn of events turn things around again. Bravo Mr. Robertson! I'm already half way through #5 and can't wait to see how the series ends.
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
May 8, 2017
This is a continuing series of an apocalyptic London where a disease has turned most of the population to deceased scavengers with a desire for human flesh
The story is dark and intense. The author draws the reader into the characters to the point we care about them. That is no easy feat given how difficult life is at that time. As a reader, you are drawn into the life of the dismal world and find that you care and root for the characters. The end of the story left me wanting more and thankfully there will be a #6 in the series.
The story is dark and intense. The author draws the reader into the characters to the point we care about them. That is no easy feat given how difficult life is at that time. As a reader, you are drawn into the life of the dismal world and find that you care and root for the characters. The end of the story left me wanting more and thankfully there will be a #6 in the series.
February 8, 2017
One giant leap
OK..I'm enjoying this series..its never going to win the booker. But I have to admire the effort and the scope. A fun yarn with unbelievable characters in an unbelievable situation.. But I still want to find out how it pans out. But. BUT. 10 years in shipping containers . do me a favour guvnor. However.once I got past that...great effort...got better as it went on..
OK..I'm enjoying this series..its never going to win the booker. But I have to admire the effort and the scope. A fun yarn with unbelievable characters in an unbelievable situation.. But I still want to find out how it pans out. But. BUT. 10 years in shipping containers . do me a favour guvnor. However.once I got past that...great effort...got better as it went on..
September 2, 2017
Hanging on every word
I am still engrossed now on book five still in the grip of the story fells like I know Vicky now .
I am still engrossed now on book five still in the grip of the story fells like I know Vicky now .
May 16, 2017
Great
My favourite book of the series so far, looking forward to the next book to find out what's next for Flynn and Vicky.
My favourite book of the series so far, looking forward to the next book to find out what's next for Flynn and Vicky.
January 9, 2018
after reading the other books in the series I thought I was prepared for the events of this one.I was not. so heart breaking I cried. loving the story though will continue to read it.
August 21, 2020
10 years after they moved into the containers and Vicky and Rhys went out scavaging fo food. Both Rhys and then Larissa after Rhys turned decided it was time for her to start scrounging for food. It took no time before she was bitten and turned. For quite a while Vicky and Flynn stayed in the containers. It took a long time before Flynn could stop crying, but who could blame him, he lost both of his parents and had lived in the containers from age 6 to 16 and had been very sheltered. Finally one day Vicky said they had to leave. She got up on the first container and started making lots of noise. Once Flynn told her they had all left the end of the seventh container, they gathered what they needed to leave, they put the ladder down and started running. Vicky gave Flynn her catapult and told him he should try to kill something for them to eat. He tried twice to hit the same rabbit and missed both Tim’s, so Vicky killed it and they found a place to cook it and eat it. Vicky showed Flynn a windup radio that she had been listening to that said they had a home, where everyone helped and they would continue to fight the diseased. They were still killing Zombies and lots of things happened to them, but you will have to read it for yourself. Next I will be on to Book 5.
March 27, 2019
SPOILERS! 4.5 Stars
I would of so given this a five but one part really bugged me, when Rhys died I was a bit shocked as he was like the main character in the first couple of books, I got over it quick but when Larissa died straight after I was like it felt like Michael Robertson just wanted to kill them both off. In my eyes it was unrealistic they all survived 10 years then BANG both dead. Just my opinion.
I do like Vicky she's a good character but one thing she does which is annoying when she calls people love lol her character has changed a lot since the first book. Which is to be expected in an apocalypse. Hopefully she doesn't die.
I would of so given this a five but one part really bugged me, when Rhys died I was a bit shocked as he was like the main character in the first couple of books, I got over it quick but when Larissa died straight after I was like it felt like Michael Robertson just wanted to kill them both off. In my eyes it was unrealistic they all survived 10 years then BANG both dead. Just my opinion.
I do like Vicky she's a good character but one thing she does which is annoying when she calls people love lol her character has changed a lot since the first book. Which is to be expected in an apocalypse. Hopefully she doesn't die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
Another good book
This book jumps ahead in time and showcased Vicky as the main character and arguably the only real adult in the group. I felt sympathy for her from the first novel. Her backstory was similar to what I imagined and she lives up to my expectations. Unfortunately so do the parents.
Nice further development of Vicky and the child Flynn. The series is still exciting and emotionally engaging. The writing is standard Robertson. I like this writer.
This book jumps ahead in time and showcased Vicky as the main character and arguably the only real adult in the group. I felt sympathy for her from the first novel. Her backstory was similar to what I imagined and she lives up to my expectations. Unfortunately so do the parents.
Nice further development of Vicky and the child Flynn. The series is still exciting and emotionally engaging. The writing is standard Robertson. I like this writer.
September 14, 2020
I have the box set and I think the story is evolving very well.
It's moved forward ten years and life throws even more curves at the survivors - plot twist.
Plenty of action, yes, much of it gruesome, but then that's the nature of this genre.
Enjoyable and well-written, except for the misuse of 'either'; it should be 'neither' in that context. I thought a UK writer would know that.
Still recommended.
It's moved forward ten years and life throws even more curves at the survivors - plot twist.
Plenty of action, yes, much of it gruesome, but then that's the nature of this genre.
Enjoyable and well-written, except for the misuse of 'either'; it should be 'neither' in that context. I thought a UK writer would know that.
Still recommended.
October 4, 2019
Vicky is really unreasonable. I know she feels stifled but give everyone a chance to breathe and then make a decision. And communicate! By not communicating, a lot of unnecessary stuff happened. 3 stars
August 31, 2020
I'm glad it didn't go how I thought it would
Great deal of drama. Lot of sadness. It's hard to write a review without spoilers. Suffice it to say, some big changes happened. Usually these serials lose steam, but this one seems just to be building up a real head of steam.
Great deal of drama. Lot of sadness. It's hard to write a review without spoilers. Suffice it to say, some big changes happened. Usually these serials lose steam, but this one seems just to be building up a real head of steam.
March 28, 2024
This was excellent! Everything I like in a zombie adventure! A good group of main characters, a massive surprise in the plot! I couldn't believe it! A really great part to this well written & exciting series! I do recommend all that I have read so far!
September 9, 2019
Another ok read, easy to follow and held my interest, on to book 5.
November 30, 2020
These books just keep getting better. Major plot developments in book 4. I'd love give it 4.5 stars if I could.
February 1, 2022
This series continues to entertain. There were some plot twists in this book that I didn't see coming. Very quick read, the author packs alot of action in smaller length books. On to the next one!!!!
January 21, 2024
Love this series
Riveting edge of the seat stuff... was disappointed that Rhys was killed off.. so glad Flynn got out of that mud hole
Riveting edge of the seat stuff... was disappointed that Rhys was killed off.. so glad Flynn got out of that mud hole
January 16, 2022
This book moves on into the future. It follows Flynn, Rhys Larissa and Vicky as they survive in the new world. However, Vicky is yearning for more. Michael Robertson never disappoints and the adrenalin is pumping throughout this book. Just started book 5. Love it!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews