Review Tuesday: Deadbreak: A Zombie Apocalypse Thriller by Jorge Sanchez

 

Deadbreak

by Jorge Sanchez 

Years after Deadbreak, the day the dead began to rise, Jeremiah Reid continues to look for his daughter.

I enjoy the horror genre in general and especially love to read how different authors might interpret certain aspects. Zombie stories are a wild mixed bag, so when I was offered the opportunity to read a free copy of DEADBREAK by Jorge Sanchez in exchange for an honest opinion I was happy to volunteer. 

Everyone has, probably, heard of the true natural horror of ZOMBIE ANTS. Spores from the Ophiocordyceps fungusturns carpenter ants into the undead, and seek to create more of their kind. As chilling as this natural terror may be, it's VERY specific. It can, and only infects carpenter ants. However, what if there was some ancient horror hidden in a deep cave in the deepest jungles of South America that could be unleashed when a team of international scientists visit? While that is only a couple paragraphs in this novel, it sent chills down my spine that something like this could even be possible and based a story on the concept. 

Years have passed since the rising of the undead. Jeremiah Reid is a lone survivor working his way across the USA trying to find a way to Hawaii. Before the fall of the human race, he and his wife dropped off their daughter because things were already in a bad way. The idea of leaving their daughter with her military officer grandfather seemed a safe bet. Apparently, the armed forces fell back to an enclosed military base on the Hawaiian Islands for safety. Therein presenting a substantial challenge for Jeremiah in getting there. The zombie masses are smarter and faster than some of those in modern storytelling. In addition they have "glowies" which are nuclear enriched zombie powerhouses. Of course, the worst adversaries in a post-apocalyptic world are OTHER SURVIVORS. While there are groups of kind and benevolent people out there, there are many more strange and violent groups roaming the wastes in search of plunder and slaves. You put all these elements and you have quite a story. 

Some of the good stuff you'll find in this story is the easy and smooth writing. You'll be drawn in by the clever and sarcastic banter that you would expect from people who have managed to survive and want to stay that way. The relationship between Jer and Joe, his trusty canine companion, is clever and amusing. Jenny is a tough brawd and a dependable friend.  Aspects that I had trouble with were the availability of ammunition and gasoline. Our good guys never ran out of either and used both recklessly. But I almost feel like I am splitting hairs with those gripes.

I would say that the story is well-written and engaging. You are drawn into Jeremiah's world immediately and you like him. The pages practically turn themselves and some nights I stayed up way too late reading just to find out WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! I won't divulge any spoilers, but I can say that you are in for a roller coaster ride right up to the final page. Worth your time to read! Definitely fun! 

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