Z-Risen 1: Outbreak and Z-Risen 2: Outcasts

By: Timothy W. Long

Narrated by: Todd Menesses

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

When the USS McClusky (FFG-41) was overrun by the dead, Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed, and Marine Sergeant Joel "Cruze" Kelly, were forced to abandon the ship and take their chances in San Diego.

Now they are stuck in a city that has been completely overrun with zombies, and as the days go by, they must range farther and farther away from "fortress" in their search for supplies.

Relying on military training, guts, and pure force of will, the two of them will face a nightmare world that is intent on killing them one bite at a time.

Contains books 1 and 2 of the Z-RISEN series.

©2014 Timothy W. Long (P)2014 Timothy W. Long

Jackpot

I've just hit the jackpot! Three in a row! Three great zombie stories in a row. First there was "Dark Recollections: Adrian's Undead Diary, Volume 1" then there was "The Undead Situation" and now "Z-Risen:Outbreak". All three were a return to the boyhood enjoyment of reading batman and Robin comics’ books... you know the "bam zap boff whack" sort of stuff. Now I know I'm older and more mature… but wow! I loved the mindless action. These sorts of stories make me feel young again!

If you like to get a longer listening time per credit, then please take into consideration the narrator of this story speaks slowly. This story is easily listened to at 1.5x speed without any complaints!

The only negative I have with the story is that it didn’t end the way I was hoping. Don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you.

In conclusion, this is the type of book you listen to if you want to be entertained while taking the long commute to work without getting over involved with complex plots or intense emotional feelings. It is the type of story every stressed out not going anywhere type person (me) can enjoy to forget about everything.

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

Its movie guy!

That was my first thought of the narration. It's cool, but really? The entire book? But it was actually really good. The character voices were also very distinct, although sometimes the lead character seemed to change voices. I think he must have the best female voice by a male narrator I ever heard. I wouldn't have thought he could do that sounding the way he does.

The main thing with this book is the sarcastic ribbing Joel and Jackson give each other. The rude humor fits me very well and its the best I've heard. Its not at all like the Mark Tufo books. I found that humor just silly.

I found the characters had depth and story compelling with plenty of action. Not a lot of intricate plot lines, but developments with the dubious mercenaries/soldiers and shuffler zombies are intrigueing. Well, I loved the story so far and already on the next book.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

As a U.S. Navy vet I f***ing love this story.

Watching the story unfold in the ship then the base is very well done. Then seeing how simple common sense failures is why a Zombie apocalypse is possible makes me love this series even more. The teaming of squid and the jarhead is only natural.Just 2 enlisted schmoes surviving the end of the world. Any chance of getting a mini story for where the dog came from?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Please STOP with undead central!!

First time I have ever reviewed a book...why you ask now? Because they must stop with the undead central every 5-10 mins in the story...please!! Over all a decent story but it's so annoying when the narrator says his location in book 2 and ends with those stupid words!! Seriously you lose about 15 minutes or more of the book just to those stupid words over and over and over and over again!!!! However, I did just get the next two books to find out what happens. Now I'm really hoping they go to a different location then undead central!

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great book !

I really liked this books! I listened to it and finished book of them in 2 days. Very good story line and great details.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Love this series

The story grows and improves with the characters leading the way. Lots of survivalist lessons buried in the plot. Talented narrator with many voices.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Another enjoyable book from Mr Long, except....

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, although it seriously pushed me towards murderous intent by the end. It is a good read and I would love to hear what the outcome of the green eyed shufflers is. I hope there is a sequel for that fact alone.

What other book might you compare Z-Risen: Outbreak to and why?

I think it sits along side many of the other "journal of the fall" type narratives. I may be a tad biased over this though because nothing rates as highly as Tufo's Fallout series for me (possibly because I have a major crush on BT).

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes. I think the narration was well done.

Could you see Z-Risen: Outbreak being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. A movie would ruin these books for me simply because we all have our own images for each character.

Any additional comments?

I rarely write reviews, however I made an exception with this simply in the hope that the author actually reads them. In case he does, I am begging you, STOP using that damn phrase. I seriously think that if I ever hear "Undead Central" one more time I may explode. I have read several of his other works and enjoyed them. I could have enjoyed this one as well except that once that phrase started to grate on my nerves it totally ruined the tale. I hope there is a sequel (see above "green eyed"interest point). However, if that phrase is in it, I simply can not listen to it.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

a unique view on a zombie apocalypse

First thoughts about the cover of Z-Risen Outbreak? A man in an Army uniform and gun in front of a Navy ship with buildings smoking in the background. War story? Huge catastrophe? Some type of apocalypse? Please let it be an apocalypse! After reading the exert – Zombie apocalyptic story, yay!

The main character is Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed. He’s big, he’s burly, and he prefers to take out the zombies with a really BIG red wrench. He’s six feet three inches and has a great sarcastic wit he uses to help him cope with the new changes in his daily world. In a mental fight or a physical fight, he’s a great asset to have on your side.

The secondary main character is Marine Sergeant Joel Cruze Kelly. He’s a great sniper and rocks the hand to hand combat skills as well. In this new zombie filled world, Joel is Creed‘s best friend. Not only does Creed and Joel work well together at fighting for survival, their funny banter between each other helps to keep the horrors of this new world from becoming to overwhelming. Without each other, they probably would not have survived the first initial days of the apocalypse.

The Narrator is Todd Menesses. Todd has a very unique way of bringing the voices to life. Each character has a rich voice for his or her character. He is very talented and does a great job of bringing this book to life. The Author is Timothy W. Long. This book is 12 hours long. It is a combination of the first and second series of the Z-Risen series. Z-Risen: Outbreak Book One and Z-Risen: Outcast Book Two.

This book offers a unique view on a zombie apocalypse. It shows what military training could do to help keep a person or persons alive during a cataclysmic event. Mixed into that was witty humor and lots of jam packed action. It has a lot of blood and gore within. Not recommended for a younger audience. There were a few spots in this book that had playback issues. Luckily, even with these issues, the story and narration held attention to the story.

This book left me thinking about things that could and would help in an emergency. The things we take for granted on a daily bases. Should people plan for the worst and hope for the best? Should people set aside things here and there to help keep themselves and others alive in the worst case scenario? Or is it better to simply not worry about things that might not ever happen? I think it would be wisest to plan a little now rather than hurt a lot later. The safety of yourself and those you care about should always play an important role for your future.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

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13 of 21 people found this review helpful

Ama-Z-ing

Buckle up because there's no slowing down with this story! Navy machinist Jackson Creed has been floating through his Navy career doing the bare minimum, that comes to an abrupt end when a virus quickly overtakes the crew onboard the USS McClusky. Jackson has the good fortune to run across Marine Sergeant Joel Kelly and together they manage to make it off the ship only to discover San Diego hasn't been spared the outbreak either.

Their only mission is to find supplies and stay alive, and try to make it north, they meet many characters good and bad along the way, this book has it all humor, heartbreak, suspense, in other words, it's perfect!

Todd Menesses narrates and I'm still in awe of his ability to voice so many different characters. He definitely has a part in making this a 5-star read!

This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Generic zombie story

Would you try another book from Timothy W. Long and/or Todd Menesses?

This story read like a paint by numbers zombie tale. Stock situations, lazy tactics and hallow characters who seamed to survive purely out of luck. It didn't add anything new to the Zombie Genre.

The "voice" actor could not seem to make up his mind about what the different characters should sound like. At times, it was hard to tell who was speaking.

Has Z-Risen: Outbreak turned you off from other books in this genre?

yes. It was very lazy.

Would you be willing to try another one of Todd Menesses’s performances?

Absolutely not.

Did Z-Risen: Outbreak inspire you to do anything?

Return the book and forget i read it.

5 of 11 people found this review helpful

Good story, nice humour

Good characters, good story. Good narrator. One of my favourites, just listened to it again. Want a 4th book because I want more of the characters :D Really well put together, my cup of tea.

better series out there

The book was ok, I love the zombie genre but wont be continuing with this series just didnt hold my attention and found the style of writting bored me. There are far better zombie series to listen to