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Ordinary People Surviving Extraordinary Times, Book 1

By: Mike Sheridan

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Ordinary people surviving extraordinary times.

A college student in Knoxville. An Irish couple on their dream vacation in Orlando. A bank robber in an Atlanta prison...what do they all have in common? They are survivors of vPx073, the most deadly virus ever to be unleashed on the planet. One that has brought civilization to a standstill.

Haunted by the tragic death of his Gulf War veteran father, Cody Parsons is a struggling student at UTK when the pandemic hits Knoxville. Soon the sharpshooting skills his father taught him as a 14-year-old are put to good use - especially when an ex-US army combat engineer takes him under his wing. As food and water runs out, and roving gangs take over the cities, the paths of some very determined survivors are destined to meet...with surprising consequences.

With strong, original characters, this is a fast-paced story that fans of post-apocalyptic survival fiction will appreciate.

©2017 Mike Sheridan (P)2017 Mike Sheridan

Enjoyable audiobook

This was an enjoyable audiobook, but not recommended for teens or younger. The sections I would consider "adult" were tastefully done, with nothing too explicit. I was quite pleased with the accuracy of topographical descriptions given, because I'm a Knoxville native and have worked on several occasions in all the areas described in the story except Ireland.
I would recommend this a good audio, and look forward to the sequel.

End of the World quick read

Mike Sheridan did a good job setting the foundation for a book series and building unforgettable characters. A quickly-spreading disease outbreak is killing and only a few have a natural immunity. People need food, medicine, and fuel but are they even thinking beyond today?

The story moved smoothly but I wished for more intense moments in general and at the end of the book - may be that builds in the next book! Kevin Pierce did a great job with making each character feel real. I always enjoy any books he has narrated. I was provided this free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The APOXalypses is here

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed this book. Unlike many books of this type, it doesn't spend 1/3 of the story setting up the fall. You jump right in as it all falls apart, and falls apart fast.

Still, the characters are developed and interesting. They quickly understand the past, is just that. They need to focus on the now. They make mistakes, deal with the fallout, and work towards a goal. My only two nitpicks about the book are it's short. I'm looking forward to the second book, which I hope runs a little longer, and the bigger issue of the kill rate.

It's mentioned that there is a 98% kill off. That seems way to high for the conflicts that seem to come up. There should be hundreds of acres per person left, and resources everywhere, but they are all fighting over the same piece of real estate. It seems more realistic that you could go for days without ever seeing another soul.

*This audiobook was provided to me at no cost in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Nice apocalypse novel

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Walter and Cody, both had that feeling that they knew what they were doing. One being a former army engineer and one trained by his father who was formerly military.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Kevin Pierce?

I liked his narration and voice, though his Irish accents need some work lol.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was fast paced and entertaining.

Any additional comments?

I received this audio book for free in exchange for an honest review.

❤️

Really not a fan of how much the story jumps around in the beginning. It made it harder for me to really get into it. But eventually everything comes together and I really enjoyed it. I'll definitely be following up with this series.

Kevin Pierce is a favorite narrator of mine. He always delivers a top notch performance.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Fantastic story

This has been a great book to listen to. It is not only painting a great picture for the next one but it too has been a well written story. I am on the edge of my seat and looking forward to the next.

Immunity

This was a fairly good post-apocalyptic book; it is not your typical zombie or EMP book. This book is about infection of V Pox killing people who stay dead and some are immune now having to survive and rebuilt. Liked the characters of Walter, Cody and Petey but hated Chris. Narration was good. Looking forward to Eastwood! Recommend to anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. THANK YOU!

Familiar Plot Line Done Well

What about Kevin Pierce’s performance did you like?

Kevin always does a great job narrating. His performance doesn't distract from a story, but enhances the impact.

Any additional comments?

This time it is a pandemic, no zombies, but the standard breakdown of society and everyone heads for the hills. The story develops well, jumping between characters and character groups. I liked the concept of the "fish out of water" Irish couple. Nothing really new or unique here, but the story moves along well with a good mix of people. The conflict between the overbearing self proclaimed leader and the rest of his group is well done. The book ends abruptly and a bit short at 5 1/2 hours with a teaser for the next book.
Kevin Pierce does his usual bang up job of narration with the exception of the Irish accent. I've been to Ireland many times, so I know one when I hear it. This one varies between British and Aussie with occasional lapses into something mysterious. Then again, he may have been confused by the character who while an Irish male, seems to be living in Britain by what he says and does not Dublin. The female Irish character seems to have an American accent.
Overall it is a good addition to the genre, and even pays tribute to a few other well known dystopian authors. I look forward to listening to book 2.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Prepping in the wake of pandemic

Given a devastating enough pandemic, a survivor can get prepped as thoroughly and as affordably as possible. Good story along these lines.

Sheridan references Franklin Horton a few times and has a similar feel and tone to Horton.

Interesting storyline and likable characters.

Superb narration as always with Kevin Pierce.

I'm interested to see where this story goes.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

New location - Georgia

Good book. The location is in Georgia so that was interesting. The characters were interesting and realistic.
Worth listening to.