From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

Year Zero

Jeff Long

Why we're reading this: Combining the scientific precision of The Andromeda Strain with the intensity of classic adventure epics,…more
[close] Combining the scientific precision of The Andromeda Strain with the intensity of classic adventure epics, Jeff Long takes readers on a riveting voyage through the rubble of earthquake-torn Jerusalem, the serenity of the high Himalayas, and the eerie sanctuary of Los Alamos. With Long's characteristic originality, Year Zero races against the apocalyptic clock, creating a maze of twists, astonishing atmosphere, and the clash of science and faith.

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Dec 26, 2016 Silver Thistle rated it it was ok

Shelves: post-apocalyptic, zombies

I think I read a different book to the one that was advertised on the back cover blurb. The book sounded really interesting and a bit different to most other 'end of the world' scenarios I've read but mostly it's just not that gripping once you get into it. It's a steady story which kept me turning pages - but only to try and get to the tale that was promised. I don't usually quote a synopsis in my reviews but I'm going to break with tradition here so that you know what the story wasn't about.

"A I think I read a different book to the one that was advertised on the back cover blurb. The book sounded really interesting and a bit different to most other 'end of the world' scenarios I've read but mostly it's just not that gripping once you get into it. It's a steady story which kept me turning pages - but only to try and get to the tale that was promised. I don't usually quote a synopsis in my reviews but I'm going to break with tradition here so that you know what the story wasn't about.

"An archaeological manhunt is raging in the holy land -- a hunt for the historical Jesus. Nathan Lee, the thief of bones, comes face-to-face with men made from the very relics he looted, one of whom claims to be Jesus Christ, but may also be Patient Zero."

Sounds like Jesus is an integral part of the story, no? Nope. Blink and you'll miss it and even if you catch it it's not what you're expecting/hoping for.

The synopsis sounded good to me and the first few chapters were really promising but very quickly I lost interest in the main character, which isn't really what you're looking for in a book.

My indifference to Nathan Lee (for some reason even his name gets on my nerves) meant that I never really got involved with his struggles and/or experiences.
There are also a few characters we meet and I'm still not sure why or how they figure in the story. They're given fairly large chunks of storyline but if they were removed I can't say that it would take much away from the tale.

It's not the worst book I've ever read, but I'm a bit disappointed that the fabulous story I was looking forward to wasn't forthcoming. I think that if I wasn't misled into looking for a story that wasn't there, then I might have got involved more. But, before I knew it I was at the end and left wondering if I'd missed a chapter or 3. The conclusion when it comes seems so rushed that I had to go back and re-read the last few chapters because I was sure I'd missed a crucial pivotal moment. I hadn't....and there wasn't...

It's a bit of a mish-mash of ideas going on actually and not all of it gels when thrown together into a single story. The worst part is the the virus itself, which the book revolves around....it's just madness. Utter tripe!

For fans of apocalyptic plague fiction, give it a whirl....just don't expect what's written on the back cover.

It's not a book I'd go back to, but since it belongs to a genre that I'm very fond of, I'm glad I read it. ...more

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Aug 20, 2007 Gertie rated it really liked it

Shelves: apocalypse, aw-authors

Hmmm, this book was kind of like a banana- it needs the outsides to hold it together but the part worth consuming is in the middle. Pardon the bad simile but you get the idea, right? :-P

It took me 50 or so pages to get into the book, and then I was pretty intrigued, but the last 100 pages or so (the climax and wrap-up) weren't as sharp and punchy as I'd hoped for.

In a few years when I think of this book I'll probably remember glassy people, clones, and a cranky jesus.

Memorability Factor 7/10 ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Jun 22, 2014 Joe rated it liked it

3.5 stars, really, but not enough to push it up to 4 stars.
Jeff Long has produced a surprisingly good story, with this book, its only problem is that he doesn't tell it as tightly as he could. I admit, it's not as drawn out as Justin Cronin shoebox-sized volumes, but it's heading in that direction. Basically, if you're going to take 500 pages getting to the point, you better be worth listening to. Alex Garland, for instance, is just one example of a writer who's told a story like this, in an ef ...more

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Jun 10, 2008 Erin rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: post-apocalypse-dystopia

My airplane book for today.

Read this to and from Las Vegas, and some in between. It was quite a page turner, but it was ultimately a little disappointing, and I can't really put my finger on why - I was curious to see what happened next, but I was never really satisfied with the answers. I have the same author's THE DESCENT (which I bought based on the strong reviews) floating around here somewhere, and I would like to read that one - maybe I'll go look for it. ...more

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Nov 15, 2007 Michele rated it really liked it

I really, really enjoyed this book. The very nature of it is horrifying and I thought that Jeff Long did a good job in making me feel invested in the characters. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it had to end. It cries out for a sequel/continuation. ...more

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Jan 14, 2008 🥀 Rose 🥀 rated it it was ok

Shelves: science-fiction

Not even worth a review. It kept me going but was a big disappointment. This story was very disjointed. I often found myself lost and having to go back to figure out where the story jumped to. Overall I did not like this book and won't keep it or recommend it.
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