My original United States of Apocalypse audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

The writings of Mark Tufo and Armand Rosamilia separately are interesting and action packed, but putting them together in one story – WOW! Split into two sections running concurrently, the stories fit together well presenting a wider view of the nuclear disaster and ensuing rioting.

Michael Talbot, a small time petty criminal, and Officer Lawrence Tines, a big – really big cop, pair up together when all hell breaks loose after Korea and China send over nuclear bombs detonating in Yellowstone National Park followed with the ok to bomb more places sending America to their knees. These two banter like siblings with sarcasm and wit aplenty! Old characters are introduced and give that comfortable and fun feeling. Oh, and yes, Mike keeps getting into trouble or rather trouble has its way of finding him!

A distant cousin of Michael Talbot, Darlene Bobich is in a small isolated town running away from New York. She is much closer to the nuclear site and together with an older man she just met who runs the local gas station and his wife, they band together to build a fortress and defend their lives and their small bit of American soil from the invaders. World War III has happened!

Both teams are fraught with bands of terrorists and danger; will they both make it through their own troubles to fight the incoming insurgents that are bearing down on them? The terrorists who have so far successfully isolated America from her allies?

The writing styles of Tufo and Rosamilia complement one another making the story lines flow well together. As in most good series, Tufo and Rosamilia leave you with big cliffhangers for the next book in the series. Stayed tuned, someone is going to get their comeuppance!

United States of Apocalypse is rich in dialog that is realistic, character developments that leave no room for doubt, and a story line that blends well between the two authors. SPOILER: There are no zombies! There are however, some terrorists, mindless humans blindly following their leader. However, there is a lot of fast-moving action and hilarious banter. Individually the authors are excellent but putting them together … well, you will LOVE this one; best of both worlds.

Tufo writes clearly and develops his new characters slowly and steadily, making them even more realistic. His old characters – Mike Talbot, Officer Lawrence Tines and Tracie – are just as we remembered them – sassy, sarcastic, fun, loud, and as realistic as seeing oneself in the mirror. The new ones are just as vivid and rich with slime and evilness oozing from every pore of their being.

Rosamilia developed his characters and delivered his plot line well written. He wrote the connecting information between the two stories, binding their outcomes together in a future way. Rich in vocabulary one could envision each person, each action clearly and precisely.

As usual Sean Runnette is a perfect narrator in Mike Talbott’s world. The cadence, emotion and energy he puts forth are perfect. One cannot pick up a Mike Talbott story without hearing Runnette running through your head. I was excited to see that Julie Whelan narrated Rosamilia’s section as she is excellent as well. Clear and soothing, listeners would have no trouble connecting her to Darlene’s world. Whelan projected the correct emotions on just the right level – doubt, fear, concern and trepidation. Both of these narrators brought the book and its characters to life.

There were no issues with production, everything went smoothly.

Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR. ( )