The blackness was complete within and without the tattered walls which should have housed my soul, I could not see my hand in front of my face. I could not even tell if I was corporeal.
“Michael.” An omnipresent voice rang out.
“God?” I answered.
“Some have called me that, others, have used Zeus, Allah, Jehovah, Buddha.”
“Am I dreaming this?”
“I am an eternal being that watches over the affairs of man.”
“So God then basically.”
“My name if I had one matters little, you may use Yoda if that makes you feel more comfortable.”
“Oh come on, you’re telling me, I’m talking to the One God and you’re giving me a Star Wars reference?”
“I did not like Jar Jar Binks.”
“Nobody did.” I told him back. “You seem mighty affable for an omnipotent being that could smite me down. Or is it ‘smote?’”
An older man of indeterminable age appeared before me at some point, in the last flash of a second the blackness had been stripped away replaced by a source of light equivalent to a noon day sun yet I could see no hint of its origin.
“I didn’t really see ‘you’ like that.” Mike said thoughtfully. “Maybe I did, this is rather confusing.”
“Would you rather I appear as this?” The man surged to over 40 feet tall, fiery eyes peered down at me, a long flowing beard almost touched the tips of his sandal clad toes. His voice booming. “I appear as the person that stands before me expects me to be.”
“No, no the old man thing is way better!” I yelled up. “So if I was a feminist?”
He sighed deeply but was back to the form of the kindly stranger before I finished my words.
“It has come to my attention that Poena has deemed you as her plaything.”
“Just now you figured that out? I thought you knew everything, and I figured he was a she, almost had to be. She’s been messing with my life for decades. Maybe if you had skipped a movie or two I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”
“I think I know exactly why you are in this situation.” He said pointing to my mouth.
“Yeah probably right about that.” I said sheepishly.
“I will release you from the binding she has placed on you.”
“Why now Yoda?” I asked testing the boundaries, typical stupid ass Michael Talbot.
He looked at me a glint of humor in his eyes. He looked like a proud father that wanted nothing more than to scoop his wayward child up and laugh but was required to set an example. Who the hell did he have to answer to?
“Contrary to a lot of fatalistic individuals, I care very very deeply about the world of man. But there are very strict rules laid down by nature herself, that do not allow me direct intervention.”
“You’re God, what can possibly stand in your way?”
“More than you will ever know.”
Pin It Now!
Eeeeeee....I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing Jan, Hope you enjoy it when its out!
DeleteI'm not happy about Mike dying, but I know, as the main charecter he'll be back in some shape or form. But in regards to Paul, I sincerely hope you have something good up your sleeve Mr Tufo(Y)
ReplyDeleteOr did he? Keep reading and thanks for taking the time to write!
DeleteThanks Mark! Great beginning to ZF6!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to write Patty! Thanks
DeleteEliza is Poena?
ReplyDeleteIs she? Thanks for taking the time to write!
Deletewhat. the. heck?
ReplyDeleteI know right?! Thanks for writing
DeleteI didn't even know what/who Poena was until 1 minute ago. Is that meant to be Eliza?
ReplyDeleteIs it? Thanks for writing!
DeleteI hoped Mike wasn't gone for good, but, damn, I want to read the rest!
ReplyDeleteOctober will be here soon Fi! Thanks for writing
DeleteThis is torture
ReplyDeleteIn a good way right? Thanks for writing
DeleteLove it, can't wait for the rest!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jason for taking the time to write. Glad you enjoyed the tease
DeleteTease! I can't wait for the rest!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write! October will be here before you know it!
DeleteI'm like a kid on Christmas Eve not so patiently waiting for the morning to unwrap my presents. Can't wait for ZF6 to be completed!!
ReplyDeleteDan good news, you don't have to wait until Christmas! Thanks for taking the time to write!
DeleteStrange as always, can't wait to see what you have planned next!
ReplyDeletelol not sure if that is good or not. Thank you for taking the time to write!
DeleteI'm so glad Mike is still the main character! I'm kind of hoping he is reincarnated as henry! lol
ReplyDeleteIs there anyone else that can fill those shoes. I don't know if he is smelly enough to be henry though. Thanks for writing!
DeleteRuns and hides behind the sofa clutching his teddy, glancing up and over every now and then.
ReplyDelete'Is it gone'???
Dude that is looking epic, CAN NOT WAIT.
Im glad you enjoyed the tease! Thanks for taking the time to write
DeleteI can't wait.
ReplyDeleteme either! Thanks for writing
DeleteLOVE IT...thank you for the "Tease" will patiently wait (NOT) for the next smidgen you give us!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it Debby. Thanks for taking the time to write!
DeleteThank you so much! I've missed my hero!
ReplyDeleteHe has never been far away! Thanks for taking the time to write, glad you enjoyed the tease!
DeleteYipeeee!!! can't wait for the rest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shaz. Glad you enjoyed the tease. Thanks for taking the time to write
DeleteI so can't wait until this is done!
ReplyDeleteMe either! Thanks for writing
Deletecannot wait for Z6, love what you have so far
ReplyDeletelol your name scares me. Im glad you enjoyed the tease. Thank you for taking the time to write!
Delete<3 IT! I was worried about Mike at the end of ZF5. I was really hoping he wouldn't end up like Bear (I literally cried for) or Paul. I was holding out for Paul right up until the end hoping that he would be save (by Mike's blood or something) just in time. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you! Im glad you enjoyed the tease. Thanks for taking the time to write.
DeleteYou know if Mike is alive then he will need WAY more guns to take on Eliza, so you should put a National Guard Armory nearby that they could raid.(maybe give BT a minigun or cannon)
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with more guns! Thanks for writing
DeleteMark - it is interesting, but for ZF6 I am going to wait a few weeks and check out reader reviews. If it is similar to ZF5, I don't know. ZF5 was really all over the place.
ReplyDeletefair enough, thanks for writing
DeleteThanks for writing the series best zombie novel period and please more updates on ZF6
ReplyDeletethank you for taking the time to write! Im glad you are enjoying the series so far
DeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteAs an avid reader i must say i am completely captivated by every book you have written. Keep up the good work
Alan thank you for taking the time to write. I really appreciate it. Glad you are enjoying the books
Deletehey mark, all i can say is hurry up october!
ReplyDeleteIts coming its coming! thanks for taking the time to write, much appreciated!
DeleteI have read all five books and have formed a reading club at work based on the series. I have serious trepidations about VI. I personally feel that V was the least developed in regards to plot detail and the ending of the book itself. It is so unTalbot like.
ReplyDeleteHi PoppaChubby, Thanks for taking the time to write. 5 seems to get a love or hate response. As in life it can't all be fun and games has to be some darkness in there someplace. 6 will be out in October hopefully you will find it more to your liking.
DeleteMark I'm so glad you are writing a 6th book as I couldn't believe the ending of the 5th. You really took the wind out of my sails so to speak when Mike became a crispy critter. Can't wait to read the ongoing saga of the Talbot family and friends. Keep them coming. Also just finished Dr. Hugh Mann it was great!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for taking the time to write. It really is much appreciated! 6 is coming soon, to put the wind back in your sails, but hey whats wrong with a little bbque? :)
DeleteI do believe you are a lot like "Mike Talbot"! I can very much see him responding the way you have to some of the posts, LOL! I love reading your books and I can't wait until ZF6 in October!
ReplyDeleteHi Stepphanie thank you for wring it. I appreciate it. They say you write what you know. So yes Im sure Mike and I have similar personalities so to speak. October is coming soon!
DeleteWow, only Micheal would talk shit to God! Good start so far, I like it.
ReplyDeleteI know, he's pretty ballsy. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to write!
DeleteHa ha ha I read that and all I could think of was damn that sounds like a mor intelligent homer Simpson! Rofl. can't wait to read it Mark. p.s. your right about 5 being a love or hate, I think. I loved it because it was darker...it added something to the story for me. keep up the good work and I'll keep reading it!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, Thanks for taking the time to write! Im glad you are enjoying the series so far. lol Homer intelligent is a scary scary thought!
DeleteHa ha ha I read that and all I could think of was damn that sounds like a mor intelligent homer Simpson! Rofl. can't wait to read it Mark. p.s. your right about 5 being a love or hate, I think. I loved it because it was darker...it added something to the story for me. keep up the good work and I'll keep reading it!
ReplyDeleteMichelle thanks for writing! Have to have some dark with the light. Thats why they came up with chocolate/vanilla swirl ice cream cones!
Deleteya are you gonna continue the ZF series?? still some unfinished stuff hanging there I/E BT nad Greg getting home, Elisa and her army going to Maine, anlso that old hag need to meet her maker as well too. you should have Erin and Tracy chuck her out of a 2nd floor window into a zombie pack when they show up at Rons house in Maine and they find out what she did to Paul and end her life. also would be cool IF Tomas saves the day and ends Elizas life and saves everyone in the end.
ReplyDeleteAre you gonna write a 5th one
(New Fan)
Hi Jeffrey, there will definitely be a ZF6, I promise at the conclusion of the series to have most unfinished business 'finished'. Thanks for posting!
DeleteDuhhhh I just read that was the 1st part of ZF 6 Duhh ON my part lol, yawhoo for ZF 6 (GET ER DONE!!) lol Like I said hope you end the old bag!!!! she deserves it after Paul and Brian. I hope her Demise is good I actualy hate her more than Eliza. At least Eliza has a reason to be evil Ols bag Mrs D has no reason than just being an old used up hatefull old skag. I kinda see my ex wife ending up like her in the future lol. (Hateful, nasty, all for herself and screw the world ) type
ReplyDeleteLOL Jeffrey, Thanks for taking the time to write. Maybe you should move far far away from the ex. Im glad you are enjoying the series so far. ZF6 is due in Oct. Indian Hill series is a Mike Talbot adventure also if you need something to read until then.
DeleteGreat series, couldn’t put it down. Will six be the last or have you a big enough story, ideas, to cover more? Poena. Been here before?
ReplyDeleteHi Robert, first off thank you! And as for 6 being the last I honestly won't know until I've written about half of it. I really thought 5 was going to be it and I never got out of the opening scene I had laid out in my head. So there's still plenty of stuff for ZF6. As for Poena, she is the Goddess of Retribution and she has NOT been mentioned before. Mike pissed her off (go figure) and that is why he finds himself wandering through nightmares.
Deletejust read all 5 within the last week. great. love them! gonna kill me to wait till oct, but at least your doing 6. keep up the good work. from donna in ohio
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write! Im glad you are enjoying the series so far. Remember Indian Hill is out with more Michael Talbot adventures!
DeleteI love everything you've written and I cannot wait for ZF6! You are a very talented author.
ReplyDeleteCleve thanks for taking the time to write, it means alot. Im glad you are enjoying the series so far.
DeleteI'm a newer zombie book fan & by far your books have caught and held my attention and imagination. It's amazing how you've made the Talbot family & gang more than just characters, but people whose futures really matter to you & keep you rooting for them. FYI I live in South Dakota & I loved that it was randomly one of the stops. Thank you for your creativity & entertainment!!!
ReplyDeleteJinny Kim
Jinny, thank you so much for taking the time to write! I appreciate it. Im glad you are enjoying the books so far.
DeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteSo happy to read this, im reading all the books again in preperation. Cant wait to see whats next and this has me on tenderhooks as all the ZF series has !!!!
Jo
Hi Jo! Thank you for taking the time to write. I can't wait either! Im glad you are enjoying the books so far
DeleteI came on here to see when 6 was due out and this little tid bit was a pleasant surprise! I've read all 6 of the fallout series since I got the first one on xmas and waiting til october might give me a heart attack! Haha. Until then I've decided to give other zombie novels a try, not many are even close to as good as your fallo ut series. Im thinking I might have to buy indian hill while waiting...lol. But for real, keep up the excellent grotesque work! I hope the talbot story never ends (at least until my eyes either fall out or are burnt out from reading, then I prob won't care as much ;D)
ReplyDelete-cesily
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I appreciate it. Indian Hill 3 is actually due out May 15th and it is a true trilogy. Im glad you are enjoying the ZF series so far!
DeleteI so can't wait!!! :) So far it's awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write Angela! Im glad you are enjoying the series so far. ZF6 is underway I promise!
ReplyDeleteThis was almost as shocking as the first chapter of ZF5. I cant wait for 6!
ReplyDeleteHi Jami thanks for writing! 6 is coming along! In the mean time Conquest Indian Hill 3 was just released!
DeleteCan't wait for zf6 started reading the series three days ago and have now read them all could not put them down
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write! Im glad you are enjoying the series so far. 6 is coming along! In the mean time Conquest Indian Hill 3 was just released!
DeleteWow! I am just floored! I got one of my twin daughters hooked on the ZF series, and the other is planning on reading it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing Lady Gwen! Im glad you are enjoying the series. Thank you for getting your daughter hooked too! Hope the other one enjoys it when she has time. 6 is coming along! In the mean time Conquest Indian Hill 3 was just released!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOk ok ok you really gotta keep the fingers to the keyboard now & hurry up and finish ZF6 cause I am intrigued and dying to read more...! Love love LOVE your work!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jane! 6 is coming along! In the mean time Conquest Indian Hill 3 was just released!
DeleteGrrrr got to wait till oct!!?? Boohoo! Actually I shouldn't have read that it's going to take forever to get to October. Are you bringing it out on Halloween by any chance?
ReplyDeleteHi bobster,
DeleteHalloween or before. October is close! Thanks for taking the time to write!
I usually only listen to audio books. these were so good i bought the ebooks then had to buy the Indian hill ebooks. i would love to listen to all of them. will you be publishing all of your books on audio? I have been pushing them all on my friends and the ones who have listened love them too. :)
ReplyDelete3.5 and 5 are now available for the audio presale. Not sure when they will be live. Indian Hill they have not approached me on. If you are interested in them in audio you might want to contact Tantor direct. Im glad you are enjoying the series so far and I really appreciate you writing!
DeleteI've read all the books in about a weeks time and they were awesome. I am going to start on Indian Hill today. Do you have a date for ZF6 release yet?
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write. I wish I could write as fast as you read. ZF6 due out October. The Spirit Clearing due out Sept. The book of Riley a zombie tale due out Aug.
DeleteI don't care about the humans in the story. But if you kill off that delightful fart bag Henry, I'll fly from western Australia and have words with you. Just joking about flying over there (it's too expensive). Keep them coming
ReplyDeletelol thanks for taking the time to write! Nothing will happen to King Henry. Something tells me he would know and gas me.
DeleteOk. So I also finsihed reading the Indian Hill books after ZF. Is there going to be another Indian Hill?
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing! I hope you enjoyed them. There probably will be a 4.,
ReplyDeleteNot only did you respond to me personally, but you also provided this link which was a great "taste of things to come". Thanks so much Mark. I see from some of the other posters that I wasn't the only one who couldn't put down the ZF series. I read all 5 in under 4 days. Granted, my eyes hate me and I need a neck replacement - but it was worth it! Mike Talbot is a character one can appreciate. With his talent of getting on the wrong side of just about anyone and his quirky sense of humor, I was floored with the end of ZF5. So happy to note he's still around, even if just aggravating God ... Can't wait for October. Cheers, and keep up the "bloody" work. :-) Marius (in Taiwan)
ReplyDeleteI like Mike have my own sick minded little obsession with zombies. It has been wonderful to read a series of books and feel like I'm right there with the main character. Thanks for making me feel so completely normal. The books and all the characters in them are amazing. My Kindle and I are patiently waiting for the next one to arrive!
ReplyDeleteI have devoured the 5 Zombie Fallout books in a week and a half. I love them. Thank you for writing them.
ReplyDeleteI just got into the zombie fallout books and I finished them all too quickly I can't wait for the 6th book you are an amazing writer and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next
ReplyDelete