Metal

By: J.F. Lawrence

Narrated by: Brian Avers

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A fast-paced apocalyptic novel with a flair of Michael Crichton.

Terrance Mathison, a veteran turned bioengineer, returns from a camping trip to find that a widespread pathogen is quickly rusting important metals once they’re touched. Amid the crumbling downfall of our technological society, he assembles a team of super-nerds and elite soldiers to find and secure a lab in hopes of developing a cure. As cities collapse and food supplies dwindle, Mathison and his team navigate an increasingly savage world. He has to decide what lengths he will go to for a cure.

Lawrence’s novel asks the question, “How do we survive without metals?”

Metal may appeal to those who enjoyed the Arisen series and Jurassic Park.

Scientific grounding: For this project, the author learned from experts in the rapidly growing fields of microbially induced corrosion, biohacking, bioengineering, and infectious diseases. While Metal was vetted by spec-ops veterans, some liberties were taken because of the backdrop of rusting.

©2023 JFL Press, LLC (P)2023 JFL Press, LLC

Very interesting storyline

This is the story of a thrown together special forces unit trying to prevent metal from rusting away. I really enjoyed it.

The perfect blend.

This is a post-apocalyptic buffet. My favorite genre so I've read/viewed many works and this does not disappoint. The premise is so fun that I don't even care if the science is solid and it may well be. It's fun, frenzied and full of heart. it doesn't take the apocalypse lightly but it also doesn't drag you through the mud. Well done.

Yet another narrator for my ever growing list of great performers.

New scenario

Love this idea of a new scenario of rusting bacteria. Made me think of " Ill Wind". Great characters and realistic.

A high-octane apocalyptic thriller!

"Metal" by J.F. Lawrence, narrated by Brian Avers, is a high-octane apocalyptic thriller with a Michael Crichton vibe. Lawrence's writing is top-notch, and Avers delivers a stellar narration. If you're seeking a gripping adventure in a world where metals crumble, this one's a must-listen.

Enjoyed the read

I received this title in exchange for an honest review. I struggled at first to get into the storyline but after a bit, I began to enjoy the read. I was entertained and wanted the story to continue.

Ok sci-fi apocalypse

I was a little turned off by the main character making such references like “tubby” hikers. I know he was some sort of smart military guy. I read quite a lot in the apocalypse genre, and am pretty used to the strong military guy saves the world. But, this was a bit much. It was distracting from the story. The rest of the story and science was fairly interesting. The narrator did an excellent job.

Very cool premise

The story felt like it could really happen- which I love. The end was unfulfilling for me. It just didn’t match the situation.

The New Michael Crichton

This book was reminiscent of the older Michael Crichton books like Sphere and Andromeda Strain and even the first Jurassic Park. It kept me on the seat of my pants throughout. The book's premise is believable and the author did his homework with the technical. I'm not a huge military buff but the character's actions and reactions followed their backgrounds and histories well which really proved how well written the characters were. This post apocalyptic book had some holes, but they were easily overlooked as you got swept up in the constant action and interactions between the main characters. I loved how the main character never wavered in his sense of morality despite the change in his situation. He recalibrated and kept going. I was almost going to hate the author for the way the book almost ended but everything resolved in a satisfactory manner as much as a post-apocalyptic story can. I look forward to reading/listening more from this author. The narrator also did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and especially the main character.

Far out, yet interesting premise, w/ rapid action

The first few chapters rapidly accelerate the action in this "Outbreak" meets "inverse Gray Goo" scenario, and as of the halfway point, it hasn't slowed down.
Edit: this book never lets up, and the last few chapters tie things together quite nicely.
The far reaching implications of the premise are touched on with an appreciated thoughtfulness.
The narrator is competent and voices for the characters are distinct throughout.
All in all, a good listen!

A Front Row Seat

I've read post-apocalyptic novels before. This one is more like mid-apocalyptic; J.F. Lawrence throws the reader in just at the trigger point and then gives a perfect view of the rapid collapse of a civilization that is built on metal. You don't have to imagine a world where technologies that are dependent on metal (electronics/communications, vehicles, weapons, construction, culinary, etc.) disappear. Lawrence paints it for you in disturbing detail with his vivid writing.

His band of characters is thrown together in ad hoc fashion with one simple mission: save humanity - from the diseases that they carry, but also from themselves. The characters face conflict and setbacks often, but along the way, they learn about themselves and about being there for each other. There is a strong sense of family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wild thrill ride, especially the hero, Wall. He is often introspective, sometimes guilt-wracked, and frequently a bullet magnet. Another character describes him as the unluckiest lucky man ever.

Brian Avers brings the characters, and all their clashing emotions, to life in the audiobook version. In my opinion, he is the perfect narrator for this story. The pace is not rushed, yet the listener feels all the urgency and tension. Truly excellent narration helps to make this a five-star experience.