Exodus: V Plague Book 13

Would be five stars, but Rachel kind of ruins the whole thing for me. I love the action, and John Chase is likeable, but the relationship he has with Rachel makes it hard for me to get through the books. Put him with Anna. Or maybe one of the infected. Any one but Rachel. I can't possibly be the only who thinks this....

This series is so "real"... it feels real and reels you in ?(I know.. that's a bit cheesy but I couldn't resist). It's very well written and I've now read all 14+2 and I decided to come back and write a review to copy and share on all the books...

Amazingly, consistently, throughout the entire series, in every book and on (ok people, he's human so on ALMOST) every page, he's achieved a caliber of balance I honestly can't remember seeing before. He doesn't include so much unnecessary "garble" that you're "skipping and scanning" trying to find the story. He utilizes just enough "descriptive writing" to provide the information your mind needs to "see" what's happening in the scene which allows you to feel as if you're truly experiencing it. . I became so immersed that at times I felt "odd" when I'd go to cook dinner and the water and power flowed freely...

I think the way he's written this, with most of being written in first person, truly "hooks" your mind and pulls you on so that it's almost as if you ARE John. 

One component I'd like to share with other readers is how unlike his writing is from several (almost all) other post-apocalyptic books which include military story lines that I've read. Having grown up on military bases literally around the world, and as the member of a family with generations of Army "grunts", I look for these types of stories.

Unlike many of his counterparts, who have to some degree or another jumbled the differences in the branches or inaccurately portrayed elements such as "the heart" of a serviceman, sometimes minutely and others horribly - and in my opinion disrespectfully and dishonorably. Though in one books instance I was so appalled I stopped reading it and never read the author again. Mr. Patton has gone to great lengths diligently endeavoring to accurately portray all aspects from the correct terminology used by and for each branch to the dialogue being "true military speak" to the capabilities and limits of weaponry and arms and so on. While he openly admits to taking literary license as well as the occasional error, he has actually written forewords providing true historical facts regarding previous military actions which he referenced or weaves into his plot. 

Mr. Patton has done our men and women proud. He has truly captured the "character of the characters". Due to medical disqualifications I didn't have the honor of serving our country but At 6'7" and with 280 lbs of ferocity, grit and heart my daddy served for 20 years.  In multiple countries, including being a trainer for Desert Storm, a Recruiter, an MP  and many other positions I don't know, he completed his career as an E-6, First Class Special Staff Sergeant (I'm fairly certain that's how it's said but I might be mistaken).  

In one book there's a discussion regarding the public saying "thank you" because it's "expected"... almost as if it seems empty to the soldier... I'd like all of you who have served and are reading this to know... You may have just been doing your job, but you CHOSE to do that for me... so from this little girl inside of me who ran across the tarmac trying to keep  her daddy home, then waited in the window "forever" watching the sky, then waited under the awning for him to finally step off the bus, and then stood in the sun for the hours it took until he was released so I could run across the tarmac when my daddy came home.... and who cried with her friends for what our mommies or daddies "left on the field" whether it was their lives or their limbs or their hearts... from the bottom of my heart, with words that are way too small to ever be big enough to hold the weight I mean  them with, which are far from "empty"  and couldn't be more full, I truly THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice. 

Another great read by Patton. Spoiler Alert.

This one starts with retired Brigadier General Anna Thompson. She's in a bunker in Nevada. Its a bunker her Dad had built. Her Dad knew something was coming he just didn't know what. Her Dad and her husband Sean found out a spook named Delker might have the knowledge they need. Nitro one of the operators who works for them said John Chase, his old team leader might have more info on Delker. Delker accompanied their Delta team on a mission and was one pain in the ass for the whole mission. He then made the mistake of threatening Chase's wife Katie. Chase almost blew his brains out right then and there. Nitro got hold of Chase and the only reason Chase spoke with Sean was because Nitro vouched for him. He gave then all the info he had on Delker. A Delker Sean and his crew kidnapped and interrogated. They got some info but only enough to get them all killed as they were in DC when the nuclear weapon exploded.

Sean and his team had headed for DC while Nitro and two of his old teammates headed for the shelter in Nevada with Anna. Anna will soon become The General in charge of a group of militia. These men built the bunker and demanded more be built to house them. Anna's Dad agreed. Anna has her bodyguards and has no idea what a bunch of idiots the militia is. She will soon find out though.

Major John Chase is recovering from injuries he received while rescuing Igor and the girls from that very militia. He's heard of The General but hasn't seen her yet. John has an eye injury with leaves him with one good eye. This will prevent him from moving like he usually does and he will have to take special care when shooting. He and his team are all at Area 51 which is damned near impregnable. There are hangers loaded with choppers and planes and Johnson is exploring the bunkers. Rachel, Dog, Igor, Marina, Johnson and the rescued pilot Vance are all there. Rodriguez the Navy SEAL is also part of Johns crew.

Admiral Packard is still holding in Hawaii and the war between America and the Russian invaders is on hold for now. Barinov is still in Australia supported by that countries PM. There has been a lot of chatter that the PM's position isn't well liked by many in Australia.

Admiral Packard has just been informed by a scientist that the planet is dying and soon the soil won't be usable for growing crops all because of what was spayed to turn people into the walking dead. Packard has to figure out how to move over a million people from Hawaii to the deserts of America where there is still infrastructure for homes. He won't be telling the Russians or anyone else what in store for them as the planet dies. He also has to deal with the idiotic Gov. of Hawaii. He's glad he has Simpson on the computers to try to hack the Russian systems so they can make their escape because the Russians have the entire West Coast of America in use for Russian immigrants. Only the elite are being moved to America.

Once Chase is up and moving he heads for the com center to get a look at the militia that surround Area 51. The militia raided Nellis AFB for weapons and they also got a MOAB. A MOAB that will blow a hole into the bunkers.

So begins another damned fine read by Patton.

This one has John, Rachel, Dog, Igor, Marina, Vance, Johnson, Rodriguez, Nicole a Nicole who can control the dead, Tiffany, a John who recognizes Nitro when he finally gets a look at The General and the three men with her, a Nitro, Anna, Goose, Bunny and Monk, a Nitro explains to John how they came to be there and the fact that Anna has tried to stop the militia, a militia lead by William Atherton who Anna calls on idiot, an attack on the bunker, a John and his crew who are separated from Vance, Dog, Rachel and the girls, a Vance who gives himself up to protect the hiding place of the girls, a milita member who had no problem torturing Vance to get John to surrender, the militia that wants revenge on John and Igor, a group of the undead that are held in the bunker, a Nicole who can communicate with them, a trait that will serve John and his people in the days to come, machines found in the bunkers that turn out to be quite handy, a John and his crew that make their escape Area 51 with Vance and Anna flying choppers, an Anna who takes out most of the militia but is believed killed when her chopper goes down, a trip to an airport to get a plane that will hold all of John's people, a 747 that fits the bill, a Vance who flies it, an Admiral Packard who wants to kill Barinov in Australia, a Packard who wants to rescue a Russian from Siberia but will need Marina and her contacts to do it and Major John Chase doing his best to get his people to Hawaii, take as many bad guys as they can and stay alive.

Five Stars and then some

This series just keeps getting better! The backstory at the beginning helped introduce some new characters that are a great addition to John Chase's group. I really like Nitro and Anna and am looking forward to the next book. The action never stops or gets boring in this series. I am still as excited to keep reading after number 13; as I was after the first book. Exodus is a must read! This is one of my favorite series and the only complaint I have is having to wait for the next one! I am very interested to see what direction the author will take now that the infected are reproducing and what role Nicole will have in helping protect the uninfected.Hats off to Mr. Patton for a riveting addition to this series!!!

After reading the first 12 books in this series I have to say I was disappointed with this one. All of the books in the series kept me glued to the pages with all of the action and suspense regarding the infected but this one falls short of any. There's just a lot of behind the action talk and banter but no real action or suspense as is evident in all the other books. I'm hoping the next book picks up in these important areas which make the Dirk Patton book series number 2 in my book list.

As Major John Chase and the World are coming closer to an end
-game, this book leads off with a good back story, and then the meat is on the table! The clock is ticking, and Major Chase and crew make a desperate gamble to get to Pearl. They have some interesting conflicts, and creative solutions to get out of predicaments they seem to always find themselves in. Witness as Nicole finds a new a ability, Major Chase come to terms with Katie's death, and a new crisis is in the works!

I squealed with delight when the book became available and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed with the action, characters or plot. I love John Chase and the people who surround him.....except Rachael. Any time she speaks I roll my eyes and can't wait for her exit. Why is she written to be so damn catty and insecure?? Every other female character seems to be a better fit for John. Other than her, the cast of characters (old and new) are great!!! I'm so invested in them that the mention of Martinez's loss made me feel as if I'm still in mourning for a close friend. Keep up the great work with the strong character development and intense action. I can't wait for the next book!!

Very interesting story at the beginning of this book, goes a long way in explaining what had happened in the early part of this series.
Then it's back to John Chase and his bad ass company to excite us for the rest of the book. We are on book thirteen! Lucky for everyone who reads this series and with all the extra thing happening it should be still going at book twenty six, I really do hope so.
Well done Mr Patton.

I have enjoyed this entire series but this chapter was truly the best! I couldn't put this book down. I made the mistake of starting it in the late evening. Stayed up until about 4 AM before my body said enough, we need sleep. Picked it up the next night, earlier this time, and finished it. Great, great story!

Killing me slowly. My favorite series of all time. I have to be careful because I cannot put the books down once I start. Just when I start to relax the author throws in another curveball. Very well written each character is an individual and you find yourself wishing they were a real person that you could meet. Love this author and I recommend it very highly

Wonderful sense of urgency with a new set of characters only hinted at before are introduced. It is easy to recognize traits exhibited by the characters of the story in today's society and politics. It will be a treat to see who comes out victorious!!

Never before have I been sucked into a series that doesn't start to bore me after a few books ,like when they start feeling forced . Mr.Patton has continued to keep my attention with each and every book I hate leaving this world and having to read other books to bide my time for the next one ...awesome series just awesome!!

I was having withdrawal without your amazing series to read. I have enjoyed every second of this series. Thank you so much for the continued adventures of these amazing characters. I highly recommend every single word of all of your books! Please write fast......cannot wait for the next chapters. Awesome!

Excellent series continues with a storyline and characters which offer more options. It amazes me that I am still fully engaged in a work coming up on book 14. Mr. Patton's writing and editing continues to be top quality. Keep writing and I will keep reading.

Chapter 40, the Christmas joke....had me in 'stitches' laughing!! Highly entertaining series in the genre. I like the writing style, the attention to detail, the plot and character development. Don't get too wrapped up the realism, it's an entertaining story like a movie.

Exodus takes off from book 12 in a very interesting and novel way. There was more background into zero hour when it all started and plenty of fast paced action to keep you reading late into the night. As always, this series is captivating from page one leaves you absolutely begging for more.

This series is a lot more than just another zombie story. It is a fascinating look at the military, has vibrant and fleshed out characters, a compelling narative, and a great sense of humor. I highly recommend it to both horror enthusiasts and to those who simply enjoy good writing. I cannot wait to continue my enjoyment of this and its related titles.

I have really enjoyed how Dirk has followed the main character, developed good side character storylines and worked in the evolution of the infected in this series. I can't wait to see how it all ends!

Well written, hard to put down, pretty awesome...as with all of the other books in this series. I'm definitely a big Dirk Patton fan after reading two of his series now. All I can say is, write faster please.