Breakers (Book 1)

Book number one of an eight book apocalyptic alien invasion series. I read the excellent POD (print on demand) trade paperback. I will order and read the second book in the series. Possibly the third book also since the second book is a different entry point scenario.

First, a massive flu outbreak swept the world. After a week of symptoms, the flu victims started dying by blood hemorrhaging. After a month, the survivors were less than one of out of a 100 people. Then, the survivors started seeing the crablike aliens carrying laser weapons.

David Gerrold, Jerry Pournelle, and Larry Niven would probably love this book. Maybe even Robert Heinlein.

I really enjoyed this book Couldn't wait to start the second one. It gets a little draggy at times, but they are worth wading through. great if you are a sifi fan.

Edward W. Robertson takes his time getting to the point in "Breakers," resulting in a slow-moving book that never seems to quite get in gear. In addition, the basic premise of the second half of the first volume in this series simply doesn't hold up to any scrutiny, which undermines pretty much everything he takes so long to get around to.

The book begins with a plague, much like the one in Stephen King's "The Stand," and we spend the first 127 pages getting to know a few characters -- and that could have been accomplished in about 2/3 of the time. But unlike "The Stand," we quickly discover the plague was sent by aliens who want to take over the planet, and was specifically designed to kill off human beings while preserving the planet for colonization.

So here's problem one: If the aliens could design a plague that killed 95% of the people, all they needed to do was create another one at the same time that would take care of those resistant to the first one. Instead, they land with occupying forces, and in a truly unbelievable decision, they go house-to-house in Los Angeles, killing any survivors. House to house, in L.A.? You would need millions of soldiers efficiently doing this work, but the alien soldiers don't even have infrared so they can detect where people are, and despite their advanced technology, they rely on guns that are only slightly ahead of where humans are now.

Bottom line: The book is somewhat boring because of the pace, and because of that, there's too much time to think about the logical issues with the premises, and the very odd development of one character, who goes from whiny loser to cold-blooded killer -- while becoming an expert marksman despite never having fired rifles before -- in the course of the novel.

I really liked "The Cycle of Arawn," which is why I foolishly bought this book. Be warned, and avoid my mistake.

It was captivating! It leads you by the hand through a tough experience of two different groups that eventually meet in an apocalyptic scenario. Can’t wait to buy the next book!

Very good book! Never lost interest. I will be ordering book 2!

What a great story! Phenomenal, believable characters who have an immense amount of character growth. Not predictable at all, and this is coming from someone who fleshes out most plots from the get go. I absolutely love Walt.One of my all time favorite characters of all times. This is my first apocalypse book and it's not doom and gloom. I found my self chuckling and outright laughing (mostly because of Walt's statements and thoughts). It also has me thinking about how I might survive this same apocalypse which has been an interesting introspection. The story is written incredibly well, is very enjoyable, a true non stop action from cover to cover. Be warned...you will get hooked and I think there are at least 8 books in this series, so be prepared!

To quote another reviewer, "Reading Edward Robertson's Breakers series is like having a handbook for the apocalypse, whether it be alien or zombie or humankind's own sheer stupidity. "

What a terrific series! Couldn't put it down, had to keep buying and reading until I'd read all of them. Twists and turns I didn't see coming yet believable environment and characters, and good tension. Was totally able to suspend disbelief and get lost here. Loved this series.

The ending seemed forced and not in keeping with the rest of the book. Generally I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

I found this book to be very enjoyable. I liked the characters and found their reactions to their circumstances very realistic. The plot twists and suspense kept you rooting for the survivors to triumph. It kept me interested and not wanting to put it down. I would recommendit and will read the others in the series.