Release Day

Release Day Saga, Book 1

By: Ryan Matthews

Narrated by: GM Hakim

Earth’s surface is no longer ours. Humans thought they were safe underground where the invading Arthropods couldn’t reach them. After centuries of occupation, the antiquated subterranean cities have deteriorated and they have exhausted their supplies. Making matters worse, the hostile invaders have destroyed one of the ten remaining cities.

Now Huck, Ariadne, and Hemant are in a race to destroy the Arthropod Hive before the “inverts” completely annihilate humanity. But before the candidates can begin, they must survive their corrupt government’s population control scheme—a highly-fatal, barbaric event known as RELEASE DAY.

To accomplish their mission, they must enlist the help of a group of dubious transporters to trek across the planet through numerous biomes, infinite swarms of Arthropods, and deranged surface-dwelling humans on their perilous mission to recover a war-ending device and carry it to the creatures’ hive.

©2022 Benjamin Ryan Matthews (P)2024 Benjamin Ryan Matthews

Excited for more!

This book was a joy to listen to and I enjoyed all the characters. The story drops you immediately into a post apocalyptic world but not one we’re use to imagining. The monsters are creative and every time the characters figure one out a new one seems to leap out and challenge the very existence of humans on earth. Looking forward to the next volumes.

A good story, but needs better narration

This gave me immediate City of Ember and Silo vibes.
Pn Earth, the survivors of an alien insects invasion live in underground cities located in various locations. Each year, a group of young adults are sent from one city to other for training while dealing with the invaders.
while the plot line and story was interesting
I could fully embrace the book due to the narration issues. The narrator seemed to just read the works. Very little was done to differentiate the characters. often, I wasn't sure which character was speaking.
I don't think I will continue with the series

Strong story except for the Narrator

If your a fan of Starship Troopers, Love and Monsters, or Silo this book might be for you. Its got a little of something of each wrapped all in one. The story keeps you engaged while not droning on. The only draw back to this book is the narrator in the first half of the book. He speaks in a very monotone voice with no clear differentiation between character. Which makes the switches of perspective hard to pin down. He does find his stride midway through. Other then that small hiccup I loved this book and eagerly await the next one.

A great book

I really love the concept of this book- but even more than that love the found family that develops throughout the story.
There are a lot of real life issues interwoven in this dystopian story that makes the story really come to life. I enjoyed reading the book from multiple points of view. This book is unique to me because in my opinion there are not many books like this, it took risks and it paid off. If you love survival stories where the underdog is fighting against corruption then this story is for you.

Captivating story - can't wait for book 2!

This story was right up my alley! I found the entire concept and exectution to be very engaging and finished it in two sessions. I love the progression of the more intense survival elements of moving through this kind of apocolyptic world and all the horrors of running into the different creatures. I felt like the decisions and reactions made by the characters were very believable and it was easy to relate to how they felt. The last 2 hours were so intense I was big time panicking myself! I loved the narrator's performace and while I wish there was a bit more of a distinction between the voices of the main characters I didn't find it too difficult to get into the story after a couple of hours. Some characters were distinct enough that I could intantly know who was talking and some charaters weren't different at all and I was relient on the author telling me who was talking or responding to who. Fortunately his voice is very easy to listen to and other than that small critique, I could still listen to his absolutley incredible voice for hours on end and very much look forward to listening to the next installment of this series. Consider me a new fan of both Ryan Matthews and GM Hakim..please release book 2 soon!