Survivors

The Morningstar Strain, Book 3

By: Z. A. Recht, Thom Brannan

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Survivors is the all-new soul-shattering climax to the postapocalyptic trilogy, featuring a deadly virus, military action, global devastation - and zombies.

A lot can change in three months: Wars can be decided, nations can be forged...or entire species can be brought to the brink of annihilation. The Morningstar Virus, an incredibly virulent disease, has swept the face of the planet, infecting billions. The infected hosts rampage, attacking anything that remains uninfected. Even death can’t stop the virus - its victims become frightening and deadly cannibals. Scattered across the world, embattled groups have persevered. For some, surviving is the pinnacle of achievement. Others hoard goods and weapons. And still others leverage power over the remnants of humanity in the form of a mysterious cure for Morningstar. For the survivors, the peril remains, and the search for a cure goes on....

©2012 Z.A. Recht (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Great, but not as good as the first two. RIP Mr. R

What did you like best about Survivors? What did you like least?

It completed perhaps the best zombie story I've heard yet. I like Z.A. Recht a lot, but he passed away before he could finish this edition. It was clear that it was not written by him. The nemesis was just rediculous, and I felt like it would have added to the plot to keep more people alive till the end.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Zombies!

Do you think Survivors needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. It would've been cool if Recht could've wrote it, but he can't now. Besides, all the main characters that he's spent so much time developing have been carelessly and almost non-shalauntly killed off.

Any additional comments?

RIP Z.A. Recht, you were truly a great author. Your death is a loss to the world.

Pretty good

This last part of the trilogy seemed to wander a bit more than the first 2 parts and the ending was a bit abrupt but not a bad listen. It brought the story to a close. I'm going back to listen to all 3 parts together to see it was a difference in writing style or maybe plot that left me feeling it was only a 3 star listen.

Problems with the Narrator

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Oliver Wyman?

I would have cast Oliver Wyman, but I would have asked him to use all the same voices he did in the first two books -- especially his narrator voice. When I first started listening to the book, I thought they had gotten a new narrator to go along with the new author. But no. I was surprised to find out after a quick check of Audible.com that it *is* the same guy.

There is also the small issue of two lines in Spanish. Mr Wyman pronounced them HORRIBLY. They weren't all that integral to the plot, just banter between Jose, his daughter, and Keaton, but listening to him say the lines so poorly just made me cringe.

Why Oliver WHY?

I was so eagerly awaiting this book. I can only imagine how hard it was to step into Z A's shoes to finish this trilogy. So I did not anticipate that he would be able to capture the same humor and vibe of Z A's style and characters but I wasn't going to miss out on the end though.. What was the horrible reality though was how Oliver Wyman totally blew off the characters. None of them sounded the same or even remotely had the same personality! Brewster sounded like an okie red neck not at all the tone he used before. Jack, hello? He sounded like he was from Wisconsin not down under! All in all it was a real let down. Like I said, I didn't expect that the ghost writer would capture Z A, but how could he? He had big she's to fill and kudos to him for going into a situation where he was already down. The real disappointment was Oliver and he's by far my favorite narrator! If I were Thom, I'd be mad that Oliver didn't live up to his end of the deal.
The book also leaves things up in the air so if you expect resolution, you won't get it. :(

Decent book

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not really. Its simply not good enough, charecter deleopment is slow, and to me not to interesting

Would you be willing to try another book from Z. A. Recht and Thom Brannan ? Why or why not?

I would depending on the theme

Would you listen to another book narrated by Oliver Wyman?

yes

Was Survivors worth the listening time?

Yes

Very interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, It is a good story and keep you interested

Who was your favorite character and why?

I did not have a favorite character. I would say Brewster was the most realistic.

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The interaction between people

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes,

Any additional comments?

I did not see the logic in destroying working parts of civilization. I could understand that the leader was insane with hatred but why did his men follow him That to me was the most disturbing part of the book. At first I could not understand why they ended certain characters and then I decided it was to complete the series and take away any interest in a further story.

Dont believe the negative comments

What did you love best about Survivors?

I reviewed a lot of comments about how the story wasnt true to the first two books. Also, complaints about certain characters dying and doing so quickly. So I started the book assuming the worst. By the end I felt it was true to the series and well done. So there isnt the Hollywood everyone and their dog some how lives happily ever after ending ... so what. The focus on this book is different, but everything tied together for me. I thought the end was well done. If you liked the first two books you will like this one.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Survivors?

The final couple hours of the book were great.

Which scene was your favorite?

I would say the last two minutes. The scene, to me, tied up the intent of the author relative to the sacrifices made in the book.

Good Ending to a Good Series

Where does Survivors rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The author has done an excellent job at getting all his needed characters to this point. The emotions and roles have been established even before you start listening. The pace of this book is high and keeps the listener engaged throughout.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Survivors?

When the sheriff escapes in to the woods and has to finish one of the attackers. It really puts the death nail in that he has to leave the life he built for his community.

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He made most of the characters stand out when he was speaking as them. It really does help when there are so many male characters talking throughout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

More than you enemy at the door.

entertaining

I really liked the first two in this series. The conclusion was less than satisfying. Still, an enjoyable "read"

Sad to see it end this way ...

The story was okay ... the ending had a lot of huge holes in it I could drive my SUV through it. It just did not make any sense at all! I won't spoil it but I'm glad it was at the end because after I read it I really didn't want to go any further. The performance of the narrator was great, as always. The editing of the audiobook was not very good at all. There were many repeats, mid-sentence cut outs, among other issues. I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this and honestly feel cheated out of the credit I spent to get it.