Shock (Wildfire Chronicles) Paperback – June 30, 2013

Like the first book I couldn't put it down. Of course it left me hanging and wanting more.So on to the third book.

Zombies. Sequels. Let's figure out what's going on in this crazy messed up world. (If you're curious about the precursor to this book, check out my review of Panic here: http://jenpaul13.wix.com/makinggoodstories#!Panic-is-Inevitable/c1mnn/8D98F441-B555-4308-AAAE-847958A98041).K.R. Griffiths' Shock picks up in the aftermath of Panic with a pseduo-military faction trying to locate the man who started it all with the Infected and then secluded himself in a bunker: Victor Chamberlain. But what they find in the bunker squelches that objective as Chamberlain is dead--from the previous text--and the groups own lives are in peril as one of their own didn't secure the bunker as they descended into its depths and mysteries.The narrative did remain consistent in its rotation omniscience from Panic, but it stayed far more centrally located on John, a special forces type guy who is trying to locate Chamberlain. The narrative was quickly paced and chock full of action as it starts to fill in the backstory of what was taking place before the outbreak of the Infected; however, it could use a good copy edit as there were numerous issues with spacing between words being nonexistent, which, although it created new words, made it distracting and a little difficult to read. This portion builds further suspense for the next section, which I hope will answer a few more questions than it raises.Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I am so glad I stumbled onto K.R. Griffiths stuff. I read the book, Adrift, and was very impressed by this authors abstract imagination and the way the words just pull you on and on. Panic was great. This short novella, Shock, is but a momentum builder in preparation for the rest of the Wildfire Chronicles; setting the stage for what's to come. I read the afterword by the author and I find it amazing that he actually didn't think his writing would ever actually be read by any other than family and friends...well, Mr. Griffiths, I'm glad someone told you you different and that you have answered your calling. A short summary of Shock: The virus that has been released by persons yet to be revealed, is spreading. It's utter chaos. The infected are humans that have been reduced to beasts. And it's spreading. This novella was written, I believe, to finish introducing the main characters; John, an ex-soldier turned "security" for a shadow company, has just entered the fray...unfortunately for him. I would highly recommend that the readers whom enjoyed Panic, to read this...now, onto the next! ....Great job Mr. Griffiths! I am truly glad you found your purpose.

I like these books but they're not really BOOKS - they are short stories! These remind me of serial stories that came out in the early 1900's in weekly papers. Some were about cowboys and Indians,Andrew Greely for the NY Times did a long series about the Civil War complete with often intricate drawings of war ship ships, famous generals sitting around tables, battle scenes etc. The only thing lacking from Griffiths' series set in a modern Apocalyptic disaster is the graphic art. But with writing as excellent as Griffiths, who needs graphics? I just wish I had known I was buying a set of short stories instead of a nice long novel. Feels like I was cheated out of a good long read.

Moving on to Panic with the hopes that the story continues to be fun...set aside reality for a little while and just have fun! Goddamit!!! 😎

This the second of the wildfire series and as good as the first. Just a hint or two about the origination of the calamity that has befallen humans, spreading like... wildfire. An experiment gone wrong? What will happen next? The bloody dead and dying are everywhere. Will our heroes survive?

Another great series from this author. Couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. I will read more from this author. Sorry I don't do spoiler alerts, read it for yourself and you decide. I have passed up on many a great book from other peoples reviews, took a chance and decided I wont let the reviews sway my purchase. I have found many new authors by taking that plunge. Great job!

A glimpse into the life of John Francis's past as well as his current job. A 'military' group descends by helicopter into a hellish nightmare. Death and destruction are everywhere around them.How many will survive this battle and if they do, how will they be able to leave?Highly recommended.

I was a bit reluctant to read a series as I have the attention span of a gnat, so long stories have a hard time grabbing my interest. However, I was on the lookout for an author I wasn’t familiar with, and since the first book was free, I gave it a go. I was impressed from the very first chapter. The writer’s style is right up my street.The way the book flows is excellent, he tends to write about a character or group’s point of view in short bursts, then moves onto the next. I loved this, it kept me on my toes and more importantly, I was interested to see what happened next, it was like multiple relentless cliffhangers. I didn’t know how tense I’d been reading these books until I realised my shoulders ached afterwards.The characters were brilliant. The main ones were all people I could identify with, and I had a physical reaction to a lot of the things they did, I was so engrossed in their stories. There were also parts that were very sad, and I felt despair for the characters.The gore wasn’t too bad at all for me, I don’t mind ultra-violent stories. It ramped up a bit as the series went on, and I cringed a bit whilst reading some of the rather vivid descriptions, but it was never enough to put me off.If I had only one complaint, it was some of the character development in the 6th book. New characters were always being introduced, which prevented it from getting stale, but by the last book, I found it a bit jarring that the writer spent so much time talking about characters we’d only glanced upon early on in the series. I understand the logic behind it because of the direction of the storyline, but by that stage, I was so into all the mayhem and action, it felt a bit deflating to change the pace so drastically.That said, I could hardly put these books down, and the ending was very satisfying. It isn’t just another zombie apocalypse story. I’m gutted that the author hasn’t written more books, but I’ve bought another couple of his, and I hope to enjoy them just as much.

I loved Panic, the first instalment of this series.This book builds upon that story & fills in some of the gaps that you were dying to know about, taking a slightly different perspective & it builds an interesting, original & compelling back-story for the series this book & it's predecessor.Much like the first book though, you literally cannot put this down until you've finished it. Well written, well thought out, wonderfully paced & with some exceptional use of language & imagery, you'll be dragged into this book within the first page & it wont let you out of it's grip until you've read the last line!This book has that quality so few have, it leaves me yearning to learn more about the characters, the reasons for their actions, what happens next, the 'ifs', 'whys' & 'wherefores' seem to ache to be answered.Thankfully the third instalment isn't too far off, so I don't have to wait that long for some more answers!

I loved Panic and was very excited about reading the follow up. I was a little disappointed it was so short but now understand its purpose. It acts as a bridge between Panic and Shock. I think its an interesting way of breaking the story up. We're introduced to some exciting new characters that are key to driving the overall narrative. This book reveals more on the sinister very conscious driving forces of the apocalypse. I loved the social commentary, it could be read as a metaphor for the financial collapse. Again the writing is excellent, accessible, the plot rattling along at a great pace drawing you into a strange but familiar world with a range characters you can't help but love and hate. Again I can't recommend it enough!

I am not one for short stories but as it is part of the series it had to be done. This book introduces John, a formidable character. Ex army and knowledgeable about the events from the inside, if only he could remember. As the story progresses the three main characters become four. A book full of savage and brutal killings not only from the infected but also from survivors. An excellent introduction to John.

A little dip into another side of the story behind Panic. A good fast paced read and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.