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Surviving the Dead #3
Warrior Within
There are those who do not wish for peace.
As the Free Legion declares war on the survivors of Hollow Rock, Gabriel and Eric find themselves drawn ever deeper into the growing conflict. Aided by a fledgling militia, and a small contingent of federal operatives, the two warriors must find a way to defeat an unyielding enemy that threatens to destroy all they have grown to love.
To win, Gabriel must become the leader he was born to be, while Eric, haunted by his actions since the Outbreak, must descend deeper into the heart of darkness.
In this battle, nothing is what it seems. The tides of power are shifting, and soon, a danger even greater than the living dead will rise…
Surviving the Dead I: No Easy Hope
Surviving the Dead II: This Shattered Land
Surviving the Dead III: Warrior Within
As the Free Legion declares war on the survivors of Hollow Rock, Gabriel and Eric find themselves drawn ever deeper into the growing conflict. Aided by a fledgling militia, and a small contingent of federal operatives, the two warriors must find a way to defeat an unyielding enemy that threatens to destroy all they have grown to love.
To win, Gabriel must become the leader he was born to be, while Eric, haunted by his actions since the Outbreak, must descend deeper into the heart of darkness.
In this battle, nothing is what it seems. The tides of power are shifting, and soon, a danger even greater than the living dead will rise…
Surviving the Dead I: No Easy Hope
Surviving the Dead II: This Shattered Land
Surviving the Dead III: Warrior Within
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2013
About the author
James N. Cook
16 books247 followersJames N. Cook is a martial arts enthusiast, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former cubicle dweller, and the author of the Surviving the Dead series. He hikes, he goes camping, he travels a lot, and he has trouble staying in one spot for very long. He lives in North Carolina.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmLlKf
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 18, 2014
This series is actually superior zombie apocalypse fiction. Easy to read, keeps your attention. I took a star off this volume because it could do with a lot less sex scenes. They don't add to the story and I hate skipping pages, but hate having to read erotica in my zombie stories even more.
Author needs to pay a little more attention to use of apostrophes in words; 's is a possessive. So it's radios not radio's for example. Doesn't detract from the story overmuch; it's just a pet peeve of mine and maybe the author will see this review, maybe not. At least he knows it's "horde" not "hoard" which so many of the authors I've read lately do, which annoys me far worse than misplaced apostrophies. A hoard of zombies sounds like some miser was collecting them in a box under his bed.
Author needs to pay a little more attention to use of apostrophes in words; 's is a possessive. So it's radios not radio's for example. Doesn't detract from the story overmuch; it's just a pet peeve of mine and maybe the author will see this review, maybe not. At least he knows it's "horde" not "hoard" which so many of the authors I've read lately do, which annoys me far worse than misplaced apostrophies. A hoard of zombies sounds like some miser was collecting them in a box under his bed.
August 4, 2013
Finally completed the third book and have to admit that this one is the best. Some reviewers have commented about the lack of zombies and battles with the hordes...as in the first two books, but although these books are part of a zombie series (Surviving the Dead), one should consider that this series has always been about survival.
The Free Legion has been a threat to those survivors in the story and must be eliminated. Another reason for the lack of zombies in "Warrior Within" is because most of them within the vicinity have been eradicated during the past two-plus years.
Eric is captured by the Legion (planned) and is forever grateful for the information provided by a young Legion member - was captured himself during an ambush and ends up spilling his guts; without it, Eric would never have survived. They also learn that not everybody in the Legion wants to be there, many are forced into duty by the leaders; villains who become easy to hate. I even thought Eric would die on several occasions within the story as he is beaten, starved and thirsty for most of his first three weeks in captivity. The small town and the U.S. Army were counting on him to succeed in his mission of gathering intel.
The country has evolved into three distinct groups - the United States government continues to exist in Colorado and are attempting to bring all the groups together as one. However, the other two groups want to rule the United States and have joined forces against the U.S. government, sandwiching them between forces controlling the lands both east and west of the current government. The country is beginning to rise up out of the ashes. Farms, manufacturing, energy and fuel resources are starting up again. My guess is that if there is a 4th installment, it will have very little to do with zombies and will, instead, focus on a civil war between these factions.
Thank you, Mr. Cook, your series kept me entertained and reading way into the night. All the books are real page turners, difficult to put down and are highly recommended. You do have a talent for writing, but I strongly suggest you hire a line editor for your next story...so many people have taken away stars in previous reviews for your series because of editing errors. Take heed of their feedback - it will result in more books being sold.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
The Free Legion has been a threat to those survivors in the story and must be eliminated. Another reason for the lack of zombies in "Warrior Within" is because most of them within the vicinity have been eradicated during the past two-plus years.
Eric is captured by the Legion (planned) and is forever grateful for the information provided by a young Legion member - was captured himself during an ambush and ends up spilling his guts; without it, Eric would never have survived. They also learn that not everybody in the Legion wants to be there, many are forced into duty by the leaders; villains who become easy to hate. I even thought Eric would die on several occasions within the story as he is beaten, starved and thirsty for most of his first three weeks in captivity. The small town and the U.S. Army were counting on him to succeed in his mission of gathering intel.
The country has evolved into three distinct groups - the United States government continues to exist in Colorado and are attempting to bring all the groups together as one. However, the other two groups want to rule the United States and have joined forces against the U.S. government, sandwiching them between forces controlling the lands both east and west of the current government. The country is beginning to rise up out of the ashes. Farms, manufacturing, energy and fuel resources are starting up again. My guess is that if there is a 4th installment, it will have very little to do with zombies and will, instead, focus on a civil war between these factions.
Thank you, Mr. Cook, your series kept me entertained and reading way into the night. All the books are real page turners, difficult to put down and are highly recommended. You do have a talent for writing, but I strongly suggest you hire a line editor for your next story...so many people have taken away stars in previous reviews for your series because of editing errors. Take heed of their feedback - it will result in more books being sold.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
May 17, 2013
At last!!! Warrior Within was on my most anticipated book list for 2013, and it did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot different from the first two – not much zombie action but a lot of human vs. human action.
The book deals primarily with Eric, and the plan for him to go undercover and infiltrate the Free Legion. The Free Legion is a military type group of ‘men’ (?) who have an agenda. No-one seems to know where they come from or who they are directly affiliated with, or what their plan for the future is, but one thing they do know, is that Hollow Rock, the town where Eric and Gabe currently live, is one of their targets.
There is a lot of action and suspense in this book, but there was also the budding romance between Gabe and the mayor (yes!!), and Eric and Allison, which brought another aspect to the story.
I loved the ending of this book …………………….
I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot different from the first two – not much zombie action but a lot of human vs. human action.
The book deals primarily with Eric, and the plan for him to go undercover and infiltrate the Free Legion. The Free Legion is a military type group of ‘men’ (?) who have an agenda. No-one seems to know where they come from or who they are directly affiliated with, or what their plan for the future is, but one thing they do know, is that Hollow Rock, the town where Eric and Gabe currently live, is one of their targets.
There is a lot of action and suspense in this book, but there was also the budding romance between Gabe and the mayor (yes!!), and Eric and Allison, which brought another aspect to the story.
I loved the ending of this book …………………….
May 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this series. The characters were well thought out and engaging. I was a little concerned when I started this book, because it obviously has a different tone than the first 2. I liked the way the author laid it out and then pulled it together. The editing on this series was really strong, too. The grammar and spelling errors were minimal and thus did not detract from the story. The series, although exploring a topic that I have been focusing on lately, added a different dimension to the zombie thriller. I really hope the series continues beyond the stand-alone novel that the author plans to co-write.
February 18, 2016
I really really like these books they are well written and I love Gabe and Eric. My only real issue with these books is that it doesn't have enough zombie in it and they are not really that scary I just kinda think to myself oh wow there is finally a zombie scene. That makes me sad I love the blood and guts I hate it when people I like die and I cry like a baby when it happens but that's why I love zombie books.
I mean don't get me wrong these books are amazing the people are great and like I said I love the boys but the books don't feel like zombie books to me just end of the world books.
I mean don't get me wrong these books are amazing the people are great and like I said I love the boys but the books don't feel like zombie books to me just end of the world books.
May 25, 2018
Just Keeps Getting Better.....
You know, I tried to start this series multiple times. But it just never grabbed me. I tried again, however - this time sticking with it, and then somewhere in that 1st book I was hooked. Finally!
Since that time, the series has kept growing richer, deeper, broader, and more exciting. With characters who are well developed - you really get to know them, either loving or hating them. Or thinking they are shady mf’ers with more to be revealed in time....
It’s not your usual zom-poc novel. This storyline is quite unique and fun to read. The zombies, though, they are what you would expect. But there’s nothing wrong with that.
Thus - hooked I am. On to the next book. And I already know, I will be disappointed when the series ends. Wanting more; for it to keep moving forward.
So stop reading me — go get the 1st book. And if it doesn’t thrill you or keep your attention during the first quarter or half of the book, just stick with it. It’s absolutely worth it - I promise!!
**********This series is one of the top series out there. I have read TONS over the past 4 years. And this is one of the top 20. That’s saying A LOT. **************
You know, I tried to start this series multiple times. But it just never grabbed me. I tried again, however - this time sticking with it, and then somewhere in that 1st book I was hooked. Finally!
Since that time, the series has kept growing richer, deeper, broader, and more exciting. With characters who are well developed - you really get to know them, either loving or hating them. Or thinking they are shady mf’ers with more to be revealed in time....
It’s not your usual zom-poc novel. This storyline is quite unique and fun to read. The zombies, though, they are what you would expect. But there’s nothing wrong with that.
Thus - hooked I am. On to the next book. And I already know, I will be disappointed when the series ends. Wanting more; for it to keep moving forward.
So stop reading me — go get the 1st book. And if it doesn’t thrill you or keep your attention during the first quarter or half of the book, just stick with it. It’s absolutely worth it - I promise!!
**********This series is one of the top series out there. I have read TONS over the past 4 years. And this is one of the top 20. That’s saying A LOT. **************
March 27, 2019
Surviving still
It took me a minute to get back to this series. I did not regret the decision. The author is slowly building steam with his characters. Gabriel is still a hard favorite for me; brutal, efficient, and all together lethal. The image of the world after the end is not without excellent detail. Being a native of Tennessee, I enjoyed the tale. If your looking for a good read check this book out.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
It took me a minute to get back to this series. I did not regret the decision. The author is slowly building steam with his characters. Gabriel is still a hard favorite for me; brutal, efficient, and all together lethal. The image of the world after the end is not without excellent detail. Being a native of Tennessee, I enjoyed the tale. If your looking for a good read check this book out.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
September 20, 2017
Highly recommended
I've read many many zombie fiction books and this is certainly one of the most interesting and definitely keeps you reading long after the point in which some zombie books begin to slow down once the main characters are real survivors and have found some safety, I've read the first four in this series in 5 days they're that good
I've read many many zombie fiction books and this is certainly one of the most interesting and definitely keeps you reading long after the point in which some zombie books begin to slow down once the main characters are real survivors and have found some safety, I've read the first four in this series in 5 days they're that good
November 21, 2017
Gotta love this series!!!
This series has more action than two teenage newlyweds 💑 !!!! LOL Rarely a dull moment, but there are a couple. Fantastic storyline and realistic characters!!! I can see this being a long and exciting series!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton,England
This series has more action than two teenage newlyweds 💑 !!!! LOL Rarely a dull moment, but there are a couple. Fantastic storyline and realistic characters!!! I can see this being a long and exciting series!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton,England
March 29, 2019
Apocalypse Now
Really enjoyed this one with the free legion aspect. Of course the big bad is the greatest hits of our enemies but I’m excited for the future conflict. Let the good times roll and let’s add the Apache to our team.
Really enjoyed this one with the free legion aspect. Of course the big bad is the greatest hits of our enemies but I’m excited for the future conflict. Let the good times roll and let’s add the Apache to our team.
March 13, 2018
Best one of the series so far. Good plot, character development, and larger scope.
January 31, 2021
Total Addiction.
I have to get on to the next book!
I can't believe I cried while reading a zombie story. The main characters are totally addicting.
I have to get on to the next book!
I can't believe I cried while reading a zombie story. The main characters are totally addicting.
February 25, 2021
Very good tale and wonderful characters - well worth the read !! Continuing reading the series #4 is next - -
July 5, 2015
Loved it
The series is everything I look for in a survival book. I love the World In Peril, I hope never to experience it though. I'd be pretty good at surviving from all I've read but I know I would fall apart the first time I'd need to wash my hands.
This is my first undead apocalypse, the undead are so annoying that I thought I wouldn't like reading about them, wrong, loving it. Interesting how the Z word is never used. The characters are great, well fleshed out, pun intended, you root for them, fear for them in the harrowing situations that always accompany an apocalypse. I love the militaristic part of it. I'm dying to say, "keep your head on a swivel and watch my six!"
I have started one book after another, I have not looked ahead to see how many there are, I read 5 first not realizing it was part of a series, how exciting that was to find out! The books really do stand alone, not repetitious in bringing you up to speed.
I love them, I highly recommend them. I am not exactly, maybe, the reader the author has in mind while writing his books, if they think about that, I am a 61 yr old woman. Reading apocalyptic books for years when I could find a good one, got a kindle, put in a search and WOW the motherlode! This series has got to be #1 on my list of the best. The editing on some of the books I've read is atrocious, many self published, is this, I don't know. Typos more in this than the first 3 and #5, but barely noticeable.
I hope the series just keeps going, thank you Mr. Cook!
The series is everything I look for in a survival book. I love the World In Peril, I hope never to experience it though. I'd be pretty good at surviving from all I've read but I know I would fall apart the first time I'd need to wash my hands.
This is my first undead apocalypse, the undead are so annoying that I thought I wouldn't like reading about them, wrong, loving it. Interesting how the Z word is never used. The characters are great, well fleshed out, pun intended, you root for them, fear for them in the harrowing situations that always accompany an apocalypse. I love the militaristic part of it. I'm dying to say, "keep your head on a swivel and watch my six!"
I have started one book after another, I have not looked ahead to see how many there are, I read 5 first not realizing it was part of a series, how exciting that was to find out! The books really do stand alone, not repetitious in bringing you up to speed.
I love them, I highly recommend them. I am not exactly, maybe, the reader the author has in mind while writing his books, if they think about that, I am a 61 yr old woman. Reading apocalyptic books for years when I could find a good one, got a kindle, put in a search and WOW the motherlode! This series has got to be #1 on my list of the best. The editing on some of the books I've read is atrocious, many self published, is this, I don't know. Typos more in this than the first 3 and #5, but barely noticeable.
I hope the series just keeps going, thank you Mr. Cook!
July 28, 2016
This series gets better and better
This series started a bit shaky. Millionaire with ample time to prepare for doomsday are ready when it comes. They both are deadly with firearms, blades. Combat, heck. They are probably Michelin rated chefs as well and amateur astronauts, if the only dinner guests weren't zombies and the survivors managed to build spaceships out of toilet paper rolls and zombie farts.
However, from book two on, while their remain pretty deadly, they are also more human and the story improves. A lot.
I had given up on the series, it's not that I didn't enjoy the writing, but didn't want to read more impossible scenarios.
I am glad I picked these books back on. There are good stories there. And since I am late to the party, I don't have to wait around for the next book.
This series started a bit shaky. Millionaire with ample time to prepare for doomsday are ready when it comes. They both are deadly with firearms, blades. Combat, heck. They are probably Michelin rated chefs as well and amateur astronauts, if the only dinner guests weren't zombies and the survivors managed to build spaceships out of toilet paper rolls and zombie farts.
However, from book two on, while their remain pretty deadly, they are also more human and the story improves. A lot.
I had given up on the series, it's not that I didn't enjoy the writing, but didn't want to read more impossible scenarios.
I am glad I picked these books back on. There are good stories there. And since I am late to the party, I don't have to wait around for the next book.
May 28, 2016
Book three, better than book two. The focus of the story turned almost exclusively to the civil war between the government militia (our heroes) and the Alliance (i.e. other militia that sprang up to take territory and establish themselves as sovereign entities. Economic backing from China, North Korea, and Russia are thrown into the mix also). The zombies became almost a non-issue in book three. There is no finality in the last chapters. Battles are won and lost, but the war continues. Our heroes survived and they both wound up with mates to share their fragile future with. I imagine the door is wide open for a continuing series, so I'll look for book four in the months to come.
March 16, 2014
I liked the first three books so much I wanted to get the fourth. Except it isn't written yet. I liked this series because it had a great flow, fast reading and enjoyable. Well it had a few flaws in believable out comes they were overcome with good action. As an example, if the life of you and others in the group depended on a barrier, it would seem you would make that barrier as good as you could make it, I didn't get that in a few places. Perhaps a little more clarity and description by the author would have improved believability. Admittedly this story is a kick ass using high end warriors, I found it very enjoyable.
October 8, 2014
Life goes on in Hollow Rock, and Gabriel and Eric has to spend this book infiltrating their arch nemesis to ensure survival.
Not much development in the characters beyond what you would expect, but the society in Hollow Rock develops a bit.
There are so many things you could say about the inconsistensies in this book. And the facts when it comes to the way everything has broken down, no running cars and such - as well as the easy way the downfall of nuclear plants have gotten in this series are just examples.
Still - if it's a few hours high pace, quite well-written pure entertainment you're looking for - try this out. It's still one of the best dystopian serials available.
Not much development in the characters beyond what you would expect, but the society in Hollow Rock develops a bit.
There are so many things you could say about the inconsistensies in this book. And the facts when it comes to the way everything has broken down, no running cars and such - as well as the easy way the downfall of nuclear plants have gotten in this series are just examples.
Still - if it's a few hours high pace, quite well-written pure entertainment you're looking for - try this out. It's still one of the best dystopian serials available.
July 16, 2015
This series is continuing to get better and better. I thought there were only 4 books in the series and was ecstatic to see that there are actually 5, and I have two more to go.
The author continues to amaze me by the way he tells the story and keeps me intrigued! He has obviously done extensive research on this topic, and his knowledge in hand to hand fighting, weapons, and military operations and procedures really stands out.
There are some neigh-sayers in the comments about the reality of some of the scenarios, but I realize it is the way the story goes and let it flow.
CANNOT wait to get into the next one!
The author continues to amaze me by the way he tells the story and keeps me intrigued! He has obviously done extensive research on this topic, and his knowledge in hand to hand fighting, weapons, and military operations and procedures really stands out.
There are some neigh-sayers in the comments about the reality of some of the scenarios, but I realize it is the way the story goes and let it flow.
CANNOT wait to get into the next one!
August 16, 2013
I became a Zombie book fan after reading D.J. Molles and W. J. Lundy. I then read the James N. Cook novels about Eric Riordan (wealthy man) and his friend Gabe (ex Scout Sniper in the Marine Corps). I really enjoyed the series and could see the writer getting more comfortable with each novel. I like the personal triumphs of Eric and how the battle takes him from a puking wimp to an alpha male. I also like the fact that he gave both men love interests—especially war-torn Gabe. Have The Passenger (A Surviving the Dead Novel) waiting on my Kindle, and can’t wait to start it.
August 25, 2015
A non-stop action thriller which continues the story of Gabe and Eric. The zombies take a back seat in this book to the marauders that threaten Hollow Rock and the action starts from page one and doesn’t stop. The story is well written and give you a couple of different views from both main characters and does well the paint a vivid picture. The characters are a bit static (hey it’s the 3rd book in the series how much can they grow) but they’re fun and have both their strengths and weaknesses. If you liked the other books in the story jump on this one as well!
October 17, 2015
The world James Cook has created within his Surviving the Dead series is a fascinating one. With each installment the story is enriched with more character growth and plot drama. The story progresses in a realistic pace. Filled with action, you will be hard pressed to find a boring section within the book. Warrior Within is only part 3 in this growing series. I expect the same greatness with the next installment.
October 20, 2015
Up and at Em then peace
I miss the Zombies in this one. But there was plenty of soldering. Battle acton, sniping, infiltration. Interesting story about what the surviving people do to each other years after the infection destroys most of the human population. I can only hope that it doesn't happen this way. I would hope that the current governmental groups are destroyed entirely. That we have a fresh start and are wise enough to find a way to live in peace.
I miss the Zombies in this one. But there was plenty of soldering. Battle acton, sniping, infiltration. Interesting story about what the surviving people do to each other years after the infection destroys most of the human population. I can only hope that it doesn't happen this way. I would hope that the current governmental groups are destroyed entirely. That we have a fresh start and are wise enough to find a way to live in peace.
January 29, 2016
I find these books so fascinating. The military jargon and types of ammo and guns in detail. These guys are bad asses. Between their training and their skills .... wow. Excellent action, and decent story line. Nothing like living in a hostile world, where new leaders immerge with new ideas of how society should be run. Makes an interesting plot.
June 2, 2013
The series has moved away from the Zombie element. They are part of the story but as an element of scenery, nothing more. The real story is the battle for survival among various factions in this new world.
May 13, 2016
Outstanding
More please. Jim Cook, you are without a doubt right up there on my favorite authors list. This series makes one think of all the warriors that are fighting every day for our freedom. Thank you.
More please. Jim Cook, you are without a doubt right up there on my favorite authors list. This series makes one think of all the warriors that are fighting every day for our freedom. Thank you.
August 28, 2016
Very, very good 3rd installment of Surviving the Dead series. As with the previous books, characters,action, and plots are witty and intriguing. Lots of back history thrown in for the main characters,too.
May 27, 2013
the beginning was slow bit the book picks up at the end
May 12, 2013
pretty good read. interesting trilogy.
December 30, 2013
Read it in one sitting. Great characters. I was riveted. Couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews