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Extinction Cycle: Dark Age #1
Extinction Shadow
The award winning, top-rated saga that sold a half-million copies returns in the next season of the Extinction Cycle.
Welcome to the Dark Age.
Survivors thought the extinction cycle ended, but a powerful evil lurks in the shadows...
Eight years ago, an engineered virus ravaged the globe, infecting and transforming humans into apex predators called Variants. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction.
Nations banded together and heroes rose up to fight these abominations. On the front lines, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Joe "Fitz" Fitzpatrick of Delta Force Team Ghost fought against the Variant hordes. With the aid of CDC Doctor Kate Lovato, they helped lead humanity to victory.
Now, almost a decade after the end of the war, civilization has slowly clawed toward recovery. In the Allied States of America, survivors live in outposts where they have rebuilt industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The remaining Variants are believed to be dying off under destroyed cities and the abandoned frontier.
But evil and intelligent forces dwell in the shadows with the starving beasts, scheming to restart the extinction cycle and end humanity forever. And once again, Beckham, Fitz, and Kate will rise to fight them, joining forces with new heroes to try and save what's left of the world.
READER NOTE: You don't have to read the first 7 books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into Book 1 of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. This new season is a self-contained storyline. For returning readers, this book takes place after book 7, Extinction War.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2019
1211 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
97 books2,330 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 2, 2022
Fun and action-filled first in series of Extinction Cycle season two, Dark Age! A good palette cleanser for me, man vs variants (monsters). This is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller.
Eight years after the Extinction Cycle series, humans thought they are winning and rebuilding Allied States of America, living in outposts from the midwest to the east coast. Variants are starving in collapsed cities (fewer humans to eat) soon they'll be gone... What a shocker when they discover variants are living in the dark, smarter, and breed faster with more complex mutants!
This series can be read as a standalone. Those who has read Extinction Cycle will recognize returning characters.
This audiobook is included with Audible (USA) with great narration by R.C. Bray.
Eight years after the Extinction Cycle series, humans thought they are winning and rebuilding Allied States of America, living in outposts from the midwest to the east coast. Variants are starving in collapsed cities (fewer humans to eat) soon they'll be gone... What a shocker when they discover variants are living in the dark, smarter, and breed faster with more complex mutants!
This series can be read as a standalone. Those who has read Extinction Cycle will recognize returning characters.
This audiobook is included with Audible (USA) with great narration by R.C. Bray.
Read
December 28, 2019Team Ghost returns in Extinction Cycle Season 2!
READER NOTE: You don’t have to read the first 7 books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into Book 1 of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. This new season is a self-contained storyline. For returning readers, this book takes place after book 7, Extinction War.
READING ORDER:
Season 1:
Book 0 - Extinction Red Line (official prequel)
Book 1 - Extinction Horizon
Book 2 - Extinction Edge
Book 3 - Extinction Age
Book 4 - Extinction Evolution
Book 5 - Extinction End
Book 6 - Extinction Aftermath
Book 7 - Extinction War
Season 2:
Book 1: Extinction Shadow
Book 2: Extinction Inferno
Book 3: Extinction Ashes
Book 4: Extinction Darkness (Coming June 2020)
READER NOTE: You don’t have to read the first 7 books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into Book 1 of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. This new season is a self-contained storyline. For returning readers, this book takes place after book 7, Extinction War.
READING ORDER:
Season 1:
Book 0 - Extinction Red Line (official prequel)
Book 1 - Extinction Horizon
Book 2 - Extinction Edge
Book 3 - Extinction Age
Book 4 - Extinction Evolution
Book 5 - Extinction End
Book 6 - Extinction Aftermath
Book 7 - Extinction War
Season 2:
Book 1: Extinction Shadow
Book 2: Extinction Inferno
Book 3: Extinction Ashes
Book 4: Extinction Darkness (Coming June 2020)
February 5, 2022
'Extinction Shadow' is a fantastic first book of the Extinction Cycle: Dark Age series. Cannot wait to get into book #2 to find out what happens with the variants and humans war for domination. This time those left standing are battling against a most formidable and intelligent foe - which had me perpetually on the edge of my seat, in a constant state of heightened suspense, and wonderfully horrified.
Love the well developed characters, and am quite pleased with this continuation of the Extinction Cycle which Mr. Sansbury Smith and Mr. Melchiorri have created for us. They are a phenomenal collaborative duo.
R.C. Bray (it goes without saying) was rock solid and is one the best narrators out there.
Love the well developed characters, and am quite pleased with this continuation of the Extinction Cycle which Mr. Sansbury Smith and Mr. Melchiorri have created for us. They are a phenomenal collaborative duo.
R.C. Bray (it goes without saying) was rock solid and is one the best narrators out there.
April 13, 2021
For action lovers. This is like Aliens (the second movie - the good one) meets Resident Evil.
The apocalypse began when a military experiment to create the ultimate super soldier went awry, creating a zombie-like killing machine. As the "infection" spread, it also mutated. In Extinction Shadow, the world is still recovering from near annihilation eight years before. Things have been quiet. We thought the threat died off... but it just went underground, learning to regenerate. Now it's ready to wage the final assault against the remaining human outposts. Can Ghost Team save the world again???
A good series for that occasional craving of military + gore + mutants.
The apocalypse began when a military experiment to create the ultimate super soldier went awry, creating a zombie-like killing machine. As the "infection" spread, it also mutated. In Extinction Shadow, the world is still recovering from near annihilation eight years before. Things have been quiet. We thought the threat died off... but it just went underground, learning to regenerate. Now it's ready to wage the final assault against the remaining human outposts. Can Ghost Team save the world again???
A good series for that occasional craving of military + gore + mutants.
September 2, 2019
5 stars audio
5 stars story!!!
5 stars story!!!
August 16, 2019
Wow - the EXTINCTION CYCLE series is back and even more hard-hitting and full of action
This book takes place eight years after the last book EXTINCTION WAR ended.
The United States has slowly been rebuilding itself, now called the Allied States, in fortified outposts across the country.
Dr. Kate Lovato and Capt. Reed Beckham have gotten married and their child is growing up along with MSgt. Parker Horn and his daughters in Outpost Portland, Maine.
Events have been fairly quiet for a long while until suddenly Outposts are being hit disastrously by Variants all across the Allied States and Team Ghost and others get called back into action.
This was another great addition to a great series. Author Nicholas Smith co-wrote this with author Anthony Melchiorri and the collaboration was seamless.
Tons of action and new dangers have Team Ghost back at the forefront of the new dangers threatening a slowly rebuilding country.
I loved this offering and have been a fan since book one and I highly recommend this book.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy provided by the authors in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
This book takes place eight years after the last book EXTINCTION WAR ended.
The United States has slowly been rebuilding itself, now called the Allied States, in fortified outposts across the country.
Dr. Kate Lovato and Capt. Reed Beckham have gotten married and their child is growing up along with MSgt. Parker Horn and his daughters in Outpost Portland, Maine.
Events have been fairly quiet for a long while until suddenly Outposts are being hit disastrously by Variants all across the Allied States and Team Ghost and others get called back into action.
This was another great addition to a great series. Author Nicholas Smith co-wrote this with author Anthony Melchiorri and the collaboration was seamless.
Tons of action and new dangers have Team Ghost back at the forefront of the new dangers threatening a slowly rebuilding country.
I loved this offering and have been a fan since book one and I highly recommend this book.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy provided by the authors in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
August 1, 2019
Back with a vengeance!
The Allied States (formerly the United States) just got the rug pulled out from underneath them by the Variant scourge that nearly wiped them out eight years prior. The Extinction Cycle series has returned and it feels like a marvelous family reunion with characters we’ve grown to adore, along with a new assortment of fiendish Variants.
The Allied States (formerly the United States) just got the rug pulled out from underneath them by the Variant scourge that nearly wiped them out eight years prior. The Extinction Cycle series has returned and it feels like a marvelous family reunion with characters we’ve grown to adore, along with a new assortment of fiendish Variants.
August 2, 2019
In the continuing Extinction Cycle series, Extinction Shadow pulls us back into the instability of humanity's survival. Threats from new monsters, humans who collaborate with the monsters, and a terrifying evolved entity that must be stopped. The clock is ticking toward the annihilation of humanity. If there can be jump scares in a book, this one has them.
March 25, 2025
4.0 / 5.0
August 12, 2019
The Extinction Cycle is one of my all time favourite series, so needless to say, I was beyond excited when the author announced a new book was coming out!!
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War, and while this can be read as a stand alone series, I'd advise everyone to read the Extinction Cycle books first in order to fully realise the depth of the story and the characters.
The Allied States (formally the United States) has been slowly rebuilding itself and safe zones have been built. Life has been mostly quite for the survivours, with only some Variant attacks. But some of the outposts have gone dark and Team Ghost have been sent to investigate. What they find will call not only Beckham and Horn back from retirement, but also Kate. The Variants have adapted and the peace they have known is about to be shattered.
The plot of this was just as fast and nerve racking as the rest in the series. It never lets up and my heart was in my mouth so many times. The Variant threat has evolved and they are just as deadly as before. Kate is sent samples of things Team Ghost find and it's up to her to see exactly what they are facing. I'm being intentionally vague because I could easily ruin the plot!! The science was well written and easy enough to understand! I'd be the muggle of a science community so I'm glad I was able to understand a lot of it. The action is brutal, fast paced and intense. I found it hard to put the book down and kept thinking of it even when I wasn't reading it.
I haven't read Anthony J. Melchiorri before (even though I have all his books!!) but the writing and characters here were seamless. It didn't feel like two different writers wrote this!! I've said it before about Nicholas Sansbury Smith though and I'll keep saying it... he writes exceptional characters. Seeing Beckham, Horn, Kate and Fitz again made my heart happy. Seeing the kids all grown up was amazing too as was seeing Dohi, Rico and the rest of Team Ghost. Of course, each character is put through the wringer, as was my heart!!
This book was amazing and I hope we get a good few more!! I urge all fans of the extinction cycle books to pick it up. But I also urge anyone who enjoys a non stop, action packed read to pick it up. This is a worthy edition to an amazing series and I'm more than ready for the next one.
Highly, highly recommend!!
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War, and while this can be read as a stand alone series, I'd advise everyone to read the Extinction Cycle books first in order to fully realise the depth of the story and the characters.
The Allied States (formally the United States) has been slowly rebuilding itself and safe zones have been built. Life has been mostly quite for the survivours, with only some Variant attacks. But some of the outposts have gone dark and Team Ghost have been sent to investigate. What they find will call not only Beckham and Horn back from retirement, but also Kate. The Variants have adapted and the peace they have known is about to be shattered.
The plot of this was just as fast and nerve racking as the rest in the series. It never lets up and my heart was in my mouth so many times. The Variant threat has evolved and they are just as deadly as before. Kate is sent samples of things Team Ghost find and it's up to her to see exactly what they are facing. I'm being intentionally vague because I could easily ruin the plot!! The science was well written and easy enough to understand! I'd be the muggle of a science community so I'm glad I was able to understand a lot of it. The action is brutal, fast paced and intense. I found it hard to put the book down and kept thinking of it even when I wasn't reading it.
I haven't read Anthony J. Melchiorri before (even though I have all his books!!) but the writing and characters here were seamless. It didn't feel like two different writers wrote this!! I've said it before about Nicholas Sansbury Smith though and I'll keep saying it... he writes exceptional characters. Seeing Beckham, Horn, Kate and Fitz again made my heart happy. Seeing the kids all grown up was amazing too as was seeing Dohi, Rico and the rest of Team Ghost. Of course, each character is put through the wringer, as was my heart!!
This book was amazing and I hope we get a good few more!! I urge all fans of the extinction cycle books to pick it up. But I also urge anyone who enjoys a non stop, action packed read to pick it up. This is a worthy edition to an amazing series and I'm more than ready for the next one.
Highly, highly recommend!!
September 3, 2019
Extinction Shadow is a pretty good follow-up to Nicholas Sansbury Smith's core Extinction books, with this and subsequent Extinction Cycle: Dark Age titles co-written with Anthony Melchiorri acting as a season two.
If you read the prior seven novels, you might expect the Variants, Reed Beckham, his wife Kate Lovato, and Team Ghost to be back in action, wreaking havoc, and fighting for survival, and you would be a thousand percent correct! Set eight years after Extinction War, Smith and Melchiorri have moved their main players into some interesting directions as President Ringgold's term in office comes to a close and the Allied States of America are set to hold their first election since the Variants drove mankind to the brink of extinction. While Extinction Shadow follows the usual formula of book's past, there's some exciting military action scenes to behold here, as well as some unique changes to the Variants that point toward a continued evolution of this threat.
If you're a newcomer to the Extinction Cycle, though, Shadow is a totally accessible starting point, set eight years after the original series, and the authors tell you everything you need to know in a short preface to get you up to speed.
RC Bray's narration is solid, and the large cast is made diverse enough with a range of accents, tones, and speaking mannerisms to avoid confusion.
If you read the prior seven novels, you might expect the Variants, Reed Beckham, his wife Kate Lovato, and Team Ghost to be back in action, wreaking havoc, and fighting for survival, and you would be a thousand percent correct! Set eight years after Extinction War, Smith and Melchiorri have moved their main players into some interesting directions as President Ringgold's term in office comes to a close and the Allied States of America are set to hold their first election since the Variants drove mankind to the brink of extinction. While Extinction Shadow follows the usual formula of book's past, there's some exciting military action scenes to behold here, as well as some unique changes to the Variants that point toward a continued evolution of this threat.
If you're a newcomer to the Extinction Cycle, though, Shadow is a totally accessible starting point, set eight years after the original series, and the authors tell you everything you need to know in a short preface to get you up to speed.
RC Bray's narration is solid, and the large cast is made diverse enough with a range of accents, tones, and speaking mannerisms to avoid confusion.
August 16, 2019
I am in just utter shock and heartbreak. Story takes place 8 years if “Extinction War”. The headline really should have been “just when you thought it was safe to go back to your normal life”. I really liked how it picks up right after “E-War”. I enjoyed how it went from peaceful to literal chaos and hell.
I’d definitely recommend reading/listening to the first season of the Extinction cycle, however it’s not needed. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys post apocalyptic reads.
I’d definitely recommend reading/listening to the first season of the Extinction cycle, however it’s not needed. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys post apocalyptic reads.
February 1, 2021
This story follows several seal teams surviving in a post apocalyptic time in American fantasy, its been over 8 years since the variants toppled the world. These canabalistic creatures now threaten American outposts and the shattered government that struggles to protect people in this dangerous world.
The story is packed with action and gore, tactical assaults and cunning monsters with unique abilities and unrivaled strength and cunning. This has me itching to continue the series.
The story is packed with action and gore, tactical assaults and cunning monsters with unique abilities and unrivaled strength and cunning. This has me itching to continue the series.
January 9, 2021
The Extinction Cycle is one of my all time favourite series, so needless to say, I was beyond excited when the author announced a new book was coming out!!
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War, and while this can be read as a stand alone series, I'd advise everyone to read the Extinction Cycle books first in order to fully realise the depth of the story and the characters.
The Allied States (formally the United States) has been slowly rebuilding itself and safe zones have been built. Life has been mostly quite for the survivours, with only some Variant attacks. But some of the outposts have gone dark and Team Ghost have been sent to investigate. What they find will call not only Beckham and Horn back from retirement, but also Kate. The Variants have adapted and the peace they have known is about to be shattered.
The plot of this was just as fast and nerve racking as the rest in the series. It never lets up and my heart was in my mouth so many times. The Variant threat has evolved and they are just as deadly as before. Kate is sent samples of things Team Ghost find and it's up to her to see exactly what they are facing. I'm being intentionally vague because I could easily ruin the plot!! The science was well written and easy enough to understand! I'd be the muggle of a science community so I'm glad I was able to understand a lot of it. The action is brutal, fast paced and intense. I found it hard to put the book down and kept thinking of it even when I wasn't reading it.
I haven't read Anthony J. Melchiorri before (even though I have all his books!!) but the writing and characters here were seamless. It didn't feel like two different writers wrote this!! I've said it before about Nicholas Sansbury Smith though and I'll keep saying it... he writes exceptional characters. Seeing Beckham, Horn, Kate and Fitz again made my heart happy. Seeing the kids all grown up was amazing too as was seeing Dohi, Rico and the rest of Team Ghost. Of course, each character is put through the wringer, as was my heart!!
This book was amazing and I hope we get a good few more!! I urge all fans of the extinction cycle books to pick it up. But I also urge anyone who enjoys a non stop, action packed read to pick it up. This is a worthy edition to an amazing series and I'm more than ready for the next one.
Highly, highly recommend!
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War, and while this can be read as a stand alone series, I'd advise everyone to read the Extinction Cycle books first in order to fully realise the depth of the story and the characters.
The Allied States (formally the United States) has been slowly rebuilding itself and safe zones have been built. Life has been mostly quite for the survivours, with only some Variant attacks. But some of the outposts have gone dark and Team Ghost have been sent to investigate. What they find will call not only Beckham and Horn back from retirement, but also Kate. The Variants have adapted and the peace they have known is about to be shattered.
The plot of this was just as fast and nerve racking as the rest in the series. It never lets up and my heart was in my mouth so many times. The Variant threat has evolved and they are just as deadly as before. Kate is sent samples of things Team Ghost find and it's up to her to see exactly what they are facing. I'm being intentionally vague because I could easily ruin the plot!! The science was well written and easy enough to understand! I'd be the muggle of a science community so I'm glad I was able to understand a lot of it. The action is brutal, fast paced and intense. I found it hard to put the book down and kept thinking of it even when I wasn't reading it.
I haven't read Anthony J. Melchiorri before (even though I have all his books!!) but the writing and characters here were seamless. It didn't feel like two different writers wrote this!! I've said it before about Nicholas Sansbury Smith though and I'll keep saying it... he writes exceptional characters. Seeing Beckham, Horn, Kate and Fitz again made my heart happy. Seeing the kids all grown up was amazing too as was seeing Dohi, Rico and the rest of Team Ghost. Of course, each character is put through the wringer, as was my heart!!
This book was amazing and I hope we get a good few more!! I urge all fans of the extinction cycle books to pick it up. But I also urge anyone who enjoys a non stop, action packed read to pick it up. This is a worthy edition to an amazing series and I'm more than ready for the next one.
Highly, highly recommend!
August 13, 2019
8 years after the Extinction War was ended, the Variants have a huge surprise for the surviving members of the human race.
Master Sgt. Joe Fitzpatrick, Fitz to his friends and fellow Deltas, and Sergeant First Class Jeni Rico lead US Army Delta Force Team Ghost still fighting Variants, Alphas, and human collaborators wherever they popped up. Captain Reed Beckham and his wife Dr. Kate Lovato with their son Javier Riley Beckham live in Outpost Portland Maine with Master Sergeant Parker Horn and his two daughters Tasha and Jenny, and Apollo's four year old pups, Ginger and Spike. A hugely missed Apollo had passed quietly in his sleep just months ago from old age. President Jan Ringgold’s term as President of the Allied States of America coming to an end, a new election was forthcoming to select a new leader for the Atlantic and Midwest States. The Western United States had been surrendered to the Variants, who to all appearances were dying out.
Great strides had been made in President Ringgold's term, but the election could lead to unforgivable actions in an extermination war on the Variants. Now, when the Variants seemed to be starving out, stirring them up was not the best idea. But they might not be the party choosing, and other parties, or things, might have different ideas.
It was great seeing my old friends back together and back in action. It was sad to hear the losses and to say goodbye and pay homage to their memories. Once again the collaboration of Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri have produced a winner, another exciting combination of science and combat, authentic, high-tech actions against an enemy that seems to be smarter, stronger, faster and better suited to survive in this changed world. Maybe Team Ghost has met its match. The world of Extinction Cycle has returned in Extinction Shadow, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age Book 1. Come getcha some! All it takes is all you got!
Master Sgt. Joe Fitzpatrick, Fitz to his friends and fellow Deltas, and Sergeant First Class Jeni Rico lead US Army Delta Force Team Ghost still fighting Variants, Alphas, and human collaborators wherever they popped up. Captain Reed Beckham and his wife Dr. Kate Lovato with their son Javier Riley Beckham live in Outpost Portland Maine with Master Sergeant Parker Horn and his two daughters Tasha and Jenny, and Apollo's four year old pups, Ginger and Spike. A hugely missed Apollo had passed quietly in his sleep just months ago from old age. President Jan Ringgold’s term as President of the Allied States of America coming to an end, a new election was forthcoming to select a new leader for the Atlantic and Midwest States. The Western United States had been surrendered to the Variants, who to all appearances were dying out.
Great strides had been made in President Ringgold's term, but the election could lead to unforgivable actions in an extermination war on the Variants. Now, when the Variants seemed to be starving out, stirring them up was not the best idea. But they might not be the party choosing, and other parties, or things, might have different ideas.
It was great seeing my old friends back together and back in action. It was sad to hear the losses and to say goodbye and pay homage to their memories. Once again the collaboration of Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri have produced a winner, another exciting combination of science and combat, authentic, high-tech actions against an enemy that seems to be smarter, stronger, faster and better suited to survive in this changed world. Maybe Team Ghost has met its match. The world of Extinction Cycle has returned in Extinction Shadow, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age Book 1. Come getcha some! All it takes is all you got!
August 31, 2019
Back and better than ever!
I am a huge fan of Extinction Cycle and Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s writing so was thrilled when I heard he was starting a new chapter in that world. Extinction Shadow does not disappoint and is even better than I dared hope.
Opening this book was like coming home to family and friends. Reed, Kate, Fitz, Horn, Ringold and the rest are all back and better than ever. This story is exciting, mysterious, and very compelling. From page one you feel the tension start and it builds so fast the book was impossible for me to put down. I was left anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
RC Bray does an excellent job narrating as expected, though it felt a bit strange without Bronson Pinchot’s voice. I will say you could start here, the author does a get job filling you in, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning to enjoy the full ride.
I am also a huge Anthony J. Melchiorri/The Tide fan and the best compliment I can give him is that I can hardly tell he was there. To clarify: the science is even better than ever which I’m sure is thanks to his input, however the story and characters are a perfect continuation of the original series to such a degree, I wouldn’t know anyone else was part of the process and playing with my favorite characters. I thank him for that.
I would encourage anyone to read the series, you will be thrilled that you did!
I am a huge fan of Extinction Cycle and Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s writing so was thrilled when I heard he was starting a new chapter in that world. Extinction Shadow does not disappoint and is even better than I dared hope.
Opening this book was like coming home to family and friends. Reed, Kate, Fitz, Horn, Ringold and the rest are all back and better than ever. This story is exciting, mysterious, and very compelling. From page one you feel the tension start and it builds so fast the book was impossible for me to put down. I was left anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
RC Bray does an excellent job narrating as expected, though it felt a bit strange without Bronson Pinchot’s voice. I will say you could start here, the author does a get job filling you in, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning to enjoy the full ride.
I am also a huge Anthony J. Melchiorri/The Tide fan and the best compliment I can give him is that I can hardly tell he was there. To clarify: the science is even better than ever which I’m sure is thanks to his input, however the story and characters are a perfect continuation of the original series to such a degree, I wouldn’t know anyone else was part of the process and playing with my favorite characters. I thank him for that.
I would encourage anyone to read the series, you will be thrilled that you did!
September 2, 2019
This series just keeps getting better!
These two authors are the equivalent of having DaVinci and Michelangelo painting your portrait. The styles of each blend seamlessly between the action and suspense.
What makes the story is how the truth is used. For example, humans (especially Americans) tend to have a very short memory of the bad. We want to get on with living. But at what cost?
The remaining humans are short sighted about the remaining Variants. Just as with all real life situations you have those who have no problem hurting those who have something they want. They aren’t interested in rebuilding their lives but only want to take advantage of a horrible situation. This is true of the Raiders and collaborators who work with the Variants. But the question remains: Who else? There’s an election that will decide who is the next President? And who killed the Senator running for re-election? Are all the evil really just the Variants? We are given an all too brief reunion with former members of Team Ghost, say goodbye to heroes past, and are reunited for an unknown amount of time with those characters that should be enjoying their hard won peaceful existence. The question? For how long?
When the problem with the Variants resurface, and
the answers are in doubt, are Beckman and Kate able to find the final solution to eliminate the Variants and save humanity?
These two authors are the equivalent of having DaVinci and Michelangelo painting your portrait. The styles of each blend seamlessly between the action and suspense.
What makes the story is how the truth is used. For example, humans (especially Americans) tend to have a very short memory of the bad. We want to get on with living. But at what cost?
The remaining humans are short sighted about the remaining Variants. Just as with all real life situations you have those who have no problem hurting those who have something they want. They aren’t interested in rebuilding their lives but only want to take advantage of a horrible situation. This is true of the Raiders and collaborators who work with the Variants. But the question remains: Who else? There’s an election that will decide who is the next President? And who killed the Senator running for re-election? Are all the evil really just the Variants? We are given an all too brief reunion with former members of Team Ghost, say goodbye to heroes past, and are reunited for an unknown amount of time with those characters that should be enjoying their hard won peaceful existence. The question? For how long?
When the problem with the Variants resurface, and
the answers are in doubt, are Beckman and Kate able to find the final solution to eliminate the Variants and save humanity?
August 15, 2019
Mind blown...
Holy Cow my mind is just destroyed. What kind of book do you get when you combine Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J MelchiorrI. A freaking barn burning , stomach churning , head exploding , heart pounding roller coaster ride from Hell.
All of my favorite characters are back and in full force. There is enough science and explosions to make anyone , and I do mean any one ecstatic. The Variants are back and better, stronger, faster and just plain downright violent , just the way I love them.
This book is set 8 years after we left everyone in Extinction War.
Let’s just say everyone is settled in and living large. Well not large but at least living..and then things change as they tend to do when you get to comfortable. At this point I will digress as the reviews posted would all look and sound the same.
What I will do is tell you this book is well written , if you didn’t know better you would say that one author wrote it ..
Nicholas and Anthony have smashed this book right out of the park..I literally was unable to put it down until I had finished it , now I am just on pins and needles waiting for the next one.
Nicholas and Anthony don’t make us fans wait to long ....
Thank you for such a awesome read..
Holy Cow my mind is just destroyed. What kind of book do you get when you combine Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J MelchiorrI. A freaking barn burning , stomach churning , head exploding , heart pounding roller coaster ride from Hell.
All of my favorite characters are back and in full force. There is enough science and explosions to make anyone , and I do mean any one ecstatic. The Variants are back and better, stronger, faster and just plain downright violent , just the way I love them.
This book is set 8 years after we left everyone in Extinction War.
Let’s just say everyone is settled in and living large. Well not large but at least living..and then things change as they tend to do when you get to comfortable. At this point I will digress as the reviews posted would all look and sound the same.
What I will do is tell you this book is well written , if you didn’t know better you would say that one author wrote it ..
Nicholas and Anthony have smashed this book right out of the park..I literally was unable to put it down until I had finished it , now I am just on pins and needles waiting for the next one.
Nicholas and Anthony don’t make us fans wait to long ....
Thank you for such a awesome read..
August 14, 2019
WOW! The opening salvo to an epic journey through "variant" hell!
Extinction Shadow is the brilliant collaboration from two authors who own this genre! Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Dr Anthony Melchiori raise the bar for Apocolyptic Science Fiction! Starting with the Introduction, and then the Forward by DJ Molles I was mesmerized!
The scope of this complex, mindboggling and intense plotline is a masterpiece of storytelling! The action is relentless, horrifying and desperate as humanity hangs by a thread in the face of a new diabolical invasion of variant monsters! Beckham, Kate, Fitz and Horn are back (along with other reader favorites and new faces)for the second war against an intelligent, coordinated and mutated enemy!
The real science bought by Dr Melchiori and the unlimited imagination of Nicholas Sansbury Smith combine for a genuine page turner I couldn't put down! Extinction Shadow blew my mind and left me breathless! An unparalleled evolution of Post Apocalyptic Sci Fi storytelling! A must read! I found myself holding my breath as the pulse pounding tale spiraled to nightmarish heights!
Extinction Shadow is the brilliant collaboration from two authors who own this genre! Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Dr Anthony Melchiori raise the bar for Apocolyptic Science Fiction! Starting with the Introduction, and then the Forward by DJ Molles I was mesmerized!
The scope of this complex, mindboggling and intense plotline is a masterpiece of storytelling! The action is relentless, horrifying and desperate as humanity hangs by a thread in the face of a new diabolical invasion of variant monsters! Beckham, Kate, Fitz and Horn are back (along with other reader favorites and new faces)for the second war against an intelligent, coordinated and mutated enemy!
The real science bought by Dr Melchiori and the unlimited imagination of Nicholas Sansbury Smith combine for a genuine page turner I couldn't put down! Extinction Shadow blew my mind and left me breathless! An unparalleled evolution of Post Apocalyptic Sci Fi storytelling! A must read! I found myself holding my breath as the pulse pounding tale spiraled to nightmarish heights!
August 8, 2019
Be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone.
Upfront information: This is a new series - season 2 if you prefer - and will be available to download/read on 13 August 2019. I was provided with an advanced readers' copy which I voluntarily read and am providing my honest thoughts. As would be expected in a Post-apocalyptic series there is violence and adult language. This book could stand alone and be the basis for the rest of the series. My personal recommendation is to read the Extinction Cycle series to get a better feel for the main characters and the situations they've already been through.
A world once on the brink of extinction. While the cities are in ruins, there are outposts in what is now known as the Allied States of America. Over the last 8 years, life, in general, was getting better. A startling discovery has now brought everything to a screeching halt.
I think I'm still processing all the events that happened. I thought I had a handle on what was going on... until I didn't.
Upfront information: This is a new series - season 2 if you prefer - and will be available to download/read on 13 August 2019. I was provided with an advanced readers' copy which I voluntarily read and am providing my honest thoughts. As would be expected in a Post-apocalyptic series there is violence and adult language. This book could stand alone and be the basis for the rest of the series. My personal recommendation is to read the Extinction Cycle series to get a better feel for the main characters and the situations they've already been through.
A world once on the brink of extinction. While the cities are in ruins, there are outposts in what is now known as the Allied States of America. Over the last 8 years, life, in general, was getting better. A startling discovery has now brought everything to a screeching halt.
I think I'm still processing all the events that happened. I thought I had a handle on what was going on... until I didn't.
August 13, 2019
The Extinction Cycle is one of my all time favorite series and this latest installment just fortifies it.
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War. It can be read as a stand-alone book but I would highly recommend reading the Extinction Cycle books first. This will give you a better basis for following the storyline and characters.
The plot was fast and furious like the Extinction Cycle Series. Nerve racking as the rest in the series. Nicholas Sansbury Smith writes exceptional characters and his collaboration with Anthony J. Melchiorri is outstanding. They are like two sci-fi peas in a pod! If you have read both authors’ works you will be hard pressed to guess who wrote what… it is that seamless!
Once again a winner!
I cannot recommend Nick’s books enough. He has several series and ALL are wonderful. You can’t go wrong with any of his books.
This takes place about 8 years after the ending of Extinction War. It can be read as a stand-alone book but I would highly recommend reading the Extinction Cycle books first. This will give you a better basis for following the storyline and characters.
The plot was fast and furious like the Extinction Cycle Series. Nerve racking as the rest in the series. Nicholas Sansbury Smith writes exceptional characters and his collaboration with Anthony J. Melchiorri is outstanding. They are like two sci-fi peas in a pod! If you have read both authors’ works you will be hard pressed to guess who wrote what… it is that seamless!
Once again a winner!
I cannot recommend Nick’s books enough. He has several series and ALL are wonderful. You can’t go wrong with any of his books.
August 16, 2019
Outstanding!!
Ok, I know that always giving 5 star reviews is kind of frowned upon but I cannot, in good faith rate lower than a 5. Nicholas Sansbury Smith is by far my favorite author of all time and yet again he does not fail to deliver.
Continuing nearly a decade where we last saw the survivors of Extinction you can immediately pick up the book and feel like it was only yesterday that we met the characters. While you do not have to have read the previous novels to grasp the storyline, I do recommend it. First because then you can really connect with the characters and understand their motivations and back stories. Also because the series is so damn good. NSS has delivered again and working with Anthony J Melchiorri adds additional talent. Essentially the icing on the cake. I cannot wait until book 2 of season 2 comes out.
Ok, I know that always giving 5 star reviews is kind of frowned upon but I cannot, in good faith rate lower than a 5. Nicholas Sansbury Smith is by far my favorite author of all time and yet again he does not fail to deliver.
Continuing nearly a decade where we last saw the survivors of Extinction you can immediately pick up the book and feel like it was only yesterday that we met the characters. While you do not have to have read the previous novels to grasp the storyline, I do recommend it. First because then you can really connect with the characters and understand their motivations and back stories. Also because the series is so damn good. NSS has delivered again and working with Anthony J Melchiorri adds additional talent. Essentially the icing on the cake. I cannot wait until book 2 of season 2 comes out.
August 22, 2019
Woo hoo! I loved it.
.....and so the adventure continues.
What can I say about this new series. Apparently a lot!
Let's start with the bones of the book.
#1 the storyline is addicting
#2 the new characters are now friends as I am learning their idiosyncrasies. The old ones....I feel at home
#3 most important to me...The editing. I am good at finding grammatical errors and misspelled words. I looked and looked. Someone did an excellent job
#4 there is a new guy (to me at least) Anthony Melchiorri that is in the mix. Their collaboration, these guys must play well with each other because it was seamless.
#5 All of Nicholas Sansbury Smith's book are fun to read, entertaining and so intense. When has he written a bad book?
I am not one for giving synopsis of books. Just how the book makes me feel. To quote James Brown: Sing with me. " I feel good!".
.....and so the adventure continues.
What can I say about this new series. Apparently a lot!
Let's start with the bones of the book.
#1 the storyline is addicting
#2 the new characters are now friends as I am learning their idiosyncrasies. The old ones....I feel at home
#3 most important to me...The editing. I am good at finding grammatical errors and misspelled words. I looked and looked. Someone did an excellent job
#4 there is a new guy (to me at least) Anthony Melchiorri that is in the mix. Their collaboration, these guys must play well with each other because it was seamless.
#5 All of Nicholas Sansbury Smith's book are fun to read, entertaining and so intense. When has he written a bad book?
I am not one for giving synopsis of books. Just how the book makes me feel. To quote James Brown: Sing with me. " I feel good!".
August 7, 2019
Did you ever wale up from a nightmare, and then find out that you are still dreaming and the nightmare isn’t over? That’s exactly how it must feel for Reed, Kate, Team Ghost, and what is left of humanity. Except it’s not a dream. The nightmare is real.
After clawing back from the brink, a new Variant threat has appeared. We thought we had won the war only to find the most horrific battles are yet to come.
And as always, Team Ghost is in the thick of it, while President Ringold if fighting for her political life, the life of the recovering country, and for her very life as well.
Another breathtakingly terrifying chapter in the saga of Team Ghost and the legacy of the Extinction Cycle. I’m very excited with this new arc! Thirsty for more!
After clawing back from the brink, a new Variant threat has appeared. We thought we had won the war only to find the most horrific battles are yet to come.
And as always, Team Ghost is in the thick of it, while President Ringold if fighting for her political life, the life of the recovering country, and for her very life as well.
Another breathtakingly terrifying chapter in the saga of Team Ghost and the legacy of the Extinction Cycle. I’m very excited with this new arc! Thirsty for more!
August 15, 2019
This is a special book. I love that Smith decided to revisit the Extinction World, and that doing so has brought us another collaboration with Melchiorri. And all the things I've come to expect from a Smith novel are present here: military action, horror, solid science, and realistic characters.
What a treat it was to meet Reed, Kate and their friends eight years after Extinction War ended. With upcoming elections, life is guaranteed to be a bit unpredictable for a while, but I'm pretty sure no-one in the Allied States ever considered just how unpredictable. Team Ghost is once again in action, as well as new characters and new threats.
Five solid stars to this new entry into the Extinction World. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.
What a treat it was to meet Reed, Kate and their friends eight years after Extinction War ended. With upcoming elections, life is guaranteed to be a bit unpredictable for a while, but I'm pretty sure no-one in the Allied States ever considered just how unpredictable. Team Ghost is once again in action, as well as new characters and new threats.
Five solid stars to this new entry into the Extinction World. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 18, 2019
This is the best post-apocalyptic series. The fight for survival has never been more dire than the events in Extinction Shadow. Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri knocked this one completely out of the park. The science is compelling, intriguing, and exciting. One thing I always enjoy about Nick's books is that he always keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. What's going to happen next? How's he going to get out of this one? What are the variants up to? The enemy is always evolving. Great characters, a brilliant storyline, and enough action to keep you turning the pages. Be sure to put this one on your TBR list!
August 22, 2019
I did not think this series could get even more awesome than it is... But let me tell u, season 2 is even better than season 1. (and I LOVE season 1) Holy cow. This is not your everyday sit and read a book kind of book. This book sucks you in from the very first page describing where this starts. You will lose all sense of time and reality as you read more and more! It is truly all encompassing! Wow wow wow! You will be on the edge of your seat with your stomach churning to read the next sentence. I can hardly wait for book 2 of season 2! Patience while reading a Nicholas Sansbury Smith book is impossible!!
August 13, 2019
I can’t say enough about how good this story is - I was really worried about how the the storyline could be expanded and still keep it fresh. Nick and Tony did a fantastic job with even more unbelievable horrendous characters plus pulsating red vines and webbing which even mystifies the scientists - even Kate. Nick and Tony played to the strengths of the Extinction series- the characters we know were expanded to fill out the timeline and the Variants are even more horrendous. The story is unique, the suspense is unending and the characters are the ones we love.
August 15, 2019
I am without words... Anything I say is just going to fall woefully short of the incredible excellence that this book is! I feel breathless, terrified, and full of adrenaline all at once. This is no joke. From the start I was lulled into a (brief) sense of security and then literally picked up and dropped into Variant hell all over again. It was amazing and all I can say is More, More, MORE!!
I've been a fan of both of these author's works independent of each other; but the combining of their two incredible minds and words? BRILLIANT absolutely BRILLIANT.
I've been a fan of both of these author's works independent of each other; but the combining of their two incredible minds and words? BRILLIANT absolutely BRILLIANT.
August 17, 2019
Awesome Beginning on New Series!
Wow! This book was nonstop excitement, action, and characters I loved from the Extinction series. The variants have not been dying out, but instead hiding, adapting, and thinking. Will the humans be able to survive the Reckoning? Will the scientists be able to solve the mystery? Even team ghost will struggle. This was such a delight to read, I live the characters and am thrilled that Nicholas Sansbury Smith decided to revisit and continue this story 8 years in the future! Can hardly wait for book 2!
Wow! This book was nonstop excitement, action, and characters I loved from the Extinction series. The variants have not been dying out, but instead hiding, adapting, and thinking. Will the humans be able to survive the Reckoning? Will the scientists be able to solve the mystery? Even team ghost will struggle. This was such a delight to read, I live the characters and am thrilled that Nicholas Sansbury Smith decided to revisit and continue this story 8 years in the future! Can hardly wait for book 2!
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