What do you think?
The Raged
John Fichner is past his prime. He has one more chance to achieve his dream of playing in the major leagues, so he leaves his farm for open tryouts in Pittsburgh. But his dreams are trampled when the city is hit with a biological attack. The weapon causes a viral outbreak that spreads out of control and turns its victims into mindless, raging killers.Pittsburgh is quickly shut down. Now, John must find his way through a sea of death and get out before it's too late.
- GenresZombies
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 13, 2024
I really liked this book. Great characters, plot and was well paced. Characters have a couple of obstacles to overcome and they pretty much do without much difficulty. But it was enjoyable.
October 21, 2021
Nice twist on the zompocalypse meme
The story is good; it held my interest throughout. The characters are pretty 2-dimensional and character development is almost there. Druga would benefit greatly from a diligent line editor, proofreader and fact-checker; there are a lot of typos, grammatical errors and plain oversights of reality. (Toward the end, our plucky band reach their target city on the river and let the boat drift overnight. Next day, they were still there instead of being miles downriver. That's just sloppy.) If those issues were addressed, I could see giving four stars.
The story is good; it held my interest throughout. The characters are pretty 2-dimensional and character development is almost there. Druga would benefit greatly from a diligent line editor, proofreader and fact-checker; there are a lot of typos, grammatical errors and plain oversights of reality. (Toward the end, our plucky band reach their target city on the river and let the boat drift overnight. Next day, they were still there instead of being miles downriver. That's just sloppy.) If those issues were addressed, I could see giving four stars.
March 30, 2025
Was on the way to a 4 star until the whole boat fiasco with Edwin & John; worse scenario I ever read in Jacqueline's books.
Those 2 seemed to forget everything they just lived through, in particular how fast some turned & how some came back after dying. Edwin tells John he can feel it in his blood & it won't be long, but no concern with Edwin sitting next to his kids for an hour making them laugh ... come on. And the elaborate Edwin drowning scenario just made no sense, especially John not telling anyone. So John was going to jump in, stab Edwin in the head underwater where no one can see it happen, and swim back to the boat and say he couldn't find him (assume there would be blood in the water). And all John can yell is "no" when Edwin is being rescued ... guess "Edwin's infected" wouldn't work.
Also John said in the water they were about 10-15 feet from the boat which makes no sense that the boat suddenly stopped.
And they stick the grandparents together knowing g-mom was infected & assumed g-pop would be okay. Made no sense that they didn't put they in a more secure room or even tie up the legs & arms.
I have enjoyed Jacqueline's books but this one missed the mark.
Those 2 seemed to forget everything they just lived through, in particular how fast some turned & how some came back after dying. Edwin tells John he can feel it in his blood & it won't be long, but no concern with Edwin sitting next to his kids for an hour making them laugh ... come on. And the elaborate Edwin drowning scenario just made no sense, especially John not telling anyone. So John was going to jump in, stab Edwin in the head underwater where no one can see it happen, and swim back to the boat and say he couldn't find him (assume there would be blood in the water). And all John can yell is "no" when Edwin is being rescued ... guess "Edwin's infected" wouldn't work.
Also John said in the water they were about 10-15 feet from the boat which makes no sense that the boat suddenly stopped.
And they stick the grandparents together knowing g-mom was infected & assumed g-pop would be okay. Made no sense that they didn't put they in a more secure room or even tie up the legs & arms.
I have enjoyed Jacqueline's books but this one missed the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
Druga Does Not Disappoint
By now you would think that every possible version of the zombie apocalypse has been written, but Druga gave a twist on the theme. John is in Pittsburgh for baseball tryouts when terrorists attack 12 US cities with a bioweapon that turns people exposed to the virus into zombies. John, stuck in a hotel is spared from direct exposure and tries to escape the hotel (already with guests who have turned) and ultimately out of Pittsburgh and back to his dad's farm.
The book is definitely a page-turner and a good read. The characters, particularly John, are well developed. We see John who is a self-absorbed alcoholic at the beginning of the book to someone who actually cares about other people.
The book has a satisfying ending - no cliffhangers - but it could lead to a second book.
By now you would think that every possible version of the zombie apocalypse has been written, but Druga gave a twist on the theme. John is in Pittsburgh for baseball tryouts when terrorists attack 12 US cities with a bioweapon that turns people exposed to the virus into zombies. John, stuck in a hotel is spared from direct exposure and tries to escape the hotel (already with guests who have turned) and ultimately out of Pittsburgh and back to his dad's farm.
The book is definitely a page-turner and a good read. The characters, particularly John, are well developed. We see John who is a self-absorbed alcoholic at the beginning of the book to someone who actually cares about other people.
The book has a satisfying ending - no cliffhangers - but it could lead to a second book.
September 27, 2021
Good One
Another take on the EOW premise. Ms. Druga is quite prolific in this genre, and also very creative.
Spoiler Perhaps:
This story did not have a significant "bad human element" to it, where terror is meted out to the protagonists, instead it was focused more on imperfect people all trying to survive together.
Ms. Druga's writing keeps getting even better, and the editing and proofreading in this story has improved from earlier books.
I hope this story will continue.
Another take on the EOW premise. Ms. Druga is quite prolific in this genre, and also very creative.
Spoiler Perhaps:
This story did not have a significant "bad human element" to it, where terror is meted out to the protagonists, instead it was focused more on imperfect people all trying to survive together.
Ms. Druga's writing keeps getting even better, and the editing and proofreading in this story has improved from earlier books.
I hope this story will continue.
September 26, 2021
A reluctant hero…
John just wanted to play baseball. He was finally going back to try and get picked for a team, when the world ended. He and a group of survivors were trying to get out of the city before it was destroyed. The group was large at the beginning but through circumstances only a few were left. For a man who did not want responsibility he ended up with all the kids!
John just wanted to play baseball. He was finally going back to try and get picked for a team, when the world ended. He and a group of survivors were trying to get out of the city before it was destroyed. The group was large at the beginning but through circumstances only a few were left. For a man who did not want responsibility he ended up with all the kids!
October 28, 2021
Great Book
I have read a slew of books by this author. I would say this is her best thus far. The story line was exciting and the characters were just amazing. While some of her other books are littered with typos, etc. not this book. Guessing she hired a proofreader. Anyway, check it out. It’s a quick read which sets up nicely for part 2.
I have read a slew of books by this author. I would say this is her best thus far. The story line was exciting and the characters were just amazing. While some of her other books are littered with typos, etc. not this book. Guessing she hired a proofreader. Anyway, check it out. It’s a quick read which sets up nicely for part 2.
April 19, 2022
thank god it wasn’t one of her depressing endings
It’s good. Solid read. Appreciated there wasn’t a evil human boss to battle every two chapters. Most zompoc can’t avoid the trope of super bad guys popping up every other fcking chapter/episode. Like sure there will be bad guys but super villains everywhere?
It’s good. Solid read. Appreciated there wasn’t a evil human boss to battle every two chapters. Most zompoc can’t avoid the trope of super bad guys popping up every other fcking chapter/episode. Like sure there will be bad guys but super villains everywhere?
November 9, 2025
I usually don't like this type of story...but
Jacqueline Drugs did it again! I usually don't like zombie stories, but this was excellent! Yes, there was blood but full of heart, love and what makes a group of strangers into something more! Read it! You will not be disappointed!!!
Jacqueline Drugs did it again! I usually don't like zombie stories, but this was excellent! Yes, there was blood but full of heart, love and what makes a group of strangers into something more! Read it! You will not be disappointed!!!
September 26, 2021
I absolutely love this author. And love this book. Great characters, a few you hate, most you love and some who grow from the apocalyptic world. I highly recommend this book. I need a nap now, read to late.
October 2, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book
I enjoyed this book and the only complaint I had was that I wish it was longer. The characters were interesting and the dialogue was good. I can't wait for the next one.
I enjoyed this book and the only complaint I had was that I wish it was longer. The characters were interesting and the dialogue was good. I can't wait for the next one.
April 4, 2022
Not bad
Excellent read about the zombie apocalypse involving a big guy named John who lives on a farm with his father but has traveled to the city and has all kind of Adventures with different people and Britney brings back to his farm with him to live with his father.
Excellent read about the zombie apocalypse involving a big guy named John who lives on a farm with his father but has traveled to the city and has all kind of Adventures with different people and Britney brings back to his farm with him to live with his father.
April 6, 2022
Good book
Another good book from J Druga, well written, fast paced and great characters! I like how this focuses mainly on the good in people. My only criticism is I want more more more!
Another good book from J Druga, well written, fast paced and great characters! I like how this focuses mainly on the good in people. My only criticism is I want more more more!
April 13, 2022
5 stars
This turned out to be one of my favorite books by Ms. Druga. Excellent development of the characters, great plot and, for once, (spoiler alert) not one of my favorite characters died! I wish this was a series!
This turned out to be one of my favorite books by Ms. Druga. Excellent development of the characters, great plot and, for once, (spoiler alert) not one of my favorite characters died! I wish this was a series!
May 22, 2022
Great Read
Really enjoyable read. Fast paced and full of suspense . Really likable characters . It would be interesting to see what happens to the group . Hopefully there will be another book . Definitely recommend reading this book.
Really enjoyable read. Fast paced and full of suspense . Really likable characters . It would be interesting to see what happens to the group . Hopefully there will be another book . Definitely recommend reading this book.
April 22, 2026
Good read! I really enjoyed this book! I like the twist on the apocalypse and how and why it started...makes sense. Druga ALWAYS thinks out her stories well and they're always unique and make sense. I highly recommend this book!!
October 19, 2021
Very impressive and enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book. Great flow and engaging characters made reading this a joy. I recommend it to everyone
I really enjoyed this book. Great flow and engaging characters made reading this a joy. I recommend it to everyone
November 11, 2021
Raged
Wow! This was the first book I read from this author. Pretty good, believable story. I can't wait to read more from her.
Wow! This was the first book I read from this author. Pretty good, believable story. I can't wait to read more from her.
January 1, 2022
Super easy read
Just a good old us verses them story. Great chapters and plenty of action. Hopefully there will be a book 2. If not this was a good easy read.
Just a good old us verses them story. Great chapters and plenty of action. Hopefully there will be a book 2. If not this was a good easy read.
January 30, 2022
Great read
Love how the characters become real. Love your writing. Always some humor, which adds a lot. A sequel would be awesome.
Love how the characters become real. Love your writing. Always some humor, which adds a lot. A sequel would be awesome.
February 19, 2022
Refreshing
Finally a book that's interesting throughout that isn't a series that you have to buy, just to end up waiting for the last one to be written.
Finally a book that's interesting throughout that isn't a series that you have to buy, just to end up waiting for the last one to be written.
April 3, 2022
Best so far
I read all Jacqueline Druga’s books and this return to a traditional zombie type thriller was really enjoyable for me.
I read all Jacqueline Druga’s books and this return to a traditional zombie type thriller was really enjoyable for me.
April 24, 2022
Page turner
You always get action with Jacqueline , a real page turner , likeable characters some of who don't make it to the end but that's quite normal.
You always get action with Jacqueline , a real page turner , likeable characters some of who don't make it to the end but that's quite normal.
May 3, 2022
The Raged
Jacqueline Drugs writes stories with characters you become connected to and want to keep track of. This story is no different. Enjoy the camaraderie.
Jacqueline Drugs writes stories with characters you become connected to and want to keep track of. This story is no different. Enjoy the camaraderie.
June 9, 2022
good
John travelled to Philadelphia to try out for baseball. While there a virus is released turning people into zombies. Read how he and a few survivors are going to leave there.
John travelled to Philadelphia to try out for baseball. While there a virus is released turning people into zombies. Read how he and a few survivors are going to leave there.
September 18, 2022
great read
An enjoyable apocalyptic read. I. really enjoy Druga’s characters. She does a great job of combining interesting stories with like-able, real people.
An enjoyable apocalyptic read. I. really enjoy Druga’s characters. She does a great job of combining interesting stories with like-able, real people.
January 29, 2025
Very good.
June 15, 2026
I felt like this was a good read but ended abruptly.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews