I read the first book of the Affliction Z series, which was included in a seven book collection titled "This is the End", enjoying it and then glad to see that the next book in the series was already available. In book two, it's 8 yrs. later and Sean is contacted by the other survivor from the first book, Turk. The government told him that Turk died in Nigeria and that he was the sole survivor, found unconscious near the initial drop zone for the mission. They also informed him that none of what he thinks he had experienced there actually happened...a cover-up, kind of like "The Wizard of Oz" movie when Dorothy is informed that she had bumped her head and it was all a dream. Turk remained on active duty and was sworn to secrecy, threatened by the government to never contact Sean or speak of Nigeria if he valued his family.

Once Sean was released from the hospital, he returned to civilian status with a comfortable pension, fully brainwashed, but continued to be plagued with terrible dreams about fighting for his life within the secret lab in Nigeria...supposedly, something that never happened. Meanwhile, both had built secure underground bunkers to protect their families when the virus eventually reaches the United States. Turk informs him over the telephone that it was all real and the "inflicted" were now here.

Mr. Ryan moves the story along on four different paths: Sean and family preparing/hunkering down in their bunker; Sean's wife trying to make her way home from Washington state to Virginia when the apocalypse begins; a female named Allison tries to elude the "inflicted" and others en-route to her grandmother's farm; and finally, Turk and his family in their bunker in Charlotte, NC. Both bunkers are eventually attacked by survivalists and it becomes necessary for Sean and Turk to leave the safety of their bunkers to take on these people who are threatening their existence.

The story moves right along; it's easy to read and difficult to put down. You will experience a range of emotions, and like me, becoming anxious while awaiting the publication of the next book in the series to see what happens next. Highly recommended! Great job Mr. Ryan!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel ( )