G. Taylor

Great lessons here and thought provoking

Revisado: 05-30-22

Only after reading this series did I find out that the author is a pilot based out of the same town that I grew up in. As fate would have it, I fly the same kind of airplane as he does and, yet, have never met him. I share this because, independent of that close association, I gained a new appreciation for those who prepare for the worst and try to uphold the best ethics and morality in their day to day lives. This book reminds me a lot of the social dynamics in the classic Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle book, "Lucifer's Hammer." Prior to this book, I was not interested much in firearms but the manner in which the author treats them and the way the characters handle them does not fetishize guns but treats them as a tool that may be needed in an emergency. I felt that this was a healthy way to deal with the subject when we have some of the other gun tragedies in the news.

After reading this, I began to read other books in the genre such as One Second After and Ted Koppel's Lights Out. I have to say, that this work of fiction was more impactful than the others for me, personally. I have read reviews that pick on the writing and an amateur style. I read a lot and admire anyone who can carry message through a series and make think. If you want great literary style, read anything by Amor Towles. If you want a compelling story that will make you think, let go of your biases and give this series a chance. I think there is more to be gained by reading this in the light of current world events (This series predates COVID) and some of the political extremes we are experiencing.

Some are not fond of this narrator and there is another narrator for the rest of the series. Joshua Bangle did a fairly good job IMO but I do think the rest of the series is narrated a bit better.

This is one of a few series that I have listened to more than once. The others are histories by Winston Churchill, Neal Stephenson epics and a few Sci Fi classics.

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Another installment of Awesomeness

Revisado: 01-14-22

Joe, Skippy, Fireball and XO Simms deliver a full Fluffernutter of a Space Opera sandwich- don’t skip dessert!

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Another solid effort by the author

Revisado: 06-28-20

Some are critical of the author as narrator. There is no doubt that it is an abrupt change from the excellent narration of the first book. However, after many years and hundreds of audiobooks, I quit being picky about narration. There are a few that I could not get through due to narration but with a little persistence, I get lost in the story and cease to notice the narrator's voice as a problem. There are some excellent narrators out there and I do enjoy them but I always give an author the privilege of reading their book to me. I find that special and am grateful that Steven read this book.

Perhaps the fact that I grew up in East Tennessee and am a pilot (like the author) made me sympatico with the tenor of the voices from this area but after reading several of Steven Bird's books, I wanted to hear this book and was not disappointed.

Some will be put off by the gun talk and the "prepper: mentality of this book. However, I believe that this work of fiction has relevance to today's struggles and his writing has helped me move past the narrative of most of the popular media with regard to guns and our unique American perspective on firearms, independence and self-reliance.

I would compare this book favorably with Lucifer's Hammer and the view of societal breakdown when infrastructure collapses. So, a book written in the seventies seems to corroborate the message in this book in a way that forces you to think about the "what-if scenarios".

I liked the way the Joe Branch character was developed . Of all of Steven Bird's books, this one seems the best positioned for a movie treatment. Oddly, even though Hollywood likes "shoot em up" action. I don't know if the message of this book will appeal to those who make movies. Though, I do think the story is good enough to create a recurring character better than a Jack Reacher character. Joe is motivated by setting wrongs right and is willing to sacrifice self to do it.

This is a classic good vs evil story and deserves more recognition.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Glad I ignored the narrator gripes

Revisado: 12-19-19

Yes, the folks who complain about the narrator were spoiled by the performance in Book 1 by Sam Tsoutsouvas. Yes, this narrator can be a bit robotic in delivery and it does take some time to become immersed in the story because some names are pronounced differently in this performance. Additionally, the Zed character voice is particularly grating.

Despite the narration challenges, at about 8 hours into the book, I had no problem with it. Of course I wish it were Sam Tsoutsouvas but the story is so compelling that it is absolutely possible to get lost in the story.

I think this book is far better than book 1 and I liked book 1.

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Very little to learn here. Noise but no signal

Revisado: 12-19-19

I did not and don't want to vote for Trump. I wanted to learn something here but this book is scant on details of consequence. I shouldn't be surprised, the author worked for Trump; proving judgement and critical thinking are not his/her strongest suits. My "Warning" is to save your credit/money for a good book, this is not one.

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Good story told by the people who made the story

Revisado: 08-17-18

In the end, I liked this book. In the preface, Adam Fisher tells the listener that he "cut and pasted" the quotes together to make the book. I sorta, kinda thought that he might tell the story and sprinkle in the quotes but no! This book is literally a string of quotes taped together. The problem with that in an audiobook is the attributions are read for every single quote. It is the literary version of click bait. Mind you, it's interesting clickbait and you will probably click it to hear the end but you will get weary of the repeating of some the names providing quotes. After a while, it gains a cadence that works for audio but it may frustrate some. I usually don't bother with the samples before buying. In this case, it is probably worth taking the time to sample the book before buying.

Oh, I could have done without the section on the party scene at South Park and all the salacious stuff about Suck and the goings on at Hotwired. I don't see how these entities really shaped Silicon Valley, though I wasn't there. In any event, Fisher fails to make the case for their importance.

Aside from that, a well researched book and it must have been a huge undertaking to put together.

Definitely worth the listen and the credit spent

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Well told narrative by a strong leader

Revisado: 05-19-18

The lessons about truth detailed in this book shall live on beyond the current political situation. I cherish this book for the leadership virtues shared by Director Comey. This book offers an inspiring message of standing up for your values in the face of adversity.

There is a practical message in the stories Director Comey shares. We can all benefit from the retelling of these events and hopefully find courage to pursue truth and integrity; even when doing so comes at great personal cost.

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Good book, fun read, poor narration

Revisado: 02-13-15

If you could sum up What Did Jesus Drive in three words, what would they be?

A Chrysler 300

Who was your favorite character and why?

Snoop Dogg for the whimsy
Jacques Nasser Is presented in an especially favorable manner.
However, I rooted for Jason throughout the book

What didn’t you like about Matthew Curtis’s performance?

Matthew Curtiss never met a word he couldn't mangle. I did not find his voice all that annoying but he is certainly not a great narrator. Frankly, it is obvious that the producer and editor were far removed from the production. Though frustrating, the narration did not mar the story.

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Enjoyable story marred by some technical liberties

Revisado: 09-06-14

Would you try another book from Mark Russinovich and/or Johnny Heller?

Yes, In fact I am listening to the remaining Jeff Aiken series now

Would you be willing to try another book from Mark Russinovich? Why or why not?

Sure!

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Some dislike this narrator. I am biased because is voice sounds exactly like a good friend that I respect immensely. I can see why some may prefer another narrator but I think Johnny Heller does well

Did Zero Day inspire you to do anything?

Read the other books in the series

Any additional comments?

I would call this book good but not great. I wanted a story like a Neal Stephenson or Daniel Suarez novel. For the most part, I got that. However, Neal Stephenson and Daniel Suarez have a gift for creating an engrossing, all consuming, edge of the seat experience. In one scene in this book the author describes an airliner hit by the virus. The account of what happens next shows limited knowledge of flying. Some of it is correct and some is way off base. Inaccuracies such as this, while understandable, will leave some readers put off. More importantly, the character development is good but a little surgical. I admire the author's talent and suspect that he will become better as he continues to develop his craft

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Great musician, a flawed person

Revisado: 07-03-14

Would you try another book from Gregg Allman and Alan Light and/or Will Patton?

I am glad to have read this book but fail to have much empathy for Mr Allman's cross. He seems to bear it a little too proudly. Book is tedious in some places.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Nope

Any additional comments?

Love the Allman Brothers Band, Love the music, I would find it hard to like the person.

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