Review: Just a so-so novel. Could be 2 stars but I gave it 3 since I didn't actively dislike it
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 22, 2014
I write reviews so that "future me" knows why I didn't continue with a series. *Spoilers* below.I found the story credible and well structured. The initial chapter hints at a very bleak future, but it unfortunately removes too much suspense since it spoils which members of the squad live and die. I'm actually more interested in hearing tales from this future than I am with the rest of the book which details how the outbreak occurred and the world went to hell.Some of the zombies are fast and some are slow. Their speed is determined by plot mechanics which are very visible to the reader.The characters are well drawn and distinct. I had a good sense of personality for each squad member.The subplot involving the Captain who sent the squad on their last mission was fine, but there were too many unbelievable aspects. One, someone opened the bunker door exposing everyone inside. Not credible. If this is how the British military handles security at their primary site then they have no chance of defeating the infection. Next, the Capt wanted to follow the Cessna even though they were likely bingo fuel (we are told early on the helo has sufficient fuel to get to the Isle of Wight but *no more*) yet they chase a plane that they cannot communicate with. The Capt has a "feeling." Oh boy.The squad tactics and attitude were credible particularly when dealing with the family. It would have been nice to generate a better "end" for the father of that little group, but at least he was dispatched.Overall, this story was not compelling enough for me to read another entry in the series. I don't really care to find out what happens to the portion of the squad stuck on top of the airport control tower. I don't care about the two who made it back in the Cessna. I am interested in the Captain, but then she has to go and redirect her helo flight due to a "feeling." It smacks of poor writing and poor plotting. There's already plenty of that in this genre, so I'm out.