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Catalyst #4
Ghost Country
The battle for survival continues in the final book of the bestselling Catalyst series...
Two years ago, a super solar-storm, triggered a CME pulse that crippled the country and destroyed the electrical grid. What remains of the country's leaders are hiding a secret; something that threatens not just the U.S. but the entire world.
The Gulf Coast town of Harris Springs, Mississippi has suffered from gang attacks, famine, hurricanes and battled a crusading army of religious zealots. Now, they face their greatest challenge. Outsmarting a tyrannical President and escaping an approaching pandemic.
The fractured military leaders are beginning to come to grips with the facts of America being ripped apart at the seams. They must act to give the remaining population any chance for survival. As the nation falls apart in the aftermath of civil war, the survivors must decide how far they will go to save the ones they love.
Two years ago, a super solar-storm, triggered a CME pulse that crippled the country and destroyed the electrical grid. What remains of the country's leaders are hiding a secret; something that threatens not just the U.S. but the entire world.
The Gulf Coast town of Harris Springs, Mississippi has suffered from gang attacks, famine, hurricanes and battled a crusading army of religious zealots. Now, they face their greatest challenge. Outsmarting a tyrannical President and escaping an approaching pandemic.
The fractured military leaders are beginning to come to grips with the facts of America being ripped apart at the seams. They must act to give the remaining population any chance for survival. As the nation falls apart in the aftermath of civil war, the survivors must decide how far they will go to save the ones they love.
508 pages, ebook
Published August 14, 2018
434 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Franks
22 books207 followersAdmitted tech geek, entrepreneur, cyclist and inveterate storyteller, JK Franks’ world was formed by a childhood spent in the rural South growing up during the Space Age. This is when he developed a love for writing. He also became an avid student of history and science, and a regular reader of reference books and biographies. Once he discovered science fiction he never looked back.
His protagonists are human: not superheroes, just normal people with the same problems as everyone else, but who rise to challenges when they come along. The Catalyst series combines his passion for hard science fiction with his outlook on self-reliance.
Franks and his wife now live in West Point, Georgia. He is currently working on this next book. No matter where he is or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can visit him on the web at www.jkfranks.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for updates, promotions, and giveaways. You can also find the author on Facebook or email him directly at media@jkfranks.com.
His protagonists are human: not superheroes, just normal people with the same problems as everyone else, but who rise to challenges when they come along. The Catalyst series combines his passion for hard science fiction with his outlook on self-reliance.
Franks and his wife now live in West Point, Georgia. He is currently working on this next book. No matter where he is or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can visit him on the web at www.jkfranks.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for updates, promotions, and giveaways. You can also find the author on Facebook or email him directly at media@jkfranks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 23, 2018
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill
Georgia author JK Franks specializes his writing skills on the post-apocalyptic genre with four novels published to date – CATALYST DOWNWARD CYCLE, KINGDOMS OF SORROW, AMERICAN EXODUS, and now GHOST COUNTRY- Catalyst Book 3. According to Franks, “Really interesting things happen to people when it all goes sideways. Good dystopian stories just peel away all pretenses of civilized behavior and societal norms. What’s left when you expose all that is just rich characters with raw human needs and wants. This provides an opportunity for a writer to really tell an honest story.”
JK has stated directly to us about this series – a touch that indicates that an author not only cares about the structure and detail of the novel, but also the reader’s response and willingness to inhabit the world we are about to enter. ‘When I was developing the Catalyst series, the idea of a connected novella wasn’t part of the plan. That changed when I was asked a relatively simple question. “What would you do to get home if the CME happened, and you were a thousand miles from home?” From that, this story was born. At its heart, it is a simple “get home” journey, but embedded in it are clues to more of the Catalyst stories. I have written this in-between writing book one, two and now book three, so this book is influenced by all of those but is a standalone story. Fans of the series will see threads from the other books, and in some cases, rather similar situations dealt with in a very different manner. This story takes place essentially during the same time period as the first book—Downward Cycle. Revisiting the aftermath of that disaster I first wrote of several years ago was more fun than I probably should admit. It was also nice to explore the struggle to survive from a different point of view as well as visit scenes we may have only glimpsed in the earlier books.’
GHOST COUNTRY is a fine book, one of the best CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) post apocalyptic this reader has read. Not only is the prose dignified but the character development is so keen that we the reader can almost see and feel the characters as they struggle to return to a ‘place’ that will mean normalcy or home.
JK summarizes the plot well – ‘Since the solar superstorm and almost two years ago, the Gulf Coast town of Harris Springs, Mississippi has suffered from gang attacks, famine, hurricanes and battled a crusading army of religious zealots. Now, they face their greatest challenge. Outsmarting a tyrannical President and escaping an approaching pandemic. Scott Montgomery and his community sheltered in an abandoned cruise ship know their time is running out. Despite the relative calm they enjoy, they are aware of the horrors all around them. This period of relative stability doesn’t last long. As the zombie-like pandemic spreads, genetic engineering becomes the last hope of salvation. The new President and her rogue government have other ideas including internment camps full of imprisoned American citizens where bio-warfare weapons are being tested. What’s left of the U.S. military leaders are beginning to come to grips with the facts of America being ripped apart at the seams. They must act to give the remaining population any chance for survival. Scott and his friends come up with a plan to escape the corrupt regime and the approaching hordes of infected. Those plans go awry when one of their own is kidnapped. Scott and a team of Special Forces must go head-to-head with the enemy in one of the most secret bases in the world. The rescue mission shows every likelihood of turning into an epic battle. One that may spell the end of humanity. This third book in the series immerses readers once more in the story of our nation’s struggle to rebuild itself after a CME wipes out all electricity and plunges the country into darkness, starvation, and chaos.’
After reading this book the first word that come to mind is Splendid! Writing of this order is too rarely encountered and even for those who usually avoid post-apocalyptic stories, this one is so well conceived and written that it supersedes genre and is simply fine writing. And the quiet message of survival in a world that seems shattered is most appropriate at this time ….!
Georgia author JK Franks specializes his writing skills on the post-apocalyptic genre with four novels published to date – CATALYST DOWNWARD CYCLE, KINGDOMS OF SORROW, AMERICAN EXODUS, and now GHOST COUNTRY- Catalyst Book 3. According to Franks, “Really interesting things happen to people when it all goes sideways. Good dystopian stories just peel away all pretenses of civilized behavior and societal norms. What’s left when you expose all that is just rich characters with raw human needs and wants. This provides an opportunity for a writer to really tell an honest story.”
JK has stated directly to us about this series – a touch that indicates that an author not only cares about the structure and detail of the novel, but also the reader’s response and willingness to inhabit the world we are about to enter. ‘When I was developing the Catalyst series, the idea of a connected novella wasn’t part of the plan. That changed when I was asked a relatively simple question. “What would you do to get home if the CME happened, and you were a thousand miles from home?” From that, this story was born. At its heart, it is a simple “get home” journey, but embedded in it are clues to more of the Catalyst stories. I have written this in-between writing book one, two and now book three, so this book is influenced by all of those but is a standalone story. Fans of the series will see threads from the other books, and in some cases, rather similar situations dealt with in a very different manner. This story takes place essentially during the same time period as the first book—Downward Cycle. Revisiting the aftermath of that disaster I first wrote of several years ago was more fun than I probably should admit. It was also nice to explore the struggle to survive from a different point of view as well as visit scenes we may have only glimpsed in the earlier books.’
GHOST COUNTRY is a fine book, one of the best CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) post apocalyptic this reader has read. Not only is the prose dignified but the character development is so keen that we the reader can almost see and feel the characters as they struggle to return to a ‘place’ that will mean normalcy or home.
JK summarizes the plot well – ‘Since the solar superstorm and almost two years ago, the Gulf Coast town of Harris Springs, Mississippi has suffered from gang attacks, famine, hurricanes and battled a crusading army of religious zealots. Now, they face their greatest challenge. Outsmarting a tyrannical President and escaping an approaching pandemic. Scott Montgomery and his community sheltered in an abandoned cruise ship know their time is running out. Despite the relative calm they enjoy, they are aware of the horrors all around them. This period of relative stability doesn’t last long. As the zombie-like pandemic spreads, genetic engineering becomes the last hope of salvation. The new President and her rogue government have other ideas including internment camps full of imprisoned American citizens where bio-warfare weapons are being tested. What’s left of the U.S. military leaders are beginning to come to grips with the facts of America being ripped apart at the seams. They must act to give the remaining population any chance for survival. Scott and his friends come up with a plan to escape the corrupt regime and the approaching hordes of infected. Those plans go awry when one of their own is kidnapped. Scott and a team of Special Forces must go head-to-head with the enemy in one of the most secret bases in the world. The rescue mission shows every likelihood of turning into an epic battle. One that may spell the end of humanity. This third book in the series immerses readers once more in the story of our nation’s struggle to rebuild itself after a CME wipes out all electricity and plunges the country into darkness, starvation, and chaos.’
After reading this book the first word that come to mind is Splendid! Writing of this order is too rarely encountered and even for those who usually avoid post-apocalyptic stories, this one is so well conceived and written that it supersedes genre and is simply fine writing. And the quiet message of survival in a world that seems shattered is most appropriate at this time ….!
November 8, 2023
Liked it.
My type of sci fi
May not be for everyone unless you like dystopian end of world books. Great ending.
My type of sci fi
May not be for everyone unless you like dystopian end of world books. Great ending.
September 26, 2018
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author via Audiobook Boom in return for an honest review. My thanks to him for the book, indeed the entire series, and the hours of sheer pleasure I've found in its pages.
Two years before this book begins, a solar storm creates a doronal mass ejection that obliterates the power grid in North America and plunges the world into darkness and forces life back a century or more in terms of living conditions. A dedicated cadre of ordinary Americans in a small Mississippi town realize that they need to perform extraordinary tasks if their way of life is to be preserved at all.
In book three of the series, Scott Montgomery is reunited with the woman he loved and lost in college. She is a researcher frenetically searching for a cure for a virus that has been deliberately unleashed on an unsuspectingpopulation by a corrupt tyrannical president. The virus essentially damages the brains of those who contract it such that they become mindless killers who desire only to infect new hosts. Before you roll your eyes in disgust thinking this is just another shallow zombie book, read on.
Montgomery and his associates are in a race against time attempting to prepare the old cruise ship into which the town's populous took refuge in a previous book so that it can be moved out to sea and away from the viral pandemic that threatens the uninfected.
This is a gripping magnificently told story of a group of men and women who are neither Democrats nor Republicans; rather, they are people who love freedom who believe that kindness is still the better choice, and who gladly give a hand up in a new hard society that doesn't dispense handouts. But the nation has been shredded to its bone and sinews by a secretive society that has been pulling the levers of government and finance for more than two centuries. That society had a plan, but it has gone horribly awry, and now it's up to Scott Montgomery and his friends to do what they can to preserve a cherished and threatened way of life. But can Scott ultimately make the sacrifices he must make if others are to live?
The military and battle scenes here are among the best written I've seen anywhere. I've come to love these characters as if they were friends so well are they written. I can picture myself in that radio room with Scott's brother, Bobby, listening to the valiant remnant of amateur radio operators who are left as they move information along what they call the patriot network. Early on, you'll read a scene in which an attack dog must save his handler from certain death. The handler is temporarily blind, and it's up to the dog to move him out of harm's way and keep him alive to whatever degree he can. As someone who is blessed to use a guide dog on a daily basis, I can attest to the accuracy of the intelligence Franks writes into the character of this dog. While Solo's mission and that of my dog is vastly different, I see threads of my own truth and experience woven into Franks's fictional dog. His keen insight into the relationship of the dog and handler are memorable and rewarding.
This is not an amateur book filled with clumsiness and cliches. It's worthy of publication by any publishing house that carries books of this nature. It's good enough to beoptioned for film. I shudder to think how close I came to never seeing this series at all.
If I have any criticism, it is that I bogged down a bit with some of the genetic engineering discussions that happen here. The problem belongs with the reader not the author. I think he has to use some hard science here to make his point, but I'm not sure I needed all the details. Aside from that, this book gave me so much to think about. It reaffirms the reality that the choices I make in comfort today could determine my viability and survivability should the unexpected and unthinkable happen. I love the thoughtful way in which Franks explores human nature here, even delving into the devolution of liberty and plotting a route that goes from our current way of life to a constitution-devoid nightmarish existence. The roadmap he draws in this series makes a frightening amount of sense, and you won't have to suspend disbelief at all here to take that route with him. It's all too easy and far closer than I want to think about.
There are some exciting loose ends here that makes one assume there will be another book in this series. I'm already suffering from Catalyst Series Withdrawal.
Two years before this book begins, a solar storm creates a doronal mass ejection that obliterates the power grid in North America and plunges the world into darkness and forces life back a century or more in terms of living conditions. A dedicated cadre of ordinary Americans in a small Mississippi town realize that they need to perform extraordinary tasks if their way of life is to be preserved at all.
In book three of the series, Scott Montgomery is reunited with the woman he loved and lost in college. She is a researcher frenetically searching for a cure for a virus that has been deliberately unleashed on an unsuspectingpopulation by a corrupt tyrannical president. The virus essentially damages the brains of those who contract it such that they become mindless killers who desire only to infect new hosts. Before you roll your eyes in disgust thinking this is just another shallow zombie book, read on.
Montgomery and his associates are in a race against time attempting to prepare the old cruise ship into which the town's populous took refuge in a previous book so that it can be moved out to sea and away from the viral pandemic that threatens the uninfected.
This is a gripping magnificently told story of a group of men and women who are neither Democrats nor Republicans; rather, they are people who love freedom who believe that kindness is still the better choice, and who gladly give a hand up in a new hard society that doesn't dispense handouts. But the nation has been shredded to its bone and sinews by a secretive society that has been pulling the levers of government and finance for more than two centuries. That society had a plan, but it has gone horribly awry, and now it's up to Scott Montgomery and his friends to do what they can to preserve a cherished and threatened way of life. But can Scott ultimately make the sacrifices he must make if others are to live?
The military and battle scenes here are among the best written I've seen anywhere. I've come to love these characters as if they were friends so well are they written. I can picture myself in that radio room with Scott's brother, Bobby, listening to the valiant remnant of amateur radio operators who are left as they move information along what they call the patriot network. Early on, you'll read a scene in which an attack dog must save his handler from certain death. The handler is temporarily blind, and it's up to the dog to move him out of harm's way and keep him alive to whatever degree he can. As someone who is blessed to use a guide dog on a daily basis, I can attest to the accuracy of the intelligence Franks writes into the character of this dog. While Solo's mission and that of my dog is vastly different, I see threads of my own truth and experience woven into Franks's fictional dog. His keen insight into the relationship of the dog and handler are memorable and rewarding.
This is not an amateur book filled with clumsiness and cliches. It's worthy of publication by any publishing house that carries books of this nature. It's good enough to beoptioned for film. I shudder to think how close I came to never seeing this series at all.
If I have any criticism, it is that I bogged down a bit with some of the genetic engineering discussions that happen here. The problem belongs with the reader not the author. I think he has to use some hard science here to make his point, but I'm not sure I needed all the details. Aside from that, this book gave me so much to think about. It reaffirms the reality that the choices I make in comfort today could determine my viability and survivability should the unexpected and unthinkable happen. I love the thoughtful way in which Franks explores human nature here, even delving into the devolution of liberty and plotting a route that goes from our current way of life to a constitution-devoid nightmarish existence. The roadmap he draws in this series makes a frightening amount of sense, and you won't have to suspend disbelief at all here to take that route with him. It's all too easy and far closer than I want to think about.
There are some exciting loose ends here that makes one assume there will be another book in this series. I'm already suffering from Catalyst Series Withdrawal.
December 10, 2018
This is the fourth book I’ve read/listened to by this author. I have listened to the three previous books in this series. This is the final book in the Catalyst series- or at least it seems to be. Although this book brings us to a definite conclusion, either another book in this series or another series arcing off this seems possible.
The remaining citizens of Harris Springs are living on the cruiseship and trying to recover from recent attacks and natural disasters. They are trying to fix and create things so they can become even more self reliant as they learn more about “Catalyst”- who is behind it, what it truly is, and how it threatens their survival. More and more military units, as well as the Harris Springs people, are attempting to thwart the plans of the current president. She is becoming more unstable, and her decisions more harmful to the American citizens. The president’s not the one completely running the show, but she’s also not following her orders as she’s supposed to. Things are getting out of hand and the president has accelerated a pandemic.
This is the fourth book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Steven Varnum). He has read all the previous books in this series. He does a fabulous job with all the character voices, including the females. He brings out each characters personality and the action in the story. This allows me to be full submerged within the story and forget I’m being read to.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There are conflicts, but they are not excessively violent. There is some swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
The remaining citizens of Harris Springs are living on the cruiseship and trying to recover from recent attacks and natural disasters. They are trying to fix and create things so they can become even more self reliant as they learn more about “Catalyst”- who is behind it, what it truly is, and how it threatens their survival. More and more military units, as well as the Harris Springs people, are attempting to thwart the plans of the current president. She is becoming more unstable, and her decisions more harmful to the American citizens. The president’s not the one completely running the show, but she’s also not following her orders as she’s supposed to. Things are getting out of hand and the president has accelerated a pandemic.
This is the fourth book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Steven Varnum). He has read all the previous books in this series. He does a fabulous job with all the character voices, including the females. He brings out each characters personality and the action in the story. This allows me to be full submerged within the story and forget I’m being read to.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There are conflicts, but they are not excessively violent. There is some swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
December 17, 2019
As an author of apocalyptic fiction myself I had to write this review to say how well put together I find JK Franks' Catalyst series. I’ve read all of them and posted five star reviews on Amazon.
He did an exceptional job of portraying how society could collapse following a large scale Carrington Event. I absolutely loved the first book in the series "The Downward Cycle" Downward Cycle and was pleasantly surprised when Kingdoms of Sorrow Kingdoms of Sorrow was just as good. Then he managed to cap it off with Ghost Country Ghost Country and I became a die hard fan. I’ve heard he's planning on writing a fourth book in the series on how our heroes deal with the Thermohaline Cycle being interrupted. I hope so anyhow.
One of the reasons I like hisr books is they have lots of characters and lots of subplots. That’s what I write too--which leads me to think readers who like your books might enjoy mine. Another reason is he takes time to develop his characters, making them likable and relatable. He totally nailed the coarse, flippant banter between soldiers so I’m thinking he, like me, has been there and done that. Anyhow, I’m giving JK Franks a hearty “job well done” and am looking forward to reading more of your books. (I’m actually ordering some now on Amazon).
He did an exceptional job of portraying how society could collapse following a large scale Carrington Event. I absolutely loved the first book in the series "The Downward Cycle" Downward Cycle and was pleasantly surprised when Kingdoms of Sorrow Kingdoms of Sorrow was just as good. Then he managed to cap it off with Ghost Country Ghost Country and I became a die hard fan. I’ve heard he's planning on writing a fourth book in the series on how our heroes deal with the Thermohaline Cycle being interrupted. I hope so anyhow.
One of the reasons I like hisr books is they have lots of characters and lots of subplots. That’s what I write too--which leads me to think readers who like your books might enjoy mine. Another reason is he takes time to develop his characters, making them likable and relatable. He totally nailed the coarse, flippant banter between soldiers so I’m thinking he, like me, has been there and done that. Anyhow, I’m giving JK Franks a hearty “job well done” and am looking forward to reading more of your books. (I’m actually ordering some now on Amazon).
June 15, 2019
Wow, what an ending! This was my favorite book of the series by far, whereas the first books were a lot of prepping and surviving this last book was all about telling a good story. I was a bit skeptical on the other books but after finishing the series I can tell the author had the complete story thought out from the beginning.
I really enjoyed seeing some of the plotlines flesh out from the first book that, at first, I thought the author had forgotten about. When “Ghost” first appeared, I think in book one, then was just not mentioned much I thought it was just to show that psychiatric patients were being released, but seeing how he came back into the story and became a big part of it was really interesting.
In Ghost Country they are playing for keeps. In the previous books it seemed like no matter what danger the core group was put in you could count on everyone surviving. I don’t want to spoil anything but the tension and consequences are a lot more severe in this last book, you don’t know who is going to survive. The ending was entirely surprising and satisfying to me. I didn’t see that coming at all, and it made some aspects of the book that the author seemed to be annoyingly concentrating on, make a lot more sense and meaning. Overall this was a really good series for what looks like JK Franks first outing. It seems like there could possibly be a follow up series and if so I will make sure to check it out.
I listened to the audio book. Just like the rest of the series I really enjoy Steven Varnum’s narration. If there is a follow up series I hope he narrates it as well.
I really enjoyed seeing some of the plotlines flesh out from the first book that, at first, I thought the author had forgotten about. When “Ghost” first appeared, I think in book one, then was just not mentioned much I thought it was just to show that psychiatric patients were being released, but seeing how he came back into the story and became a big part of it was really interesting.
In Ghost Country they are playing for keeps. In the previous books it seemed like no matter what danger the core group was put in you could count on everyone surviving. I don’t want to spoil anything but the tension and consequences are a lot more severe in this last book, you don’t know who is going to survive. The ending was entirely surprising and satisfying to me. I didn’t see that coming at all, and it made some aspects of the book that the author seemed to be annoyingly concentrating on, make a lot more sense and meaning. Overall this was a really good series for what looks like JK Franks first outing. It seems like there could possibly be a follow up series and if so I will make sure to check it out.
I listened to the audio book. Just like the rest of the series I really enjoy Steven Varnum’s narration. If there is a follow up series I hope he narrates it as well.
August 29, 2019
I received the series Catalyst (except America Exodus) for free on Amazon. So I am writing this review for returning my respect and support to J.K Franks. The series is awesome and its story, characters are well-developed through the books. I love how the author explains scientific concepts about IT, history, biology, survival, military tech,...through dialogues; easy to absorb and keep up what's going on.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
1. Downward Circle: about the beginning with the CME event which disabled the global electric grid. The USA was collapsing. Scott Montgomery and some new friends prepared the survival and built the community.
The story is slow-paced and you will easily give up the book. But please don't if you want to hype with the series.
2. Kingdom Of Sorrow: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with a huge storm as well as other survival communities.
This is where the hype begins, the story is fast-paced, characters and dialogues are more well-developed.
3. Ghost Country: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with the ruthless president and her military as well as lethal disease making victims turn into something like zombies (or worse). But most important of all, he faced a truth that he had never expected.
Best of the series when there are many plot twists in the story, especially at the end of the book. You will not want to put the book down and want to finish the book to know the answer.
The series is a great choice for anyone want to try survival or post-apocalypse genre like me.
We fight, we live, we love - Scott Montgomery.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
1. Downward Circle: about the beginning with the CME event which disabled the global electric grid. The USA was collapsing. Scott Montgomery and some new friends prepared the survival and built the community.
The story is slow-paced and you will easily give up the book. But please don't if you want to hype with the series.
2. Kingdom Of Sorrow: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with a huge storm as well as other survival communities.
This is where the hype begins, the story is fast-paced, characters and dialogues are more well-developed.
3. Ghost Country: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with the ruthless president and her military as well as lethal disease making victims turn into something like zombies (or worse). But most important of all, he faced a truth that he had never expected.
Best of the series when there are many plot twists in the story, especially at the end of the book. You will not want to put the book down and want to finish the book to know the answer.
The series is a great choice for anyone want to try survival or post-apocalypse genre like me.
We fight, we live, we love - Scott Montgomery.
September 5, 2025
Okay, okay—this one really got me. J.K. Franks advances the timeline two years after the devastating solar storm, and we rejoin the original group led by Scott Montgomery. From the very first pages, it’s clear this book is going to deliver, and by the end, it left me both thrilled and wanting more.
The characters are so rich and well thought out that I found myself craving more details about all of them: Skybox, The Cajun, Scott, Steven, and the rest. Each of their arcs feels alive and compelling, and I couldn’t help but wish for just one more chapter, one more glimpse into their lives.
The pacing of the story is fast and relentless, keeping me glued as it built toward its climax. When the truth is revealed, it’s both devastating and unforgettable. Franks has crafted a masterful installment, one that feels like a farewell, but one I desperately hope isn’t the end.
This the last book in the series was written in 2018, and I can’t be the only one still hoping for more. Please, Mr. Franks! give us another chapter in this world.
This series is easily one of my favorites, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone looking for a thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic adventure.
The characters are so rich and well thought out that I found myself craving more details about all of them: Skybox, The Cajun, Scott, Steven, and the rest. Each of their arcs feels alive and compelling, and I couldn’t help but wish for just one more chapter, one more glimpse into their lives.
The pacing of the story is fast and relentless, keeping me glued as it built toward its climax. When the truth is revealed, it’s both devastating and unforgettable. Franks has crafted a masterful installment, one that feels like a farewell, but one I desperately hope isn’t the end.
This the last book in the series was written in 2018, and I can’t be the only one still hoping for more. Please, Mr. Franks! give us another chapter in this world.
This series is easily one of my favorites, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly to anyone looking for a thrilling, emotional, and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic adventure.
September 24, 2018
When Ghost Country came out I wondered if it would be another stand-alone like American Exodus or a continuation from Kingdoms of Sorrow. I am glad to say Ghost Country favors the latter. The Aquatic Goddess (AG) survived the hurricane protecting those from Harris Springs who evacuated. The president, Madelyn Chambers has gone above and beyond the mission given her by unleashing a virus on the military and nearby civilians to crush the opposition against her. Chambers mistakenly thought she was in charge and did her worst to make that point. Conspiracy theories abound here, which profess old money has been running the country for the last 200+0 years; aka Illuminati-type. Genetic engineering still appears to be the plan to control the population and firmly establish those in power. Our hero and chief protagonist Scott Montgomery, with help from his friends the white-hat hacker Tahir and the Praetorian Skybox, once again will put his life in jeopardy to do his duty and save the ones he loves. The ending is a surprising blend of twists and eye-opening revelations. Outstanding! This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
October 11, 2018
I love this series so damn much. It’s really amazing. I’ve gifted book one to several people and I think about it often. I was so happy to get this book. I simply can’t say enough good things about this series. You actually come away feeling smarter because I promise you’ll learn something!
JK Franks is a master story teller and I’m assuming a brilliant man.
Thank you for creating worlds I love to get lost in!
I have a giant wolf dog I imagine Solo looks like.
I want to know what’s going to happen with Scott and many of the other characters. I need to know what their future holds! I can say this.... I didn’t see that coming!
As usual or should I say as to be expected Steven Varnum did an excellent job narrating.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
JK Franks is a master story teller and I’m assuming a brilliant man.
Thank you for creating worlds I love to get lost in!
I have a giant wolf dog I imagine Solo looks like.
I want to know what’s going to happen with Scott and many of the other characters. I need to know what their future holds! I can say this.... I didn’t see that coming!
As usual or should I say as to be expected Steven Varnum did an excellent job narrating.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
April 22, 2025
Concept of the series is great, but I find the characters too unrelateable and unbelievable. The doomsday scenario is realistic, but the fact that the fate of humanity centers around a group of characters who all know each other is unrealistic. You have an ordinary guy turned super soldier, his girlfriend a world class scientist, his friend a world renoun computer hacker, a survivalist who is somehow better trained than SF soldiers, and on and on...
I give the author credit for being knowledgeable in military stuff and the sciences. There is a lot of facts and research that went into building it. Though ultimately too fantastical and unrealistic.
The book had my interest level bobbing up and down. It took me a long time to get through it. Though the book certainly had it's merits, I can't decide yet if reading this was a waste of time.
I give the author credit for being knowledgeable in military stuff and the sciences. There is a lot of facts and research that went into building it. Though ultimately too fantastical and unrealistic.
The book had my interest level bobbing up and down. It took me a long time to get through it. Though the book certainly had it's merits, I can't decide yet if reading this was a waste of time.
May 31, 2019
What an amazing story. The scariest thing is most of this could be true. We have scientists, biologists, and genealogists working on ways to modify and adapt to potential changes. Great precautions are taken to prevent these forced mutations from escaping from the laboratories into the uncontrolled world. We can clearly see what happens when "exotic", non-native species are introduced without the natural controls maintaining a balance. These are merely unenhanced species in a non-native environment. The research is important and vital but, the risks are enormous. This book looks at one possibility.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
July 17, 2024
Solid work.
This series is one of the best I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. I've stated previously that I'm kind of a snob when it comes to my reading preferences. It has to be well written from a grammatical standpoint. It has to be well researched and plausible. It has to have enough character building to keep me interested in the people. This series checks all those boxes. I'm also autistic, so I normally know in general terms what's coming. The twist got me this time though. That's rare, and I really appreciate how well that surprise was crafted. Definitely enjoyed the series and will be reading more of Mr. Franks work.
This series is one of the best I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. I've stated previously that I'm kind of a snob when it comes to my reading preferences. It has to be well written from a grammatical standpoint. It has to be well researched and plausible. It has to have enough character building to keep me interested in the people. This series checks all those boxes. I'm also autistic, so I normally know in general terms what's coming. The twist got me this time though. That's rare, and I really appreciate how well that surprise was crafted. Definitely enjoyed the series and will be reading more of Mr. Franks work.
June 15, 2019
Wow, what an ending! This was my favorite book of the series by far, whereas the first books were a lot of prepping and surviving this last book was all about telling a good story. I was a bit skeptical on the other books but after finishing the series I can tell the author had the complete story thought out from the beginning.
I really enjoyed seeing some of the plotlines flesh out from the first book that, at first, I thought the author had forgotten about. When “Ghost” first appeared, I think in book one, then was just not mentioned much I thought it was just to show that psychiatric patients were being released, but seeing how he came back into the story and became a big part of it was really interesting.
In Ghost Country they are playing for keeps. In the previous books it seemed like no matter what danger the core group was put in you could count on everyone surviving. I don’t want to spoil anything but the tension and consequences are a lot more severe in this last book, you don’t know who is going to survive. The ending was entirely surprising and satisfying to me. I didn’t see that coming at all, and it made some aspects of the book that the author seemed to be annoyingly concentrating on, make a lot more sense and meaning. Overall this was a really good series for what looks like JK Franks first outing. It seems like there could possibly be a follow up series and if so I will make sure to check it out.
Just like the rest of the series I really enjoy Steven Varnum’s narration. If there is a follow up series I hope he narrates it as well.
I really enjoyed seeing some of the plotlines flesh out from the first book that, at first, I thought the author had forgotten about. When “Ghost” first appeared, I think in book one, then was just not mentioned much I thought it was just to show that psychiatric patients were being released, but seeing how he came back into the story and became a big part of it was really interesting.
In Ghost Country they are playing for keeps. In the previous books it seemed like no matter what danger the core group was put in you could count on everyone surviving. I don’t want to spoil anything but the tension and consequences are a lot more severe in this last book, you don’t know who is going to survive. The ending was entirely surprising and satisfying to me. I didn’t see that coming at all, and it made some aspects of the book that the author seemed to be annoyingly concentrating on, make a lot more sense and meaning. Overall this was a really good series for what looks like JK Franks first outing. It seems like there could possibly be a follow up series and if so I will make sure to check it out.
Just like the rest of the series I really enjoy Steven Varnum’s narration. If there is a follow up series I hope he narrates it as well.
April 19, 2020
Weaving throughout this series is the one true fact that living means more than just survival.
Believing that is what drives the core group of Harris Springs and it's reluctant leader Scott Montgomery to succeed where others have given up and failed.
From the beginning sacrifices are made over and over to ensure the best possible chance at a better future, however the staggering cost to some is almost too much to comprehend as one reads this final book in the series.
Part of many different genres in my opinion these stories blend them together creating a believable whole.
Believing that is what drives the core group of Harris Springs and it's reluctant leader Scott Montgomery to succeed where others have given up and failed.
From the beginning sacrifices are made over and over to ensure the best possible chance at a better future, however the staggering cost to some is almost too much to comprehend as one reads this final book in the series.
Part of many different genres in my opinion these stories blend them together creating a believable whole.
November 26, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series. Usually I don't care for stories that have more than one type of disaster (e.g. the "everything but the kitchen sink"), but the underlying sinister plot made it work in this case. I could kind of see the "big reveal" coming but kept hoping I was wrong. The writing style is quite good and flows well though there were a few errors (example-EKGs don't have anything to do with brain waves). Overall, this was an excellent series and this final book was great.
February 11, 2019
Excellent ending to a brilliant story
If you are a fan of the Walking Dead, this book is for you.
JK Frank's last novel in the series has plenty of action and a twist you won't see coming.
This is one of the best series I have read in a long time with excellent characters, consistent action, and a believable (mostly) storyline.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
If you are a fan of the Walking Dead, this book is for you.
JK Frank's last novel in the series has plenty of action and a twist you won't see coming.
This is one of the best series I have read in a long time with excellent characters, consistent action, and a believable (mostly) storyline.
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
March 6, 2020
Not what you might expect, but a fitting end.
Most appocolypse series have near invincible and immortal hero's, who live on, savoring their many victories. Scott is like most of us, and his life is not so simple. Life is made up of hard choices, and not everything works out perfectly. If your life is more like this than that of an epic hero, you will like this story and this series.
Most appocolypse series have near invincible and immortal hero's, who live on, savoring their many victories. Scott is like most of us, and his life is not so simple. Life is made up of hard choices, and not everything works out perfectly. If your life is more like this than that of an epic hero, you will like this story and this series.
April 5, 2019
A very enjoyable series
I really liked this series and am actually rather bummed it appears to be over. Full of lots of action and twists and well-developed characters, it was both interesting and entertaining. I do hope I'm wrong about this being the end, especially since I feel like this book leaves readers a bit uncertain of Scott's fate.
I really liked this series and am actually rather bummed it appears to be over. Full of lots of action and twists and well-developed characters, it was both interesting and entertaining. I do hope I'm wrong about this being the end, especially since I feel like this book leaves readers a bit uncertain of Scott's fate.
February 25, 2020
A fantastic series that will keep you up late
I have read several of Mr Franks books the Catalyst Series being my favorite. The characters are so amazingly real and fascinating to follow as the plot unfolds. While I am by no means a book critic I know what I like and I loved this series
I have read several of Mr Franks books the Catalyst Series being my favorite. The characters are so amazingly real and fascinating to follow as the plot unfolds. While I am by no means a book critic I know what I like and I loved this series
February 14, 2024
Decent culmination to the Catalyst series. I thought this was very similar to the Extinction Cycle premise, in that some scientists were trying to create a genetically improved human. This time, however, it was to cope with global warming (yawn). It was a decent book with a decent twist. Overall a very good series with plenty of action and entertainment.
October 14, 2024
great conclusion to this series! I was enthralled by all four books and loved the post apocalyptic world that Franks created, rooted in very realistic events that could bring about the end-of-the-world. The cast of characters and villains they are up against all seem like such likely scenarios that would develop in the end of times.
February 16, 2025
Another great book by JK Franks! This last one saw more sacrifices from true hero’s who did what they had to do to keep mankind alive and safe. The ending was the real climax you won’t see coming. It’s a must read for those of you who like reading CME and apocalypse stories. You won’t regret reading this one.
October 26, 2018
The Best!
My new favorite author, you won't be disappointed! Seriously, these are good, full of new angles and twists & turns. I feel like I bonded with the characters. Really, really good!
My new favorite author, you won't be disappointed! Seriously, these are good, full of new angles and twists & turns. I feel like I bonded with the characters. Really, really good!
November 13, 2018
Beyond words
This has been an amazing series, completely mind blowing! Well written story with epic characters. I will miss everyone of them. Please read this series as soon as possible, you will be amazed
This has been an amazing series, completely mind blowing! Well written story with epic characters. I will miss everyone of them. Please read this series as soon as possible, you will be amazed
November 20, 2018
Terrific
Worth all five stars. Great characters and great story. Not just another boring, gory zombie book. I wasn't ready for it to end. I usually don't like series that go on and on but would definitely read book 4.
Worth all five stars. Great characters and great story. Not just another boring, gory zombie book. I wasn't ready for it to end. I usually don't like series that go on and on but would definitely read book 4.
November 22, 2018
Wow. Did not see that coming.
Would have given more than 5 stars of possible. This book was amazing and I hated to see the end. Surprises galore. This was my favorite one. Mr Frank's you the man!!!
Would have given more than 5 stars of possible. This book was amazing and I hated to see the end. Surprises galore. This was my favorite one. Mr Frank's you the man!!!
December 20, 2018
Enthralling Read
This writer has great insight into what could happen in such detail, it amazes me. Can't wait to read more of his books. Amazing read with great detail and able to follow the story even when I know nothing a out what was to come!
This writer has great insight into what could happen in such detail, it amazes me. Can't wait to read more of his books. Amazing read with great detail and able to follow the story even when I know nothing a out what was to come!
February 5, 2019
Great series
I read the entire series to find out what happened to Scott. Great story and characters. Plot was well developed and kept going to the conclusion. Very satisfying read.
I read the entire series to find out what happened to Scott. Great story and characters. Plot was well developed and kept going to the conclusion. Very satisfying read.
February 7, 2019
Loved it!
A kick ass dog, great characters, lots of action, and filled with blood and guts! Intense storyline. There really is nothing left to say. I loved this book and this series!
A kick ass dog, great characters, lots of action, and filled with blood and guts! Intense storyline. There really is nothing left to say. I loved this book and this series!
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