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Zombie Fallout #24
On Unhallowed Ground
There is no place like home, but you can’t ever go home. And it doesn’t matter anyway, because you can’t get there from here.
As Michael Talbot and crew hit the last stretch before the US border, they are struck by the most devastating losses thus far on their journey. After trekking some of the harshest environment on the continent, surviving the shipwreck of their floating home, an escape from a brutal military that still pursues them, and attacks from every ilk of undead monster, the finish line is finally just up ahead.
Making better time on the road than they ever have, the crew are menaced by the most ironic of enemies, led by an evil presence that has yet to reveal its motives. The apocalyptic world is rife with threats and danger, and a line drawn in the dirt between nations can’t protect them.
Meanwhile, in an alternate timeline, a deadly showdown begins. Responding to the kidnapping of his daughter-in-law, an angry, embittered Michael Talbot pursues the ancient rogue vampire, Tomas, who has proven that this permutation of the boy is pure evil, and there is not enough room in this universe for them both.
As Michael Talbot and crew hit the last stretch before the US border, they are struck by the most devastating losses thus far on their journey. After trekking some of the harshest environment on the continent, surviving the shipwreck of their floating home, an escape from a brutal military that still pursues them, and attacks from every ilk of undead monster, the finish line is finally just up ahead.
Making better time on the road than they ever have, the crew are menaced by the most ironic of enemies, led by an evil presence that has yet to reveal its motives. The apocalyptic world is rife with threats and danger, and a line drawn in the dirt between nations can’t protect them.
Meanwhile, in an alternate timeline, a deadly showdown begins. Responding to the kidnapping of his daughter-in-law, an angry, embittered Michael Talbot pursues the ancient rogue vampire, Tomas, who has proven that this permutation of the boy is pure evil, and there is not enough room in this universe for them both.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2024
As always, Mark Tufo amazes me with a riveting, yet childish, tale of adventure, monsters and survival. Book 24 brings us closer to returning to Little Turtle, where it al began. I’m not sure if this line of Talbot’s will be brought to a close or not, but if it does, I’m expecting the finale to be huge.
What is baffling me is the alternate universe where Tommy is Tomas, The Evil. I’m hoping the next book tells exactly where that break is, because if it’s been shared I missed it. I was like Mike, since the factory, he’s not been the same. Or was he truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Lastly, I am so in love with the bro-mance of BT and Mike. I feel like BT is one of the greatest men left on the planet. He should have a bigger part in the ending, though I know it’s all about the Talbot’s- but isn’t he an honorary Talbot? He can cut deep with his sarcasm like the rest. It’s hilarious and I love it. I love them.
Can’t wait to find out!
What is baffling me is the alternate universe where Tommy is Tomas, The Evil. I’m hoping the next book tells exactly where that break is, because if it’s been shared I missed it. I was like Mike, since the factory, he’s not been the same. Or was he truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Lastly, I am so in love with the bro-mance of BT and Mike. I feel like BT is one of the greatest men left on the planet. He should have a bigger part in the ending, though I know it’s all about the Talbot’s- but isn’t he an honorary Talbot? He can cut deep with his sarcasm like the rest. It’s hilarious and I love it. I love them.
Can’t wait to find out!
November 27, 2024
This right here is why I love to reread or re-listen! I’m slightly confused, I’m questioning everything and I’m dying for more! 24 books and it’s still not enough.
Is Sean Runnette mispronouncing more words these last few books than usual? Or is it a regional pronunciation thing maybe? It jars me a bit out of the book every time he mispronounces a word .
I love the breaking of the 4th wall, the juvenile comedy and the plot development. I used The Office and Mark Tufo series to get through a difficult time and seeing them blended together is giving me all the warm and gooies
Is Sean Runnette mispronouncing more words these last few books than usual? Or is it a regional pronunciation thing maybe? It jars me a bit out of the book every time he mispronounces a word .
I love the breaking of the 4th wall, the juvenile comedy and the plot development. I used The Office and Mark Tufo series to get through a difficult time and seeing them blended together is giving me all the warm and gooies
December 4, 2024
I can’t believe i devoured this book in a week. I need more BT and Michael. I don’t want to drop spoilers but holy shit what happened to alt mike messed me up. Another tale of struggles, laughter, loss and of course creepy zombies.
January 5, 2025
Zombie Fallout 24: On Unhallowed Ground is the latest in the Michael Talbot “Adventure” - AKA the absolute worst family roadtrip across Central America of all time, in every time + zombies. At book 24 of a wildly divergent series, it had a different tone than previous stories, falling flat at times. The narration felt rushed to the detriment of all the weird little details and idiosyncrasies that make up our flawed hero.
**SPOILERS**
Leaving a trail of carnage and corpses none-withstanding – their departure from Brazil, Feroz’s obsession, hammer’s fate, mike’s family... It felt like a different story. The warmth, banter and loyalty I love about clan Talbot was not hitting. I get whiplash trying to figure out whether he loved Tommy / all the kids he has based on the way he talks about them (or says nothing about them). The wild zombie adaptations of previous books is flirted with (worms) but not pursued with the usual danger / curiosity or resolved with in universe LOGIC. Best part of this book IMO was the Talbotsodes. I will absolutely be waiting for the next and just know Mark Tufo has something up his sleeve.
**SPOILERS**
Leaving a trail of carnage and corpses none-withstanding – their departure from Brazil, Feroz’s obsession, hammer’s fate, mike’s family... It felt like a different story. The warmth, banter and loyalty I love about clan Talbot was not hitting. I get whiplash trying to figure out whether he loved Tommy / all the kids he has based on the way he talks about them (or says nothing about them). The wild zombie adaptations of previous books is flirted with (worms) but not pursued with the usual danger / curiosity or resolved with in universe LOGIC. Best part of this book IMO was the Talbotsodes. I will absolutely be waiting for the next and just know Mark Tufo has something up his sleeve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
More fun with Mike and the gang
The latest book in the saga does not disappoint. Our group of soldiers and citizens continue their journey through Central America and beyond. I'm not going to spoil anything, because if you've been reading these books, you know what to wxpect. If you haven't, go read book 1.
The latest book in the saga does not disappoint. Our group of soldiers and citizens continue their journey through Central America and beyond. I'm not going to spoil anything, because if you've been reading these books, you know what to wxpect. If you haven't, go read book 1.
August 14, 2025
Read #24 & #25
May 10, 2026
This book was useless.
I didn’t even stop to review it right after finishing because it was just so pointless. The whole book is basically trash except for the last hour.
This is an 11-hour book, and I feel like I sat through 10 hours of nothing just to get to the only part that actually mattered.
The majority of this book is just Mike and BT.
That’s it.
They completely ignore Tommy. It’s like he doesn’t even exist. They just leave him behind, and no one cares, which is absolutely ridiculous. After everything, after all the books, they just move on like it’s nothing.
The entire plot is them traveling from South America back to Colorado.
That’s the book.
Driving.
Moving cars out of the way.
Zombies getting in the way.
Getting chased by Faros.
Escaping.
More driving.
It is painfully boring.
And the whole time, no concern about Tommy being left behind.
The only part of this book that matters is the last hour.
We finally go back to the only storyline in this series that has actually been interesting, which is Azile, Elam, Wilkins, and Mac.
We pick up right where we left off.
Tommy has taken Dallas, and Mike is going after him after receiving a message.
This is where everything finally happens.
Mike tells Azile that Tommy has been evil all along. Not just bad, but worse than Eliza. He makes Azile promise that if there is a way to kill him, she will do it.
Then he lets her see into his mind, and she sees Tommy torturing a family. Not feeding to survive, but actually taking pleasure in it. Hanging them upside down, draining them, killing the children first while the parents watched.
So at this point, Azile agrees.
They finally confront Tommy.
Tommy is stronger than Mike. He immediately overpowers him, beats him down, and tells him Dallas is already dead and there was never any saving her.
Azile joins the fight with her magic.
During all of this, Mike starts mocking Tommy about his sister and how he’ll never help him bring her back, which is what Tommy wants, to change the timeline.
That’s what pushes Tommy over the edge.
He attacks Mike and kills him.
But before he dies, Mike stabs Tommy with the sacred blade, which weakens him just enough for Azile to finish him off.
So they both die.
It was satisfying.
I didn’t even realize it until it happened, but Mike has become so aggravating that seeing him die actually felt like a relief.
Also, something I noticed after the fact, they never even say what happened to BT in that timeline. Mike just keeps mentioning him, but there’s no actual answer.
The book ends with Azile having to go back and tell the family what happened.
Before the fight, Mike gives her Tommy’s note and tells her not to read it until everything is over.
And that’s it.
So yeah.
10 hours of nothing.
1 hour that actually matters.
I didn’t even stop to review it right after finishing because it was just so pointless. The whole book is basically trash except for the last hour.
This is an 11-hour book, and I feel like I sat through 10 hours of nothing just to get to the only part that actually mattered.
The majority of this book is just Mike and BT.
That’s it.
They completely ignore Tommy. It’s like he doesn’t even exist. They just leave him behind, and no one cares, which is absolutely ridiculous. After everything, after all the books, they just move on like it’s nothing.
The entire plot is them traveling from South America back to Colorado.
That’s the book.
Driving.
Moving cars out of the way.
Zombies getting in the way.
Getting chased by Faros.
Escaping.
More driving.
It is painfully boring.
And the whole time, no concern about Tommy being left behind.
The only part of this book that matters is the last hour.
We finally go back to the only storyline in this series that has actually been interesting, which is Azile, Elam, Wilkins, and Mac.
We pick up right where we left off.
Tommy has taken Dallas, and Mike is going after him after receiving a message.
This is where everything finally happens.
Mike tells Azile that Tommy has been evil all along. Not just bad, but worse than Eliza. He makes Azile promise that if there is a way to kill him, she will do it.
Then he lets her see into his mind, and she sees Tommy torturing a family. Not feeding to survive, but actually taking pleasure in it. Hanging them upside down, draining them, killing the children first while the parents watched.
So at this point, Azile agrees.
They finally confront Tommy.
Tommy is stronger than Mike. He immediately overpowers him, beats him down, and tells him Dallas is already dead and there was never any saving her.
Azile joins the fight with her magic.
During all of this, Mike starts mocking Tommy about his sister and how he’ll never help him bring her back, which is what Tommy wants, to change the timeline.
That’s what pushes Tommy over the edge.
He attacks Mike and kills him.
But before he dies, Mike stabs Tommy with the sacred blade, which weakens him just enough for Azile to finish him off.
So they both die.
It was satisfying.
I didn’t even realize it until it happened, but Mike has become so aggravating that seeing him die actually felt like a relief.
Also, something I noticed after the fact, they never even say what happened to BT in that timeline. Mike just keeps mentioning him, but there’s no actual answer.
The book ends with Azile having to go back and tell the family what happened.
Before the fight, Mike gives her Tommy’s note and tells her not to read it until everything is over.
And that’s it.
So yeah.
10 hours of nothing.
1 hour that actually matters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
For the audiobook.
If I thought I was done at 23, I am very done at #24.
I seriously zoned out and don't even know when they got to the united states or how. It seems like half the characters/scientists are dead now and it's just Tufo injecting filler in every other chapter.
We're way past the point of no return on this particular series, it's time to do more bigfoot, world wide virus pandemics or Trip sidequest stories because this series is COOKED, possibly OVERCOOKED.
It was a great run, but stayed for 2-5 books too long.
If I thought I was done at 23, I am very done at #24.
I seriously zoned out and don't even know when they got to the united states or how. It seems like half the characters/scientists are dead now and it's just Tufo injecting filler in every other chapter.
We're way past the point of no return on this particular series, it's time to do more bigfoot, world wide virus pandemics or Trip sidequest stories because this series is COOKED, possibly OVERCOOKED.
It was a great run, but stayed for 2-5 books too long.
November 24, 2024
great story—as usual
Been hooked on the Michael Talbot stories for a long time and even after 30 plus stories still finding things interesting. Especially the moments with Mike and BT. Looking forward to the next installment.
Been hooked on the Michael Talbot stories for a long time and even after 30 plus stories still finding things interesting. Especially the moments with Mike and BT. Looking forward to the next installment.
December 15, 2024
Another enjoyable addition to the Zombie Fallout series. Tufo is having a great time exploring the Talbot-verse, playing with alternate timelines and parallel worlds. I like where he's headed, and I'm staying on the train!
January 9, 2025
Good read Depth the.storyline going.
Liked the pace. I would have liked more information on the Azile story line and Thomas. Interested in next book to see if Brazilians catch up or quit and we have another problem arise.
Liked the pace. I would have liked more information on the Azile story line and Thomas. Interested in next book to see if Brazilians catch up or quit and we have another problem arise.
July 13, 2025
They’re back!
Finally! Back in Colorado! The journey was long and so very difficult with too many losses during the trek.
Strange times are still to come though. And I’m looking forward to them!
Finally! Back in Colorado! The journey was long and so very difficult with too many losses during the trek.
Strange times are still to come though. And I’m looking forward to them!
December 2, 2024
again a great story
Love this series. Never want it to end. The twist and turns keeps you guessing. Then he adds humor. Mark Tufo is my favorite author.
Love this series. Never want it to end. The twist and turns keeps you guessing. Then he adds humor. Mark Tufo is my favorite author.
December 3, 2024
Always leaveS you wanting more
A great addition to the Zombie Fallout series. The wait for book 25 begins. I still have a few Tufo
books to hold more over.
A great addition to the Zombie Fallout series. The wait for book 25 begins. I still have a few Tufo
books to hold more over.
December 22, 2024
No notes.
January 24, 2025
SPOILER!!!! Awesome, but sad!!
I loved.. adored both Tommy and Trip... now they're both "gone". Please, please, get the next one out!! I have to know what happens next!!!
I loved.. adored both Tommy and Trip... now they're both "gone". Please, please, get the next one out!! I have to know what happens next!!!
February 13, 2025
As good as always!
Another great instalment in the Zombie Fallout series. More of Mike doing what Mike does best. Looking forward to the next book!
Another great instalment in the Zombie Fallout series. More of Mike doing what Mike does best. Looking forward to the next book!
March 17, 2025
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO YOU WITCH?!!!!
April 27, 2025
Love the sense of humor
I really like his books they have unique sense of humor.
You really get involved with the characters in the book
I really like his books they have unique sense of humor.
You really get involved with the characters in the book
July 15, 2025
Just binged the last four audiobooks. They are all running together in my head. I enjoyed them for the most part. Looking forward to the final book next week.
August 5, 2025
Excellent
This is such a great installment to the series. It has tons of hilarity and horror as well as a lot of action. I'm on to the next.
This is such a great installment to the series. It has tons of hilarity and horror as well as a lot of action. I'm on to the next.
October 4, 2025
At this point, I am just trying to make it to the end. But I def do not enjoy these late entries as much as I did at the beginning. Not that these are supposed to make sense, but it really doesnt
July 11, 2025
Another EXCELLENT adventure!
Mike and BT are two of my favorite characters of all time. I never get tired of listening to their crazy adventures. There is a ton of action and a few very satisfying plot points!! Loved it and already waiting for the next one.
Mike and BT are two of my favorite characters of all time. I never get tired of listening to their crazy adventures. There is a ton of action and a few very satisfying plot points!! Loved it and already waiting for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews