Z-Risen 3: Poisoned Earth

By: Timothy W. Long

Narrated by: Todd Menesses

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Contains Z-Risen 3: Poisoned Earth and Z-Risen 4: Reavers

Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed and Marine Sergeant Joel "Cruze" Kelly have faced hordes of undead, rogue military units and a constant living nightmare as they try to navigate the apocalypse. Now they are close to their goal of reaching Los Angeles where they hope to learn the origin of the plague that has affected the US. Along the way, they've been harried by the shadow mercenary group known only as Bright Star, but that is all about to change.

Also contains the bonus short story "Night of the Living Old Farts".

©2015 Timothy W. Long (P)2016 Timothy W. Long

Two Reluctant Reavers and a Dog

The Jackson Creed and Joel Kelly story continues with our intrepid heroes still fighting their way through the zombie apocalypse, as they head north towards the perceived oasis of Camp Pendleton, along the way they’ve formed a quasi-family unit with a few of the characters from the first two books, there’s Roz who has formed a close attachment with Joel, Anna, who likes/hates Jackson and may or may not still be attached to the mercenary group Bright Star, time will tell if Anna is friend or foe, Christy, a kick ass young girl who has stolen Jackson’s heart, he’ll do anything to keep that little girl safe, and Frosty the dog who knows when to keep his yap shut and when to take a bite out of enemies, human or zombie.

The undead has brought out the worst in human nature or to paraphrase Jackson, he’d rather deal with a horde of zombies than the dregs of society that seem to be thriving amid all the chaos. Soon two rogue military-like factions arise the Reavers and Bright Star, the ensuing battle between these two groups cause Jackson and Christy to becomes separated from the rest of the group, feeling abandoned and helpless without Kelly, Jackson has to keep it together for Christy’s sake and whether he believes it or not he has learned a lot from Kelly in the short time they were together, living in this dystopia has taught Jackson one thing, that he is a survivor and he’ll take whatever action is necessary to stay alive and that means aligning himself with the Reavers.

Todd Menesses continues his amazing performance as the narrator of this series. My husband, who never ever questions who or what I’m listening to, asked if only one narrator was voicing all the different characters, when I said yes he was impressed, that endorsement alone should get Mr. Menesses an Audie Award!

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

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Series

Great series so far! Great add to your library. The narrarator does a great job.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

More intrigue, shades of gray

Although book one was better this one follows much the same style with more intrigue and revelations about the Bright Star military and the Reavers. I like that it wasn't all just black and white. I wouldn't mind if it was a bit darker; don't need jokes everywhere.

There is a bonus story at the end, and that narrator pulls off all kinds of voices. Incredibly talented voice master.

There was one part where they were flying around and then suddenly on the ground. I thought there was a page missing. I'm not sure.

I was a bit disappointed in the death of one character; didn't expect that to happen! I thought it could have been worked into the story more. All the same, this series is a must read.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

a wonderful blend of zombie violence, fear & humor

Separated from Joel and Anna, Jackson Creed and Christy continue their Zombie adventures in Los Angeles.  Starving and desperate, they are forced to take refuge with the Reevers.  And they are not what they seem.  Safety and food feel good after the long and bitter battles with the endless hordes, but something is wrong.  And Jackson is going to find out what it is.

Later in the story we find out about Joel, Anna, Roz and Brightstar.  We also learn more about the shufflers and their unique ability to call the other zombies.  If fighting zombies wasn’t bad enough, now they have semi-intelligent leaders.  If the fighting factions of humans can’t get together, humanity’s chances of survival are looking grim.

In this third and fourth installment of the Z-Risen series, we learn a little more about the surviving humans, various factions and the fallen government.  More questions are raised than answered, like how the outbreak started or if it was caused by intention.  We are looking at the story from the point of view of Jackson Creed, so if he doesn’t know, we don’t know.

Z-Risen is a wonderful blend of zombie violence, fear and humor.  The books don’t take themselves seriously.  Humor in the face of extreme violence equals zombie fun.  Why not?  Zombies are ridiculous – dead humans that keep coming until you smash their heads.  Long keeps the action light, and the sarcasm flowing.  It makes for a truly fun listen.  Science be damned.

The books are performed by Todd Menesses.  His deep baritone rumbles in your head as he portrays the male military characters, then goes high enough to give the female characters their due.  He has a remarkable range and provides a wonderful performance.  The listener gets to enjoy Jackson’s steady sarcasm in face of infinite horror.  Excellent.

If you like your zombie adventures equally mixed with horror and humor, you’ll love these stories.  Just sit back and enjoy the ride.  There is a kind of ending to the story, but it looks very likely there will be more in the series.  You'll want to listen to those when they are released.  Recommended.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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4 of 7 people found this review helpful

Tim W Long and Todd Menesses best duo ever

I love this series the humor and action are the best! Todd brings Jackson Creed and Joel Cruz Kelly to life!

Gooooood

Enjoyed this. Just finished the trilogy for the third time. Really want a fourth book to happen but I'm not sure if the author will be doing one.