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

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

Posted on July 15, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: What Happens in the Darkness by Monica J. O’ Rourke

What Happens in the Darkness by Monica J. O’Rourke

Sinister Grin Press, 2013

ISBN: 978-0983911883

Availability: paperback

 

The United States has been attacked by its enemies. Cities are devastated, and now vampires, previously hidden, are running rampant, and looking to take over. Janelle is a twelve-year-old girl trying to survive the aftermath of war in New York City and discovers her mother is one of the vampires.

Jeff was guarding some of the most powerful vampires at an army base in upstate New York. He releases them, only to end up a vampire himself, against his will. Martin, their leader, will try to protect him as long as he stays loyal. Unfortunately, Jeff’s loyalties are divided.

Monica O’Rourke has written an intriguing take on the (sometimes) tired vampire sub-genre. Her characters are interesting, and the storylines, especially Jeff and Janelle’s, are quite compelling. I enjoyed reading a story in which America was a weakened victim of the Global Dominion, with the possibility that the country might not survive. It’s not the extreme horror that I have come to love by O’Rourke, although there is a horrific rape scene that I found quite disturbing. What Happens in the Darkness is an excellent read. Recommended.

Contains: blood, gore, violence, adult situations, rape, and profanity.

Reviewed by Colleen Wanglund

Posted on April 11, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: Steel Rose by Barbara Custer

Steel Rose by Barbara Custer

Eternal Press, 2013

ISBN: 9781615728534

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition

Steel Rose is a stand–alone novel, which may yet produce a series. This book focuses on the staff and patients of a hospital in Philadelphia. Alexis suffers from horrifying body riddling arthritis. While she is undergoing treatment, an alien race known as the Draekh invade Philadelphia through the hospital where she is staying, and take possession of numerous patients and staff. In particular, they find Alexis’ nemesis, Laurel, a tech at the hospital, of great interest, and turn her into the vampiric ground forces commander.  Alexis and her family must stave off these forces, but given her debilitating illness, this is no easy feat.

I found this book engrossing. The details on disease, zombie eating habits, and vampiric tendencies, are well-crafted and nuanced. I rather dug how venomously Laurel hates everybody. This is a deliciously evil book. It comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to readers of zombie, vampire, and science fiction.

Contains: Graphic Violence, Profanity, Adult Situations.

Reviewed by Benjamin Franz

 

 

Posted on February 14, 2015 by , Reply
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