This story starts off from the same time as the previous one in the series and traces the paths of a different set of characters, with some interface with the people and events of book one. The writing is as good as in the previous novel and the characters are quite interesting, notwithstanding the many wisecracks at inopportune moments. The epilogue hints at a grand finale in the final part of the series with the coming together of characters from the first two parts. Let's see how it goes... ( )

This was the 2nd book in the Breakers series. It's told from new characters points of view in another area of the country. Just as good as the first book and there is a brief scene where we see scenes from the first book where characters cross paths. We also find out a little more about why the aliens came. All in all anther good book in the series. ( )

ABR's original Melt Down audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is a lot like the first book. Different characters but the same scenario.

The audio was in perfect condition and I loved the narration of this. Ray Chase is a fantastic narrator! I have listened to quite a few of his books and I just cannot get over how much emotion he puts into his work.

That said, it was not my favorite. The characters are good but the first book I thought was slow and this was painful for me. The story is there, the characters are there, but I just wanted the plot to move along already! Since I already know what is going to happen I was hoping for a bit more in this one.

Also like the first book, the characters are very real. That is the fun part of reading apocalyptic books; getting to see how the characters will react. However, in this one again, I’m not much of a fan of the characters. I loved the characters in the last one but some of these characters just make me want to scream. The things they do… it’s amazing that some of them make it. Still, they have depth and many of them are just not heroes and do not try to do heroic things. This is true to how things would really work! So, that aspect I really enjoyed.

The back and forth and constant stopping the story is also frustrating to me. I do want the story to move along so when there is a pause, almost like a commercial break, I want to put the book down. I do understand why authors do this, a teaser so to speak, but with such a slow plot adding in teasers can be a deal breaker for readers.

All in all, these can be read in any order. This one does not need to be read second.

Audiobook provided for review by the publisher. ( )

ABR's original Melt Down audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is a lot like the first book. Different characters but the same scenario.

The audio was in perfect condition and I loved the narration of this. Ray Chase is a fantastic narrator! I have listened to quite a few of his books and I just cannot get over how much emotion he puts into his work.

That said, it was not my favorite. The characters are good but the first book I thought was slow and this was painful for me. The story is there, the characters are there, but I just wanted the plot to move along already! Since I already know what is going to happen I was hoping for a bit more in this one.

Also like the first book, the characters are very real. That is the fun part of reading apocalyptic books; getting to see how the characters will react. However, in this one again, I’m not much of a fan of the characters. I loved the characters in the last one but some of these characters just make me want to scream. The things they do… it’s amazing that some of them make it. Still, they have depth and many of them are just not heroes and do not try to do heroic things. This is true to how things would really work! So, that aspect I really enjoyed.

The back and forth and constant stopping the story is also frustrating to me. I do want the story to move along so when there is a pause, almost like a commercial break, I want to put the book down. I do understand why authors do this, a teaser so to speak, but with such a slow plot adding in teasers can be a deal breaker for readers.

All in all, these can be read in any order. This one does not need to be read second.

Audiobook provided for review by the publisher. ( )

The Breakers Series by Edward W. Robertson is an absolutely captivating, original, character-filled, compelling post-apocalyptic tale. The world building is detailed, so believable as to be completely transparent and absorbing. The logic of what has happened to end the world (a plague) fits together nicely, with no wrong steps or weird missing facts. It is chillingly realistic.

Then, each book in the series introduces a new set of characters and follows them as they navigate through the apocalyptic world. Mr Robertson has a knack for showing his characters as deeply flawed people, but leading the reader to come to understand and respect (if not like) them -- even the most socially retarded and selfish ones. Each book concentrates upon several of these characters, but is filled with interesting secondary characters who are also well drawn out and multi-dimensional. And, in what I considered a bonus gift, characters from the earlier novels appear or are referenced in later books. This constant weaving together threads from different novels reinforces the overall story (of a world collapsed, with survivors fighting for their lives) and somehow makes it more believable and real.

I hope that Mr. Robertson will continue writing these books forever and ever. If you haven't discovered this series yet you are in for a treat. Start at the beginning so you can experience the complete story fully. Then join me in asking for more books in the series!

Book 2, Meltdown, introduces us to Tristan & her little brother as well as Ness and his big brother. Tristan and Ness shared the common trait of being completely unlikely pre-apocalypse, and both matured and came into their own once they were faced with events. Excellent continuation of the story. ( )