The alien probe that created dozens of superhuman weapons and unleashed them on Houston has a new testing site, the city of Hong Kong, and Alexander Hale has been asked to intervene. With no idea who, or how, the experiments on people are being done he slips into the city to try and find out what ever he can, but beyond the skyline of Hong Kong trouble is brewing.
With China and The USA rushing headlong toward a nuclear exchange, there may only be hours to save the world from this countdown to apocalypse.
It'll take a superhuman effort.
Good thing he has that going for him, because nothing else seems to be.
I'm surprised I even started this novel after reading the first in it's series, Superhuman, in which motorcycle gangs were highlight and never interested me. But Countdown to Apocalypse is different. I found a few editorial errors that were distracting for me, but I could overlook them with the quality of the story line and it's fast pace. It will be interesting to know how the author will save the world in book three of this series. I'll be reading it as soon as it becomes available.
Gritty and intense that just compounds. First spontaneous outbreak of super powers occurred in the USA and they are still struggling to contain it when live video starts pouring over the internet as seemingly over night comics come to life as heroes battle villians. Now another outbreak has occurred but instead of biker gangs, this time it is the Triad in China. Only this time, the outbreak is far more aggressive. Something is happening and as the governments starting narrowing down who is causing all these outbreaks they do know one thing for sure. Someone is experimenting and pushing up the aggression factor on the victims each time. But what if they were looking at it the wrong way, what if it was not a matter of "who on Earth" would do such a thing but something from outside the Earth? Something using genetic manipulation beyond any of our current capabilities? Something with stealth tech so advanced we cannot see them? The story intensifies and leaves you satisfied......but always wanting more!
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Superhuman. We continue with the same main character, now known to most of the world simply as, The Marine. The action is mostly non-stop, and completely over the top in the best way. Willful suspension of disbelief is a prerequisite.
This second offering has definitely stepped over from the superhero genre into military science fiction. While powers are in the offing, there is more detail about military organization than the powers themselves. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is worth noting.
At the time of my reading, the author was including a foreword that warned that the novel was being offered at a reduced rate because of needed editing. He wasn't wrong, errors abound in this version that were occasionally distracting. Eventually, an edited version will be offered, and it might be better to wait for that if you are distressed by grammatical errors.
All-in-all, a fun read, with interesting characters. However, this sequel seems a little less put together than the first book.
I read 2 books so far in this series, within a week of each other reserving review's, I did not have time stop reading. The books are science fiction so you have to be a fan of that genre, I do not write long constructive destructive reviews I write only if I've enjoyed stories I am reading, the storyline of an alien probe altering the genetic structure of what the probe perceives as dangerous destructive humans so that they can run riot killing each other and normal humankind if such a thing exists all living organisms which have to be destroyed, it appears obviously that the probe originates from a machine society. As with most Evan Currie books humanity have rough edges but are tough heroes, also is that thread of humour in the stories. I will only say that if you like science fiction in space opera form you will enjoy and then unfortunately have to wait for the rest of the series Good Reading
Second book in the series and I enjoyed it too. This alien thingy is causing all kinds of havoc on earth, giving superpowers to both good and bad guys. This time the Triads are in the process of destroying Hong Kong.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 9 times.
As for the narration: The more I listen to Kevin T. Collins the worse he is. His voice isn't exactly effeminate but it's way to soft for superheroes. And almost everyone sounds the same, whether it's a ships captain or the President. They have to same voice. I'm going to listen to the 3rd book, even though I don't like the narrator, and hope it's the last in the series.
It's not a surprise since it was last book's cliffhanger. Our big marine goes toe to face with triads instead of biker gangs, with a commensurate rise in superpowered violence. While the basic setup remains the same, you have a slightly different unfolding - the biggest threat not being the triad boss, but an innocent bystander. This time, the cliffhanger gets much much bigger - I wonder how it's going to be handled.
Oh, and I keep expecting the usual meme cropping from History Channel of hairdo guy saying "it's aliens".
Good second book in this series. Needs a bit of help in the editing department though. I ignored a number of wrong words and errors of similar ilk while reading. Story was good overall and a nice companion to the first book in this series. If you like superheroes and aliens hell-bent on destroying humans, then this series might be just what you are looking to read!
I really enjoyed the first story in this series and this second instalment does not disappoint. Expanding on the first it's an enjoyable romp and an easy exciting read. I've just finished "Half Heroes" by Ian Sainsbury which whilst a similar storyline in that the main protagonists are "Superhuman" is different enough not to think you've seen it all before.
I read both this second book and the first, Superhuman, as a set. I don't usually read military SF as such, but this was a very interesting intersection with superheroes. Both types of story were well represented and I was very entertained. I think fans of these genres would be as well. I look forward to the notification of the next installment.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book in the series, this book gets the little boy inside me all revved up. Sure you have to leave some of your logical mature brain behind, but what fun. Everything, well no not everything , but a lot of what make a perfect SyFy book. I loved it and can't wait till three comes out and makes it (damn head injury causes headaches reading for long periods) to audible.
The first book in this series was decent. There were some issues from my opinion, but overall I enjoyed it. This sequel knocked it out of the ballpark. There was a lot of action, which didn't die down throughout. I really enjoyed it.
My one dislike - I wanted to learn more about the team's abilities. Some were shown, but most of the others were not even alluded to. Hopefully, this will all come out with the next novel, which is looking to be crazy.
Ok I just gotta say who ever designed that cover art done a-masterful job.
The story edges on has the doomsday clock is colored in super death. From Texas to China only time will tell if heroes can face the age of villainess lab-rats. In it I drawn into a series that brings back my enjoyment of yesteryear hero troupe set in the modern time that I hope continues in book 3.
Story line was interesting. Way to many misspelled words. Had a lot of words using wrong context. Need a new proof reader. Things such as threw something spelled as through. Not your first book I have found same problems in. Be interesting to see if anyone steps up to fix the problems.
Reads like a summer popcorn flick. Hey Mr Currie, rech out to some of your fans for proof reading. I love your stuff and have an eye for errors. Would have been happy to fix the minor stuff while I read it. Keep them coming. This story would make a great mini series on syfy, or the next "original" on Amazon or Netflix.
The story was different, fast moving and held my interest. Looking forward to his next book in this series. The only problem i have is that the storyline might become a little redundant for the next book. Hoping there is a New unexpected twist in the story. A good read.
Leaves you hanging. Where's #3? How long will the wait be? The characters could use some development, but that would leave less time for the action. But then you wouldn't try the other series by this author
Maybe this series ends with a cliff hanger. No way to tell. Had a ways to go to finish the developing story line, though
EC. has. penned the second novel of three about an alien source that has changed the makeup of humans. The spacecraft is in China developing people in the same way he did in the US and Other places to cause humans to develope the angry gland. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
This second in the series could have suffered like second efforts often do but Currie is a pro. The stakes are raised, the action doesn't stop, and the characters get even more interesting and worthy of the reader's investment. Top shelf action fantasy.
Non stop action Military action. Probable, reasonable authority’s response. Non stop action Military action. Probable, reasonable authority’s response. Non stop action Military action. Probable, reasonable authority’s response
This is my response to amazons number of words required for my comments.....
To Mr. Currie, keep it coming! A very good and fast paced read and anyone who hasn’t read the first book should read it now - then read this one and catch the Superhuman fever!
Okay now that very action packed and extremely over the top. The Coup de gras was Yan's head in the tank barrel, well played Hale. Okay got to get the next book in this series. Thanks for the GoodRead.
After a good final editing for grammatical errors this book is a great follow up on book one, non stop action and realization of what it means to have ultimate power for good and evil.
A lot of the characters are stock caricatures, however that doesn’t keep this from being a great action adventure read. Also, for this sci-fi fan, it’s a new take on alien monsters
X men like genetically engineered bad boys wreak havoc in Hong Kong. I think he missed his calling. With some kick butt graphics this would have been an excellent comic book. Not much depth but a great way to kill a rainy evening.
Steady improvement on the development of the story line.
Some deeper though in the development of the plot, looking forward to the future adventures of Alex and his team while working towards the safety for earth and mankind.
Don’t know if the author needs to find another editor or get mad at the Kindle people for bad transcription. The story was excellent and can’t wait for the next book. I hope it is better edited.
Book 2 in the series picks up right where part one leaves off, and what a ride! Adding the Hong Kong triads and Chinese PLA to the mix made it even more fun. It ended too soon. Can’t wait for book 3.
In this sequel, we are presented with the humanizing of the major characters. They become likeable or despicable, so we can root for them or wish for their demise. I'm not sure the story's ending is very satisfying.
The Marine is on the rise. More control over his power, more understanding of the stakes. From the ocean to the ground to the air. These guys are super. Now he's got his whole team in the fight.