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The Fall #3
War of the Living
In the early days after causing the end of the world, Kell McDonald was just trying to survive. Time passed, and along with others, a new world grew. Society began to be rebuilt.
Years have passed since the mutated organism known as Chimera caused the dead to rise, and on the ashes of the old world, terrifying new forces have come into play. No longer simple mindless beasts, some of the undead have evolved, becoming stronger, smarter, and more dangerous than ever. They are nothing compared to the looming storm of living people, however, as a nation of starving men and women descend on Kell's new home to threaten everything he has grown to love.
Years have passed since the mutated organism known as Chimera caused the dead to rise, and on the ashes of the old world, terrifying new forces have come into play. No longer simple mindless beasts, some of the undead have evolved, becoming stronger, smarter, and more dangerous than ever. They are nothing compared to the looming storm of living people, however, as a nation of starving men and women descend on Kell's new home to threaten everything he has grown to love.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2014
About the author
Joshua Guess
50 books361 followersJoshua Guess (who goes by Josh most of the time, but Joshua professionally because his mom insists) is originally from southern Illinois, but moved to central Kentucky at an early age.
Always a storyteller, his interest in creating began with art. He loved to draw and come up with stories about his pictures.
Then he discovered comic books and novels, and things...took a turn.
Devouring everything from superboy to Stephen King, Josh started to gain a greater interest in writing, making it a hobby during high school and achieving distinguished marks in his portfolio.
Then, life got in the way. College and the struggle to start a life of his own away from home took up most of his time. His love of telling stories took a back seat to the needs of daily life for many years, with the occasional foray into working on one project or another.
In late 2009, Josh buckled down and started work on an idea for a fantasy novel that had been stuck in his head since those halcyon days back in high school. Struggling to find a voice, Josh realized months later after many false starts that he needed to stretch his brain a little, strengthen his writing muscles. So he began another project that had been simmering in the back of his mind, a continuing serialized zombie story, told in the form of a daily blog.
Living With the Dead has given him a measure of success, but more important has imparted new skills at wordsmithing and the drive to complete. 'Bound to Silence', his debut novel, has been released and is available now, as are many collections and versions of Living With the Dead.
Once that tipping point was reached, there was no choice for him but to keep on writing. Much more of Josh's work will be released in the coming months.
I hate writing in the third person about myself. I live an average life and work a full time job. I have three cats, two dogs, two ferrets, and a wife that I'm so in love with it hurts. My goal is to some day have enough success to write full time, and to manage a level of long term financial security that I don't have to worry about money. It's my dream to make a good living doing what I love--telling stories. I hope you enjoy my work. That's why I do it.
Always a storyteller, his interest in creating began with art. He loved to draw and come up with stories about his pictures.
Then he discovered comic books and novels, and things...took a turn.
Devouring everything from superboy to Stephen King, Josh started to gain a greater interest in writing, making it a hobby during high school and achieving distinguished marks in his portfolio.
Then, life got in the way. College and the struggle to start a life of his own away from home took up most of his time. His love of telling stories took a back seat to the needs of daily life for many years, with the occasional foray into working on one project or another.
In late 2009, Josh buckled down and started work on an idea for a fantasy novel that had been stuck in his head since those halcyon days back in high school. Struggling to find a voice, Josh realized months later after many false starts that he needed to stretch his brain a little, strengthen his writing muscles. So he began another project that had been simmering in the back of his mind, a continuing serialized zombie story, told in the form of a daily blog.
Living With the Dead has given him a measure of success, but more important has imparted new skills at wordsmithing and the drive to complete. 'Bound to Silence', his debut novel, has been released and is available now, as are many collections and versions of Living With the Dead.
Once that tipping point was reached, there was no choice for him but to keep on writing. Much more of Josh's work will be released in the coming months.
I hate writing in the third person about myself. I live an average life and work a full time job. I have three cats, two dogs, two ferrets, and a wife that I'm so in love with it hurts. My goal is to some day have enough success to write full time, and to manage a level of long term financial security that I don't have to worry about money. It's my dream to make a good living doing what I love--telling stories. I hope you enjoy my work. That's why I do it.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 11, 2018
Intense and action packed zombie apocalypse
And intense an action-packed ride through the zombie apocalypse. A great cast of characters struggle to survive through zombies and humans out to take everything they can steal and grab away from you. To groups are heading for a major clash.
Follow our group of survivors as they battle their way to saving their town and surviving against zombies and people just out to take what they have. If fast and entertaining read. Check it out
And intense an action-packed ride through the zombie apocalypse. A great cast of characters struggle to survive through zombies and humans out to take everything they can steal and grab away from you. To groups are heading for a major clash.
Follow our group of survivors as they battle their way to saving their town and surviving against zombies and people just out to take what they have. If fast and entertaining read. Check it out
January 19, 2018
This is the 4th book in a very good series. Joshua Guess keeps the story running so smoothly from the end of one, to the next.
As soon as I finish one, I can't wait to start the next one. I just hate to think of the last book. You feel like you are there fighting along side Kel etal...love the series.
As soon as I finish one, I can't wait to start the next one. I just hate to think of the last book. You feel like you are there fighting along side Kel etal...love the series.
January 20, 2020
An interesting series
This series has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. The characters are well thought out and believable. With lots of action and intrigue thrown in
This series has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. The characters are well thought out and believable. With lots of action and intrigue thrown in
December 13, 2017
can't get enough of this story!
January 21, 2018
Good story line
The saga continues. It is almost a re-enactment of the Civil War. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.☺
The saga continues. It is almost a re-enactment of the Civil War. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.☺
May 31, 2018
Very Satisfying Series
I love zombies, I love a well-written story, with plausible plot and memorable characters. Joshua Guess hits a grand-slam with these books. Bravo! A+
I love zombies, I love a well-written story, with plausible plot and memorable characters. Joshua Guess hits a grand-slam with these books. Bravo! A+
June 2, 2018
Love this series.
I really am enjoying this series. As a whole it is a great account of what if. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I really am enjoying this series. As a whole it is a great account of what if. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
December 30, 2019
War of the Living
Zombie alert! But not the main characters. Great characters in the book, and a very good story. Thank you Joshua Guess.
Zombie alert! But not the main characters. Great characters in the book, and a very good story. Thank you Joshua Guess.
October 1, 2020
Intriguing
I am amazed at the continued resourcefulness and relentlessness of this group. Zombies, New Breeds and even their fellow humans cannot stop the drive to survive.
I am amazed at the continued resourcefulness and relentlessness of this group. Zombies, New Breeds and even their fellow humans cannot stop the drive to survive.
June 7, 2015
This review is for The Fall, books 1-3.
The dearth of zombie lit out there makes it incredibly hard to find well-written books with compelling and/or interesting stories and characters. I've given up on several and was about to take a pass on the subject when I found book 1 of this series (Victim Zero) on my Kindle, in my "new" folder. According to my order history, I had gotten it for free quite some time ago. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. Partly because of the stark contrast to another book* I had just (figuratively) thrown against the wall, but mostly because of the work itself, I found myself drawn in and caring about the characters.
My one complaint is that this appears to be one of at least two series, and that an actual end (with good news) may not be in sight until I buy a lot more books. But so far, the ride has been enjoyable, so it's not a loud complaint!
The protagonist of the series, Kell McDonald, is brilliant, but imperfect and able to learn from his friends. . These not insignificant faults keeps him solidly out of the Mary Sue camp, because he could almost "go there." As previously stated, he's brilliant. A prodigy of sorts, he got his first degree pretty young, then kept collecting them. Mountain of a man, he is also a giant nerd who, at the start of book one, has a beautiful, smart wife and an infant daughter. Then disaster strikes, the unthinkable happens, he does something unthinkable, and runs into the wilderness. He spends weeks and months studying the zombie horde, reading everything he can get his hands on, and practicing his moves.
But he isn't perfect, or prescient (I read a book once where the protagonist just "happened" to have installed a solar array, bank of batteries and huge stockpile of food, just days before his own apocalypse.) He has spent too much time alone and takes unnecessary risks due to the guilt he feels. The Fall series is his journey to trust, love (not romantic love, for which Guess would get an extra star if possible) and family. He is, most importantly, GOOD. Moral. This is crucial to the story.
I can't even begin to index all the little comments that brought smiles to my face. All kinds of geek culture references, plus a tiny hate-on for James Patterson (which I share). At least I think it's a hate-on: comparing Patterson's books to cockroaches surviving a nuclear blast? Those books seem to breed on their own, so the comparison was apt.
In War of the Living, Kell and his compatriots are at war. We saw the aftermath of the mysterious UAS in book 2 (Dead Will Rise) and in book 3, we get the bigger picture and see how war is the only alternative to rolling over and dying. Kell, who wants to find a cure, is constantly derailed into fighting the dead and the living.
*The book I discarded prior to starting this series was, in almost every way, the mirror opposite. No light, no hope, no goodness. Every man out for himself, every woman a whore (because being a hole is all women are good for, not being as physically strong as men). Guess took a page out of Heinlein's book, and created characters - female and male - who had varied skills and competencies, light and dark sides. A real winner!
The dearth of zombie lit out there makes it incredibly hard to find well-written books with compelling and/or interesting stories and characters. I've given up on several and was about to take a pass on the subject when I found book 1 of this series (Victim Zero) on my Kindle, in my "new" folder. According to my order history, I had gotten it for free quite some time ago. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. Partly because of the stark contrast to another book* I had just (figuratively) thrown against the wall, but mostly because of the work itself, I found myself drawn in and caring about the characters.
My one complaint is that this appears to be one of at least two series, and that an actual end (with good news) may not be in sight until I buy a lot more books. But so far, the ride has been enjoyable, so it's not a loud complaint!
The protagonist of the series, Kell McDonald, is brilliant, but imperfect and able to learn from his friends. . These not insignificant faults keeps him solidly out of the Mary Sue camp, because he could almost "go there." As previously stated, he's brilliant. A prodigy of sorts, he got his first degree pretty young, then kept collecting them. Mountain of a man, he is also a giant nerd who, at the start of book one, has a beautiful, smart wife and an infant daughter. Then disaster strikes, the unthinkable happens, he does something unthinkable, and runs into the wilderness. He spends weeks and months studying the zombie horde, reading everything he can get his hands on, and practicing his moves.
But he isn't perfect, or prescient (I read a book once where the protagonist just "happened" to have installed a solar array, bank of batteries and huge stockpile of food, just days before his own apocalypse.) He has spent too much time alone and takes unnecessary risks due to the guilt he feels. The Fall series is his journey to trust, love (not romantic love, for which Guess would get an extra star if possible) and family. He is, most importantly, GOOD. Moral. This is crucial to the story.
I can't even begin to index all the little comments that brought smiles to my face. All kinds of geek culture references, plus a tiny hate-on for James Patterson (which I share). At least I think it's a hate-on: comparing Patterson's books to cockroaches surviving a nuclear blast? Those books seem to breed on their own, so the comparison was apt.
In War of the Living, Kell and his compatriots are at war. We saw the aftermath of the mysterious UAS in book 2 (Dead Will Rise) and in book 3, we get the bigger picture and see how war is the only alternative to rolling over and dying. Kell, who wants to find a cure, is constantly derailed into fighting the dead and the living.
*The book I discarded prior to starting this series was, in almost every way, the mirror opposite. No light, no hope, no goodness. Every man out for himself, every woman a whore (because being a hole is all women are good for, not being as physically strong as men). Guess took a page out of Heinlein's book, and created characters - female and male - who had varied skills and competencies, light and dark sides. A real winner!
June 23, 2016
Halfway through this book and I'm beginning to be less interested. The dialog is increasing more and more while the action decreases. I like a good zombie story, but explaining why Kell must hide his identity over and over is getting old. Contrary to the characters beliefs it doesn't seem like Kell is working on a cure at all. He thinks about it a lot, but working on it? I don't see it and I wonder why the others don't call him on it. Action picks up for the second half, thank goodness. The war with the UAS is over (maybe). Our main group of survivors feels the need to move on and find new sanctuary. Kell needs a lab and a place to get some work done. The thought crosses his mind that a cure may not be needed since the virus, Chimera, actually helps people heal faster and resist infection. It may be more beneficial to leave it alone. We'll see. Book four, Genesis Game, may hold the answer. Three.point.five for a long, drawn out story.
October 8, 2014
The close of an Epic adventure
K has been through hell both internal and external.
From basic survival from zombies and finding food and shelter in a shattered world. To hiding who he really is from most and learning trust those who know and feel the need to protect him.
In a world cleansed of modern life by way of zombies and living with a nagging guilt K pushs on, not only surviving, but living.
This is the last book in an Epic zombie apocalypse series that is unlike any zombie apocalypse stories I have read.
It's about people... It's about zombies, it's about living and making the best out of hard choices.
If you stumbled across this book without reading the first two I suggest you grab the rest of the books.
Even if you are not a zombie apocalypse fan these are great stories that you will never forget!
K has been through hell both internal and external.
From basic survival from zombies and finding food and shelter in a shattered world. To hiding who he really is from most and learning trust those who know and feel the need to protect him.
In a world cleansed of modern life by way of zombies and living with a nagging guilt K pushs on, not only surviving, but living.
This is the last book in an Epic zombie apocalypse series that is unlike any zombie apocalypse stories I have read.
It's about people... It's about zombies, it's about living and making the best out of hard choices.
If you stumbled across this book without reading the first two I suggest you grab the rest of the books.
Even if you are not a zombie apocalypse fan these are great stories that you will never forget!
June 29, 2015
Let Down
The first two books had so much personality, emotions, and just great characters that along with the base line story they flowed so beautifully and easily. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there was so much about war, war tactics and weapons that for me the people got lost. Just as one example not once were Evan and Michelle mentioned, although they were vaguely, and indirectly, referred to. :(
The first two books had so much personality, emotions, and just great characters that along with the base line story they flowed so beautifully and easily. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there was so much about war, war tactics and weapons that for me the people got lost. Just as one example not once were Evan and Michelle mentioned, although they were vaguely, and indirectly, referred to. :(
June 29, 2015
Great Series
I just finished this series, with a sigh because it's done. It was well written, with details and characters that were believable. The story kept me riveted to my seat. I put it in the same quality and consistency as the Slow Burn series. If I was not already a strong believer in and supporter of indie books, this series would clinch the deal. Thanks to the author for many hours of fascinating reading.
I just finished this series, with a sigh because it's done. It was well written, with details and characters that were believable. The story kept me riveted to my seat. I put it in the same quality and consistency as the Slow Burn series. If I was not already a strong believer in and supporter of indie books, this series would clinch the deal. Thanks to the author for many hours of fascinating reading.
November 19, 2015
3 books in and STILL waiting for K to get back to work.....
This is not a zombie apocalypse series, per say....it is more the story of a man who happens to live during an apocalypse. The zombies are secondary to the tale. Thus, this is not your ordinary storyline in the genre. Zombie appearances are few.
Three books in and STILL waiting for Dr. Kell to get back to work. I wonder if he ever will??.........
This is not a zombie apocalypse series, per say....it is more the story of a man who happens to live during an apocalypse. The zombies are secondary to the tale. Thus, this is not your ordinary storyline in the genre. Zombie appearances are few.
Three books in and STILL waiting for Dr. Kell to get back to work. I wonder if he ever will??.........
December 2, 2014
Left me questioning
I've been reading The Fall series back-to-back thanks to Kindle Unlimited.
I read the first two books within a week and a half. This third book took just as long, if not longer, to read 'cause it just wasn't interesting. I don't know what it is about the third book in a series, but they lag.
I've been reading The Fall series back-to-back thanks to Kindle Unlimited.
I read the first two books within a week and a half. This third book took just as long, if not longer, to read 'cause it just wasn't interesting. I don't know what it is about the third book in a series, but they lag.
February 3, 2015
This is the third in the series. I really enjoyed the read, It was a continue of the struggle of a man that has survived an end of the world event.
I don't want to give away the book anymore than has already been done.
There are strong women and strong friends in this story.
I look forward to more of Joshua Guess' books.
I don't want to give away the book anymore than has already been done.
There are strong women and strong friends in this story.
I look forward to more of Joshua Guess' books.
June 29, 2015
Non-stop read, from first to third
What an amazing tale told by Mr. Guess! Each book, IMO, could be read alone, with a nice, easy finish, but I chose to keep reading through. I'm very glad I did. If an apocalypse happened, I would want Kell right there beside me! Thank you, Mr. Guess, for a quite unique, overly awesome read!
What an amazing tale told by Mr. Guess! Each book, IMO, could be read alone, with a nice, easy finish, but I chose to keep reading through. I'm very glad I did. If an apocalypse happened, I would want Kell right there beside me! Thank you, Mr. Guess, for a quite unique, overly awesome read!
August 27, 2015
I'm sorry. I wanted to like this. I really did. I like Kell. I love Joshua's story and writing. But this was just... boring. The action scenes dragged forever and didn't really advance the plot. Besides, Kell had no business being there. This was basically "Kell is a badass, watch him be a badass". I'm so disappointed.
May 8, 2015
Good finish for the trilogy
The final? Fall book ties together loose threads and resolves the conflict with SAS. Lots of action as usual and more fleshing out of characters and their motivations.
The final? Fall book ties together loose threads and resolves the conflict with SAS. Lots of action as usual and more fleshing out of characters and their motivations.
October 14, 2015
War of the living
It was full of a lot of action a lot of war and everyone trying to stay alive they had to live in coming after him plus the dead coming it was a lot of war and a lot of fighting but it really keep going
It was full of a lot of action a lot of war and everyone trying to stay alive they had to live in coming after him plus the dead coming it was a lot of war and a lot of fighting but it really keep going
March 25, 2015
very good
Really liked the series. Worth the read. Wish I could find some zombie books that are not a series. Thanks
Really liked the series. Worth the read. Wish I could find some zombie books that are not a series. Thanks
June 5, 2015
I loved this series and flew through it! Loved the characters, plot and fast pace. I'd like to know what happens next!
July 3, 2016
Great progress of the story line. It is interesting to see the development of the world continue.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews