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Missions from the Extinction Cycle
Over 500 pages of short stories set in the Extinction Cycle world from some of the biggest names in post-apocalyptic fiction!
The bestselling Extinction Cycle series by NYT Bestselling Author Nicholas Sansbury Smith first introduced readers to a world ravaged by an engineered virus that turned men into monsters. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction. Humanity's only hope was not a cure, but another bioweapon. When deployed it killed ninety percent of the infected, but the remaining ten percent transformed into even more terrifying creatures called Variants.
Heroes have risen up to meet these abominations. Men like Master Sergeant Reed Beckham of Delta Force Team Ghost and Marine Corporal Joe Fitzpatrick. Women like Dr. Kate Lovato and firefighter Meg Pratt. Throughout the world, survivors band together to fight the evolving monsters in an effort to save humanity. Now, for the first time ever in print, comes a collection of Extinction Cycle short stories that explore the human spirit and the fight for survival in the face of overwhelming odds from some of the leading voices in the post-apocalyptic genre.
Featured Authors Include:
Mark Tufo - Extinction Trippin'
Anthony Melchiorri - Darkness Evolved
Jeff Olah - The Bone Collector
Russell Blake - Extinction Thailand
Rachel Aukes - The Fall of Fort Bragg
Note: All stories were previously published in the Extinction Cycle Kindle world, but are now being offered in print, and audio for the first time. Readers outside of the USA will also get to experience these stories for the first time as well. Thank you for reading!
The bestselling Extinction Cycle series by NYT Bestselling Author Nicholas Sansbury Smith first introduced readers to a world ravaged by an engineered virus that turned men into monsters. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction. Humanity's only hope was not a cure, but another bioweapon. When deployed it killed ninety percent of the infected, but the remaining ten percent transformed into even more terrifying creatures called Variants.
Heroes have risen up to meet these abominations. Men like Master Sergeant Reed Beckham of Delta Force Team Ghost and Marine Corporal Joe Fitzpatrick. Women like Dr. Kate Lovato and firefighter Meg Pratt. Throughout the world, survivors band together to fight the evolving monsters in an effort to save humanity. Now, for the first time ever in print, comes a collection of Extinction Cycle short stories that explore the human spirit and the fight for survival in the face of overwhelming odds from some of the leading voices in the post-apocalyptic genre.
Featured Authors Include:
Mark Tufo - Extinction Trippin'
Anthony Melchiorri - Darkness Evolved
Jeff Olah - The Bone Collector
Russell Blake - Extinction Thailand
Rachel Aukes - The Fall of Fort Bragg
Note: All stories were previously published in the Extinction Cycle Kindle world, but are now being offered in print, and audio for the first time. Readers outside of the USA will also get to experience these stories for the first time as well. Thank you for reading!
502 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2019
257 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 8, 2022
Just finished (and started) listening to book #1 of the 'Missions from the Extinction Cycle' yesterday. . . All I can say is it is phenomenal, and indubitably penned by some of the best authors currently writing in the horror/thriller genre(s). My sincere gratitude to each of every one of the amazing authors as well as narrator Bronson Pinchot who brings the authors words to fruition for listeners imagination without missing a beat.
On a side note. . . It was SO nice catching up (a bit) with the Talbot gang. . . Same goes for BT, Mrs. Deneaux, and of course, Trip. However, Henry will always (paws down:) be my most revered and endeared Talbot family member.
On a side note. . . It was SO nice catching up (a bit) with the Talbot gang. . . Same goes for BT, Mrs. Deneaux, and of course, Trip. However, Henry will always (paws down:) be my most revered and endeared Talbot family member.
January 18, 2019
Five of the best.
The one that made me smile: Extinction Trippin'
The one that touched my heart: The Fall of Fort Bragg.
The one that freaked me out: The Bone Collector.
The one that made my heart leap into my throat: Darkness Evolved.
The one that crept up on me: Extinction Thailand.
All reaching into the depths of the Extinction Cycle series and showing the horrors only hinted at in the main books.
The one that made me smile: Extinction Trippin'
The one that touched my heart: The Fall of Fort Bragg.
The one that freaked me out: The Bone Collector.
The one that made my heart leap into my throat: Darkness Evolved.
The one that crept up on me: Extinction Thailand.
All reaching into the depths of the Extinction Cycle series and showing the horrors only hinted at in the main books.
January 15, 2019
Five fabulous stories in one terrific, heart-pounding anthology. Each author has his/her own twist on the Variant apocalypse and every story is a total delight to read. If you are a fan of the post apocalyptic genre, grab this jewel ASAP.
January 18, 2019
Outstanding Series!
If you like the Extinction Cycle Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, you are going to like these as well. Different storylines based on the Extinction Series, there is no higher tribute to Nick's writing than to have other authors contribute to the story. It is an outstanding series for an incredible price.
If you like the Extinction Cycle Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, you are going to like these as well. Different storylines based on the Extinction Series, there is no higher tribute to Nick's writing than to have other authors contribute to the story. It is an outstanding series for an incredible price.
July 1, 2021
Ugh. This badly written, misogynistic set of stories had the original sin of being a Hollywood trope festival (I sincerely think they did not leave a single cliche out), and compounded the mess with creating nauseatingly helpless women who either needed rescuing or a slap upside the head. I halfway expected garbage from most of these writers, including the titular storyline creator, but was dismayed to read the drivel offered by M. Tufo. I actually enjoy most of his zombie stuff —well the earlier stuff anyway and the animals series. But the weird psychotic trip he offered, a la it was all a dream…gtfoh…
Nothing to read here, folks. Unless you like your dystopian/creature-feature/zombie stories served on plastic plates with a side of canned cheese.
Nothing to read here, folks. Unless you like your dystopian/creature-feature/zombie stories served on plastic plates with a side of canned cheese.
January 31, 2019
Amazing!!!
It doesn’t get any better than this. First it’s all stories from the Extinction Cycle universe and they’re all amazing, giving readers a wider view of the world Smith created.
It doesn’t get any better than this. First it’s all stories from the Extinction Cycle universe and they’re all amazing, giving readers a wider view of the world Smith created.
June 12, 2019
Five novellas were written by five different authors that fit in and around the Extinction Cycle series created by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
Upfront information: The series is post-apocalyptic in nature so expect violence as well as adult language. There are also adult situations such as sexual innuendos and other things that are inappropriate to be read by children. I highly recommend reading the complete Extinction Cycle series prior to reading these books. It will give you a fuller background and setting as well as avoid any potential spoilers you might glean. These novellas were part of the Kindle Worlds program and were re-published so that they will have a permanent home for readers to enjoy now and into the future.
"Darkness Evolved" by Anthony J. Melchiorri centers around the Variant Hunters and a mission before they meet up with Team Ghost.
"Extinction: Thailand" by Russell Blake centers around an incident during the Vietnam War. For those that have read the series, it fits between "Extinction Red Line" and "Extinction Horizon".
"The Bone Collector" by Jeff Olah centers around a civilian who is caught up in the initial apocalyptic events.
"Extinction: Trippin'" by Mark Tufo centers around civilians who find themselves helping out during a specific event in Atlanta.
"The Fall of Fort Bragg" by Rachel Aukes centers around military dependents who reside on Fort Bragg and how the unfolding apocalyptic events relate to them and the military members with whom they interacted.
I really enjoyed these stories. They enhanced my overall Extinction Cycle experience. In some cases, it provided extra information of characters mentioned but not seen in the series itself.
Upfront information: The series is post-apocalyptic in nature so expect violence as well as adult language. There are also adult situations such as sexual innuendos and other things that are inappropriate to be read by children. I highly recommend reading the complete Extinction Cycle series prior to reading these books. It will give you a fuller background and setting as well as avoid any potential spoilers you might glean. These novellas were part of the Kindle Worlds program and were re-published so that they will have a permanent home for readers to enjoy now and into the future.
"Darkness Evolved" by Anthony J. Melchiorri centers around the Variant Hunters and a mission before they meet up with Team Ghost.
"Extinction: Thailand" by Russell Blake centers around an incident during the Vietnam War. For those that have read the series, it fits between "Extinction Red Line" and "Extinction Horizon".
"The Bone Collector" by Jeff Olah centers around a civilian who is caught up in the initial apocalyptic events.
"Extinction: Trippin'" by Mark Tufo centers around civilians who find themselves helping out during a specific event in Atlanta.
"The Fall of Fort Bragg" by Rachel Aukes centers around military dependents who reside on Fort Bragg and how the unfolding apocalyptic events relate to them and the military members with whom they interacted.
I really enjoyed these stories. They enhanced my overall Extinction Cycle experience. In some cases, it provided extra information of characters mentioned but not seen in the series itself.
April 15, 2021
This anthology contains five novellas that are set in the Extinction Cycle Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. All of the stories were good with plenty of action, suspense, character development and world building.
Darkness Evolved by Anthony J. Melchiorri (4 Stars) was my first piece of fiction by him but not my last. This story centres around the Variant Hunters on a mission to help humanity. Great story with lots of action, witty one-liners and suspense due to the horrors and dangers the Hunters face.
Extinction: Thailand by Russell Blake (3 Stars) follows a group of soldiers and civilians as they deal with dangers during the Vietnam war. Not one of the better stories as I found it too American. It was interesting to read about the pre-extinction war saga before the variants rose up in such large numbers.
The Bone Collector by Jeff Olah (4 Stars). I loved this novella as it features the Bone Collector, a major antagonist in the series. It was amazing to see him shift from human to variant and the type of person he was before and how he became such a smart and strong variant leader.
Extinction: Trippin’ by Mark Turfo (3.5 Stars) follows a group of civilians who try to survive variants. Story was very well written with lots of action. However, since it featured all new characters I didn’t have any emotional attachment to them (unlike the previous story).
The Fall of Fort Bragg by Rachel Aukes (4 Stars) is centred around the defence and eventual fall of Fort Bragg. This story reminds me of later novels in the series where numerous towns fell to variants. I still loved it it was just sadder than expected (probably the saddest story in the anthology).
Darkness Evolved by Anthony J. Melchiorri (4 Stars) was my first piece of fiction by him but not my last. This story centres around the Variant Hunters on a mission to help humanity. Great story with lots of action, witty one-liners and suspense due to the horrors and dangers the Hunters face.
Extinction: Thailand by Russell Blake (3 Stars) follows a group of soldiers and civilians as they deal with dangers during the Vietnam war. Not one of the better stories as I found it too American. It was interesting to read about the pre-extinction war saga before the variants rose up in such large numbers.
The Bone Collector by Jeff Olah (4 Stars). I loved this novella as it features the Bone Collector, a major antagonist in the series. It was amazing to see him shift from human to variant and the type of person he was before and how he became such a smart and strong variant leader.
Extinction: Trippin’ by Mark Turfo (3.5 Stars) follows a group of civilians who try to survive variants. Story was very well written with lots of action. However, since it featured all new characters I didn’t have any emotional attachment to them (unlike the previous story).
The Fall of Fort Bragg by Rachel Aukes (4 Stars) is centred around the defence and eventual fall of Fort Bragg. This story reminds me of later novels in the series where numerous towns fell to variants. I still loved it it was just sadder than expected (probably the saddest story in the anthology).
January 18, 2019
Excellent additions to the Extinction Cycle world.
I've been looking forward to these stories and novellas written about the beginnings and spread of the VX99 variants. To read work by different authors writing about the heroes and monsters from my favorite series has been inspiring and rewarding.
The stories in this compilation range from the beginnings of the outbreak in other countries to the (mis)handling of the victims and contaminated. I love reading how other authors deal with this subject and all the new characters adding their input to the storyline. Each story brings new insight, new information, and new thrills to one of my favorite series!
If you read and enjoyed Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Extinction Cycle Series, but wondered how it all began and how other countries and people dealt with their outbreaks, then you need to read these stories. I can heartily recommend that you add this book to your library.
I've been looking forward to these stories and novellas written about the beginnings and spread of the VX99 variants. To read work by different authors writing about the heroes and monsters from my favorite series has been inspiring and rewarding.
The stories in this compilation range from the beginnings of the outbreak in other countries to the (mis)handling of the victims and contaminated. I love reading how other authors deal with this subject and all the new characters adding their input to the storyline. Each story brings new insight, new information, and new thrills to one of my favorite series!
If you read and enjoyed Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Extinction Cycle Series, but wondered how it all began and how other countries and people dealt with their outbreaks, then you need to read these stories. I can heartily recommend that you add this book to your library.
April 9, 2019
A GREAT WAY TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER EXTINCTION CYCLE MISSION STORIES
This book was definitely one great way to get a chance to re-read some of the stories that came about after "Nicholas Sansbury Smith's, Extinction Cycle Series", and get other Author's take on what they believed could have happened before or after the Variants came into being. I seriously read any and everything having to do with the main Series and that will never stop and seeing other Authors add their thoughts to this great set, makes it even better by far. This is for sure one book I would highly recommend to everyone even considering to read the Series, as these stories, bring it all back and have you remember how good they all are, plus you get more than one story at a time, you get 5 stories in this one great book. So sit back, put your feet up and let the reading begin and also if possible, share this and all the others with your family and friends,
This book was definitely one great way to get a chance to re-read some of the stories that came about after "Nicholas Sansbury Smith's, Extinction Cycle Series", and get other Author's take on what they believed could have happened before or after the Variants came into being. I seriously read any and everything having to do with the main Series and that will never stop and seeing other Authors add their thoughts to this great set, makes it even better by far. This is for sure one book I would highly recommend to everyone even considering to read the Series, as these stories, bring it all back and have you remember how good they all are, plus you get more than one story at a time, you get 5 stories in this one great book. So sit back, put your feet up and let the reading begin and also if possible, share this and all the others with your family and friends,
March 15, 2024
In Missions, Sansbury Smith, releases the hounds and lets a collection of other authors have a go at the characters & situations he developed in his "Extinction Cycle" series. Each of the stories is a stand alone adventure in the land of virus mutated monsters. My personal favorite was "Extinction Thailand" by Russell Blake which is an exploration of the early days, before the pandemic gets out of hand. A Thai police officer and a US military investigator attempt to track down a serial killer in a coastal Thai vacation town. The two must track the killer amidst the heat, bright lights and corruption in both the Thai and US bureaucracy. It reads more like a seedy detective story than a typical zompoc tale and does it wonderfully. All these stories are well written and exciting additions to the EC world.
December 15, 2021
Mankind turns into Creatures of Mass Destruction from natural or scientific mutations in the horror themed short stories of Missions from the Extinction Cycle (Volume 1). The authors capture the terror in the remaining population of normal citizens as they cope with survival in a hellish world.
The attraction of a gory story is not mutilation nor bloody bodies. It is the human spirit facing foreboding fear, staying alive, and appreciating loved ones. The vivid imaginations and expressive talent of these storytellers deliver chills with thrills in each adventure.
The attraction of a gory story is not mutilation nor bloody bodies. It is the human spirit facing foreboding fear, staying alive, and appreciating loved ones. The vivid imaginations and expressive talent of these storytellers deliver chills with thrills in each adventure.
January 16, 2019
Love these stories!
I’m a huge fan of the Extinction Cycle Series and I was sad when it ended. Then I found out that while the main story ended there were still these, stories within that world told by other talented authors that only expanded the world into something even better! Whether you are already a fan or just interested in this world these tales are sure to entertain. Can’t wait till more stories come out!
I’m a huge fan of the Extinction Cycle Series and I was sad when it ended. Then I found out that while the main story ended there were still these, stories within that world told by other talented authors that only expanded the world into something even better! Whether you are already a fan or just interested in this world these tales are sure to entertain. Can’t wait till more stories come out!
December 23, 2019
Missions from the Extinction Cycle are not written by the author of the Extinction Cycle, but other author's who wanted a part in this awesome world created by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. You can fully enjoy the series without listening to these amazing side stories, but why would you? These stories add so much more to this outstanding series! They were all great, but the most memorable for me was Extinction Trippin by Mark Tufo.
June 29, 2023
Listened to the first 12 chapters or so while traveling today because it was the only thing on my Audible app that I hadn't already listened to. I've now removed it from my phone. The narration is OK, but the writing is simply laughable. Incredibly cliched and, although what is being described is horribly gory, I found myself chuckling at many points. Was this a video game at some point? It would do far better as that than as a book.
January 22, 2019
Volume of thrills
If you have read the extinction series then you know the story of horn and the rest of team ghost. Well theses stories let you in on the world away from them. What happens around them and beside them. Their is also a cross over group from another universe and I am sure you have read them also( Trip and Mike). A great read and hopefully more to come.
If you have read the extinction series then you know the story of horn and the rest of team ghost. Well theses stories let you in on the world away from them. What happens around them and beside them. Their is also a cross over group from another universe and I am sure you have read them also( Trip and Mike). A great read and hopefully more to come.
March 28, 2019
Interesting enough. Some stories were better than others, but it was interesting to sometimes realize it was the other side of incident I remembered from an Extinction Cycle book. And sometimes it was the characters I knew from another series -- although I listened to the audiobooks, and I missed the familiar voices given to those characters by another narrator.
July 13, 2019
This collection of short stories adds to Nicholas Sansbury Smith's original Extinction Cycle series. The authors in Missions Vol 1 brilliantly infuse new characters and locales into the original plot while still maintaining an individual perspective on how to fight, and survive, as the variants are wiping out humanity. Each story is action packed and a non-stop page turner.
September 24, 2019
Juicy
Excellent additions to the Extinction Cycle universe. Well written with a seamless connection to the NSS storyline. Nice to get some background on those side plots from the parent novels. The Sheila Horn story was particularly heartbreaking. Looking forward to Volume 2, which I'll start reading immediately.
Excellent additions to the Extinction Cycle universe. Well written with a seamless connection to the NSS storyline. Nice to get some background on those side plots from the parent novels. The Sheila Horn story was particularly heartbreaking. Looking forward to Volume 2, which I'll start reading immediately.
April 3, 2020
8th book in the series and I am stilling giving out 4 stars. Done with this set but will be reading the Dark Ages set.
Good anthology with back stories of a few characters. Particularly enjoyed tripping with Trip, Mike, BT (Zombie Fallout series, Mark Tufo) and the story of Big Horn's (sp?, listening so not sure) wife and daughters.
Good anthology with back stories of a few characters. Particularly enjoyed tripping with Trip, Mike, BT (Zombie Fallout series, Mark Tufo) and the story of Big Horn's (sp?, listening so not sure) wife and daughters.
February 4, 2019
Short and to the point! A great book. Lots of action good pacing and monsters galore!
You will want to read more about these critters!
Get a favorite snack and a nice warm drink. Check all of your windows and doors. Make sure they are locked. Now, begin...
You will want to read more about these critters!
Get a favorite snack and a nice warm drink. Check all of your windows and doors. Make sure they are locked. Now, begin...
March 23, 2019
Brought a lot together!!
I have read all of the Extinction Series and book brought a lot of it together. A lot of “how did that come about” now made sense. This was a great group of stories to either start the series or tie it together.
I have read all of the Extinction Series and book brought a lot of it together. A lot of “how did that come about” now made sense. This was a great group of stories to either start the series or tie it together.
July 25, 2019
Another exciting read of the Extinction world
I just loved reading this book, the authors knocked themselves out producing some of the best stories yet in the Extinction World Series. Highly recommended to anyone who loves reading post apocalyptic fiction.
I just loved reading this book, the authors knocked themselves out producing some of the best stories yet in the Extinction World Series. Highly recommended to anyone who loves reading post apocalyptic fiction.
August 4, 2020
Rachel Aukes had the best story.
Mark Tufo was good but Bronson Pincho didnt eveb try to get the voices right, Mike sounds like a femmeboy.
Jeff Olah was pretty good.
The other two I didn't really care for.
Mark Tufo was good but Bronson Pincho didnt eveb try to get the voices right, Mike sounds like a femmeboy.
Jeff Olah was pretty good.
The other two I didn't really care for.
April 19, 2022
Volume 1
This was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The overall was interesting to read from different points of view. Some of the characters were likable enough and talked about in the series to know who they were.
This was a fun read and had a few errors throughout. The overall was interesting to read from different points of view. Some of the characters were likable enough and talked about in the series to know who they were.
February 3, 2019
Fantastic!
I am not usually a short story person but these are good!
I hope Volume 1 means there are more volumes!!!
I am not usually a short story person but these are good!
I hope Volume 1 means there are more volumes!!!
March 3, 2019
This was fun. Five excellent fan-fiction stories written by a handful of great storytellers. I really enjoyed this tribute to Smith's Extinction Cycle.
March 19, 2019
Great read !
Spellbounding stories one after the other that keeps you reading .
Now on to Volume 2 of Extinction Cycle series.
Spellbounding stories one after the other that keeps you reading .
Now on to Volume 2 of Extinction Cycle series.
April 10, 2019
This was my first glimpse into the "Kindle World" and I wasn't impressed. I did, however, LOVE The Fall of Fort Bragg.
June 18, 2019
Great side stories
All these Extinction Missions stories are great reads and fit in so well with the main books. Highly addictive and highly recommend.
All these Extinction Missions stories are great reads and fit in so well with the main books. Highly addictive and highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews