The Strain...say Hello to The Purge

I liked the premise of the book, it reminds me a lot of the beginning of The Strain mixed with The Purge in some ways. That lawless feel of no system in place and people left to their own devices. The organization of the antagonist gangs and their need to produce drugs made me wonder how long the black out has been, that reference point only gets mentioned once and I think it tripped me up later in the book. Overall, great writing and dialog from the authors and a start to a promising series.

2 people found this helpful

Primitive and disappointing

For $20+, I really wanted to like this book. Or at least finish it. Sadly, I couldn't accomplish either. The writing is as best at a junior middle school level. The characters are so flat and cardboard cut-out, that I suggest the writers stop experimenting with literature. I feel completely ripped off.

Poor writing aside, the struggling wordsmiths should learn a thing or two about the subject of their fantasies. I'm sure they would be surprised to learn, should they bother to spend time at a decent martial arts gym (not a Tae-Kwon-Do or Karate belt-selling mill) that catching even a slightly experienced knife-wielding attacker by the wrist (repeatedly!) is pretty much impossible. Doing it while carrying a handgun with the stated goal to conserve ammunition is downright stupid. An ex-Special Forces instructor would gladly tell you that. Wearing a police uniform as a personal safety measure in a city overrun by violent gangs in the aftermath of collapse of any law and order is even stupider. For two weeks, no less. Hanging a target on your back would be less inviting. Also, dear writers, the biggest problem of your characters would not be food, but clean water. They sweat, get parched, but never drink anything, according to the text. Oh, and if you hate firearms, don't base your write about them. Anyhow, poorly written rubbish. I only wish I could get my money back.

1 person found this helpful

Odd start

The first thing that hit me was the main character thought that impersonating a police officer in such an apocalyptic situation was a good idea, moving the plot along is necessary, but when you have your main character right off the bat telling of stealing a police uniform for no real good reason is the definition of inauspicious. Not to mention showing the "Hero" of this story as being not so intelligent and also a bit immoral since he stole the uniform at the very start of the problems. Not a good start.