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After the Outbreak #1
Fight to Survive
Could you push past your limits to survive the apocalypse?
After the deadliest virus known to man, law and order have collapsed. The surviving few are left to find their way among the ashes of civilization. Chaos reigns.
What if your preparations weren't enough?
Nick thought he was ready. He has a lodge in the mountains in New Mexico, packed full of supplies and ammo. He thought he could protect his family, but the virus took them anyway. Soon, he finds others that rely on him. With everything lost, can he find the strength in himself to go on?
Could you face your greatest fears?
Liz is trapped in Albuquerque. A dangerous battle rages around her, and she doesn't have long to live if she stays. The only way out is through the mountains, and there's only one man who can take her. But can she put her faith in a stranger's promise?
Only a few survived the outbreak, but that was just the beginning. Now they'll have to fight harder than ever to stay alive.
Fight to Survive is Book 1 in a post-apocalyptic thriller series about people pushing past their limits as they try to survive the end of the world.
After the deadliest virus known to man, law and order have collapsed. The surviving few are left to find their way among the ashes of civilization. Chaos reigns.
What if your preparations weren't enough?
Nick thought he was ready. He has a lodge in the mountains in New Mexico, packed full of supplies and ammo. He thought he could protect his family, but the virus took them anyway. Soon, he finds others that rely on him. With everything lost, can he find the strength in himself to go on?
Could you face your greatest fears?
Liz is trapped in Albuquerque. A dangerous battle rages around her, and she doesn't have long to live if she stays. The only way out is through the mountains, and there's only one man who can take her. But can she put her faith in a stranger's promise?
Only a few survived the outbreak, but that was just the beginning. Now they'll have to fight harder than ever to stay alive.
Fight to Survive is Book 1 in a post-apocalyptic thriller series about people pushing past their limits as they try to survive the end of the world.
250 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2017
329 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Dave Bowman
15 books11 followersDave Bowman is a writer and native Texan. When he's not writing about the end of the world as we know it, he can be found planning for his future homestead or haunting his favorite barbecue joint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 3, 2017
Title: After the Outbreak - Post Apocalyptic Survival Thriller - Book 1
Author: David Bowman
Publisher: David Bowman
Published: 10-2-2017
Genre: Fiction
Sub-Genre: Apocalyptic Suspense, Action & Adventure, Mystery
ASIN: B07641FN1R
Reviewed For David Bowman
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 5 Stars
Frighteningly the end came not with a fanfare and shouts, but rather quietly, like a thief in the night, No one saw it approach. No emergency warning was sent. By the time the world was aware it was already too late. The greed and carelessness of one man brought the world to a standstill even as he become one of the first to fall victim to the monster that would kill billions. Nations would fall, societies will crumble and those few who survive may wish they hadn't. This story will strike a cord of fear in us all because it is believable. It could happen. Learn from the survivor's stories what you need to prepare for because it may happen yet.
For some who thought they were prepared even they are shocked. Some will band together. Some prefer isolation. All will fight to survive in a world changed forever. You will not want to put this book down. Be prepared to be enthralled for a couple of hours as you follow a group of survivors as they trying to find answer and hope for the future. What they do, how they try survive. This is the first in the series that you will eagerly await future titles in. I hope to read more of the village that has chosen isolation and more of the seven who have banded together. Always asking myself what would I do and if I would want to be one of the survivors? Questions you two will asks as you read "After the Outbreak"
My rating of "After the Outbreak - Post Apocalyptic Survival Thriller - Book 1" is 5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07641FN1R/...
Available for Kindle Unlimited
B&N Link: Not Available
Books-A-Million Link: Not Available
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: Not Available
Kobo Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: David Bowman
Publisher: David Bowman
Published: 10-2-2017
Genre: Fiction
Sub-Genre: Apocalyptic Suspense, Action & Adventure, Mystery
ASIN: B07641FN1R
Reviewed For David Bowman
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 5 Stars
Frighteningly the end came not with a fanfare and shouts, but rather quietly, like a thief in the night, No one saw it approach. No emergency warning was sent. By the time the world was aware it was already too late. The greed and carelessness of one man brought the world to a standstill even as he become one of the first to fall victim to the monster that would kill billions. Nations would fall, societies will crumble and those few who survive may wish they hadn't. This story will strike a cord of fear in us all because it is believable. It could happen. Learn from the survivor's stories what you need to prepare for because it may happen yet.
For some who thought they were prepared even they are shocked. Some will band together. Some prefer isolation. All will fight to survive in a world changed forever. You will not want to put this book down. Be prepared to be enthralled for a couple of hours as you follow a group of survivors as they trying to find answer and hope for the future. What they do, how they try survive. This is the first in the series that you will eagerly await future titles in. I hope to read more of the village that has chosen isolation and more of the seven who have banded together. Always asking myself what would I do and if I would want to be one of the survivors? Questions you two will asks as you read "After the Outbreak"
My rating of "After the Outbreak - Post Apocalyptic Survival Thriller - Book 1" is 5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07641FN1R/...
Available for Kindle Unlimited
B&N Link: Not Available
Books-A-Million Link: Not Available
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: Not Available
Kobo Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
January 7, 2018
It's like a copy+paste from a hundred other post-apocalyptic books out there. Nothing original to see here. Move along...
February 5, 2018
Definitely not the best book in this genre that I have read. Very limited character development - it's hard to like or care for any of the characters. There is so much useless dialog and a couple backstories that are nothing but page fillers. It's very slow paced, not a page turner at all. I struggled to finish this one. I do have to say, it did pick up in the last 50 pages... That being said, I will read the second book in the series, as I've already paid for it. If the second one isn't any better, I will not continue reading this series.
March 22, 2018
An Above Average Post-Apocalyptic Story
The Smiling Sickness leaves people dead in a few days with a smile from ear to ear like they died doing something they loved. Before then - they are mysteriously gray and unknowingly passing the disease among family and friends. There are a few who have managed to come out of it without the sickness but having lost everyone they loved.
The virus in Fight To Survive was pretty well written. I'm usually someone who wants more about the disease and less about the preparedness (I love Bio-Thrillers), but I thought that Bowman gave me just enough to be curious without giving too much that I could shoot holes through. I love that the little girl knew the percentage of people it had killed off before anyone else did. I can't imagine what a world that lost 96% of its population would be like.
At first, all I could think is "oh no, is this going to be one of the stories where everyone is completely nice and they pick everyone up on their way to the lodge?" Thankfully, Bowman cut that out after the beginning (it was a nice set up to get everyone in one place though). It's hard with how many post-apocalyptic books for me to not find something I dislike - in Fight To Survive it might be just how quickly things hit the fan. I think that dealing with what was described would take a little while for people to even realize what was going on - let alone turn to the dark side. Sure, for the pacing of the book, it's totally understandable though.
Bowman did a nice job at creating characters that were unique to each other with their own strengths and weaknesses. I like that a "city girl" was thrown into the mix who wasn't familiar with guns, homesteading, or farming. It's not to throw a wild card into the fire like that because then it's not 5 people who know what they're doing against the world. It was also nice to see a bit of naivety shown by everyone in the group. Most of the time people just know what to do when everything falls apart but the reality is that most people would be scared to death and make mistakes.
Overall, Fight To Survive could be the start of a really interesting series. Adding Andrew Tell's narration - I'm betting that this series will surprise me.
The Smiling Sickness leaves people dead in a few days with a smile from ear to ear like they died doing something they loved. Before then - they are mysteriously gray and unknowingly passing the disease among family and friends. There are a few who have managed to come out of it without the sickness but having lost everyone they loved.
The virus in Fight To Survive was pretty well written. I'm usually someone who wants more about the disease and less about the preparedness (I love Bio-Thrillers), but I thought that Bowman gave me just enough to be curious without giving too much that I could shoot holes through. I love that the little girl knew the percentage of people it had killed off before anyone else did. I can't imagine what a world that lost 96% of its population would be like.
At first, all I could think is "oh no, is this going to be one of the stories where everyone is completely nice and they pick everyone up on their way to the lodge?" Thankfully, Bowman cut that out after the beginning (it was a nice set up to get everyone in one place though). It's hard with how many post-apocalyptic books for me to not find something I dislike - in Fight To Survive it might be just how quickly things hit the fan. I think that dealing with what was described would take a little while for people to even realize what was going on - let alone turn to the dark side. Sure, for the pacing of the book, it's totally understandable though.
Bowman did a nice job at creating characters that were unique to each other with their own strengths and weaknesses. I like that a "city girl" was thrown into the mix who wasn't familiar with guns, homesteading, or farming. It's not to throw a wild card into the fire like that because then it's not 5 people who know what they're doing against the world. It was also nice to see a bit of naivety shown by everyone in the group. Most of the time people just know what to do when everything falls apart but the reality is that most people would be scared to death and make mistakes.
Overall, Fight To Survive could be the start of a really interesting series. Adding Andrew Tell's narration - I'm betting that this series will surprise me.
October 5, 2017
I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly didn’t know how to feel about this book. We know there was a virus... we know it wiped out the population except for that certain handful.... insert your group of characters.
They all have strengths, weaknesses and human flaws. But my problem was I had a hard time connecting to everyone. When I read a book I really wanna be able to picture the characters but I wasn’t able to do that with these ones. The other problem I had with the book was okay they are together... now what... where are we going with this story.... I don’t necessarily feel like we have that yet and I read an entire book.
The great thing about this book though was the author gave the characters humility which you do not see in this genre a lot. You usually see arrogance or someone who is going to SAVE THR WORLD! But not here. Here they are saying the world ended... not s lot of people left let’s make the best of it. Here what we need to do. And then they do it the best they can.
The other thing that I didn’t like/gave the author a ton of credit for was something bad had to happen in this book.... it happens in all books.... and it made you keep turning those dang pages with ease until it snuck up on you.
So really my rating would be 3.5 but I’m not gonna give it a 3 because the writing is better than that. The world building is great. Characters in my opinion not so much. But hopefully books two will be better!
I honestly didn’t know how to feel about this book. We know there was a virus... we know it wiped out the population except for that certain handful.... insert your group of characters.
They all have strengths, weaknesses and human flaws. But my problem was I had a hard time connecting to everyone. When I read a book I really wanna be able to picture the characters but I wasn’t able to do that with these ones. The other problem I had with the book was okay they are together... now what... where are we going with this story.... I don’t necessarily feel like we have that yet and I read an entire book.
The great thing about this book though was the author gave the characters humility which you do not see in this genre a lot. You usually see arrogance or someone who is going to SAVE THR WORLD! But not here. Here they are saying the world ended... not s lot of people left let’s make the best of it. Here what we need to do. And then they do it the best they can.
The other thing that I didn’t like/gave the author a ton of credit for was something bad had to happen in this book.... it happens in all books.... and it made you keep turning those dang pages with ease until it snuck up on you.
So really my rating would be 3.5 but I’m not gonna give it a 3 because the writing is better than that. The world building is great. Characters in my opinion not so much. But hopefully books two will be better!
May 4, 2018
Looking forward to reading the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the characters were well-developed and relatable, and their actions were believable. The book was blissfully free of the all too common male/female stereotypes so many post-apocalyptic books seem to embrace, with the men being the protectors while the women are relegated to cooking and cleaning and such. I loved that Liz not only freed herself, but managed to warn the others of the coming threat! Yay for tough female characters! I also appreciated the fact that none of the characters is the typical ex-military uber prepper, able to defeat any apocalypse without breaking a sweat. And thank you for actually editing, allowing me to enjoy the book without being distracted by ludicrous amounts of poor word choices and typos and awkward phrasing and misplaced commas thrown about like some kind of vile confetti.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt the characters were well-developed and relatable, and their actions were believable. The book was blissfully free of the all too common male/female stereotypes so many post-apocalyptic books seem to embrace, with the men being the protectors while the women are relegated to cooking and cleaning and such. I loved that Liz not only freed herself, but managed to warn the others of the coming threat! Yay for tough female characters! I also appreciated the fact that none of the characters is the typical ex-military uber prepper, able to defeat any apocalypse without breaking a sweat. And thank you for actually editing, allowing me to enjoy the book without being distracted by ludicrous amounts of poor word choices and typos and awkward phrasing and misplaced commas thrown about like some kind of vile confetti.
October 4, 2017
I love a good Post Apocalyptic book and after reading so many I have gotten a bit picky with the content. This is a great starter book in a series where we see the outbreak from origin to after humanity is almost wiped out and build the setting for the rest of the series. The thing I really liked in this book is the way we meet the characters and that they have solid individual personalities and flaws as well as self doubt but the drive to try and survive. There were a couple of things repeated a few time at the beginning however I think these were to re iterate what Nicks plan was for the lodge and you don't get that anywhere else in the book. I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book in the series to see where to now for the group and hopefully they have learnt from Liz's mistake!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 27, 2017
For a change, this apocalypse isn't caused by an EMP. Other than that, though, this story is rather contrived and trite. The main characters are likable, but their actions aren't always logical or believable. Basically, this is stereotypical dystopian fiction.
Andrew Tell delivers a very satisfactory performance. His pacing is appropriate and his character voices are distinct enough to easily follow dialog.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Andrew Tell delivers a very satisfactory performance. His pacing is appropriate and his character voices are distinct enough to easily follow dialog.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 24, 2018
A Realistic View of an Apocalypse
A virus that kills 96% of the world's population is a possibility in today's world of biological threats. What happens when it comes true is a horrifying time for those who survive. Life lived as it was 200 years ago is the answer but first the survivors must be ready to defend their resources from killers who want what others have. A mixed group from New Mexico find each other and band together to try and survive. The characters are real and likeable. The story is well paced and satisfying. A Must read.
A virus that kills 96% of the world's population is a possibility in today's world of biological threats. What happens when it comes true is a horrifying time for those who survive. Life lived as it was 200 years ago is the answer but first the survivors must be ready to defend their resources from killers who want what others have. A mixed group from New Mexico find each other and band together to try and survive. The characters are real and likeable. The story is well paced and satisfying. A Must read.
October 4, 2017
The Hosta virus, named after an attractive plant.
An excellent quick to read start to a new series which combines intelligence with a feeling of plausible reality.
After the virus sweeps around the world killing an estimated 96% of the population, four adults and a child try to survive. But are any of them prepared for what lies ahead?
I look forward to the next book of this hard action but, unusually, non hysterical series.
An excellent quick to read start to a new series which combines intelligence with a feeling of plausible reality.
After the virus sweeps around the world killing an estimated 96% of the population, four adults and a child try to survive. But are any of them prepared for what lies ahead?
I look forward to the next book of this hard action but, unusually, non hysterical series.
November 24, 2017
This was really at 2.5 but I bumped it to 3 because the story line has potential. There were lots of writing mistakes that could have used a good editor. The dialogue was stilted and choppy and the whole book felt quite rushed. There is no real detail on the virus other than odd symptoms and that most everyone dies. It was hard for me to get invested in this story. I may read the next book to see if it improves.
December 12, 2017
A good read, that left me wanting more!
Post apoc with a difference a main character who isn't a super prepper or perfect in his decision making. A guy who thinks he's prepared but find out the truth, and he and his companions make some pretty poor choices.
Well written and thought out, well edited.
Narrated in a comfortable style that made for easy listening.
Just want the next book NOW.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest reveiw.
Post apoc with a difference a main character who isn't a super prepper or perfect in his decision making. A guy who thinks he's prepared but find out the truth, and he and his companions make some pretty poor choices.
Well written and thought out, well edited.
Narrated in a comfortable style that made for easy listening.
Just want the next book NOW.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest reveiw.
March 2, 2018
Another book in my favorite genre - post apocalyptic survival. This is an enjoyable book and I have already got into the second installment as I write this. It's nice to see a book which follows the viral outbreak theme instead of the classic EMP strike.
I gave the book 4 stars as I found the writing very average and highly predictable. It seemed that whenever a new character was introduced, I could guess with complete accuracy if they would be a good guy or a bad guy.
I gave the book 4 stars as I found the writing very average and highly predictable. It seemed that whenever a new character was introduced, I could guess with complete accuracy if they would be a good guy or a bad guy.
October 16, 2020
Not sure if I'd call this finished, or read, but I had to stop after a little while. The characters were rather wooden and flat. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic. And the narration for the audiobook was only amplifying the fact. I may try and give it another chance down the road, but it was just too distracting and I didn't want to spend the entire book being aggravated at every little thing.
March 23, 2018
This was a really good post apocolyptic book.I couldn't put it down!Nick sets out for his g=family cabin after a virus kills his family,along with 96 percent of the population.He meets some goo people and some bad.Andrew Tell was a wwonderful narrator.
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
October 30, 2019
The future is bleak and scary.
The virus killed over 95 percent of the people. Many of those that survived were good people. Many of the other survivors were not. A gripping tale of a future without law and order with people just trying to survive. Looking forward to book two. The story continues... recommend
The virus killed over 95 percent of the people. Many of those that survived were good people. Many of the other survivors were not. A gripping tale of a future without law and order with people just trying to survive. Looking forward to book two. The story continues... recommend
October 5, 2017
The Hosta virus seems to be pretty nasty. I thoroughly enjoyed following Nick, Liz & the others as they tried to get out of the cities and away from all the crazy people. It felt like I was there with them in their struggles. I can't wait to read more from Dave!
February 12, 2018
Good Book !!
Haven’t read any of this author books.He now on my go to list .Good start to this group of survivors.Hard times but at least they found each other. Can’t wait for the next book !!
Haven’t read any of this author books.He now on my go to list .Good start to this group of survivors.Hard times but at least they found each other. Can’t wait for the next book !!
April 3, 2018
Great!
Real, believable characters full of imperfection and a drive to persevere. The virus is something they just weren't prepared for, it's more the luck of the draw on who lives and who dies.
Real, believable characters full of imperfection and a drive to persevere. The virus is something they just weren't prepared for, it's more the luck of the draw on who lives and who dies.
October 3, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
A good read, the middle was great but it was a little lacking in the end. But still a good read. Looking forward to more from this author.
A good read, the middle was great but it was a little lacking in the end. But still a good read. Looking forward to more from this author.
October 20, 2017
Good story
Good plot line, but needs an editor and maybe a thesaurus. This feels like the first draft, but it can really improve.
Good plot line, but needs an editor and maybe a thesaurus. This feels like the first draft, but it can really improve.
November 24, 2017
Awesome book
November 27, 2017
Fantastic! 5 Stars
I highly recommend buying this book. I can't wait for the second to come out. David Bowman knows how to write.
I highly recommend buying this book. I can't wait for the second to come out. David Bowman knows how to write.
December 6, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
February 3, 2018
Good book
I think I would have thought to hit some gun stores and get more supplies a little quicker but they were in shock. I'm .starting the second book now.
I think I would have thought to hit some gun stores and get more supplies a little quicker but they were in shock. I'm .starting the second book now.
March 21, 2018
Read it don't remember much.
May 9, 2018
1st book by Dave Bowman, I enjoy book #1 looking forward to starting the next one tonight. I like the way the book started and the things the new friends had to put up with.
May 29, 2018
Interesting Read
I love trolling through the apocalypse books looking for authors I haven't had the opportunity to read. Great, fast read.
I love trolling through the apocalypse books looking for authors I haven't had the opportunity to read. Great, fast read.
June 28, 2018
Good
Why would the interstate be jammed with stopped cars? Dying of the flu most people would die in bed! Unrealistic
All in all a pretty good read, lucky!
Why would the interstate be jammed with stopped cars? Dying of the flu most people would die in bed! Unrealistic
All in all a pretty good read, lucky!
September 20, 2019
Fight to Survive review
Right to Survive is the first post apocalyptic pandemic survival book in the After the Outbreak series written by author Dave Bowman.
Right to Survive is the first post apocalyptic pandemic survival book in the After the Outbreak series written by author Dave Bowman.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews