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Fail State

An Audible Original: End of Days, Book 2

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Fail State

By: John Birmingham
Narrated by: Rupert Degas
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About this listen

On Zero Day of the first and last cyberwar in human history the internet went dark, transport and power grids collapsed and cities began to starve. Ten days later millions have died from thirst and starvation, from violence and from the simple failure of the world’s machines to keep them alive.

This second installment of John Birmingham’s End of Days trilogy finds James O’Donnell and his friends Rick, Michelle and Melissa hunkered down in the wilderness, where they know a horde of starving, desperate exiles from the graveyard of the US East Coast is heading their way.

On the far side of the continent, in the Pacific Northwest, Jonas Murdoch helps lead the good folk of Silverton in defending themselves from waves of starving and desperate refugees pouring out of Seattle.

And slowly, cautiously navigating the inland waterways of California, Jodi Sarjanan and Ellie Jabbarah negotiate an apocalyptic landscape of burning skyscrapers and marauding gangs.

All of them are seeking sanctuary. A safe place where the madness hasn’t penetrated. But does such a place exist?

And what if they need to sacrifice their very humanity in the struggle to reach it?

©2019 John Birmingham (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. Science Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
Read by one of the best in the business, coupled with the craftely and imnersive writing makes for a non stop adventure.

Gripping, action packed story brilliantly read

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Wow did not disappoint, in any way , a great continuation of the trilogy. can't praise it enough . . looking forward to the last book

Loved it

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Read the first two books in the series in succession and loved them both. This is an horrific and thought provoking story, because it's absolutely plausible and so well researched. Everything gels here.The writing is taut and doesn't meander too far way from the story arc. Event narrative is full but there's no padding. The characters are all credible. The story doesn't depend on coincidence or ridiculous implausibilities to move it along. Full credit to the narrator, who acts the parts rather than just reads the words. His sense of timing and interpretation are a marvel. He's also very good at accents (although a couple of the female characters are a bit exaggerated... they stand out because all the others accents are just so good). If you like this post apocalyptic genre you will love these books. PS ....this series should be required reading for any British government minister thinking of handing a contract for the provision of essential infrastructure to a certain foreign power because they put in a very attractively priced tender (they couldn't possibly have an ulterior motive could they).

Great read....highly recommended

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The story continues and develops. New characters and more depth. Same awesome action. Absolutely
Fantastic!

Continuing the awesome story!

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I am so glad that I started this series. This is the 2nd book which I've just finished and moving onto the 3rd. it has been a while since I've found an author to get into, but JB fits the bill. Not sure I can call it fiction it is just so real!!

The narrator has perfect cadence and timing for what is a well written, descriptive and scary as hell book... this and the first one have stayed with me well after listening and finishing.

This was included with my membership, but if it isn't and you're thinking should you chance it ...yes! You won't regret it!

The best description and best written book of the worst situation we could face.

Can't Stop Listening!

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Excellent follow up to the first in the series. Looking forward to the third book.

Fail State

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all good people nothing wrong with this. great isht. here are some more words for the review.

great voice actor

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The story continues and it’s ALMOST as good as the first. It’s hard to top the first one though with all the mystery it unraveled, but this one continues the stories in exciting ways as our pro- and antagonists navigate the impossible terrain.

Where I found the first book grimly realistic, this one is perhaps a bit more “actiony”. But this sequel also brings a deep and compelling despair, which is very satisfying to explore. So it’s not a bad tradeoff.

Another great entry

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When I say not for everyone I mean anyone offended by casual racism and misogyny, terrible female voice impressions and the worst British accent this side of Dick Van Dyke. Aside from that, I like the characters or loathe them as written, and I always enjoy a good yarn in an apocalyptic setting.

A good story but not for everyone. Again.

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such a good book. brilliantly narrated. mix of tension, humour and suspense very well balanced.

superb gripping emotive story

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