I have just completed my read of Michael Stephen Fuchs' "Arisen: Raiders" (Volume 1/"The Collapse"), published by Book Whisperer (who graciously provided me with the ARC from which I am working). This book is part of a much larger series that has enjoyed a remarkable reception, and having now finished this book, I understand reader enthusiasm for his military/science fiction approach to the ever ubiquitous Zombie Apocalypse. Recent television programming has focused a lot of attention on this particular apocalyptic genre, and it is easy to see its influence on Fuchs' work. The action, which is violent and nonstop, and not surprisingly over the top, involves a group of Marines Special Forces in San Francisco trying to fulfill an extraction mission in the midst of an only partially understood disease outbreak. It does not take them long to identify their adversaries as zombies adhering to most of the tropes found in shows like "The Walking Dead." Since there are only a relatively small number of Marine operators engaged, they quickly suffer substantial casualties and their mission fairly promptly deteriorates to simple survival and extraction to a waiting US Aircraft Carrier well offshore. Most of the plot revolves around their attempts to fight their way through massive throngs of the undead while maintaining unit cohesion and the best traditions of the Corps. The charm that marks this tale and sets it apart is its careful inclusion of popular culture into the fighting. Cultural references abound and add a great deal to the story. There is far more humor here than one might expect under the circumstances. As one might expect, there are a lot of cliffhangers here and sudden and, frankly, improbable turns of events, but that is half of the fun! I couldn't put it down. Enjoy!
