Rotter Nation (Rotter World Saga Book 2) by Scott M. Baker

Schattensette Books, 2015

ISBN: 978-0996312103

Available: New Paperback, ebook

It’s nine months into an apocalypse  that was caused by a zombie virus, unleashed by vampires. Mike Robson and his team have successfully retrieved the vaccine from Site R, though they have suffered many losses. Upon returning to their camp, they find it completely destroyed and most of the residents dead—victims of a vicious rape gang that Robson’s team had a previous run-in with on the way to Site R. Now, they must pick up the pieces and find someplace new to start over. They must also get the vaccine safely to the government-in-exile in Omaha and try to rescue a survivor from the slaughter.

Baker has continued his post-apocalyptic world in a seamless fashion, introducing new characters while giving even more depth to returning ones. Robson is a real person, struggling with the conflict of choosing between doing the right thing for the world and risking losing his love, Natalie by sending her and the Angels to Omaha with the vaccine. Robson, Natalie, and other characters are all well-rounded, three-dimensional people (and vampires) and it is easy to relate to them through their emotions and how they deal with the situations they find themselves in. They will draw real and visceral reactions from readers.

The world has gone to hell and it is highly apparent in the vivid descriptions of the areas traveled through by the now separate groups headed by Robson and Natalie, and the very bad people that have survived. Away from the relative safety of the camp, the now divided group find themselves facing increasingly worse scenarios and dangers. Baker’s story is compelling and suspenseful, holding the reader’s attention from beginning to end, and the climax will leave the reader wanting more. Recommended.

Contains: violence, gore, adult language, adult situations

Reviewed by Colleen Wanglund