Plague War: The Author's Cut

By: Jeff Carlson

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the author's cut of the bestselling apocalyptic thriller Plague War, which includes exclusive new bonus material.

Cam Najarro and Ruth Goldman have developed a vaccine to protect Earth's survivors from the Archos plague, but the shattered U.S. government will do anything to keep the vaccine for themselves. Intent on sharing their cure, Cam and Ruth must cross the apocalyptic wastelands of North America – never realizing a greater threat is about to strike...

©2008, 2012 Jeff Carlson (P)2013 Jeff Carlson

Critic reviews

Finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award

"Compelling. His novels take readers to the precipice of disaster." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

Is It Really Dark In Here, Or Is It Just me?

I LOVE dystopian and Armageddon writing. I have since I was a kid. I have shelves of it, along with my other genre's of writing. I have GIGS of of it on my Mac media server I've acquired over the years. These story types are right up there in my top five faves of scifi and fantasy,

Having said that that, writers of these two genres have to be careful, and here's why:

The very genres of Dystopia or Armageddon writing carry with them a measure of darkness, depression and dreariness. Let's face it: A REAL world-changing disaster COMES with such baggage. But, having said that, writers such as Jeff Carlson have to keep in mind, that despite the dark nature of such genres, you write about them to actually paint a positive picture. A chance to right the wrongs, to take back what was lost.

You know...Have a little hope.

I like Jeff Carlson's writing a LOT, but this was a black, bleak Armageddon, more so than most, and remember dear Audible listener, I have a LOT of this genre' that I've read and listened to over the decades, so I'm seasoned in the dark atmospheres created by countess authors over the years. In this first of the triad in this series, however, strap in and take an anti-depressant. You'll get a double dose of how harshly nightmarish of an existence the survivors are barely enduring their altered world and even their own body's failings. It definitely sets the stage, but so MUCH focus is on this part of the storyline that the panorama becomes the antagonist, versus the nano-technology gone mad. If there's a misstep in this work, there it is. However, it's obvious that J.C. steers the course of this work back toward the shakers and movers behind the disaster as you read further.

Once you get past that part of the writing, you move into a good listen, and you'll get into the broader world-level scope of his initial foray into the series, and it's worth it. I was definitely not expecting some of the twists and changes that occurred herein, and for me, that's extremely unusual. I like such surprises, and recommend that you check this audiobook out for yourself. I liked this, so much so, that I bought the other three audiobooks in the series, based on the listen I experienced here in this first of the three.

So, it IS dark in here, and it's not just you. Get over it, and start listening.

Well written with high levels of anxiety inducing

A mixture of military and post-apocalyptic thriller set in the not too distant future, Plague War captivates it’s audience with several gut wrenching ideas (not necessary new ones) that are communicated clearly and concisely thus making them very real!

Nanotechnology that was designed to create cures for diseases takes an unexpected turn – it is released and begins to eat at all living organisms – plant, animal and human alike – destroying them. Only those that escape and live in the mountains – 10,000 feet above survive.

Staged in the war torn U.S., Dr. Ruth Goldman, Cam, and Nemocheck struggle to reach a military base in Colorado, escape from Leadville and deliver the vaccine to the good guys. Amidst an invasion by China and Russia, our heroes must deliver the vaccine while dodging nuclear bombs, invading forces and their own people!

This book also focuses on the power struggle of nations as well as survival of humankind – we are our own worst enemy. Communications break-down, bombs are no longer a threat but a reality. As if this is not enough, Ruth must find the origin of a ghost nanotech that has taken up residency in the vaccine while navigating a romance.

Well written with high levels of anxiety inducing moments, Carlson achieves a well-developed, very real like plot with twists that leave one wondering what he has in store for them next. An excellent read for those who love military thrillers and those who love relationship themed reads.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

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Engrosing Paluge??

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

awesome as always

Any additional comments?

At the beginning of the story I thought it was going to be a re-do of The Stand. It quickly took a right turn and twisted from there. The ending surprised me a bit.

Suspenseful and unexpected ending

What did you love best about Plague War: The Author's Cut?

I really enjoyed this book and hope there will be a follow up. The characters were intense and unexpected actions made them more interesting. I recommend this book to people who like some action, but the beginning may be a little drier than you might like

What was one of the most memorable moments of Plague War: The Author's Cut?

Then end of the book was surprising

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Great Post-Apocalyptic Romp!

Would you listen to Plague War: The Author's Cut again? Why?

Absolutely. It was a fast-paced exciting story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Plague War: The Author's Cut?

The Russian Hostage Exchange was tense and exciting!

What does Jeffrey Kafer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jeffrey Kafer creates a sense of dramatic tension throughout this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This was a really enjoyable listen.

Any additional comments?

Great story. Definitely worth it.

Good premise just didn’t go anywhere

Book just didn’t seem to pick up and take off like I kept thinking it would. I went through the first 2 books hoping it would. It didn’t.

Great apocalyptic read

An amazing trilogy! Great character and world development. Really hope this never happens! Worse than a zombie apocalypse!

Compelling, yet super disappointing.

I really enjoyed book 1, the narration and writing combined to form a deeply bleak yet hopeful world and cast of characters. This book suffers from a bleak series of humanity just being awful because... well just because. Coupled with the author's inability or unwillingness to write actual dialogue and theres lots of situations that just miss the mark.

Come for the world building, stay for the 5 hour descriptions of ants.

Plague War

I found this book quite intriguing. It is nano tech disaster story that for me seems like a hair’s breadth away from becoming a reality in our time. It is worth your listening time.