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The Haze
Think fast. Stay alive.
In the wake of a summer storm, a strange malady takes hold, slowing mental and physical response. For many exposed, it proves fatal. As scientists race to find a cure for the unexplainable, it spreads.
As the mysterious event scatters survivors, Alice wanders alone until she saves a young boy and discovers that not only does he hold the answer to the whereabouts of her family but the key to saving humanity.
Now, as she escorts him across a ravaged country, they soon discover no one is safe from the terrifying phenomenon and realize the worst isn’t dying from it but surviving.
In this cinematic thriller, The Haze weaves an emotional journey through a brutal civilization with unforgettable characters. Wildly entertaining, this non-stop thrill ride with white-knuckle suspense will make you think long after reading the last page.
In the wake of a summer storm, a strange malady takes hold, slowing mental and physical response. For many exposed, it proves fatal. As scientists race to find a cure for the unexplainable, it spreads.
As the mysterious event scatters survivors, Alice wanders alone until she saves a young boy and discovers that not only does he hold the answer to the whereabouts of her family but the key to saving humanity.
Now, as she escorts him across a ravaged country, they soon discover no one is safe from the terrifying phenomenon and realize the worst isn’t dying from it but surviving.
In this cinematic thriller, The Haze weaves an emotional journey through a brutal civilization with unforgettable characters. Wildly entertaining, this non-stop thrill ride with white-knuckle suspense will make you think long after reading the last page.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2022
908 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Jack Hunt
118 books407 followersJack Hunt is the international bestselling author of over seventy thriller novels. He's been ranked #1 in the Amazon charts in multiple thriller, mystery, crime, and science fiction genres. He's also been named a Kindle Unlimited All-Star. He's married with two children. Jack lives on the East coast of North America.
Join Jack's spam-free readers list to stay alert to future releases, special offers, and reader only bonus content. The readers group are usually the first to hear about giveaways. http://jackhuntbooks.com/
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Join Jack's spam-free readers list to stay alert to future releases, special offers, and reader only bonus content. The readers group are usually the first to hear about giveaways. http://jackhuntbooks.com/
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Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jackhuntauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 12, 2025
Once I got over my disappointment about the story not being entirely linear (I expected the story of how it all started and how Alice survived the beginning of it all not a 2 years in/early days back and forth with very little about the middle) I still managed to enjoy the book well enough.
There were plenty of small inconsistencies in the story () but overall given how non-stop action it was most of the time it didn't detract too much from the reading experience.
If you're familiar with my reviews you probably know that my most hated trope in apocalyptic fiction is the clownishly evil survivors, I'm happy to report that while Hunt did include baddies they're not clownish and their motivations and actions make sense. He managed to strike a good balance between the types of survivors our MCs encountered which I enjoyed.
There were plenty of small inconsistencies in the story () but overall given how non-stop action it was most of the time it didn't detract too much from the reading experience.
If you're familiar with my reviews you probably know that my most hated trope in apocalyptic fiction is the clownishly evil survivors, I'm happy to report that while Hunt did include baddies they're not clownish and their motivations and actions make sense. He managed to strike a good balance between the types of survivors our MCs encountered which I enjoyed.
July 8, 2023
Cool concept that ALMOST floundered by the end! (Edited Review)...
...I only say "almost" because when I first read this book and wrote this review, I had zero knowledge that a sequel was forthcoming. Since I know some authors love to leave things up to interpretation, I didn't feel like I had any reason to believe for more story. Plus, there was nothing to indicate a sequel was coming in the Kindle (as I'm accustomed to). Either way, my original review and rating no longer felt accurate. I've now upped my rating from 3 to 4 stars and struck out what was no longer a justifiable complaint. The remainder of my original review still stands! The book still isn't 100% perfect, but it's close enough, and still much easier to accept now that the story was always meant to carry on.
Original Review:
This thing had a hell of a strong start, pretty much doing so immediately when a mysterious Haze ravages an unsuspecting public and leaves a wake of devastation in its path. The first few chapters alone are devastatingly well-written, able to bring me to tears and I'd just barely begun. The majority of this book is carried by Alice via back-and-forth time jumps, (which eventually coincide to a singular present). After Alice comes to the aid of a young boy, she learns he may have valuable information in regard to her surviving family, but the two must travel a harsh new world to get the answers she craves. The journey is harrowing and dramatic and a hell of a fun read.
The thrills, action, and violence are all there to keep things interesting. Characters, both main and supporting, are well-developed and vivid, with realistic interactions to boot. They are essentially my favorite feature of the entire story.Sadly, when I said the story flounders by the end, I meant it. While the Haze is more or less explained by the book's end, there were still too many questions either left unanswered or not answered satisfactorily. I didn't fully grasp certain character motivations even when they were explained. It also didn't help that this story had too abrupt an ending as well; it's practically incomplete. A full-on sequel would solve the issue, no doubt, but I'd have been happy with even just a dang epilogue. This story delivers neither and just....ends.
At any rate,despite this book's missteps, I'm still very much a Jack Hunt fan, having been won over by his After It Turns Dark (AITD) series, which were, in their entirety, perfect 5-star reads. While the few other stories I've read thereafter (including this one) didn't have the stamina of AITD, they've still helped me realize three things that Jack Hunt consistently delivers on: originality, writing style, and character development. These traits have already solidified as the norm for a Jack Hunt story that all I find myself wondering anymore is whether or not he can stick the landing. The Haze may have stumbled by the end, but I still had quite the good time, and I'm still ready for more Jack Hunt.
...I only say "almost" because when I first read this book and wrote this review, I had zero knowledge that a sequel was forthcoming. Since I know some authors love to leave things up to interpretation, I didn't feel like I had any reason to believe for more story. Plus, there was nothing to indicate a sequel was coming in the Kindle (as I'm accustomed to). Either way, my original review and rating no longer felt accurate. I've now upped my rating from 3 to 4 stars and struck out what was no longer a justifiable complaint. The remainder of my original review still stands! The book still isn't 100% perfect, but it's close enough, and still much easier to accept now that the story was always meant to carry on.
Original Review:
This thing had a hell of a strong start, pretty much doing so immediately when a mysterious Haze ravages an unsuspecting public and leaves a wake of devastation in its path. The first few chapters alone are devastatingly well-written, able to bring me to tears and I'd just barely begun. The majority of this book is carried by Alice via back-and-forth time jumps, (which eventually coincide to a singular present). After Alice comes to the aid of a young boy, she learns he may have valuable information in regard to her surviving family, but the two must travel a harsh new world to get the answers she craves. The journey is harrowing and dramatic and a hell of a fun read.
The thrills, action, and violence are all there to keep things interesting. Characters, both main and supporting, are well-developed and vivid, with realistic interactions to boot. They are essentially my favorite feature of the entire story.
At any rate,
February 15, 2023
This had an interesting premise for a disease/biological weapon as well as having part of the plot for RH-null, which is a real thing. The story jumped around in time a bit which made it hard to follow the path of events as they unfolded. Alice was often very difficult to like, especially when she made it clear she was willing to use a child, Jonah, to find her daughter. The mystery of what happened continues and then suddenly the Big Reveal happens at the end and shortly thereafter, the story ends. Just ends.
November 21, 2024
A very good read!
This was a quick read. There were some parts that kind of dragged on more than necessary, but it was easy to skim without missing anything important. Each character was unique, and the dialogue natural. I'll gladly read more by this author.
This was a quick read. There were some parts that kind of dragged on more than necessary, but it was easy to skim without missing anything important. Each character was unique, and the dialogue natural. I'll gladly read more by this author.
January 2, 2023
Jack Hunt is…
…. a master of his craft. One of the very best writers of modern apocalyptic fiction. That’s for sure!
But - & I really hate to say it - this stand alone book of his, The Haze, is just overall …. meh.
The pros:
Character development. Of course Hunt’s cast feels extremely relatable, & by the conclusion we really know what makes them tick (sometimes better then they, themselves, do!).
The beginning of the story is quite engaging & grabs ahold of your interest quite quickly.
There’s the in-depth character development happening, as well as the family dynamics & how those relate to the couple’s careers.
The rich, detailed world building. Which involves some tension.
Leading us to the overall faster pace of the introduction of the real story (main plot) which hits society & our characters like a confused slap.
The cons:
From this point on, however, what I had expected as far as a maintained faster pace… mostly peters out, unfortunately.
Then the tale sort of plods along. Following the characters over the course of a few years. (Primarily one character.) Where not much of significance, or excitement occurs.
Or rather, significant events do evolve- but they are spaced too far apart, with too many pages in between of mainly one character lamenting the same issue(s) repeatedly- to cause the pulse to spike when they eventually do arise.
To be 100% honest, starting around the 40% mark, I wanted to throw in the towel.
But! Unless a book is truly, unredeemably, horrible, it’s almost impossible for me to give up. A bit dull I can take. And I definitely was interested enough to learn what would happen in the end regarding The Haze.
So, overall I can neither enthusiastically recommend nor steer readers away from this one.
It is written by Jack Hunt afterall- so it has that going for it.
Thus, I’d say, at least give it a try.
As admittedly, I may be a bit biased by my general preference for battle heavy, high octane paced stories (authors who never let up off the gas pedal from page 1 till the last!), with many complex characters & subplots all woven into deeply researched scientific/medical/“etc.” of some type, 14-ish book length series. Or the like. ;)
Overall - ANY Jack Hunt series or novel is a best bet. Including, The Haze.
…. a master of his craft. One of the very best writers of modern apocalyptic fiction. That’s for sure!
But - & I really hate to say it - this stand alone book of his, The Haze, is just overall …. meh.
The pros:
Character development. Of course Hunt’s cast feels extremely relatable, & by the conclusion we really know what makes them tick (sometimes better then they, themselves, do!).
The beginning of the story is quite engaging & grabs ahold of your interest quite quickly.
There’s the in-depth character development happening, as well as the family dynamics & how those relate to the couple’s careers.
The rich, detailed world building. Which involves some tension.
Leading us to the overall faster pace of the introduction of the real story (main plot) which hits society & our characters like a confused slap.
The cons:
From this point on, however, what I had expected as far as a maintained faster pace… mostly peters out, unfortunately.
Then the tale sort of plods along. Following the characters over the course of a few years. (Primarily one character.) Where not much of significance, or excitement occurs.
Or rather, significant events do evolve- but they are spaced too far apart, with too many pages in between of mainly one character lamenting the same issue(s) repeatedly- to cause the pulse to spike when they eventually do arise.
To be 100% honest, starting around the 40% mark, I wanted to throw in the towel.
But! Unless a book is truly, unredeemably, horrible, it’s almost impossible for me to give up. A bit dull I can take. And I definitely was interested enough to learn what would happen in the end regarding The Haze.
So, overall I can neither enthusiastically recommend nor steer readers away from this one.
It is written by Jack Hunt afterall- so it has that going for it.
Thus, I’d say, at least give it a try.
As admittedly, I may be a bit biased by my general preference for battle heavy, high octane paced stories (authors who never let up off the gas pedal from page 1 till the last!), with many complex characters & subplots all woven into deeply researched scientific/medical/“etc.” of some type, 14-ish book length series. Or the like. ;)
Overall - ANY Jack Hunt series or novel is a best bet. Including, The Haze.
April 19, 2023
It was a easy story with a try on a twist that kinda worked and then completely backfired.
The story is about 1/10th as action filled as I thought it would be. That doesn't have to be a negative thing but I was kinda hoping for a bit more action. I'm happy though about there not being any unnecessary details on the gore, it was actually very tame.
The plot was alright, there was one thing that made me happy as a surprise twist, and about 2 sentences after, it got destroyed😂
Nevertheless, good easy story.
You'll like it if you're into EMP dystopias without the EMP but something else instead. Also, no zombies.
Spoilers ahead!
So here is what really bothered me.
First, the sister is working in biotech and has a phd and that is just too obvious. Of course she's gonna be a part of the whole thing. And of course the sister she doesn't grt along with, our mc, is the cure to it all. The daughter that went missing, also of course she will show up later and be rescued by the sister of the mc only to be held as leverage. Of course the sisters will inevitably work together to save the mc and said daughter.
All of this fel obvious throughout the book.
Oh, but THEN! Then Jonah shows up, and while that was random and fun, it was SO MUCH FUN when it turned out that he was orchestrated to fall where our mc was and lead here to the research facility. And he did well, he fooled me good, I was a happy fool because it doesn't happen that much anymore. I've read tok many different plots, I expect things. I didn't expect this.
But THEN! Then, 2 sentences later, the whole thing got explained just like I thought it would. The only surprisein the book is also the only thing I question, because how unnecessary to have him bring mc in when they knew where she was and obviously had tranq guns. It could've been so much better.
The story is about 1/10th as action filled as I thought it would be. That doesn't have to be a negative thing but I was kinda hoping for a bit more action. I'm happy though about there not being any unnecessary details on the gore, it was actually very tame.
The plot was alright, there was one thing that made me happy as a surprise twist, and about 2 sentences after, it got destroyed😂
Nevertheless, good easy story.
You'll like it if you're into EMP dystopias without the EMP but something else instead. Also, no zombies.
Spoilers ahead!
So here is what really bothered me.
First, the sister is working in biotech and has a phd and that is just too obvious. Of course she's gonna be a part of the whole thing. And of course the sister she doesn't grt along with, our mc, is the cure to it all. The daughter that went missing, also of course she will show up later and be rescued by the sister of the mc only to be held as leverage. Of course the sisters will inevitably work together to save the mc and said daughter.
All of this fel obvious throughout the book.
Oh, but THEN! Then Jonah shows up, and while that was random and fun, it was SO MUCH FUN when it turned out that he was orchestrated to fall where our mc was and lead here to the research facility. And he did well, he fooled me good, I was a happy fool because it doesn't happen that much anymore. I've read tok many different plots, I expect things. I didn't expect this.
But THEN! Then, 2 sentences later, the whole thing got explained just like I thought it would. The only surprisein the book is also the only thing I question, because how unnecessary to have him bring mc in when they knew where she was and obviously had tranq guns. It could've been so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
Very good.
A very interesting read and the storyline is scarily believable. The characters played their part very well and when a couple of them didn't make it I was a bit put off because I thought they would have added something to the story. Somehow I felt like it fell a bit flat, I'm not sure how or what but there was something missing like a stew needing seasoning.
A very interesting read and the storyline is scarily believable. The characters played their part very well and when a couple of them didn't make it I was a bit put off because I thought they would have added something to the story. Somehow I felt like it fell a bit flat, I'm not sure how or what but there was something missing like a stew needing seasoning.
January 1, 2023
I guess you have to create your own ending. I'm not fond of cliff hangers so I think this book sucked!!
The book was extremely good until the end!. Left me ticked off!
The book was extremely good until the end!. Left me ticked off!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
It is evolving. Becoming something else. Something more than what I can imagine.
Loyalty and dedication to her work as a US Marshall oftentimes took her days and lengthy trips away from her family, a task she didn't swallow lightly. Alice Walker held a fractured marriage to her husband David, as the two often fought and argued more than they felt the romantic pull between them. Blessed with a son and daughter; Lucas and Jade, she felt confident her husband would do anything for their children. Unfortunately she would be assigned to a raid while he celebrated another birthday without her, only their two kids his entourage. Looking outside the restaurant at the yellowish pollen haze spreading through the streets, nobody expected it to bring forth such terrifying effects. People suddenly began lagging behind in their minds while their bodies continued onto the tasks are hand. Many were killed in vehicle accidents and others simply I hired themselves unknowingly. Fleeing through a vicious thunderstorm left the family's SUV pinned under a fallen tree and left Lucas dead and David gravely injured and dying. Meanwhile, Jade was pulled from the wreckage by EMT and flown to another hospital closer to Seattle flr treatment. As Alice fought her way to her family, she lingered while David breathed in his final breaths before running on autopilot trying to find where her children were taken. Seeing Lucas deceased in a morgue broke her but learning her daughter was flown and lost somewhere shattered everything inside of her. When Erika finally caught up to her, the entire state was placed under a State of Emergency and were forced to remain locked inside the house for two weeks before she couldn't take it anymore.
Survival was found in split-second decisions. Silence was helpful. Avoidance paramount.
Retreating into the Fire Lookout in the neighboring woods, Alice prayed everyday for Jade to stumble through the first and land here. After the first year a Cane Corso named Dog would become her companion accidentally as she was now taking part in rewards for hunting and killing people charged with crimes. With the world now lacking police intervention, civilians were now making the laws and dishing out the repercussions for those who broke them. Making herself quite useful over the two years since the Haze first swept through, not once did she forget about Jade and her desire to get her back. Refusing to imagine she could be dead, she held out hope but everything would change when the GERM helicopter went down in the lake surrounding her hideout. Running into action she pulled Jonah from the wreckage and brought him to the surface. Sputtering water his life still held in the balance as a soldier planned to shoot him dead as he was infected and could continue to spread the Haze. Shot down by Alice, the two would begin tracking to Seattle after she spotted the bracelet her daughter always wore still tied to his wrist. Not wanting to every go back, he tried countless escape attempts but each would fall as Alice and him pulled closer to the city.
Who were these people? How had they been taken? Where were those who had taken them?
Drawing nearer, the duo saw the devastation left behind and the lack of military involvement outside of the destroyed bridges. Knowing the University held the key and hopefully more answers, they would be captured but not before Jonah’s betrayal would be seen first hand. Planted there to lure Alice in, it was her golden blood so many craved as it held the antigen for the cure. As many survivors were hunted for blood transfusions, it was never set to work and would only give those who received three to six weeks of life before the symptoms returned and many would fall into deadly comas. Seeing Erika again brought bittersweet feelings to the surface as her boss Weston has plans to disect her brain to find a cure for the disease he set in motion. Going agkanats him, Erika helped put the points into play for Alice and Jade to escape, even though it costed her her own life in the end. Seekng her daughter so sickly from a two year coma, Alice now knew she was one of the most wanted woman in America as her blood was only within 43 people of the entire human race. Forgiving Jonah as he watched his cather be killed, she knew they were all the family she kept from the old world. As they were frowned to Governor's Island, she has no ideas what is left in her future.
People could be infected. Family stolen from homes.
Loyalty and dedication to her work as a US Marshall oftentimes took her days and lengthy trips away from her family, a task she didn't swallow lightly. Alice Walker held a fractured marriage to her husband David, as the two often fought and argued more than they felt the romantic pull between them. Blessed with a son and daughter; Lucas and Jade, she felt confident her husband would do anything for their children. Unfortunately she would be assigned to a raid while he celebrated another birthday without her, only their two kids his entourage. Looking outside the restaurant at the yellowish pollen haze spreading through the streets, nobody expected it to bring forth such terrifying effects. People suddenly began lagging behind in their minds while their bodies continued onto the tasks are hand. Many were killed in vehicle accidents and others simply I hired themselves unknowingly. Fleeing through a vicious thunderstorm left the family's SUV pinned under a fallen tree and left Lucas dead and David gravely injured and dying. Meanwhile, Jade was pulled from the wreckage by EMT and flown to another hospital closer to Seattle flr treatment. As Alice fought her way to her family, she lingered while David breathed in his final breaths before running on autopilot trying to find where her children were taken. Seeing Lucas deceased in a morgue broke her but learning her daughter was flown and lost somewhere shattered everything inside of her. When Erika finally caught up to her, the entire state was placed under a State of Emergency and were forced to remain locked inside the house for two weeks before she couldn't take it anymore.
Survival was found in split-second decisions. Silence was helpful. Avoidance paramount.
Retreating into the Fire Lookout in the neighboring woods, Alice prayed everyday for Jade to stumble through the first and land here. After the first year a Cane Corso named Dog would become her companion accidentally as she was now taking part in rewards for hunting and killing people charged with crimes. With the world now lacking police intervention, civilians were now making the laws and dishing out the repercussions for those who broke them. Making herself quite useful over the two years since the Haze first swept through, not once did she forget about Jade and her desire to get her back. Refusing to imagine she could be dead, she held out hope but everything would change when the GERM helicopter went down in the lake surrounding her hideout. Running into action she pulled Jonah from the wreckage and brought him to the surface. Sputtering water his life still held in the balance as a soldier planned to shoot him dead as he was infected and could continue to spread the Haze. Shot down by Alice, the two would begin tracking to Seattle after she spotted the bracelet her daughter always wore still tied to his wrist. Not wanting to every go back, he tried countless escape attempts but each would fall as Alice and him pulled closer to the city.
Who were these people? How had they been taken? Where were those who had taken them?
Drawing nearer, the duo saw the devastation left behind and the lack of military involvement outside of the destroyed bridges. Knowing the University held the key and hopefully more answers, they would be captured but not before Jonah’s betrayal would be seen first hand. Planted there to lure Alice in, it was her golden blood so many craved as it held the antigen for the cure. As many survivors were hunted for blood transfusions, it was never set to work and would only give those who received three to six weeks of life before the symptoms returned and many would fall into deadly comas. Seeing Erika again brought bittersweet feelings to the surface as her boss Weston has plans to disect her brain to find a cure for the disease he set in motion. Going agkanats him, Erika helped put the points into play for Alice and Jade to escape, even though it costed her her own life in the end. Seekng her daughter so sickly from a two year coma, Alice now knew she was one of the most wanted woman in America as her blood was only within 43 people of the entire human race. Forgiving Jonah as he watched his cather be killed, she knew they were all the family she kept from the old world. As they were frowned to Governor's Island, she has no ideas what is left in her future.
People could be infected. Family stolen from homes.
September 26, 2024
Some dust comes down and either kills people are impairs their cognitive function to almost coma.
It was dreamed up by a billionaire scientist who I think wanted to come up with the cure and make millions but it was never quite clear how much of the world was affected and why would you release anything if you don't have a cure and why was he and the other scientists not affected even though they all worked around the pollen/dust/ affected people.
Alice is a mom, wife and federal agent. When the dust comes, her husband and son are killed and her daughter disappears. Her sister who is a scientist and is working trying to figure out if this is natural or a bio weapon tries to convince her sister to come live in the University lab compound safely. Alice refuses and goes to the forest to a fire lookout where her daughter once said she would head there if they family ever got separated. Alice lives alone and hunts down the evil people who when society is no longer prey on the weak. One day a government helicopter crashes in the lake near her and she dives in to save who ever is on board. She saves a teen boy who reminds her of her dead son who is wearing her missing daughter's ( Jade ) bracelet. She wants to head to Seattle where he said he stole the bracelet. Along the way they encounter all kinds of evil people and she keeps him alive.
The ending made no sense to me... the lies he told I could not keep straight and why ERika did the things she did ????? It was all very confusing to me. Up to that point it was a great thriller and I have idea what they were hoping for with the brain harvest... what if the live blood was the key and now that source had been destroyed????
It was dreamed up by a billionaire scientist who I think wanted to come up with the cure and make millions but it was never quite clear how much of the world was affected and why would you release anything if you don't have a cure and why was he and the other scientists not affected even though they all worked around the pollen/dust/ affected people.
Alice is a mom, wife and federal agent. When the dust comes, her husband and son are killed and her daughter disappears. Her sister who is a scientist and is working trying to figure out if this is natural or a bio weapon tries to convince her sister to come live in the University lab compound safely. Alice refuses and goes to the forest to a fire lookout where her daughter once said she would head there if they family ever got separated. Alice lives alone and hunts down the evil people who when society is no longer prey on the weak. One day a government helicopter crashes in the lake near her and she dives in to save who ever is on board. She saves a teen boy who reminds her of her dead son who is wearing her missing daughter's ( Jade ) bracelet. She wants to head to Seattle where he said he stole the bracelet. Along the way they encounter all kinds of evil people and she keeps him alive.
The ending made no sense to me... the lies he told I could not keep straight and why ERika did the things she did ????? It was all very confusing to me. Up to that point it was a great thriller and I have idea what they were hoping for with the brain harvest... what if the live blood was the key and now that source had been destroyed????
March 31, 2023
A new series? I hope so.
A strange yellow haze strikes society during a storm that infects its victims with a neural ailment that results in slow thinking, slow body movement, and ultimately death. Alice, a US Marshal, has spent the past two years searching for her daughter who went missing after the event. Over the two years, society has gone dystopian. Alice's sister is searching for a cure, while Alice's search for her daughter has gone cold until she saves a teenage boy (Jonah) who happens to be wearing a bracelet that once belonged to her daughter. Alice convinces Jonah to take her to where he got the bracelet.
The book started strongly and held the suspense and action through. There is strong character development, primarily with Alice as she adapts to the new way of life. She maintains her justifiable obsession with finding her daughter. At the beginning of her journey with Jonah, we certainly get the impression that she views Jonah primarily as a means to an end. When she saves his life, it is because he is her only lead to find her daughter. Slowly, she starts to care for Jonah as a person.
As I was reading this book, I realized that there was no way everything could be resolved by the book's end. While a lot was explained towards the end, we are left with an unfinished story. Given that I read this book about 4 months after its publishing and that Jack Hunt is known for his series, I am optimistic that another book is coming.
I enjoyed this book and hopefully, there will be a book 2.
A strange yellow haze strikes society during a storm that infects its victims with a neural ailment that results in slow thinking, slow body movement, and ultimately death. Alice, a US Marshal, has spent the past two years searching for her daughter who went missing after the event. Over the two years, society has gone dystopian. Alice's sister is searching for a cure, while Alice's search for her daughter has gone cold until she saves a teenage boy (Jonah) who happens to be wearing a bracelet that once belonged to her daughter. Alice convinces Jonah to take her to where he got the bracelet.
The book started strongly and held the suspense and action through. There is strong character development, primarily with Alice as she adapts to the new way of life. She maintains her justifiable obsession with finding her daughter. At the beginning of her journey with Jonah, we certainly get the impression that she views Jonah primarily as a means to an end. When she saves his life, it is because he is her only lead to find her daughter. Slowly, she starts to care for Jonah as a person.
As I was reading this book, I realized that there was no way everything could be resolved by the book's end. While a lot was explained towards the end, we are left with an unfinished story. Given that I read this book about 4 months after its publishing and that Jack Hunt is known for his series, I am optimistic that another book is coming.
I enjoyed this book and hopefully, there will be a book 2.
August 6, 2024
Yellow Pollen Like Haze…
What an amazing story from start to finish! The yellow pollen like substance that fell over the citizens the morning of David’s birthday, followed by a crazy storm started the saga for sanity in a virus torn world. Teenager/sullen daughter, Jade, met her dad and lil brother at the diner to help celebrate her Dad’s bday. However when their waitress went outside for a smoke break and was covered in the yellow flour like substance strange things started happen. The waitress’s reflexes were slowed down and she was unable to even stop pouring coffee. A contractor outside the diner cut off his own hand because he was in that yellow haze stupor.
Meanwhile, Alice, the wife of David and Mom to Jade and Lucas was the head of the secret service force. She was caught out on a drug bust along with her team in the middle of arresting a criminal. The story continues to get better with each new revelation clear ti the end. Can’t wait ti read the sequel as the world needs a cure!
What an amazing story from start to finish! The yellow pollen like substance that fell over the citizens the morning of David’s birthday, followed by a crazy storm started the saga for sanity in a virus torn world. Teenager/sullen daughter, Jade, met her dad and lil brother at the diner to help celebrate her Dad’s bday. However when their waitress went outside for a smoke break and was covered in the yellow flour like substance strange things started happen. The waitress’s reflexes were slowed down and she was unable to even stop pouring coffee. A contractor outside the diner cut off his own hand because he was in that yellow haze stupor.
Meanwhile, Alice, the wife of David and Mom to Jade and Lucas was the head of the secret service force. She was caught out on a drug bust along with her team in the middle of arresting a criminal. The story continues to get better with each new revelation clear ti the end. Can’t wait ti read the sequel as the world needs a cure!
March 30, 2023
The Haze a new Dystopia
I always know I can't go wrong with a Jack Hunt story. This world has a new epidemic that drops down on it fast and hard. A nice day for a family get-together turns deadly fast. Killing millions and soon after in the days ahead millions more. Alice has been going through the motions of living. Having lost her husband, son and no idea were her daughter is. Knowing she has a chance of someday finding Jade is all that keeps Alice going. After two years of living not knowing out of the sky comes a helicopter crashing into the lake. Out of this Jonas comes into Alice's life and with him a hope of finding Jade, her daughter. In a normal world Alice should realize this is all too convenient but in this world that has been hopeless, Alice can not pass up the hope of finding her lost daughter. So begins Alice and Jonas on a journey to find Jade. A journey that only circles back around to the beginning and the ultimate betrayal.
I always know I can't go wrong with a Jack Hunt story. This world has a new epidemic that drops down on it fast and hard. A nice day for a family get-together turns deadly fast. Killing millions and soon after in the days ahead millions more. Alice has been going through the motions of living. Having lost her husband, son and no idea were her daughter is. Knowing she has a chance of someday finding Jade is all that keeps Alice going. After two years of living not knowing out of the sky comes a helicopter crashing into the lake. Out of this Jonas comes into Alice's life and with him a hope of finding Jade, her daughter. In a normal world Alice should realize this is all too convenient but in this world that has been hopeless, Alice can not pass up the hope of finding her lost daughter. So begins Alice and Jonas on a journey to find Jade. A journey that only circles back around to the beginning and the ultimate betrayal.
March 29, 2023
I have to agree with the vast majority of other reviews here. This is a well-constructed story for the first 90% of the book, only to fizzle badly at the end (debated between 3 and 4 stars). After watching S1 of The Last of Us, it has a very similar vibe- post apocalyptical with possibly one person having the cure while a team (one adult and one child) navigates the terrors in the new reality.
The ending suffers from Scooby Doo Syndrome- the bad person having to explain the reasoning behind the story and what they did as otherwise it makes very little sense- which caused me to give it the 3 (all that was missing is the Dr. saying "I would have gotten away with it if it wasnt for you meddling kids").
That being said, I will likely pursue another book of his as most of this was was exciting
The ending suffers from Scooby Doo Syndrome- the bad person having to explain the reasoning behind the story and what they did as otherwise it makes very little sense- which caused me to give it the 3 (all that was missing is the Dr. saying "I would have gotten away with it if it wasnt for you meddling kids").
That being said, I will likely pursue another book of his as most of this was was exciting
February 24, 2023
I am torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one. It would have been 4– but the ending was just… poorly executed. They acted like there were breadcrumbs throughout to explain the ending— like it was a mystery woven into this post-apocalyptic story. But the breadcrumbs really were not there. Like you were supposed to read the ending and then recall back through the story and it would all make sense. But it didn’t make sense. Because of the perspective story telling, the story was told from multiple perspectives and some of those didn’t line up with the ending. Overall, it was a decent post-apocalyptic story.
December 28, 2022
Very interesting!
What an interesting story. Yellow dust floats through the air coating everything with a thick layer. Almost immediately people begin to act strangely…chaos ensues…and then slowly the world descends into hell.
This is one woman’s story of the search for her daughter. Alice has lost her husband and son, but her daughter survived the tree that crashed onto their vehicle. Survived and then disappeared. Alice has spent 2 years on her quest. And then Jonah drops into her life.
I highly recommend reading the book to find out what happens, and why.
What an interesting story. Yellow dust floats through the air coating everything with a thick layer. Almost immediately people begin to act strangely…chaos ensues…and then slowly the world descends into hell.
This is one woman’s story of the search for her daughter. Alice has lost her husband and son, but her daughter survived the tree that crashed onto their vehicle. Survived and then disappeared. Alice has spent 2 years on her quest. And then Jonah drops into her life.
I highly recommend reading the book to find out what happens, and why.
November 13, 2023
Definitely enjoyed this one but not enough to give it a 4*. Some of the writing was juvenile and oversimplified. While the story moved forward and ended with satisfaction (I also did not know about a sequel, but would be OK if I didn’t read the sequel). The premise is a good one and rings true in these current times I felt like something was missing. Alice’s character was bigger than life but silly at times, it seemed like “we can throw all kinds of obstacles at her and she cannot be stopped”. A little bit of BS especially when The characters barely eat or sleep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
Fast Paced Fun
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, fast paced, action packed adventure that was also thought provoking and in some places heart wrenching. The dialogue flowed smoothly and I felt it was a very easy book to read. I started reading one evening and finished it the next day. It definitely kept me hooked and turning the pages. The book was not what I expected. Most book that have a virus in it tend to lean towards the zombie / monster genre. This one was pleasantly different (I will leave it at that to prevent spoilers). Great job Jack!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, fast paced, action packed adventure that was also thought provoking and in some places heart wrenching. The dialogue flowed smoothly and I felt it was a very easy book to read. I started reading one evening and finished it the next day. It definitely kept me hooked and turning the pages. The book was not what I expected. Most book that have a virus in it tend to lean towards the zombie / monster genre. This one was pleasantly different (I will leave it at that to prevent spoilers). Great job Jack!
March 23, 2023
Came across this title randomly and the premise grabbed me enough for me to pull the trigger. I am so glad I grabbed it.
The book follows Alice, who lets say has gone through a lot. She encounters Jonah, who has his own tragic past. The two cross over dangerous territory to accomplish their goals. I felt like i was right there along with them on their journey. The ending was a tad bit rushed and a little bit of a plot hole, but I was pulled in so great, that it wasn't that big of a deal.
The book follows Alice, who lets say has gone through a lot. She encounters Jonah, who has his own tragic past. The two cross over dangerous territory to accomplish their goals. I felt like i was right there along with them on their journey. The ending was a tad bit rushed and a little bit of a plot hole, but I was pulled in so great, that it wasn't that big of a deal.
May 31, 2023
Kept me turning the pages. Hoping there is a sequel. Two of the best reasons to read. In my opinion. After going through Covid this really makes you think and feel like this could be true and it's downright terrifying. Very thought provoking and may keep you up at night.
Kept me turning the pages. Hoping there is a sequel. Two of the best reasons to read in my opinion. After going through covid this really makes you think and feel like this could be true.
Kept me turning the pages. Hoping there is a sequel. Two of the best reasons to read in my opinion. After going through covid this really makes you think and feel like this could be true.
June 11, 2023
Unexpected
Lots of action, twists in the plot, easy to follow. Apocalyptic and dark but accurate picture of the collapse of government and society as well as the lengths some of us will go to for loved ones. I liked Alice's drive and tenacity but her inability to consider any other possibility but her own was her biggest weakness. I did see that change finally toward the end of the book. I am curious to read the sequel.
Lots of action, twists in the plot, easy to follow. Apocalyptic and dark but accurate picture of the collapse of government and society as well as the lengths some of us will go to for loved ones. I liked Alice's drive and tenacity but her inability to consider any other possibility but her own was her biggest weakness. I did see that change finally toward the end of the book. I am curious to read the sequel.
July 4, 2023
A yellow haze suddenly blows in and coats everyone and everything that is outside. It is quickly followed by a rain storm. The people outside during this time become slow thinking, slow moving and many of them quickly die in accidents. Alice, a US Marshall finds her husband and son are killed in an accident and her daughter has been taken to a hospital. Two years later society has deteriorated and she still has not found her daughter. Good thriller. Good story line with strong characters.
August 20, 2023
Very unique
This is a great take on the teotwawki genre. Very complex and some great plot twists. The only reason for 4 out of 5 Is that it sometimes seems to move so fast that it can be difficult to follow. That and I wonder where all the ammo is coming from, and why not recover weapons from slain bad guys.
A little nitpicky, I know. Highly recommend it however, buying the sequel now.
This is a great take on the teotwawki genre. Very complex and some great plot twists. The only reason for 4 out of 5 Is that it sometimes seems to move so fast that it can be difficult to follow. That and I wonder where all the ammo is coming from, and why not recover weapons from slain bad guys.
A little nitpicky, I know. Highly recommend it however, buying the sequel now.
February 16, 2024
Intense survival
Dont really have to much to say. It was a good book, i did expect a bit more action, and there were moments where it just kinda dragged on. The story itself, was very similar to other stories, like a crossover between the walking dead, the last of us, and the happening. It was a bit predictable in some moments, but overal, it was still a good read. Ill be looking into the sequel
Dont really have to much to say. It was a good book, i did expect a bit more action, and there were moments where it just kinda dragged on. The story itself, was very similar to other stories, like a crossover between the walking dead, the last of us, and the happening. It was a bit predictable in some moments, but overal, it was still a good read. Ill be looking into the sequel
January 29, 2023
Good story
I enjoyed the story. However, as a retired nurse, I had to take off one star for the big mistakes in medical information. It reads as a lay person googling info and piecing it together without asking a medical specialist. But I imagine that won't annoy nonmedical people. Otherwise it's a good read.
I enjoyed the story. However, as a retired nurse, I had to take off one star for the big mistakes in medical information. It reads as a lay person googling info and piecing it together without asking a medical specialist. But I imagine that won't annoy nonmedical people. Otherwise it's a good read.
February 11, 2023
WAIT JUST A MINUTE! This better not be the end
I really enjoyed this story until I got to the end and there was nothing about the story continuing in a second book. Jack, I have read other books by you and you never leave your readers hanging. Please tell me you are working on this. I won't be able to sleep for worrying about Alice and the rest.
I really enjoyed this story until I got to the end and there was nothing about the story continuing in a second book. Jack, I have read other books by you and you never leave your readers hanging. Please tell me you are working on this. I won't be able to sleep for worrying about Alice and the rest.
July 29, 2023
It might have been my mood, but this one didn’t really do it for me. I nearly abandoned it but it was still open on my kindle so I powered through the last 20%. I wish he’d skipped the chapter about the mall, because there was no clear reason for them to go there, and I think he confused elevators and escalators, which was just sloppy. It was an interesting premise but just not great.
August 16, 2023
A gripping read
This story has the ability reign you as soon as the first few pages. Although I was able to decipher the juxtaposition of this story within the first three chapters, the manner in which this story is written will keep you turning pages until the very last word. I couldn't put it down. Well written and suspenseful.
This story has the ability reign you as soon as the first few pages. Although I was able to decipher the juxtaposition of this story within the first three chapters, the manner in which this story is written will keep you turning pages until the very last word. I couldn't put it down. Well written and suspenseful.
August 21, 2023
the haze
When I started this book, I thought it would have a lot more science in the meat of the plot. There was not. This is basically a post apocalyptic story.
If you’re looking for a post apocalyptic event book. Then this book would be for you. You would enjoy it. I probably would given it a five star rating if that was a book I thought it was.
When I started this book, I thought it would have a lot more science in the meat of the plot. There was not. This is basically a post apocalyptic story.
If you’re looking for a post apocalyptic event book. Then this book would be for you. You would enjoy it. I probably would given it a five star rating if that was a book I thought it was.
September 24, 2023
This was not a bad book It just Didn't feel the excitement of "I cannot wait to pick it up" that I get with some of my books. The author did Too much Explaining About the same thing happening over and over again so I found myself skipping those pages. I also had a hard time connecting up with The characters.
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