Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle Book 2)

I was excited to continue reading this series. The second book did not disappoint overmuch. I like the fast-paced speed of the story, although I'm not a big fan of most of the dialog. I feel an element is missing. It's starting to become too "human vs Variants." As their evolution continues and becomes even more difficult to kill, I felt the human vs human angle was being missed and survivors that were left were all in agreement all the time, which made it kind of boring and predictable. We know Reed will always go out on every single mission, no matter how injured he is or being on zero sleep, and we always know he'll get in some squirmish where it looks like the end for him and his crew, but they always manage to make it out. I'll continue to the next book in the hopes a new foe will be introduced along with the Variants, which I'm sure will continue to change considerably and constantly. I'm still intrigued to see how the humans will deal with their Variant foes.

So, after the events of the first book, Dr Kate Lovato has succeeded in creating a.... cure, of sorts. It killed billions of the infected but not all. What is left seem to be evolving rapidly and are harder to kill. Beckham and Team Ghost are tasked with going into New York and taking back the city from the remaining Variants. They are told there should only be a few thousand left but they don't realise the extent of the survivours till it's too late. They also don't know that the surviving Variants are quicker, smarter and can communicate. How do Team Ghost handle themselves when they are the hunted? So book 2 picks up after book 1. Kate has created an antidote but is afraid that she might just have created something worse. The projected number of human survivours is going down everyday, with the human race becoming extinct in a matter of weeks, so she knows she has no choice. She also finds herself caring more and more for a certain Master Sergeant. Beckham meanwhile, is putting his like on the line again, and with the wrong Intel this time it might just be his last. He goes into New York only to find that the Variants numbers were massively underestimated and that they are different. The cure has turned them into elite killing machines. I felt like Beckham just keeps getting better. He is so much more than a soldier. He is willing to do what is needed to save any other human. While he is terrified, he is the best at his job so can compartmentalise a lot of his feelings. I loved how he is constantly thinking of his brothers in arms first and putting them first. It's what a leader should do! This edition was even more scary and frightening than the first!! Seeing the variants develop to be more cunning, smarter and even communicate was equal parts terrifying as it was fascinating. This author really knows how to write!!! He created scenes that were memorable and ones that will make me have nightmares for days :) He has created a dark, desolate and bleak world, but it's one I don't want to leave. The characters are amazing and have captured my heart and the plot is pulse poundingly spectacular. It is a story that is evolving into something epic!! Bring on book 3. Again, Bronson Pinchot was astounding. He really brings the action and tension to life and made me want to keep listening, even when I was falling asleep from the tiredness. He was clear and has a crisp voice. He gave each character their own personality and captured their essence perfectly. Brilliantly written and brilliantly read!!

First let me say that I received an advance copy of Extinction Edge from the author (Thank You!) and here is my honest review. Oh man what a ride! Our story continues with the aftermath of deploying VariantX9H9, Dr. Lovato’s bioweapon. However the remaining Variants are changing and doing some pretty weird stuff. Of course we have the people in charge, the acting president and his general, not following Dr. Lovato’s advice. Do they EVER listen to the scientists???? The budding romance between Reed and Kate continues to grow but will his unwavering dedication to killing the Variants drive a wedge between them? We also get to see how people who have known and worked together in the old world behave toward each other in the new world when the going gets tough. I hope I would be one of the good guys in the end. There are close calls, tense moments, lots of running, creepy things and happy moments on this rollercoaster! A new character was introduced, Fitzpatrick, that quickly became a favorite. There’s something special about him and I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out! Looking forward to more of him in Book III. What will Dr. Lovato’s next move be? Will she have to create her own monster? Just what are those damn Variants up to? Will the Variants die out or will humanity be confined to Plum Island for the rest of their lives? Inquiring minds want to know! I know I can’t wait for book III to find out!!!! If you have not read Extinction Horizon (Book I) then what is your problem and I hope a Variant gets you! Go get it now!

Extinction Edge wastes no time jumping right back into a continuance of the story from Extinction Horizon. Thank God because the curiosity and anticipation was killing me. This book is fast-paced and there is never a good spot to put it down. Just when you think you might know what happens to the lovable characters, and you finally feel safe, Smith comes at you with unexpected twists. This book is extremely scary and riveting because it isn't your typical "zombie" thriller. Smith uses science to explain his threatening and believable bioweapon that has been used to create terrifying creatures that have induced an apocalypse. My favorite part of this book is the transformation that the creatures undergo, causing them to be even more powerful, threatening and downright disturbing. The Variants, or creatures, become even more challenging to control and kill-- putting humanity at risk. Smith has a cunning way of making me feel just as invested in his characters as his plot/storyline. He introduces some new characters that are truly badasses. The story transfers back and forth between Team Ghost fighting the variants in a terrifying and seemingly never-ending battle in New York City while Kate is left on Plum Island to confront another nightmare. I can't wait to finish Extinction Age (book 3 in the series)!

Extinction Edge, the second book in the Extinction series is pretty much non-stop action from start to finish. At the end of the first book, the US armed forces had deployed Dr. Kate Lovato's bioweapon designed to wipe out the monsters. It worked, but it had a terrible side effect: approximately 10% of the monsters survived and started to evolve. They became smarter, more organized, and more deadly. Kate feels extremely guilty. Not only did her bioweapon kill billions of people, but it didn't work well enough to kill all of them. She goes back to the lab to see what she can do. Meanwhile, the guy in charge, safe in a bunker in Colorado, decides it's time for Operation Liberty--to take back the cities from the variants. He doesn't believe Kate's estimates that 10% still remain alive. Kate knows the rest of them are out there, but she doesn't know where they are. Sgt. Beckham and the remaining members of his Delta Force team head to New York to participate in Operation Liberty. He knows Kate's estimates and he soon finds out why the army's estimates are so different from Kate's. At the same time, a helicopter inbound to Plum Island with variants for research crashes, putting all the scientists, doctors, and civilians on Plum Island at risk. Fitz, a former member of Delta Force who lost his legs, but is a sniper works with the marines to try to kill the 18 variants that survived the crash. Kate and Horn's kids are constantly on the run from the variants. They see and hear people dying all around them. They only have Riley, the Delta Force member with two broken legs to protect them and they just keep retreating until there's nowhere left to go. The battle in New York is non-stop action. The Marines, Rangers, and Delta Force fight heroically. Some of the situations they find themselves in seem completely hopeless. Even Sgt. Beckham is worried about getting out alive. The image of Grand Central Station is terrifyingly described. At the end of the book, Sgt. Beckham's status is unknown, while the head army guy in his safe bunker says Operation Liberty was a disaster. Ya think? Kate is more resolved than ever to find a scientific solution since the military one failed--and because science created the plague in the first place. She has to figure out if the Variants have any weaknesses, and, if so, how to exploit them. She is nowhere at the end of the book. So, pretty much the entire human race is at risk (thus the title of the book series), although I suppose the Variants will die off once the humans are gone since they will have nothing to eat. The was a highly-entertaining and action-packed installment. Even though there are many characters, the author defines them very well and you don't have to go back and say, "Now, who is that again?", when a character comes into a scene. Fitz and Riley were really standouts in this book. It really feels like the human race is on the verge of extinction at the end and all credit for that goes to the author.

Extinction Edge, the second book in the ongoing apocalyptic modified zombie series is an enjoyable read, but not nearly as good as the first book (a full star rating lower). Immediately reading this book, I noticed quite a few continuity errors that should have been picked up by the editors, especially since the series was already in print prior to being picked up and distributed by Orbit/Hachette Book Group. For example, at the end of the first book, there is a huge scene on a rooftop in New York where a billboard explodes and crushes some Variants. However, the second book replays that event from another viewpoint and the explosion never happens! Other details not as glaring also seemed to have slipped by everyone working on this book. On page 146 the author describes a dense fog that covers the island but then describes a storm that threatens on the horizon. Huh? How can you see the horizon in a dense fog? Another example is a Variant is described as having a missing arm, but then shortly after the same zombie is described as using "both claws" to attack. Once again, huh? It is errors like this that unfortunately pull me and other readers out of the story and I really wish Orbit or the author or editor would have gone over the manuscript more carefully. When I pay $10 for a mass market paperback, I don't expect to get a product with so many mistakes. As far as the content goes, the scenes still flow very nicely and much of the action is quite good. However, some of the larger "twists" about the location of the Variants were very predictable and I could see the surprise a mile away. I will keep reading the series, but sincerely hope the next book has fewer errors and less predictable.

This is a review for Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle Book 2) Nicholas Sansbury Smith Has got to be one of the very best authors of today. He’s but one of very few I call my favorite. Mr. Smith’s Extinction series is the best post apocalypse series I’ve ever read. It has a little bit of everything that an apocalyptic scenario could have and it’s so very believable, even with the monster mutations. He just makes you believe! We all know the viral threat of things like Ebola are real and he’s made it scientifically accurate. The rest is pure fun! The series is non-stop action and has multiple characters that he gets the reader emotionally involved spread over seven awesome books. You’ll want to read every one of them once you start book one. The series doesn’t sugar coat anything. Just when you think things will be okay, Nicholas pulls the rug out from under you. It shows how truly awful mankind can be. I’ve already said too much so no more spoilers. Let me just say that by the time I got to the end of book seven, I was almost in tears. Mr. Smith, you’ve written a masterpiece. Thank you Nicholas for allowing me to escape into your imagination for at least a while. Sincerely, Alan McDonald

Fantastic follow up to the first book. I finished half the book in one night, I just couldn't put it down. Every chapter leaves you wanting more. The author does a great job of filling every page with action and suspense that makes you want to read till the end. When I picked up the first book I really thought, oh yea I've seen this movie/video game, it's call Resident Evil (group goes into underground facility that handles bioweapons that turns everyone into crazy killers). But the author takes something that seamed predictable and blows it out of the water. He takes a doomsday scenario that has been done a million times, twists it into something entirely new and leaves you wanting more. There are a few new characters but I love how it mostly follows the characters from the first book and builds on them. By the end of the second book I'm still wanting more. So glad I'm reading this series late and I don't have to wait for the third book to be released.

*this review is for all of the books in this series* This is the craziest, most action packed post-apocalyptic novel I have ever read! When books use the term "action packed," what they mean is "action included." This book is figuratively crammed and stuffed to a near bursting capacity with thrilling action scenes. I've never been so oblivious to my surroundings before, as I read this in one sitting from start to finish! The military characters are intimidatingly rough, athletic and organized, so when they struggle for survival against some horrifying creatures, you really get nervous and fear for the wellbeing of the planet. Which brings me to the next point, that these are not typical zombies or diseased humans. These are disgusting and almost impossible-to-kill monsters that are the result of immense evolutionary twists from humans, who are turned into hungry beasts. Basically modified zombies on mass steroids. I think some of the scariest novels stem from having villains that overly dominate and have very few if any evident weaknesses. I was so nervous because it felt like characters were dying left and right, so you never really knew what would happen next. These creatures only seem to get stronger and stronger as you read through each book in this series. That brings me to yet another point. All of the books in this series are epic. Sometimes sequels pale in comparison, but every one of these was as terrifying and attention grasping as the first. Luckily, all the books are out, so if you experience any cliffhangers, you can dive right into the next book. If you want to read an intense and thrilling book that will stick with you long after you've finished, then I highly recommend this entire series!

OK let me start off by saying that I also received an advanced copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first. The only disappointment is I now have to wait for the next one in the series. I also have a Kindle Unlimited so I could have read if for free but I feel it was so enjoyable and the fact that the author made an advanced copy available to me worth the small cost of also buying the book to show my support for him. One thing I like about the way it is written is the detail and the fact that he stays on subject. So many books of this type go off into tangents and I find my self skipping over parts as they add no relevant information to the on going story. I do like Fitz as his is a great story line of a fictional true American Hero that overcomes his disability to once again prove what heroes are made of. He reminds me of true American Hero Col. Gregory D. Gadson who played a similar part in the movie Battleship. While I am waiting on the next book I am going to read the ORBS Series by the author since I enjoyed the first 2 books of the Extinction Series so much.

I was excited to continue reading this series. The second book did not disappoint overmuch. I like the fast-paced speed of the story, although I'm not a big fan of most of the dialog. I feel an element is missing. It's starting to become too "human vs Variants." As their evolution continues and becomes even more difficult to kill, I felt the human vs human angle was being missed and survivors that were left were all in agreement all the time, which made it kind of boring and predictable. We know Reed will always go out on every single mission, no matter how injured he is or being on zero sleep, and we always know he'll get in some squirmish where it looks like the end for him and his crew, but they always manage to make it out. I'll continue to the next book in the hopes a new foe will be introduced along with the Variants, which I'm sure will continue to change considerably and constantly. I'm still intrigued to see how the humans will deal with their Variant foes.

So, after the events of the first book, Dr Kate Lovato has succeeded in creating a.... cure, of sorts. It killed billions of the infected but not all. What is left seem to be evolving rapidly and are harder to kill. Beckham and Team Ghost are tasked with going into New York and taking back the city from the remaining Variants. They are told there should only be a few thousand left but they don't realise the extent of the survivours till it's too late. They also don't know that the surviving Variants are quicker, smarter and can communicate. How do Team Ghost handle themselves when they are the hunted? So book 2 picks up after book 1. Kate has created an antidote but is afraid that she might just have created something worse. The projected number of human survivours is going down everyday, with the human race becoming extinct in a matter of weeks, so she knows she has no choice. She also finds herself caring more and more for a certain Master Sergeant. Beckham meanwhile, is putting his like on the line again, and with the wrong Intel this time it might just be his last. He goes into New York only to find that the Variants numbers were massively underestimated and that they are different. The cure has turned them into elite killing machines. I felt like Beckham just keeps getting better. He is so much more than a soldier. He is willing to do what is needed to save any other human. While he is terrified, he is the best at his job so can compartmentalise a lot of his feelings. I loved how he is constantly thinking of his brothers in arms first and putting them first. It's what a leader should do! This edition was even more scary and frightening than the first!! Seeing the variants develop to be more cunning, smarter and even communicate was equal parts terrifying as it was fascinating. This author really knows how to write!!! He created scenes that were memorable and ones that will make me have nightmares for days :) He has created a dark, desolate and bleak world, but it's one I don't want to leave. The characters are amazing and have captured my heart and the plot is pulse poundingly spectacular. It is a story that is evolving into something epic!! Bring on book 3. Again, Bronson Pinchot was astounding. He really brings the action and tension to life and made me want to keep listening, even when I was falling asleep from the tiredness. He was clear and has a crisp voice. He gave each character their own personality and captured their essence perfectly. Brilliantly written and brilliantly read!!

First let me say that I received an advance copy of Extinction Edge from the author (Thank You!) and here is my honest review. Oh man what a ride! Our story continues with the aftermath of deploying VariantX9H9, Dr. Lovato’s bioweapon. However the remaining Variants are changing and doing some pretty weird stuff. Of course we have the people in charge, the acting president and his general, not following Dr. Lovato’s advice. Do they EVER listen to the scientists???? The budding romance between Reed and Kate continues to grow but will his unwavering dedication to killing the Variants drive a wedge between them? We also get to see how people who have known and worked together in the old world behave toward each other in the new world when the going gets tough. I hope I would be one of the good guys in the end. There are close calls, tense moments, lots of running, creepy things and happy moments on this rollercoaster! A new character was introduced, Fitzpatrick, that quickly became a favorite. There’s something special about him and I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out! Looking forward to more of him in Book III. What will Dr. Lovato’s next move be? Will she have to create her own monster? Just what are those damn Variants up to? Will the Variants die out or will humanity be confined to Plum Island for the rest of their lives? Inquiring minds want to know! I know I can’t wait for book III to find out!!!! If you have not read Extinction Horizon (Book I) then what is your problem and I hope a Variant gets you! Go get it now!

Extinction Edge wastes no time jumping right back into a continuance of the story from Extinction Horizon. Thank God because the curiosity and anticipation was killing me. This book is fast-paced and there is never a good spot to put it down. Just when you think you might know what happens to the lovable characters, and you finally feel safe, Smith comes at you with unexpected twists. This book is extremely scary and riveting because it isn't your typical "zombie" thriller. Smith uses science to explain his threatening and believable bioweapon that has been used to create terrifying creatures that have induced an apocalypse. My favorite part of this book is the transformation that the creatures undergo, causing them to be even more powerful, threatening and downright disturbing. The Variants, or creatures, become even more challenging to control and kill-- putting humanity at risk. Smith has a cunning way of making me feel just as invested in his characters as his plot/storyline. He introduces some new characters that are truly badasses. The story transfers back and forth between Team Ghost fighting the variants in a terrifying and seemingly never-ending battle in New York City while Kate is left on Plum Island to confront another nightmare. I can't wait to finish Extinction Age (book 3 in the series)!

Extinction Edge, the second book in the Extinction series is pretty much non-stop action from start to finish. At the end of the first book, the US armed forces had deployed Dr. Kate Lovato's bioweapon designed to wipe out the monsters. It worked, but it had a terrible side effect: approximately 10% of the monsters survived and started to evolve. They became smarter, more organized, and more deadly. Kate feels extremely guilty. Not only did her bioweapon kill billions of people, but it didn't work well enough to kill all of them. She goes back to the lab to see what she can do. Meanwhile, the guy in charge, safe in a bunker in Colorado, decides it's time for Operation Liberty--to take back the cities from the variants. He doesn't believe Kate's estimates that 10% still remain alive. Kate knows the rest of them are out there, but she doesn't know where they are. Sgt. Beckham and the remaining members of his Delta Force team head to New York to participate in Operation Liberty. He knows Kate's estimates and he soon finds out why the army's estimates are so different from Kate's. At the same time, a helicopter inbound to Plum Island with variants for research crashes, putting all the scientists, doctors, and civilians on Plum Island at risk. Fitz, a former member of Delta Force who lost his legs, but is a sniper works with the marines to try to kill the 18 variants that survived the crash. Kate and Horn's kids are constantly on the run from the variants. They see and hear people dying all around them. They only have Riley, the Delta Force member with two broken legs to protect them and they just keep retreating until there's nowhere left to go. The battle in New York is non-stop action. The Marines, Rangers, and Delta Force fight heroically. Some of the situations they find themselves in seem completely hopeless. Even Sgt. Beckham is worried about getting out alive. The image of Grand Central Station is terrifyingly described. At the end of the book, Sgt. Beckham's status is unknown, while the head army guy in his safe bunker says Operation Liberty was a disaster. Ya think? Kate is more resolved than ever to find a scientific solution since the military one failed--and because science created the plague in the first place. She has to figure out if the Variants have any weaknesses, and, if so, how to exploit them. She is nowhere at the end of the book. So, pretty much the entire human race is at risk (thus the title of the book series), although I suppose the Variants will die off once the humans are gone since they will have nothing to eat. The was a highly-entertaining and action-packed installment. Even though there are many characters, the author defines them very well and you don't have to go back and say, "Now, who is that again?", when a character comes into a scene. Fitz and Riley were really standouts in this book. It really feels like the human race is on the verge of extinction at the end and all credit for that goes to the author.

Extinction Edge, the second book in the ongoing apocalyptic modified zombie series is an enjoyable read, but not nearly as good as the first book (a full star rating lower). Immediately reading this book, I noticed quite a few continuity errors that should have been picked up by the editors, especially since the series was already in print prior to being picked up and distributed by Orbit/Hachette Book Group. For example, at the end of the first book, there is a huge scene on a rooftop in New York where a billboard explodes and crushes some Variants. However, the second book replays that event from another viewpoint and the explosion never happens! Other details not as glaring also seemed to have slipped by everyone working on this book. On page 146 the author describes a dense fog that covers the island but then describes a storm that threatens on the horizon. Huh? How can you see the horizon in a dense fog? Another example is a Variant is described as having a missing arm, but then shortly after the same zombie is described as using "both claws" to attack. Once again, huh? It is errors like this that unfortunately pull me and other readers out of the story and I really wish Orbit or the author or editor would have gone over the manuscript more carefully. When I pay $10 for a mass market paperback, I don't expect to get a product with so many mistakes. As far as the content goes, the scenes still flow very nicely and much of the action is quite good. However, some of the larger "twists" about the location of the Variants were very predictable and I could see the surprise a mile away. I will keep reading the series, but sincerely hope the next book has fewer errors and less predictable.

This is a review for Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle Book 2) Nicholas Sansbury Smith Has got to be one of the very best authors of today. He’s but one of very few I call my favorite. Mr. Smith’s Extinction series is the best post apocalypse series I’ve ever read. It has a little bit of everything that an apocalyptic scenario could have and it’s so very believable, even with the monster mutations. He just makes you believe! We all know the viral threat of things like Ebola are real and he’s made it scientifically accurate. The rest is pure fun! The series is non-stop action and has multiple characters that he gets the reader emotionally involved spread over seven awesome books. You’ll want to read every one of them once you start book one. The series doesn’t sugar coat anything. Just when you think things will be okay, Nicholas pulls the rug out from under you. It shows how truly awful mankind can be. I’ve already said too much so no more spoilers. Let me just say that by the time I got to the end of book seven, I was almost in tears. Mr. Smith, you’ve written a masterpiece. Thank you Nicholas for allowing me to escape into your imagination for at least a while. Sincerely, Alan McDonald

Fantastic follow up to the first book. I finished half the book in one night, I just couldn't put it down. Every chapter leaves you wanting more. The author does a great job of filling every page with action and suspense that makes you want to read till the end. When I picked up the first book I really thought, oh yea I've seen this movie/video game, it's call Resident Evil (group goes into underground facility that handles bioweapons that turns everyone into crazy killers). But the author takes something that seamed predictable and blows it out of the water. He takes a doomsday scenario that has been done a million times, twists it into something entirely new and leaves you wanting more. There are a few new characters but I love how it mostly follows the characters from the first book and builds on them. By the end of the second book I'm still wanting more. So glad I'm reading this series late and I don't have to wait for the third book to be released.

*this review is for all of the books in this series* This is the craziest, most action packed post-apocalyptic novel I have ever read! When books use the term "action packed," what they mean is "action included." This book is figuratively crammed and stuffed to a near bursting capacity with thrilling action scenes. I've never been so oblivious to my surroundings before, as I read this in one sitting from start to finish! The military characters are intimidatingly rough, athletic and organized, so when they struggle for survival against some horrifying creatures, you really get nervous and fear for the wellbeing of the planet. Which brings me to the next point, that these are not typical zombies or diseased humans. These are disgusting and almost impossible-to-kill monsters that are the result of immense evolutionary twists from humans, who are turned into hungry beasts. Basically modified zombies on mass steroids. I think some of the scariest novels stem from having villains that overly dominate and have very few if any evident weaknesses. I was so nervous because it felt like characters were dying left and right, so you never really knew what would happen next. These creatures only seem to get stronger and stronger as you read through each book in this series. That brings me to yet another point. All of the books in this series are epic. Sometimes sequels pale in comparison, but every one of these was as terrifying and attention grasping as the first. Luckily, all the books are out, so if you experience any cliffhangers, you can dive right into the next book. If you want to read an intense and thrilling book that will stick with you long after you've finished, then I highly recommend this entire series!

OK let me start off by saying that I also received an advanced copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first. The only disappointment is I now have to wait for the next one in the series. I also have a Kindle Unlimited so I could have read if for free but I feel it was so enjoyable and the fact that the author made an advanced copy available to me worth the small cost of also buying the book to show my support for him. One thing I like about the way it is written is the detail and the fact that he stays on subject. So many books of this type go off into tangents and I find my self skipping over parts as they add no relevant information to the on going story. I do like Fitz as his is a great story line of a fictional true American Hero that overcomes his disability to once again prove what heroes are made of. He reminds me of true American Hero Col. Gregory D. Gadson who played a similar part in the movie Battleship. While I am waiting on the next book I am going to read the ORBS Series by the author since I enjoyed the first 2 books of the Extinction Series so much.

I am going to review the series as a whole. I didn't get an ARC or any other benefits for my review, i just absolutely love this post-apocalyptic series. It doesn't get bogged down with the day to day, menial average Joe apocalypse survial stuff... this is a series about how we respond as a country/military to the survival, and utter betrayal, of the human race. It focuses on one Delta Force Operations Team. Throughout the series, this team suffers some catastrophic losses, miraculous recoveries, new team additions (both of various species), changes of leadership, bullet wounds, bite wounds, chemical wounds, claw wounds, and emotional wounds. They were epic. Be prepared for non-stop action...and oh my gosh, the world building! It's phenomenal. The fighting is done from a military perspective. So there are call signs, and code names. Lots of specific military gun names, gear, vehicles, aircraft, rank, ships, jargon/vernacular. If you don't know or like books with a heavy military theme, then this is DEFINITELY not the book for you. If it bothers you to be reading, and not know the difference between an M110, M9, M4, and an M249 when the characters are talking about using them...then again, not the books for you (sniper rifle, hand gun, AR, Squad machine gun). I also love the science. However, my one and only complaint is that there was just nothing about VX-99. Nothing about how it was made, who made it? Without answering those questions, what's to stop this horrific event from happening again? I think Mr. Smith did a terrific job with putting just enough science in there to keep it believable and plausible, but not boring and too "blah blah blah blah blah". I normally hate audio books, but I just HAD to keep reading the book, so I got the audio for each book and listened to them during my 10 mile daily walks this week (I read the whole series 1-5 in 4 days). The person who does the audio narration is very, very good. Mr. Smith does an amazing job detailing the world in such a way, that it becomes like a movie in your head. As an Army Veteran, I want to thank Mr. Smith for having the character of Fitzpatrick. Showing a Wounded Warrior, though knocked down and not quite what he once was, is still a damn Warrior! And I think it's amazing that Mr. Smith didn't shy away from talking about the truth of Veteran's suicide rates. 22 veterans a day take their own lives. All it takes is one person Beckman, Horn, or Riley, to make that vet choose to fight instead. 22ADay Reading these books... you will gasp, you will curse (there are some truly evil people in here), you will cry, you will be on the edge of your seat, you will nervously chew on your nails, you will wish you could *pew pew pew* right along with Team Ghost, you will get very angry with anyone who interrupts you while you're reading, you will loose sleep, and you will forget to eat. For our brothers and sisters who didn't come home, or who came home broken and gave up the will to live... "Be ye at peace, brothers and sisters, we've got the watch now. The dark will nay longer touch ye."

I find this second book just as good as the first. With Team Ghost going back to Fort Bragg, just Beckman and Horn. They didn't know what they would find. For Horn it was bitter sweet for him, he was hoping to find his wife and two girls,. They found two Delta Operators, Chow and Jinks with some R angers. They let Horn know that his wife didn't make it , but his girls did make it. It was tough getting their and it was tougher getting back with survivors including a Marine named Fritz, a wounded veteran who lost both feet in Afghanistan and has two blades to walk on. Fritz will prove himself to very body including to Team Ghost that being disabled he was trustworthy and still deadly with a rifle. The scientist Kate and her lab partner Ellis have their work cut out for them back on Plum Island. Not including Kate's feelings were growing stronger for Beckman, and Gibson put away for his crimes. Be reading book 3 thanks Nick.

So everyone knows I'm slightly off when it comes to all things "Zombies." I'm actually obsessed, slightly. I have over 300 books, all zombie, on my Kindle. A few months ago I was actually getting a little frustrated and bored with reading. Everything started to sound the same and I could pretty much write the end of the story. But then something aaamazing happened. I stumbled across an Author by the name of Nicholas Sansbury Smith. He had written a series, which I love reading books in series, The Extinction Cycle. When I started reading it, I tried really hard not to start with a negative attitude that this was just like all the others I have read. Well I read the first three books in about 9 days, and I was so immersed in the series I was stunned when I finished it and was horrified I had to wait for the fourth one to release. Ugh. I couldn't even pick up another book until I read this next one, which I pre-ordered. So while waiting I went back a re-read the first three again, sigh, I know, I know. But for a girl who dreams of zombies, of the appocolpse, and designed and built her own M4 with all things Zombies, this series was written for me!! Finally the fourth book was downloaded on my kindle, i had to finish watching The Walking Dead, of course, and then I grabbed my kindle and met up with some old friends. I say I read the book in 3 days, but really it was in about 6 hours. Loving it doesn't seem to fairly describe it. It's an amazing journey, with amazing characters, and a bit of a twist with your "traditional" zombie. When I can immerse myself so deep in a story to the point where you actually feel it's you in it, well that my friends, is a true gift of an amazing storyteller. So if you have time, love an incredible, fast paced, zombie tale, full of hero's, then you must read this series. Let me know whatcha think!! #teamghost #addicted #theextinctioncycleseries

This is the second book in the Extinction Cycle, and true to it's name, humanity's continued existence seems pretty bleak. Spoiler Alert: I may be giving away some of the plot line of the first book, so if you haven't read it yet, go do so and then come back! Picking up where the first book leaves off, our heroes are stationed on a safe haven, a small island off the coast of New York City. Scientist Kate Lovato has just unleashed hell on the Zombies that came about from a failed experiment to create a biological weapon from a failed super-soldier experiment. The good news is, 90% of the Zombie herds have been destroyed. The bad news, the other 10% weren't, and now they're evolving in to so much more than your garden variety shambler. This leaves Master Sergeant Reed Beckham, and the remnants of a mostly destroyed US Military complex to try to mop up the remaining threat. A task much easier said than done when the enemy is evolving in to a natural born killer. This book, like the first, does a great job of keeping the reader engrossed. The author jumps from character to character, just as the fate of the current subject appears in jeopardy. This style makes it a real page turner, and for most readers, probably a good quick read, easily accomplished in a weekend. I read a lot of Zombie fiction, and while this author's zombies certainly vary from your standard, they do tend to make it a little more tense and horrific. This book is certainly more science fiction oriented than the straight up survival stories that dominate the genre, but this allows one to have some hope that science will find the answer, all the while being horrified at how something like this could happen, and how quickly it is occurring. Some of what I enjoy about these books is their attempt to set the Zombie Apocalypse in a science based setting. There is a lot of background, more so in the first book, about how the virus started and spread. While some of it may be a little far-fetched, I think every good ZA story needs at least a little grounding in reality, and I do love hearing how it all gets started. Anyway, this is definitely a middle book in the series. There's a lot of action, and a lot of new questions, but not much in the way of plot resolution. That's alright by me though because I knew in advance that there is more on the way, and wasn't expecting a conclusion to the story in this book. I'm looking forward to the next book (possibly the conclusion?) in the cycle later this year with much anticipation!

I have read a lot of books in this genre recently. Some have been excellent, while others have been so bad that I am embarrassed to have seen them, and wish I could scrub the memories from my brain. This series fits comfortably in the "excellent" category. The author writes very well: I was not grimacing from constant grammatical errors or stilted language. The characters are interesting and well developed. The infected are showing some unusual characteristics compared to other zombie/infected series, and remain of paramount importance throughout the first two books. This is important to me, since I have read a number of other books where the focus shifted almost entirely to human interactions and the zombie/infected menace became about as important as a mosquito buzzing around in the background. This series does have a "bad guy." However, he is handled well (many authors seem to have problems creating believable "bad guys") and is not an especially important element of the plot. Action is almost non-stop. I ended up reading the entire book in one day, primarily because I could not put it down. For those who have read the first book in the series, you will not be disappointed by Book 2. The style, story line, and main characters continue seamlessly from the end of Book 1. Highly recommended!

This is the second book of a post-apocalyptic series. There are moments of violence, as well as adult language and situations. Feeling the rewards outweigh the risks, the remaining members of Team Ghost go to Fort Bragg to rescue however many people they can find - hoping that includes family and friends. Meanwhile, the scientists are researching weaknesses of the Variants. Will these groups be successful or will the risks be survivable? There is a whole lot of action going on, but the parts that keep me turning pages are the scenes where family and friends are at the forefront.

The most exciting and most believable zombie post-apocalyptic adventure yarns EVER! I have read 33 different P-A authors, from Bobby Akart to Scott B. Williams, and Nicholas Sansbury's Extinction series has to be among the best three P-A novels/series and definitely the TOP zombie stories! Even better than the fantastic Walking Dead TV series! After thoroughly enjoying his Trackers books, I looked forward to the Extinction series - I'm already reading the third book and I've ordered all the remaining five! - knowing that his P-A talent is superb, but he gives a bonus prize of a well-documented and quite believable reason for the 'zombies'. There should most definitely be a TV series of these books!!!!!! Color me super-excited! Manny Gutiérrez - author of 'This Time' (2018)

One damned good read. This one has Master Sgt. Beckham and whats left of his men on Plum Island. The island is manned by the military and both civilians and the men and women scientists are there as well. Kate has been hailed as a hero for what the military unleashed on the walking dead. It killed them but it didn't kill all of them. Those that remain are evolving. General Konner want to take back NYC and from what photos have shown there are only a couple of thousand of these creatures left in the city. Kate knows that can't be true as she knows there should be millions of the creatures in NY. Where are they?? Beckham and his team are headed to Ft. Bragg to look for Hornes wife and two daughters. What they find at Bragg are Delta Operators like them and marines and fifty two civilians with Hornes two daughters among them. His wife didn't make it. They all so find Variants everywhere. Variants who now seem to have leaders who direct the attacks and ambush's. Kate is right. They are evolving and learning. Beckham and the men are down in tunnels under Bragg. Its the only place they can defend. Beckham calls for exfil. So begins one damned fine read. This one has Beckham, Jensen, Horne, a Beckham and Kate who are now lovers, the Delta boys from Bragg, an attack on New York City that Beckham knows is going to fail, a Kate trying to convince Command that those creatures are under the city, a Command with an idiot of a General Commanding who doesn't want to hear it, a battle in NYC, death, destruction. Beckham getting Horne and others out, Beckham and several other Delta Operators staying because there just isn't room, an attack by the creatures on Plum Island, a Marine named Fitz, Riley, the tunnels and Becham and his boys running and gunning to stay alive. Five Stars and them some.

Extinction Edge continues where Extinction Horizon left off... only Dr. Lovato's cure at the end of book one proves not to be quite as full-proof as the world was hoping. Instead of allowing the virus to simply kill off the monsters ravaging humanity, the percentage of people who were immune to the virus to begin with have become something new... variants. Edge follows our heroes on the quest to save the world's remaining uninfected inhabitants and the stakes have never been higher. Smith shines with his powerfully written battle scenes and suspenseful story lines and as I read this latest installment, I couldn't help but imagine what a movie version of the series would look like. I gotta think it would be pretty amazing. Can not wait for the final book to see how it all plays out in the end! Highly recommend.

Picking up right where Extinction Horizon (Book 1) ends, this book will have you hooked from the start. The story is tightly written and the writing is flawless. Two other things make this series stand above the crowd. First, Nicholas Sansbury Smith gets every little military detail right, following the adventures of Team Ghost, a team of Delta Force Operators. Equally impressive, he delivers a completely convincing medical perspective on how the virus was created and muted. In both cases, he skillfully weaves it into the story without getting bogged down or distracting from the suspense. Think Alistair McLean meets "The Last Ship." If you like the Arisen series by James Glynn and Michael Stephen Fuchs, or the Purge of Babylon series by Sam Sisavath, you'll love The Extinction Cycle series. You won't be able to put this book down.

The second installment of Nicholas Smith's zombie series continues the adventures of his two prime protagonists - - Sergeant Reed Beckham and Doctor Kate Lovato - - as they struggle to save the human race from extinction at the clawing hands of Variants, super-zombies bred for total war. Like Smith's first book, the pacing here is tight and energetic. There's no wasted reading time - - - Smith demonstrates an insanely effective grasp on his story's forward movement. The characterization is likewise efficient and expert - - both Kate and Beckham are fully-rounded with little or no extraneous bits or pieces. The writing is clear and direct and strong. Yes, it's a certifiable page turner - - all killer and no filler. Smith doesn't take too many chances with his plot - - which is both good and bad. Beckham undertakes a couple of missions that draw on his combat expertise and experience under fire. After developing a bug that seems to turn the tide on the zombie hordes, Dr. Kate seems less important to the plot in this sequel, though the ending hints at a more important role in the next book. In either case, things zip along. I will say - - despite its tightly plotted story and good writing, Smith does fall back on a few overly familiar zombie plot conventions. The main offender here is a helicopter full of Variant specimens. It's like Chekov's gun (if it's on the wall in the first act, somebody will be murdered by the third act), if there's a helicopter full of hungry, maniacal killing machines, aka Variants, hurtling toward the safe haven of Plum Island - - you don't need a PhD in undead poetics to know what's gonna happen in the next chapter. The ensuing events seemed more a way to keep Kate in the plot while Beckham and crew fight zombies at the NYPL than anything essential to the story arc. Memo to future zombie hunters: never, ever ever transport the undead to research facilities, hardened islands, ships, or other safe havens, no matter what the research scientists want! Though his canvas is smaller than genre gems like the Arisen series, Smith is developing a set of characters, stories, and settings that is quickly putting him on the all-star squad of zombie apocalypse writers.

Book 2 was interesting and a fun read. The pot and characters have developed well. The plot is a lot of running around and following orders from people that don't listen, which makes the story likable to an extent. The main characters seem to always find a way to survive, which is good. I'm sure at some point it will all crumble and the main characters will possibly die, but for now they seem to be holding up well enough. I look forward to the next book.

Apocalypse fiction never really did anything for me over the years. My wife bought me #1 in the Extinction Cycle and it was good enough that I bought #2. Wow! I became fully invested in the characters by this point and was going to p***** if some of my favorite characters died! I recommend this series. It was in the middle of this book that I went ahead and bought all the rest of this cycle. I'm on to Book #3! The first two books in the series are definitely good stuff, Maynard.

The only reason I haven't reviewed this book already is because I'm deep into Orbs III: Redemption. This is what happens when an outstanding author puts out two books in two different series close in time to each other, both of which are excellent. Not that I'm complaining! Bottom line: I highly recommend this book to fans of sci-fi, post-apocalyptic stories, military sci-fi and even thrillers outside of these genres. Extinction Edge picks up where Extinction Horizon (EH) left off; I appreciate that NSS left you wanting more, but not with a frustrating cliff hanger. My thoughts were "uh-oh, this is going to get good". And Extinction Edge (EE) does not disappoint. It has been one of the very few books that I've truly anxiously waited to read. The action picks up immediately and we start learning more about the Variants and their biology...and evolution. These aspects of the creatures are fascinating given how the Variants came to be (no spoilers!) and leaves a lot of room for creativity in every aspect of these creatures' behavior and ecology (sorry, the science geek in me just escaped). One of the best aspects of NSS's writing is the innovative plot lines connected to current science. I mentioned this in an earlier review for EH, but NSS's stories are similar to Michael Crighton's, but with a rebooted edge to them. An analogy would be how the Daniel Craig James Bond movies are updated, edgier, and more intense (not that Crighton's works are not intense). You get the point. A lot is happening on Plum Island as well, and we learn more about the history behind what is happening as well as welcome new characters into the fold. I really enjoy the pace at which the stakes are rising - not so fast that the story starts to feel unrealistic but fast enough to keep you entertained and engaged in the story. This is another one of the best aspects of NSS's writing; the pacing. You really do not want to put the book down. Between the Extinction Series and the Orbs Series, this has resulted in dishes going unwashed, dust bunnies largely comprised of dog hair floating around the floors, and inadvertently sleeping on the sofa on weeknights (waking up with my sleeping Kindle in my hand). As others have mentioned, I am also enjoying the character development tremendously. MSgt Beckham and Dr. Lovato (especially) are both coming into their own while dealing with what is happening around them and it's really gratifying to see these characters' development. I'm also a fan of Fitz, for a lot of reasons, and am glad that he is more involved in the storyline. I hope and anticipate that this continues into the third installment, and I'm also very much looking forward to when Beckham's group is all back together at 100%. For lack of a better way to describe it, the plot is "maturing" in EE. The pacing does not let up from the first book, and the situation becomes more complex both from the standpoint of the external threat and from the standpoint of what is happening on Plum Island. Sometimes "middle" stories end up being extensions of the first story and clear set-ups for the last story, which makes the ending predictable and both the middle and last book less gratifying. Not so here. The story is evolving and developing in innovative and interesting ways, and there is absolutely no prediction inherent in EE. I can't wait for Extinction Age to come out, and I don't say that often. Although I just said it above regarding EE. Truly, a testament to NSS's ability to create an engaging world with engaging characters and deliver a story that hooks you and keeps you. I highly recommend Extinction Edge and the Extinction Series more generally. If you like NSS's work and have not yet done so, I would also highly recommend the Orbs Series. I plan on catching up NSS's other works (Biomass) in between Orbs III and Extinction Age and will review these as well. Note: I received an advanced copy of this book (unexpectedly!) free of charge and was asked to provide an honest review in return. Not only is it my pleasure to review EE (and I would have reviewed it anyway), but I did also purchase the book to help support the author's work.

If you liked the first Extinction Cycle book, this one is better...see my book 1 review for the caveats, which IMHO are no-brainers. The characters acquire more depth, the variants become increasingly threatening, the fast-paced action doesn't disappoint and the plot broadens. I won't recap any more than to say that the camaraderie solidifies nicely. The main characters which have the potential for a relationship don't precipitate toward it unnecessarily and the new characters that are slowly brought into the fold fit well. I'm pleased that in this male-dominated genre the Dr Lovato character comes off as an intelligent and reasonable person.

Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s Extinction Edge, book two in the Extinction Cycle, is a whirl-wind of action and rapid evolution! The stakes have never been so higher since the Hemorrhage Virus first infected humankind. Now, the next stage in transition from modern society to a surviving-society pits Beckham and his Ghost Team against their deadliest enemy yet. Can science still save the human race? It is amazing that this series did not get picked up by a major publisher. I’ve read my fair share of science fiction, most with a strong military core (see my reviews on Aliens and Doom). For a series that pushes its characters through a brutal environment and constantly at military odds with hordes of Variants, the characters internally develop with honesty and sincerity despite having so much external conflict. The transition of Dr. Lovato fragile nature into a survival-hardened scientist, yet without losing the charm that fervently draws Beckham. While every good critique does provide some criticism, this one lacks anything substantial. Perhaps this reader is far too enthralled in nonstop action and curiosity about how humankind could possibly survive such an aggressive virus. This is not a zombie, don’t get infected world. The rate that the infected change, and what they are becoming, really stimulates excitement at the thought that this could possibly make a better TV series than The Walking Dead. The Extinction Cycle is a planned five book series, which book three is already read and currently being reviewed – while book four is sitting in my inbox waiting patiently. Review originally written for SFBOOK.com

Well, he did it again. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has written another sequel (I'm also a huge Orbs fan) I couldn't put down. I kept finding myself wanting to skip to the bottom of the page because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. It's not often I get this involved in a book but his cast of characters, writing style and energy keeps me so involved I feel like I'm part of the story. For the first time, I found myself squirming around in my chair and wanting to yell out loud while reading a book. I'm not the first to say this but this needs to be made into a film. The story line takes what many have done before and turns it into something truly unique and believable. This is where the terror comes in, you get involved with the characters, you cry with them and feel their fear, you become emotionally involved. This isn't just a book for science fiction fans, this is a book for anyone who appreciates a tight, well written story, characters you can relate to and an edge of the seat experience that leaves you holding your breath at times.

OK, as I said in my first review, I'm not a big fan of multi-book stories but, OMG! NSS is still scaring the crap out of me in every chapter. Mainly because it's a realistic possibility. All the reasons for this catastrophe are explained scientifically. Even got a chuckle out of me when Kate was wishing the variants were zombies like in the movies. They aren't though. I'd have gotten bored and been long gone. These things are much faster and stronger. Not to mention harder to kill. The story flows at a pace that makes it easy to see in my mind. Enough description to give me a good picture without getting bogged down. The battle in New York was exciting from start to finish. I'm in for the 3rd book. And, if I might make a request, Make the next one a little longer. I only put it down when I had work to do. It's that kind of book.

If you are looking for zombie books, then this is not the series for you. The human race has turned into “Variants” of themselves. They are not the slow moving brainless, flesh eating zombie types we are used to. These are beings that have evolved into intelligent creatures that are now hunting non-variant humans. They are coordinated, and they even have food storage areas. I am enjoying this series. There is non-stop action, and it’s a kill or be killed type of story. The characters are easy to root for, with the two main characters: Master Sgt. Read Beckham, and Doctor Kate Lovato as over the top amazing people that seem to always do the right thing in a crisis. The supporting cast of Sgt. Parker Horn, and Dr. Pat Ellis round out the main group rather nicely. I am looking forward to the third book. You can see there might actually be a moral dilemma for Kate in the next book: “Create a monster to kill a monster” or try to find a cure. It’s Ellis’s job to keep reminding us and Kate that she should be working on a cure. What will happen to fire fighter Meg Pratt also? I am looking forward to her part of the story as well.

Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle #2) by Nicholas Sansbury Smith keeps up the tension in this new world of a zombie-creating virus run amuck. New facts about the origin of the original virus are exposed, and they are not pretty. Sometimes the people that are supposed to protect you are your own enemy. The team of scientists lead by Dr. Kate Lovato try to decide what to do next after the events of the previous book. Their biological weapon has killed 90% of the infected. However, the remaining 10% are immune to the bioweapon and are getting stronger as time goes by. They are evolving into a formidable foe. Based on faulty guesswork, the general in command vastly underestimates the number of Variants left alive, disregarding Kate’s advice. The military commanders decide that now is the time to just sent in the troops and clean the enemy out. It does not go well. The heavy military lifting again revolves around Delta Force Team Ghost, lead by Master Sergeant Reed Beckham and his team of operators. Nicholas Sansbury Smith continues to introduce new characters that you will care about. As the action moves from Plumb Island to Fort Bragg to New York City, our team picks up Meg Pratt, an injured firefighter from New York, and Joe (Fitz) Fitzpatrick, a former Marine whose legs were badly damaged by an IED. Fitz doesn’t hesitate to join the fight and becomes a valuable addition to the team. Amid all the chaos, Kate and Reed are starting to explore their attraction to each other. When Reed leaves for the attempt to take back New York, you can’t help but feel how anxious they are that he won’t return. Much of the fighting takes place in the sewers and underground tunnels of Manhattan. Smith paints a claustrophobic picture of not knowing where you are, not knowing where the enemy is, and not knowing how to escape. It’s an effective description that will keep you on edge. This volume is a worthy addition to the saga. You will want to finish this book as fast as you can, and move on to the third book. Once again Nicholas Sansbury Smith has hit the ball out of the park with his description of scientists and the military racing against the countdown to the extinction of humanity.

Smith got me into ebooks two years ago with The Biomass Revolution. I read Orbs and Extinction Horizon and now Extinction Edge. His writing keeps getting better. In Edge he delivers even tighter suspense and cuts the filler scenes. This book is not stop action. Not at the expense of character development however. As other reviewers say Fitz is a new favorite. The disabled vet fighting to save his new friends gave me the chills. The monsters or variants are terrifying and their changes keep the reader turning pages. Waiting on Orbs 3 and Extinction Age!

I had to write a long review for this one. Extinction Edge is that good. It's just as action packed as the first, but somehow Smith manages to raise the stakes even higher. I could NOT put this book down. It's going to be interesting to see where he takes the third book. I'm not sure how things can get much worse for humanity. The best part about Smith's books is his exploration of characters and how they react in the apocalypse. He's probably best known for his action. I, however, enjoy the way he deals with his characters. They are diverse and react differently, just like you would suspect in the apocalypse. None of them are ever safe either. Fitz was my favorite new character. Meg is pretty great too. Would love to see a relationship between them. Also would like to see more of the tunnels and lairs that the Variants are building their homes in. The Extinction Cycle is gearing up to be one of the most terrifying and realistic post-apocalyptic series out there. As other reviewers point out Smith has used groundbreaking science and military operations to paint an exciting yet horrifying apocalyptic picture of our future.

The Extinction Cycle series is a series that you DO NOT want to miss! I always love when I feel like I know the characters well enough that I assign actors to them in my head and have a visual of them (LOL...am I the only one who does this?) I love zombie books, which is funny seeing how long it took me to ever start reading any of them. I have always been a big Stephen King/Dean Koontz fan...but strangely enough...I always thought anything zombie related was a little too far out for me (weird, right?) Nicholas reeled me in, hook line & sinker...now I can not get enough! When you read this series, it makes you stop and think...oh my gosh...something like this could actually happen! Do yourself a favor.....get this series...and trust me....go ahead and buy them all...because when you finish the first one....you WILL want to immediately dive in to the next one!

The saga continues, only getting better, well for the reader, but have to say things do look pretty grim for the characters in the story. However, there is a glimmer of hope - maybe left at the end. If you like good post apocalyptic stories, this series is a must read then. I was so captured after starting the first book that I immediately ordered the remaining books in the series. Nicholas Smith is obviously a gifted writer with a the ability to give a great balance between detail and story to prevent it form becoming tedious. I am now starting the third book in the series, and have every expectation that it will continue to give a great and intense continuation of the story!

After reading Book 1 in this series, I really didn't think that Nicholas Sansbury Smith would be able to top it....BUT HE DID! The plot gets deeper, the characters are more involved and most importantly it made me screamingly anxious for Extinction Age to arrive!! I can't wait to see what Nick does with some of my favorite characters EVER! I love Zombie movies, books and TV shows, but what the Author has done with the "Variants" is freakin' SCARY! They are evolving way to quickly for me...LOL! These guys are truly terrifying because I know there is NO WAY I could EVER outrun them! Thank you Nicholas Sansbury Smith for scaring the daylights out of me and having me sleep with the lights on the other night! I would also like to say that I like the fact that even with the amount of Military force in this book, it wasn't overwhelming at all. Very descriptive and understandable to a layperson like myself with very little knowledge of guns and Military strategy . Hurry, Hurry, Hurry with Book 3!!!

Extinction Edge - it just gets better and better! Nicholas Sansbury Smith does not disappoint in this, the second book in his Extinction cycle series! Just love his writing! The suspense is killing me. Just when I thought there was some respite, I got pulled back in again. I fall asleep reading and then start reading again as soon as I wake up. Can't put my Kindle down. Better reviewers that I am have wonderfully described the books in this series in detail, so I am just going to say that I am a HUGE fan of Smith and of his Extinction series, and if I could give more than 5 stars to Extinction Edge, I would!

We pick up the not-quite-zombie apocalypse where book 1 and Team Ghost left off, and there's more peril than ever! As humanity gets pushed closer to the brink of extinction, it becomes clearer and clearer that a brute-force response cannot work. But that doesn't stop the remaining powers-that-be from trying. Master Sergeant Beckham's frustration at his superiors, devotion to his team, and dedication to do what's right constantly pull him in different directions, emotionally and physically. Yet Beckham threads his way through these events and keeps his humanity and sense of self intact, even as his "family" (Team Ghost) gets whittled down. The budding relationship with Dr. Lovato adds some more dimensionality to the story, though it runs the risk of being too obvious ploy to provide Beckham with motivation. Smith also gives a loud shout-out to our wounded and disabled vets in this one, and I love it.

Edge takes the action and drama a step further as we learn more about the variants. The story unfolds in a furious series of setpieces, twists and revelations. This sequel delivers, giving us more of what made Extinction Horizon such a fun surprise. The whole book is split into two big missions. Beckham heads back to Fort Bragg to look for survivors and finds the base overrun with variants. The second section focuses on his return to Manhattan. Once again Smith excels at building tension. We know our heroes are walking into the trap and this keeps us glued to our Kindles.The characters show strength and nobility and Beckham manages to have heart while being a serious badass. The medical research once again elevates the material and adds plausibility to the pandemic. Manhattan makes for a great apocalyptic showdown and the book ends on a cliffhanger that promises further mayhem down the road.

NSS knocks it out of the ballpark yet again with the 2nd book in the Extinction trilogy. Having found out that the variants are not extinct but continue to thrive, Central Command has decided to wipe them off the map. However, will the plan work, or have the variants become the new dominant species on Earth? I loved this book from start to finish. There were times I didn't breath as I read the action and times I finally exhaled and sat back to enjoy the character interaction. NSS has a great ability to take action, characters and plot twists and mix them into a cohesive and mind blowing story. If you haven't read book one or any of the Orbs series, I highly suggest you do so. If you haven't you are missing out on two of the best post-apocalyptic series of our time.

Wow, it just gets better! This second installment in the series gripped me immediately and I just couldn't get loose; I was glued to the story until the end. Smith has a compelling way of telling his stories. The pace is well set in this book, the events and information were informed at the right moments where I just couldn't put this story down, I needed to know more. The suspense was even more captivating than the last book. I just never imagined that I would even like a story about mutated humans but this story is much more than just a zombie book, it's for anyone that wants an action packed mystery, suspenseful medical thriller & horror! The story is very well written, it fluidity is strong, the currents characters are well developed and the new ones are introduced seemingly. I would highly recommend this story to anyone, although I would suggest starting from the first book to get a better understanding of the disease and relationships of the characters. Now I'm on to the next book!

I liken Mr. Smith to the George RR Martin of post-apocalyptic books, which is to so he isn't afraid of killing people (disclaimer: I don't mind this). As was the case with book 1, book 2 ends with the survivors in worse shape than before, and now I have to wait another 3-4 months to find out what happens next! Interspersed between what seems like a never ending stream of bad news there were definitely some new "tier 2" characters you found yourself rooting for, which I like as it insures that a handful of key heroes don't steal all the glory (go Fitz!). I'm not sure where things will go in book 3 in terms of winning the war against the variants, but I'm anxious either way. Book 2 leaves a few cliffhangers beyond the ending itself, and I'm anxious to see where they go.

Wow part 2 is so intense. The variants are so frightening and terrifying! So many... I love the lead characters. You just want to see them survive. I found myself constantly gasping and being like "no" and then "yeah" lol. You really have no idea what's going to happen next. I was on the edge of my seat with sweat beading off my forehead, cheering on the characters. You gotta read part one. If you like end of the world virus doomsday apocalyptic gunslinging fun then this series is for you! Now on to part 3 yeah it really is that good! Thanks for creating this awesome series!

Well Nicholas Smith has hit this one out of the park! It picks up right where the first book ended. It is extremely fast paced, continued suprises with ongoing tension and excitement. Continued character development of the principals and introduction of new and interesting characters as well as expansion of some of the individuals from the first book. I would love to have Reed, Horn, Kate, Meg and "Blades" as friends and neighbors!!! One of the things I have enjoyed about Mr. Smith's writting is the fact that it is devoid of filler! Can't wait for #3 in this series but fall is way to long to wait! Well done Mr. Smith!!

I'm enjoying this series so much. The major element I so appreciate is Mr. Smith's writing so far is his fine sense of character development. To be sure, the background story is essential (Alien Invasion in ORBS and a truly horrific viral outbreak in Extinction), but we get to know the principal characters on a very detailed level. In addition, the reader is treated to all sorts of character information on secondary supporting characters as well. Clearly, Reed, Kate, Riley, Horn, and Fitz are all part of "his" extended family and are now a definite part of mine. Onwards to Volume 3! Be sure to get your copy soon.

Another excellent installment in the series. This time, as the enemy evolves, so does the pace to bring the horror of a predator stalking its prey completely to the forefront of the entire book. The tension is thicker and the stakes are much higher this time as humanity find themselves coping not only with the mistakes of the past but also their inability to properly appreciate the gravity of the situation. Overall another excellent book from Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Looking forward to the next one!

Not your typical post-apocalyptic series and I mean that in the most positive way! This is not the book you read before bed for two reasons. First, the detail is perfectly worded to make you feel like you have a front row seat in the action. Secondly, each chapter is a cliff-hanger so to speak. It makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Even though this isn't your typical "zombie" book, it is easily in the top 5 for this type of genre. I am no scientist either, but when they go into detail about the virus, I feel smarter after reading it. The characters in the book are very believable as well. Beckham and his squad are bad asses, but yet still bleed, which again adds to realness of it. I am anxiously awaiting for Feb 29, 2016 to see how the series wraps up.

I am eagerly awaiting the 3rd book in the series. After reading the 1st, Extinction Horizon, I was hooked. When I read the first book, I was expecting more of a zombie type book, but this is so much more than that. While the plot of book 2 carries on from the end of book 1, the tone is completely different and takes the story in an entirely new direction. I found myself getting sucked into the action and worrying about the characters involved. To me, this is the sign of a great book and I would recommend this to anyone.

This book, and this series so far, are excellent suspense and action. I am definitely hooked. I love thrillers and post-apocalyptic stories and this fits the bill well. I consider this "popcorn fiction," which I curl up with at the end of the day or on my lunch break to relax and de-stress. It's great. Having said that, I have a few nits to pick. One: I'm no soldier, but I'm a gun geek, and I find it hard to believe that the heroic Delta Operator, Beckham, drags an MP5 hither and yon through the end of the world to hunt super-predators. He's essentially hunting bears with a pistol. A 10.5-inch barrel Colt Commando in 5.56mm would have two times the muzzle energy of the MP5. Unless Beckham is trying to survive the end of the world on "hard" mode, the MP5 makes no sense to me as the choice of an experienced combat veteran facing impossible odds. It degrades my suspension of disbelief every time I see it mentioned. Two: As an extension of nitpick #1, the fight scenes, which are frequent, suffer a bit from gunfighting clichés like "raining brass" and "blowing holes in heads" and so forth. Also: fights are chaotic, but the way they're written here, they can be a bit too chaotic to follow. It seems like there could be an improvement in how the action goes down, both in more imaginative and clearer descriptions. (The fight in Building 1 was particularly hard to follow. I wanted a building map.) Three: The characters are developed about to par for a summer blockbuster action movie. Two books in, I'd hope they get a bit more fleshed out from here on. Strangely, the characters I'm rooting for the most at this point are Meg and Riley, because of the dramatic challenges they're facing.

The cliches got less than the first book, also the story kind of warp and the science and biology in it is plausible, although it made a jump that is possible only in theory but still really cool. The action is well written making it fun to read. That being said, the characters are predictable, plain and again, cliche (the awesome hero,I-shall-never-leave-no-one-behind kind of guy, the hot smart scientist that fall for the awesome guy, the big bear and small smart ass side kicks). Still the book is enjoyable and makes me want to know more, what will happen next

My God, this book put me through the wringer. It played with my emotions like a toxic lover...and I never want to breakup. Seriously, buy this book! Sansbury even threw in a little romance if that’s your thing. I can’t help but to cheer these people on, they’re all so alive to me. I’m on the the next one, you should be too.

O my gurd! Of course it's good. Got some humor too. Yep, well produced and all that. You like you some story tellin? Horrific tale of civilization turned wasteland. Battle royal. Mutated humans. Hero's to the rescue. Scientists in the labs. Their not human now. Evolving into what, you say? Gotta go folks, book 3 calling. Good stuff.

Book 2 continues Nicholas Sansbury Smith's addictive story of MSG Beckham and Team Ghost - along with Dr. Kate Lovato's. Her cure was deployed in book 1 - unfortunately it doesn't quite work the way it was supposed to and the Variants were born. The Variants are way worse than the original zombie-like monsters. We meet some new characters in this book - Meg, an former firefighter and all around bad-ass and Fitzpatrick or Fitz for short. He's a Marine as well as a wounded warrior - he lost his legs but you'd never know it by the way he fights. I listen to my books and I think I made it through this 8 hour book in one sitting - I just couldn't stop listening!

The second book in any series is always a challenge from a writing perspective, but Smith really does a smashing job with this. It's more of what made the first book excellent, as well as new stuff to enjoy and work through. The characters are really starting to become real at this point, and I found myself cursing Mr. Smith for throwing my favorite Delta operators into deeper and deeper trouble. Reed really needs a vacation after this. Again, just like the first book, the action is unrelenting, and there's a certain joyful exhaustion after reading this book. It's fun, it's scary, and it's totally worth a read.

Please wait while I catch my breath! I've never read a book so full of non stop action that Nicholas Smith stomps on the gas from page one and doesn't let up until the end. For action junkies and military Sci-Fi fans, this series (The Extinction Cycle) is everything you even wanted and so much more. I guarantee that Book #1 will have you hooked and screaming for more. Make sure that you start at the beginning of the series and strap in for one wild ride.

The second entry in the Extinction Cycle continues to delight. Humanity continues their struggle as the virus that has drastically altered all those infected on the genetic level. After Dr. Kate Lovato's bioweapon succeeded in killing off approximately 90% of the infected population, it sadly only cured the remaining 10% of the Ebola portion of the virus, leaving them as still crazed "Variants". Creatures no longer infectious, but just as ravenous as they've ever been. The main characters continue to grow and we get to meet and care for several more as the Extinction Cycle series continues. If you enjoyed the first one, there is no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy the second.

New characters are just as tough as Team Ghost. Valdez and Fits , isn't Team Ghost but are two hell of a marines to love and enjoy. Also the continue struggles for Kate and her teams to cure or destroy the Variants is just as tense as Team Ghost go through too. Again, I had read with the audio book at the same time. The experience is overwhelming with joy. Who need movies and tvs when you got great writers as Nicholas Sansbury Smith for a while lot better entertainments.

Wow! What a great read. It doubles down on the zombie type story by putting some top grade mustard in it. Plenty of good guys bite the dust as the human race is almost obliterated by...we...the human race on steroids. Unlike the shooting in The Walking Dead where everyone is a marksman immediately, there is a more realistic picture of what real battle is like. The stress of combat is accurately portrayed in the thoughts and actions of the people trying to hang on. Give the books a try. I think you will enjoy them.

Extinction edge continues right where the first book left off and plunges you right back into the action. The book is a great read and part of a great series. The story line is interesting and the evolution of the variants leaves you wondering where it is all going to lead. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger which I am usually not a big fan of but the author made it work. This is a decent length book and you don't get the impression he cut the story in half in order to sell two books. Great book, great series and am looking forward to the third book. I did receive an advance copy for a review but ended up buying the book anyway

This book doesn't need another review there's plenty but if you've read book 1,you know what's in store,non-stop action from page 1 to the last page and characters you grow to care for,same as book 1,you can't help but continue to read just to find out what's going to happen to see if they're going to be able to get out of the dangerous predicaments that there in, there really isn't any slow Parts in his book buy it now you won't be disappointed

Book two of the series continues with the same fast pace, twists and turns. Human enemies from the first book surface and seem to multiply in this next story. Our main hero continues his daring missions, and our heroine continues her pursuit of a scientific solution to the disaster. And all the while, the End of the World just keeps getting worse. We've been introduced to several main characters from book one, and we gain a few more here. And we lose some. The pace continues at the same fast clip. The infected become more and more dangerous, and seemingly unstoppable.

I found myself wanting to glance ahead but the thought of missing something as the story unfolded wouldn't allow me to. It's so easy to get caught up in the characters of Beckham, Horn, Kate and others as they encounter Variants (even more horrifying than zombies) that you won't want to set the book aside for even a few minutes. Having read Extinction Horizon and now Extinction Edge, I'm waiting anxiously for Extinction Age to become available. Make sure to read ORBS series and The Biomass Revolution/Tisaian Chronicles as well. Great storyteller!

Just another zombie book. No way. This is a real twist. I have read 3 so far, one right after the other. Wow, these are really good books. How about zombies that evolve into wall and ceiling walking critters that are essentially indestructable! These are notlyour tv zombies. This is a fast paced, edge of the chair speed reading book with characters you actually care abot. Part of the time you are cheering, part of the time tears running down your face, all of the time you are racing to get to the next page. I will be on book 4 tomorrow!

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 leaves off...gripping the restraints for another ride on a rollercoaster of nonstop action and excitement. You root for all the good guys and hate to see anyone die even though death is a given in a series like this. The main characters are easy to identify with and you cheer for them on every page. Just when you think there's no way out our heroes find a way.

Read it i less than 24 hours, I had to know what was going to happen next. NSS has a knack for getting you hooked and keeping you involved right to the very end. You always know the other boot is about to drop, but you never know for sure where it will be. An intense page turner, with characters you care about and want to be reading more about again in the next chapter. My cats are thrilled I picked up this series, we sit for hours at a time reading and not doing any of my work!

Love, love this series! This 2nd book kept me reading on and on through the night. I love the characters and the creatures are not your typical zombies. Just the thought of being hunted and killed by these variants scares me. I hope you are happy Mr. Nicholas Smith as I will be up all night again reading book 3...seriously, you should be happy because this series is fantastic.

Another edge-of-the-seat thriller from Nicholas Sansbury Smith, a rising star in the post-apocalyptic genre. The science is solid and so believable it'll give you goose bumps. The kind of "zombies" he puts forward have weapons that come directly from mother nature, ancient genes now turned on by the deadly combination of ebola and a bioweapon. Can things get any worse? I really enjoyed this second installment in the Extinction Cycle series. While I still love Kate Lovato and Beckman, I also enjoyed seeing new characters like Meg, Jed and Rex. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

This was even better than the first book. As other readers mention there is more military to this installment, but there is a good deal of science as well. The really cool thing about Smith's writing is that he uses both. Most zombie or zombieish books fall into the trap of writing the same old thing. Smith likes to try unique angles. He did so with the aliens in Orbs and now he has done the same with the 'zombies' in the Extinction Cycle. Readers that enjoy a good military/medical thriller will love the post-apocalyptic world he has created. Excellent characters. Superb editing and some of the best action in any book I've read in the genre.

Keeping in line with the first book, Extinction Horizon, this is another fast-paced, constant thrill novel. Just the right amount of science is blended in with all the military action as Beckham and Kate deal with a new world where 28 Days Later-like infected rule the streets. Once again, the book provides a unique blend on the post-apoc/zombie genre, and I especially like how Kate delves into the science and epigenetic changes in the Variants. It provides a level of believability that really makes the whole book scarier and more suspenseful. Definitely recommended for anyone who's interested in unrelentingly fast, page-turning reads.

I love apocalyptic books that have military themes, as well as anything involving zombies to biological disasters and this series has got me well and truly hooked ! The characters are great and you really relate to them, there is wins and loses and as always there is a bad guy that needs to be taken out ! I consumed all 3 books one after the other and did not pause to review (hence forth the copy and paste on all 3 books reviews :D ) as I needed to know what was going to happen next ! so glad book 4 isn't far off and its pre ordered and the countdown is on!

I am in cliffhanger Hell. Mr. Smith did it again. This second in this series had me once again putting it down to absorb and walking away so as to not finish it so fast..I wanted and needed the 3rd and however many more to be ready to one-click! However as much as I want things it is not there yet. I will be watching and waiting. LOVE this series! So many questions I have and yet I am strangely ok not knowing yet. I know they will all be answered in time. Great writer and A+ story, characters, action, science. This book has it all. Thank you for introducing me to your stories!

Absolutely obsessed and upset at the same time. My obsession is the reason for my being upset. I have to wait a few more months or so to read the 3rd book in a series that could last 5 or 6 books. Unfortunately with this one, idk if it was because the book was short or I read it alot faster than the first one but it just seemed over quickly. I said it before, if you're reading this series and you don't like it. Something is wrong with you. GREAT JOB NSS!!!!!!!

I enjoyed this second book almost as much as the first which is saying something. Often the second book in a series loses some of the guts and glory of the original storyline and you feel the author is just stretching it out for pages' sake rather than the sake of the story. This is not the case here. The story is enhanced in this second book. The first book should be read before this one as this one builds on the story that is built in the first volume. I've finished the Orbs trilogy by the same author while waiting for the next volume of this series and it is very good also.

I love, love this series. The author has done a great job with the military aspects. And the character development started out great and it just keeps getting better! After I read the first book I kept checking the authors page to find out when Extinction Edge would be released. So many books start out slow and I have to force myself through it. Not that way at all with the Extinction series. Great series. I highly recommend it.

Enjoyed the first book so much just had to buy Edge. Filled with action, crazed creatures and the people praying to find a way to stop them. This book was just as hard to put down as the first one. Found myself still reading until early morning some days. In a world where its every man ( and woman ) for himself (or herself ) this group comes together again to fight the good fight and never give up. Was not disappointment and well worth only getting a few hours of sleep at night.

I read the first of Nick's books and even before i finished it i per-ordered the Edge.. i have read a lot and i mean a lot of sci-fi and zombie books, the good and the bad... and some thing i have noticed is that the stories never go into the in and outs of way the zombies happen.... or if they do its is so far fetched that it makes no sense or so over my head =, and I am not a stupid man (don't let my wife see this please....), that you can get into the story... Nicks books not explain what is going on and it is believable.... not only that but it fresh............ mix this with the people in the story and you have a series that i cant wait to read more about..... having been in the Army and fought alone side man like Beckham, Horn, Riley and Fitz I can see where they get their strength from and know that what Nick writes is possible..... count into this mix the wonderful doc Kate and Horns girls and my zombie family is complete..... i truly cant wait for the third book ................

If you have chosen to continue in this journey with team ghost let me congratulate you on your luck. As you have seen from book 1 you are in for one hell of a ride HOORAH!!! This story just gets better and better. It never slows down just like these soldiers never get a break but soldier on. You are very fortunate to not have to wait for the next book to be released!! Warning you may not get your errands done it projects finished. Be prepared to use a sick day or two because you won't be able to put this one down. But team ghost continue to put these tangos down. It's God's job to forgive these savage beasts, it's team ghosts job to arrange the meeting....

Whew, started book 2 last night, finished tonight. I had to wipe my sweaty palms to write this review. Great story, well-edited, fast-paced, novel premise on the bioweapon run amok. The Variants as leech/spider/human/gecko recombinated superpredators are scarier than aliens and leave your run-of-the-mill zombies in kindergarten. I'm hoping the Delta Team guys find a certain someone in the place where they were at the end of book 2 and are able to effect a rescue.

If you haven't been following this author then you are WAY behind on some extremely good reading. Better get on board and hang on because this ride is hairy to the nth degree! These books are so good they're impossible to put down!! Love the characters and the constant action is riveting. Biting fingernails waiting for the next installment. Nicholas Smith has quickly become one of my all time favorite authors. Great work Nick, keep em coming!

A heart-pounding series that gets better with each installment. Mr. Smith has presented a believable scientific premise that explains the existence & evolution of his all too scary antagonists. Everything that follows is an adrenaline filled leap into hell. Mankind is in deep kimche, and I'm trapped between being too terrified to sleep and too fascinated to stop reading!

Since I came into the series after book 4 and before book 5, this review is for books 1-4. This was really a great read and interesting topic. There was a good mix of military technical material and the perseverance of Fitz as a double amputee with leg blades was inspiring as well as the typical loyalty of the military trained dogs. Everything flowed very nicely and as I said in the review for book 5, a series that will be reading again.

After countless piles of end of the world rubbish finally a glimmer of hope. I am very big fan of arisen; this series is almost as good and in certain aspects better. Mr. sansbury Smith is an excellent writer who is able to flesh out his characters and to make his books a living breathing entity. This series is a breath of fresh air in this genre. Very recommended,good read

An experimental drug, meant to create super-soldiers, is converted to a bioweapon via the Ebola virus. You know what happens next, but rather than slow moving zombies, humans must battle genetically altered creatures that are stronger and faster, but also appear to be evolving. Stansbury Smith delivers a taut plot and believable characters. This was a fun page turner and one of the better ZA novels I've read. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

As a Marine Corps infantryman and combat vet- a modern war/post apocalyptic page turner is something I had been searching for over non-fiction war stories and Tom Clancy type novels. Although it has such elements that modern war novels have-it also has romance and science fiction which I greatly appreciate. The best part is that it's a zombie novel that puts the military as the tip of the spear unlike many others in which it's focus is untrained and non capable individuals who's never shot a gun in their life. Perfect series for veterans like me and I would recommend it any day.

Both Book 1 and Book 2 were very entertaining. They had a lot of action and a new twist to apocalyptic monsters. The characters were well developed. In fact, I found that I cared about what happened to them. I especially liked the fact that Smith developed a particular character that was a wounded warrior. I wish more authors would do this. Unlike other apocalyptic stories, Smith leads you on a dangerous and frightening journey while still giving you hope that humanity will somehow survive. These books have a male and female lead, military action, scientific experiments, viral outbreaks, and even love. There is something for most everyone.

Another fast paced adrenaline ride! I cannot wait for he third book!! This series is a creative and different take on an end-of-the-world scenario. The characters are very engaging and relatable - not perfect and unflawed. However they have nobility and loyalty to one and other. I found the story to be very believable, though that is very scary! It is clear that Nicholas Smith has done his homework, as both the science and the military aspects are very detailed and realistic. I could not put down either of these books!!

I just finished reading "Extinction Edge." In a word ... Wow!!! The book picked up seamlessly from where "Extinction Horizon" left off. The original and the new characters flawlessly carried the plot and the ever-present action. Once again, the author's research and his meticulous and accurate attention to detail imbued the book with a level of believability that I have rarely encountered in other books of this genre. I will avoid any spoilers, but I will say that the ending was a definite "Oh wow!" moment. "Extinction Age" can't come soon enough. I highly recommend this book. Well done, Nick.

A real page turner. Action packed it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed the combination of military grit with science fiction. Again though, it does end in such a way that the third book has to be read to conclude the story. I do not mind that, I enjoy reading this type of book, it is always a bit of a letdown when I finish a book and I have to find new stories that interest me. So having multiple books to read in a storyline is great for me!

The storyline goes forward like a freight train !! Good guys go down and the human race dwindles down to the very brink of extinction !! Every time that Team Ghost has a victory it seems they turn around to another setback ! I really love this series. Each book "could" stand alone but why would you do that to yourself ?? Read these from the beginning all the way. Each one is a "can't put this damned thing down" thrill ride. Filled with great acts of valor and humbling disappointment !! You're gonna get addicted.

Book two, is more exciting and captivating than the first. Not only is the virus spreading fast, but the variants (zombies) are adapting and learning. puts a whole new twist on the zombie apocalypse. We can no longer think of zombies being the slow dumb mindless creatures, waiting on the slow dumb survivors to wonder by. Sansubury Smith gives us a whole new look at what a Zombie Apocalyptic world could look like. A Great read and great start to what I hope to be a very long series of book. Looking forward to the next books.

I felt this was a very good continuation of book 1 in this series. Things progress very quickly - unexpected changes - unexpected results. There is a genuine sense of loss when one of the good guys is (or might be) lost. Character development is continuing nicely, and the interaction between characters is believable. New threads in the plot begin, and some come to a rather abrupt end. As in a good movie, sometimes you need suspension of disbelief. Not sure how even Delta Force Operators survive that many encounters.

Loved it. If this series became a movie, I'd be sitting on the edge of my seat biting my nails. It was well written, I know this because, I read every word. Sometimes I find myself skipping over words in novels due to so much description. For example, white picket fence with yellow daisies yada yea yada. Who cares. This novel is fast paced with so much going on, I didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks Nick

I really enjoyed the next installment of the series, this book was quite an exciting ride. I have become emotionally involved with the characters and hope they will succeed in their endeavors against the Variants. I read this while hanging out in airports for the most part, it was a great way to spend the monotonous hours of travel. By the end of the book, I ended up staying up late just so I could finish it. Although, I was left dangling at a precipice praying for the safety of all our favorite characters. Nick has continued to evolve as an author, his novels becoming more gripping with each new release. I will continue to read his works and enjoy his development as a writer.

After reading the first book, I wanted to give this series one more try. The first book was a decent effort, but after finishing Extinction Edge, I'm not interested in investing anymore time. I applaud NSM for stepping outside the box by coming up with a completely new monster. Unfortunately, his Variants are a little too far out there for me to accept.

Great storyline. Smith knocked put of the park with this one! The detail and the tactics are realistic and evoke real emotion and excitement. Can't wait to devour the next one.

Book 2 was just as good as book 1 ,Beckham , knew what he was talking about when he didn't want to go to the city ,but he took his men any way and Fitz he may be handicap but he doesn't let that get in his way ,and it seems that the Variant are getting a lot smarter so I can't wait to see what's going to happen going to happen in book 3 ,So fellow book readers if you haven't read the books yet you need to cause they are great you will enjoy them

I said in my first review of Nicks book that the story and character development was top notch and that I was looking forward to the follow up book, well here it is and he did not disappoint, I have nothing but praise for how this guy writes his books and get's his story over to the reader. Start reading this series if you have not already and be prepared for a very enjoyable read. Looking forward to his next installment.

This is turning out to be a good apocalyptic series reminiscent of Lundy's Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series. While the reader may think the series is predictable, it's not. Some things I could foresee, but there are enough twists to keep you reading on to find out how Beckham, Kate and the others deal with what looks like the end of mankind as we know it. Definitely picking up Book 3 to see what's next.

These Monsters have it all over humanity in every way. Makes it not a fair fight. They are faster,stronger, climb walls, hang from ceilings, out number us, and you have to shoot each one a hundred times to stop it! Makes it almost not fun to read. I don't even like the faster walking zombies! But I will read next book to see how things come out. Richard Ruppel

A fast moving and well written tale of lethal bioweapons, and the hideous mutations they spawn of the few survivors, inhuman monsters known as "variants." These creatures are constantly evolving and are a far cry from the typical Romero zombie. Indeed, variants are not undead at all. Rather, they are extremely fast and agile, and can think and lay ambushes. The characters are compelling and realistic. Disastrous decisions by the highest echelons make for edge of your seat suspense. The author has researched the military and weapons, and has expertly edited and proofread this novel. This is a must read for post apocalypse fans and of a much higher quality than most. Five stars!

Good plot with very possible story line. As we humans muck around wit DNA and other biological it is more a case of not "If", its more the idea of "When". Zombies... I don't think so, but for sure a different kind of "human". Who knows...maybe even a smarter edition with kinder thoughts on how to treat the earth and "all" its inhabitants

Nicholas Sansbury Smith has done it even better this time! The VX99/Ebola mutated humans are still wreaking havoc on the remainder of humanity. Beckham and his crew really have their hands full with the new twist Smith has thrown into the plot. It was very difficult put it down. It only took a few hours for me to finish. I felt like I was in the battles with the characters. Looking for summer to get here so I can find out what happens next. This one ends with one heck of a cliff hanger!!!

A very interesting series but I wish it wasn't continuing into another book. This series could have been shorter. Need a break and will be reading something else for now.

It is often a tough job for an author to keep a reader's attention, especially in a high action setting with little rest between one crisis and the next. Not a problem here. We quickly find out that the "ultimate" solution for dealing with the Variant crisis is only partially effective, those that survive are much more dangerous than their predecessors, and that human innuendo, hidden agendas, and misplaced ambition converge to make book two another must read.

I love this book! Can't put it down! It is just as good as the 1st one in the series. I cannot wait to read book #3! I hope these get made into a movie or tv series. The author does an amazing job of keeping you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next.... throughout the entire book! I would give this 6 out of 5 stars if I could. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that this book has it all. Nick... keep up the fantastic work!!!!

Ok. Blah blah blah. I read a lot, watch a lot, etc etc etc. All I'm going to say is I read the first book and absolutely loved it. Maybe one out of 10 books I read I absolutely enjoy with a passion and that was one. After finishing the first book I immediately purchased the next 2 books. I literally read the second book in a day. Wow. It was freaking fantastic. Kudos to this author. The man has a gift.

WOW! Nicholas has done it again. The excitement and edge of your seat action of this book is amazing. Every book he has written so far becomes better and better. Every page you read explodes. I'm waiting breathlessly for the next one. Nick is the best new author of this century. Please keep them coming and thank you for your amazing ability to keep us all on the edge of our seats.

I am hooked on this series. I have been listening to the audible audio books on my kindle. Bronson Pinchot, which I cannot believe he does audiobooks, is AMAZING! The characters are still well developed and continue to grow and evolve, just as the Variants do. It's hard to be original in these types of stories, but I love the military aspects of this story line. I am on the 5th book currently and just noticed that a 6th came out!!

This series is excellent in all respects so far. I am eagerly awaiting the third installment. I have read many apocalyptic stories and storylines but this series one of the best so far. Good characters and strong military action make it easy to get lost in this and the first book. Holds up under modest scrutiny of details which makes the reading more enjoyable - no obvious distractions from glaring examples of poor research or weak grasp of subject matter. Well done.

This series is the gold standard of post apocalypse books. A military bio-weapon breaks containment and rapidly decimates Earth's population. A virologist and Delta Force operative race to save what's left of the world as they build a relationship.

This book picks right up where Extinction Horizon left off and the thrill a minute doesn't stop! The introduction of new characters keeps this series fresh and you can't help but love Fitz. The "change" that some of the infected go through is scary as hell! Another book by this author that I just could not put down! A definite recommendation from me on this one!

Book 2 picks up right where the first ended and presents a plot twist. Just when you think there is a cure and everything will be better, things get worse. Thank goodness for Team Ghost. These guys are real heroes! If you read the first book, then you will not be disappointed with this one!

I'm half way thru book 2 and the anxiety, excitement and anticipation is killing me! Action packed, well developed storyline, seamless transitions... this series is fantastic. I've read hundreds teotwawki books and this one ranks among the best. Gun fights, monsters, horror, real characters with unique personalities, a little romance, a little mystery... the book has it all. You can tell this author did his homework. If you read a book this year, read this one.

I was so looking forward towards reading this book after reading the first book and I was not disappointed. Mr Smith clearly has a great imagination and a good knowledge of firearms and the military. I totally enjoyed this book and was engrossed in the reading of it, great characters and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

That first book was rockin' and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I wasn't disappointed either. WOW! I felt like I was right there fighting along with the soldiers. The monsters are fantastic and still very scary. Might keep you up at night.

What a great read. I could not put the book down. This story moves so quickly from page to page that I had to stay home from work to finish it. The characters are so real that it's almost like your visualizing a movie as you read. These monsters are truly what nightmares are made of. Can not wait till June for the next book to come out. Nicholas Smith is one of the most talented writers in our time. Don't miss the story it's one of the best.

As if they had a choice BUT to do what they did to save mankind/humanity...but Science got it all wrong. And I see "the kiss" coming...... Exciting page turner, very thought provoking and leaves the reader hungering for more. I mean, seriously, how many book can the author write in this series??? I loved the line: "In order to kill a monster, you will have to create one"; what can possibly be worse than the horrible creatures in this book????"

This book came out 3/2/15 and I was so excited to download it. I just finished it on 3/6 and it only took me that long because I tried to pace myself knowing I'd have a while to wait for the next installment. I was expecting a zombie apocalypse story and got one that is so much more. Not mindless zombies shambling around but calculating killing machines made from our own families and neighbors. I do wish the characters were a bit more fleshed out. And now for the long wait until summer....

I have the signed set in real book form but i want the set on kindle too (for easier reading) You won't be sorry reading this author. My first book from him was The Biomass Revolution, i moved right along to Orbs and have not looked back. He is a very interactive author if you join him on facebook. So don't hesitate to give him a try. A great fun ride/read. Pam

Whether you are an avid reader of the genre or just dabbling, this series is well-worth your time. Extinction Horizon horrified and delighted me, and Extinction Edge only made my admiration grow. I have recommended this series to countless friends and have already pre-ordered the 3rd book! If the zombie apocalypse is something you're at all interested in, you MUST read these! The science makes it terrifying and the well-developed characters pull your heartstrings. Keep up the fantastic work!

Non-stop action. This series is one you can't put down til you find where the action takes a break and that is few and far between. I am enjoying the adrenaline rush from the descriptions of the scenes. This series would make for a great script for an action movie. I'm sure the author has thought about it as you feel like you are there in battle with the characters. It would have to be done mostly CGI as the amount of dead bodies would be incredible. I'm reading the whole series and not waiting for the movie.

Best sci-fi I've read in ages! I love books like these and I've read a lot of them. This author put a great twist in your run of the mill "zombies". These things are a lot scarier and will give you chills:) LOVE IT! Can't wait for more!!

Second book in this series of which I have read all four books that are out. I don't usually get so involved in books that my heart races and I start sweating, but this series will do that to you. The action is so intense and the characters so well developed that you really get into the series. Best of the Zombie post-apocalyptic genre!

When push comes to shove and your world crumbles as we need them good people surface. w When it seems everything is going down the drain the best people appear. Unfortunately the same for the worst of us appear also.

This was an absolute pageturner! I love the story world for this series. The fight for survival just got whole lot harder. Highly recommended.

I cannot wait for the third installment, the first two books were great, edge of your seat type reading. I am a senior citizen who has a love for the written word since I was a young kid, I read all types of books, it is very refreshing when I find a story well written and exciting , this young writer offers all of this. Keep up the good work, hope to see your next book soon!

What can I say about this book that I did not say about the first? I love the characters who have pulled me into their world and made me care about them in a big way. The 'zombies', still prefer the term infected but I will let that go because the story is good enough to make me not care as much. The introduction of the new characters was done perfectly and allowed me to get a feel for them when they return further down the line. The imagery pulls me in and I can actually visualize and put myself in the narrative as it plays out, even though I have never been to the locations described. With the threat of infection no longer a part of the equation thanks to Kate, the military is now looking to take back the cities. The infected are still in the cities, roaming and killing any survivors they find. But they are not the simple creatures that the men in charge think they are by any means. They are sending their men into a situation that could further decimate their ranks and put them on a path to complete extinction. There is tension from the moment this book begins to the time it ends and I loved every minute of it. There is a great deal of violence but you know that it is necessary and it is so well done that you cannot help but cheer them on in its execution. The relationships between the men is solid and what you want to see between guys who have each others back on a daily basis. I don't know what more to say other than this is a really great series. When I wasn't actively reading I found myself thinking about it and what might happen next. I was still in this world long after I finished and all I could think about was what will happen in the next book. I am hooked! Highly recommend to zombie lovers or anyone who has a thing for the military.

It is amazing how I just fell into this series and now it is in my top books. I need them ALL! I also have the audibles and they are terrifically narrated by Bronson Pinchot, who voice I have loved since the Larry Correia's Hard Magic books. LOVE this series.

This book picks up right after the events of the 1st book in the series, which keeps is fresh and timeline interesting.. It continues with the development of the plot, and brings the primary characters to further development and believability. Keeps your interest going with every turn of the page (or thumb press on a Kindle) LOL. Can'\t wait for the next one.

The second book in a post-apocalyptic series. Part two finds the World has been saved from one catastrophe only to be faced with another. In this chapter of the ongoing post-apocalyptic series the creatures that were created by a mix of the Ebola virus and a bio-weapon designed to make super soldiers have been killed, only to be replaced by those that would have survived Ebola anyhow. They have evolved into a super predator and are driven by an insatiable need to consume flesh. A team of scientists struggles in an attempt to save humanity with a way of reversing the bio-weapon while the Military attempts to take New York City back and restart civilization. The "variants" as the creatures are called, have other plans and a battle with the human race at stake begins. How will it end? Once again, Smith paints a word picture that is gruesomely fascinating and at times tender and serene. He continues to develop the characters and their lives in the midst of chaos. He writes in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are right there in the midst of the apocalypse. The ending of this book will leave you screaming for more. I highly suggest this book, and while the reader could understand this novel without reading Extinction Horizon first, the experience will be much more enjoyable if that book is read first. I look forward to my future nightmares when Extinction Age is released.

This the second book of the series is yet again a fast paced action packed follow up. Try the series.

Picking straight up from where book 1 ended it carries on at a all guns blazing pace and the story doesn't let you down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn't let you sit back. Loved it again and good to see the characters you liked from the first one continue to grow whilst still introducing some more that you know you are going to grow to love too.

Continues an exciting approach to doomsday literature. (See my review for Extinction Horizon). The second in the series is as good or better than the first! it could be read without reading book 1, but is best in sequence

Wonderful sci-fi apocalyptic, military driven series. Well written, flows well, engaging and entertaining. Yet frighteningly plausible if you have even a drop of conspiracy theory paranoia in you! The character development is great. The science, as well as the military aspects, are all pretty foreign to me but it is presented in a way that I can grasp the basic concepts and keep up. I highly recommend this series!

Excellent book. I haven't read the first book or any others in the series beside this one yet, but if the others are as good as this one, I will read them all. Action packed.

I pre ordered this book on the strength of book one, what I didn't know was that I would be rendered useless until I finished it. We have all heard the term, page turner, or a book you can't put down, well this is one of those books and I could not put it down. To me a good read is a book that allows me to become part of the story, I am in there with the other characters, I am fighting or fleeing, with the characters. I am laughing or crying with the characters, this is one of those books, I was totally enveloped into each and every scenario. Nick Smith writes a good story, his characters are real, his back ground descriptions are real, In fact whilst reading this story is real. Then comes the worst part of any good book, the end. Okay back to reality and life goes on. If any of you Zombie lovers are still thinking about this series, stop thinking and join the fun.

Easy and engaging read. Love the combination of Spec Ops and zombie like threats. It's just the right length too. I'm a busy guy, but I love to sneak in an entertaining read when I can, and this series is perfect for that. Heading to grab the next chapter now!

It just gets better & better. If you got this far then you're hooked and ready to ride this series to the end. You won't be disappointed. Hang in there, but be prepared for the ups and downs. If you're a true bookworm, and love this genre, you'll stick with this series to the end. Don't give into dispare, keep rooting for the good guys, enjoy the world Nicholas Sansbury Smith drags you into and keep fighting the good fight. It's worth it.

Wow, That's the best description I can give. As "Zombie" novels go, this is hard to beat. As "thriller" novels go, this is hard to beat and as far as caring about the characters is concerned, a well done book. I need to like the characters. I liked these protagonists! A great followup to the first in the series. Keep em coming Nicholas!

Have read and throughly enjoyed all six books in the Extinction Cycle series. They offer believable scenarios, likable characters and satisfying story lines. Can't wait until the seventh installment is available so I can find out what happens to all my favorite characters, who almost feel like friends now. Highly recommended!

I am really liking this series!!! The infected have a name: Variants!! Wow these creatures are fast moving, fast learning, advanced and evolving. The virus reach back into every generational gene in it arsenal to create the most scariest predator known to man. Never fail Dr Kate has a vaccine so you would think it will soon be over right? Right?. Team Ghost must survive because without them who is strong enough to fight....

This book was even better then the first if that is even possible. Mr. Smith does an unbelievable job connecting the reader to the people in this story. The tension had me holding my breath on many occasions. The feeling that something like this can happen just adds to the suspense. Have to say these 2 books just shot up to number 1 on my list. Great job Mr. Smith please hurry up with book 3.

Extinction Edge (Book 2 of the series) left me with sleepless nights as I could not put this down. Master Sergeant Beckham heads into the thick of it again. You feel every feeling of the characters. Very well written story and executed perfectly.

I'm hooked on this series. I read the first and thought "you can't write a better P/A novel than that". I was wrong. The first was phenomenal and the second exceeded that. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Plan to not leave your house. Make sure you have food and water. Then hang on. Awesomeness awaits.

He's a good+ writer! The book was also very well edited. The story line was such that I never wondered 'why did he even put that in there?' as I do with so many other books. It flows well. I liked the characters - even the ones I didn't like, if you will. They are realistic. 'K. I've got to go now and get the next one!

I love this series!! The only thing about these books that I don't like is the price. Pretty steep but understandable considering the talent.. Just sucks bc I can't afford to just keep devouring them. :(

Book 2 in this series picks up right where the last one left off which is perfect...because book 1 left you clamoring for a few hundred more pages! This story continues the desperate battle between mankind's holdouts and a bloodthirsty hoard of bio-mutated humans with a thirst for blood and the physical mutations to make any conflict life and death. I continue to be impressed with the authors imagination and his willingness to sacrifice characters along the way...it brings a reality to the work that might otherwise be missing. I can't wait to read book 3!

Nicholas Sansbury ought to be ashamed of himself. Writing books this addictive. I don’t have time to stay up all night...reading these books. I have to go to work in the morning.

I like this series. The characters sometimes are a bit stereotypical, but in this type of story it doesn't really hurt too much. They also display unexpected facets here and there that makes them interesting. I have a good time with this book, and that all that matters to me.

Another great chapter in the saga. The story is fast paced and exciting with interesting characters to root for. Will definitely continue reading the series.

Dang it!!! Enough!!! My wife is gonna kill me!! I cant stop reading or buying your books!!! Zombies watch out Team Ghost is Heading your way!!! This book reminded me of Micheal Clary's Series!!! I truely appericate a story of unit cohesion and fighting till the end for each other!!! Till the next book!!!

I thought the first book was awesome but this one really blew it away! If you like dystopian action, you will love this! I don't want to give away details but Smith has balanced the macho soldier mentality *really* well with character development typically lacking in action books. I can forsee a film on the horizen! I can hardly wait to get to the next book in the series!

Just finished the Extinction Edge and wow did it keep me on the edge of my seat - especially the last 3 chapters. Can't wait for the next one. The Variants are really scary characters and seem to be changing into more lethal monsters with each page. Kate and Reed Beckham continue there almost romance and make us believe there is still hope for the future. Really loved this book.

Great book 2 in this fantastic story. This is a very enjoyable series for zombie apocalyptic readers. Sometimes book 2 kind of sags in series but that isn't the case here. Stop putting it off and get busy with book 1 in this epic story. Can't wait for book 3.

A good read that is easy to move thru and carry's the story line well

I got into this series because another author I like (W.J. Lundy) did a Kindle Worlds story for the Extinction Cycle series and the premise intrigued me. I really enjoyed the first two books and I can't wait to start Extinction Age.

Continuing on after Book 1, this second in the series picks up where Team Ghost and Dr Kate Lovato left off. But who can they really trust? Who is on their side in this battle to save humans from extinction? Book 2 definitely keeps the story moving along and certainly is not predictable by any means. On to book 3!

The story line in this series just keeps getting better. It's a nice change from your typical zombie character. If you haven't read the first book, Extinction Horizon, you should, you won't be disappointed. Looking forward to more books by Nicholas.

Two blockbuster series in a row? Smith has done it. I can't believe how good Extinction Edge is. Horizon set the stage and Smith follows up with a powerful second book. I like these even better than the Orbs novels. If you haven't already read Horizon you better pick up a copy and see why these books are so exciting and terrifying!

Just when you thought it would be a light at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel falls in on your head! Riveting! Fighting to get ahead of the greatest threat humankind has ever faced when every tick of the clock means there are less people alive to carry on the fight, and the species itself.

In this second book of the series team Ghost finds themselves being deployed into what's left of the country to carry out important missions. While the medical staff on Plum Island conduct vital research. It's fast paced page turner filled with enjoyable characters. I'm looking forward to book three!

2nd book rocked. I really got into the brotherhood of Team Ghost. and how they were dealing with the scope and magnitude of the crisis. The scientist side of the story was well written, but not so complex as to confuse the reader. How the scientist who created the bio-weapon, and how she personally had to deal with the responsibility of releasing the weapon and the disaster of the after effects. Loved it, now on to book 3!

Great read. Page turner with a great overall story and character detail. I couldn't put it down. Once you're hooked you won't stop until you finish all the books and like me waiting for the next one to come out .. hurry up and write another one ! :)

I was given a free advance copy in return for an honest review, although I wound up buying a copy anyway. I have really enjoyed this author's work since reading the Orb series. And, again, I was definitely not disapppointed! I found it hard to put the book down and can't hardly wait until the next in the series comes out this summer. I highly recommend this author's work!

This is a great book , fast paced, will keep you up until you turn the last page. He is a great author. I also loveed book one. I love book 2 usuallysequels are slower paced but this one was equal to the first I can't wait to read the third book in the series. I usually read these kind of novels. However this is not just your everyday apocalyptic novel this is a great read fast-paced adventurous with a love story as well.

As in my review of book 1 of this series, it is a non-stop page turner. I've read the entire series now and can't believe how good it is. When is the Movie and can it go on forever? I recommend this series to all of my friends that are fans of apocalyptic sci-fi. Awesome series. 5 STARS!!!

Fast-paced, not your typical apocalyptic series - all kinds of twists and turns. The author really knows how to build the tension and maintain the pace!

I like how Nicholas has tweeked his "zombies" into monsters, or something like monsters. I think it enables the story to be advanced in ways a typical zombie story couldn't be. The first two books have been action packed. unpredictable, fast reads. Hard to wait for the next one! Great story, love the books.

Extinction EDGE was another great book by a great author. From start to finish, this exciting sequel has you gripping your e-reader tight, eyes wide open holding your breath for what comes next as you traverse each chapter! The story is very well written and picks up right after the events of Horizon. As the story evolves, so do the characters and so much more! If you liked Horizon, this book is a MUST read for you. It does not disappoint. I look forward to many more!

I have a problem and it's reading the Extinction series. Once you start it. You can't stop. I blame Nicholas Smith the author. The guy is brilliant. He weaves a tail worthy of JRR Tolkien. If you've liked Wayward Pines (the books not the TV miniseries) , The Remaining series, The Passage, Zombie Fallout or heck even The Road (the book not the movie) you will love this series.