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Edge of Ruin #1

Extinction Event

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Side effects will occur.

Lazarus Pharmaceuticals has created a miracle drug. Vanidrum, was made to enhance its consumer's inner beauty, battling loneliness, depression and anxiety but something has gone horribly wrong.

When events take a turn for the dark Lazarus Pharmaceuticals calls on its best. Taylor Hart is a Cleaner well versed in sweeping questionable events under the proverbial rug. The rabbit hole Taylor is thrust into only goes deeper as she discovers the nefarious specifics around, Vanidrum and the evil that has been waiting to consume.

Now Taylor and the rest of her team are in a race against the clock to find a cure for a drug that wants to amplify the very darkest parts of human nature and spread.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2021

101 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Jonathan Yanez

226 books535 followers
International bestselling author, check.

USA Today bestselling author, check.

Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.

I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.

Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...

Hope you decide to stay in touch,

Jonathan

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5 stars
117 (52%)
4 stars
65 (29%)
3 stars
28 (12%)
2 stars
9 (4%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Victor.
166 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2022
Extinction Event is the first captivating adventure in the Edge of Ruin series of dark, apocalyptic novels, written by prolific science fiction and fantasy author Jonathan Yañez. This is my first time experiencing a tale from Mr. Yañez, but definitely not my first listen to the extremely talented Rachel Leblang.

After finishing this audiobook, I can say that I am happy with the narrative experience offered, and below you can read a few thoughts regarding this audio production.

The story of Extinction Event follows Taylor Hart, a professional cleaner, experienced in crisis management, and with combat skills to match her expertise and intelligence. Currently, she is handling difficult cases for the largest, and most respected medical corporation in the world, but when a so-called miracle drug that should have cured everyone of anxiety and depression, making them feel perfect, actually transforms people into living monsters, her mission changes, and Taylor enters a race against the clock to find a possible solution before the darkest parts of human nature entirely consume what’s left of mankind.

The audiobook version of Extinction Event is expertly narrated with urgency and enthusiasm by Rachel Leblang. She reads with ease and acts with talent, managing to bring to life our strong, female character, and everyone else seamlessly by switching between voices and accents. Rachel is a great choice as a narrator for this story, and I hope to see her return for the next audiobooks in the series.

If you like stories that explore how the world can be destroyed due to corporate greed, dark secrets, and a failed medical experiment, I think this one could be right on your alley.

Extinction Event is well written, entertaining, action-filled and gives another example of how things can get really bad, really fast.

442 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2021
Couldn't Put it Down

This storyline in this book was so original and a bit frightening. The thought if a medication to make people only see the positive aspects of themselves or what they desired their lives and bodies to look like seems like a drug companies dream. Of course this new medication brought out the darkness in humans. Taylor is a fascinating character who works for the pharmaceutical company cleaning up messes. The battle between the light and darkness of humanity begins in this first book. I literally could not put it down. Taylor is not your normal hero and comes begins with a wall around herself due to her past. Along with Jason, Frank, Captain Martin, and Cidney, she battles to survive and help find a way to stop the end of mankind. I cannot do this book justice in a review, so get it and read it. It has nonstop action, excellent characters, and one of the best storylines I have read in this genre in a very long time! Cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Gilbert Hallett.
11 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2021
I am a heathen, broken man.

This book touched me in a way I thought was impossible anymore. The strength of the light is a beacon in the darkness that I thought I would never be able to fight against.
I know many that read this will not believe anything I’m saying or writing at this moment, but if I can begin to believe, from a book? Imagine what could happen if this light spread around the world.
I really can’t believe I am typing this, even as I’m doing it... but, so be it.
Mr. Yanez, thank you. You have written a book in a way that actually restarted my belief in humanity. I wish, and fervently hope, that you continue to write this series.
Thank you, again.
Profile Image for Monique Wilson.
41 reviews
August 12, 2021
Not What I Expected

I don't typically delve into "zombie apocalypse" books and/ or shows (sorry no TWD for me). I had nightmares for weeks after being tricked into seeing World War Z. I chose this book because I like what I've already read from Yanez, and I'm waiting on book releases from other authors.
Glad I decided to read it. Without giving away much, I'll say that this is NOT your typical "zombie apocalypse" story. The concept is rather thought-provoking, beckoning readers to stop and take an introspective look. Also, the eyebrow thing is like my favorite! I love moments like that. They aren't necessary for the continuance of the plot, but are a welcome addition.
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
626 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2025
A decent read....

Extinction Event, book 1 in the Edge Of Ruin series, revolves around a wonder drug that is meant to make people realize happiness by modulating perception of self, but it goes horribly awry. Taylor, a 'cleaner' for the pharmaceutical company, is forced to deal with the mess. This book is a decent read and fans of apocalyptic survival fiction will appreciate it most. 4/5 stars
Profile Image for Ami.
2,398 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2021
Extinction Event is an excellent apocalyptic thriller with great characters and a well-developed world. It is more terrifying than the average apoc tale due to the possibility of it becoming a reality. I read it straight through and highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading book two.

Read via Kindle Unlimited
1,014 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2021
A new apocalypse

Extinction Event provides the reader with excitement amid the nonstop battle for survival for not just the mixed bag of characters but for humanity. Trust me, this is one amazing ride with everything the post-apocalypse fan could ask for.
Profile Image for Lady The Owls.
389 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2021
Full of Action

I like the book because it had a lot of action . It is not boring and kept me glued to the lages . I had to find out what came next. I can barely wait for the next book.
155 reviews
March 29, 2021
The plight of us all rests in the hands of a few.

I enjoyed this new series and the characters.
Some of the plot is boiler plate but the story line is good.
To me it’s zombies vs a heroine with left for dead and and znation rolled into one.
Profile Image for Zane Yates.
Author 8 books9 followers
April 15, 2021
Excellent first book in a new series

Action, drama and warmth build to an exciting and unexpected climax.
Ordering the next book immediately.
Thanks for a new series to keep me intrigued.
1 review
August 8, 2022
Too much detail

Not good. Do not waste your time.

You can't tell me what to say!!!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!!! 😑😑😑😑😗😅😅😅😗😗😗😗😐😐😐😐😐😐😐🤔🤔🤔🤔😃😃😃😃😃😎😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😇😇😇😇😇🤔😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😬😬😬😬😬👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹. Do do do do do
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
83 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2024
First 5 minutes guy says don't you want to be beautiful??? What on earth??? Not at all creepy. I may change my mind but already not likely. I read some reviews zombies aren't supposed to ask if you want to be beautiful. They are supposed to try and eat you.
Profile Image for Cheryle Hocking.
18 reviews
December 9, 2025
a few chapters in

A few chapters in and the story seemed familiar, further reading showed a surprising new perspective and as the characters evolved I found the book had captured my attention. Throughly enjoyed this first book.
171 reviews
March 14, 2021
Splendid it's a must read

Well this shows the true depth of Jonathan Yanez imagination and creativity. This book is amazing. I've fallen in love with this author.
Profile Image for Kevin Beck.
966 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2021
Pretty weak characters and an unremarkable plot.
Profile Image for Friedrichs Doberman Rescue.
97 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2021
Love it

Having a strong woman be the hero is fantastic. Thank you Mr. Yanez, for taking Taylor in such an unusual direction. A very rewarding read.
45 reviews
August 21, 2021
Loved this book!!

I didn't think I would love this book. I'm not a fan of scifi. But, not was I wrong! The characters are so lovable and the story is awesome!
12 reviews
November 5, 2021
great read

Well written, an interesting take on the origin story. Looking forward to the next….. and the next!
Easily enjoyed and followed
Profile Image for Liana.
276 reviews1 follower
Read
August 28, 2023
Only read the sample, it didn't grab me enough to read the rest of the book
Profile Image for Kat.
3 reviews
February 4, 2025
I've loved it, extremely similar to Resident Evil, which I also love.
Profile Image for Gr.
1,160 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2023
Zombie apocalypse. Hoping for more.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,865 reviews68 followers
Want to read
May 24, 2025
Extinction Event - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Jonathan Yanez begins a post-Apocalyptic thriller series, Edge of Ruin, like none you've read before, with his riveting epic Extinction Event.

'Cleaner' at Lazarus Pharmaceuticals, Taylor Hart
is dispatched by her (previously anonymous) Operator, Jason Waters, by order from their boss, Wade Treadstone - in an homage to the Jason Bourne franchise - to the home of James Jones and his wife. There she's shocked to see the latter violently mutilating his surgically enhanced face, in a psychotic episode. When he offers to wound the two and attacks, Taylor's swift to defend them both, before calling for help.
What effects is Vanidrum having on patients?
Why does Taylor go with Jason to a high school?

As the affected victims turn into cannabalistic zombies and the deadly infection spreads ever faster, Taylor and others of her newly-formed team become embroiled in scenes that could come from World's End or Shaun of the Dead, (without the darkly comic interludes) and she despairs of ever having her normal life back.
What does Taylor learn from her visionary nightmares? What happens in Alaska?
How does Cidney help with the antidote?

With scenes that could come from Captain Marvel and a storyline that wouldn't be too far off the mark for a Stephen King thriller, Jonathan Yanez truly reveals himself as the Master of Future Possibilities, with an innovative novel that's particularly relevant in the current Covid-19 pandemic, as it likewise shows how quickly and devastatingly a killer virus can decimate populations and make some people desperate to survive, while hoping for a cure.

Get your copy of Extinction Event today - it's a 5 star winner, with a strong female lead character and a plot that everyone can relate to.
What are you waiting for? Go now!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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