The Farm
Book Blurb
In a world ravaged by a relentless infection, Jason struggles to survive after losing everything he holds dear. As he fights through the chaos, he discovers that the infected are evolving—becoming smarter, more dangerous, and united in their hunt for the living. With only a few allies left, Jason must navigate a landscape filled with both human and monstrous threats. As he returns to the farm, the last bastion of hope, he faces the ultimate battle for survival. Will he uncover the truth behind the infection and find a way to protect his loved ones, or will he be consumed by the darkness that threatens to engulf them all? The Farm is a gripping tale of loss, resilience, and the indomitable will to fight back against the encroaching nightmare.
GySgt Blackwood
Jason Blackwood is a rugged, battle-hardened Marine with a deep sense of loyalty and an unshakable resolve. Standing tall and broad-shouldered, his imposing presence is matched only by the weariness etched into his weathered face. Scars from countless battles line his skin, reflecting the harsh realities of a life spent in war zones, but it’s the scars on his heart that run deeper.
Jason is driven by his duty to protect those he loves, and his mind is sharp, constantly calculating the next move in the ever-changing landscape of danger. Beneath his tough, disciplined exterior, there is a profound sadness and guilt over the friends and comrades he has lost, but it is this grief that fuels his determination to keep going. A natural leader, Jason doesn’t just fight for survival—he fights for a future, clinging to the hope that he can still find and protect his family amidst the apocalypse.
Courageous, resourceful, and relentlessly focused, Jason is a man who refuses to give up, even when the odds are stacked against him. His fierce survival instincts and combat training make him a force to be reckoned with, but it’s his heart—his unwavering desire to protect his loved ones—that truly defines him.
1stSgt Henderson
Robert Henderson is a grizzled, seasoned Marine, standing tall and exuding an aura of authority that commands respect. His face is lined with deep-set wrinkles, the result of years spent in harsh conditions and countless battles. His salt-and-pepper hair is closely cropped, and his sharp eyes reveal the wisdom and experience of a veteran who has seen the worst the world has to offer.
Henderson is known for his no-nonsense approach to leadership. He speaks with purpose, never wasting words, and his decisions are guided by a lifetime of tactical expertise. Beneath his stern exterior lies a deep sense of responsibility for those under his command. He carries the weight of every loss heavily, and this responsibility often manifests in a protective instinct toward his comrades, especially the younger Marines.
Though battle-hardened, Henderson's compassion runs deep, though it's hidden behind his steely demeanor. He has a natural gift for calming the chaos around him, maintaining focus in the heat of battle, and inspiring those around him to fight harder and smarter. Henderson’s loyalty is unwavering, and he’s willing to sacrifice everything to ensure his men survive—even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. In a world teetering on the brink of collapse, Henderson’s unshakable resolve makes him the backbone of the group.
SSgt Wilson
Travis Wilson is a charismatic and fearless Marine, known for his quick wit and infectious energy. Standing with a confident swagger, Travis has a rugged charm, enhanced by his athletic build and sharp features. His easy smile and mischievous glint in his eye often lighten the darkest of situations, making him the go-to man for keeping morale up in the toughest conditions.
Travis is a natural-born risk-taker, unafraid to dive headfirst into danger if it means protecting his comrades or achieving the mission. Beneath his laid-back demeanor lies a sharp mind, always thinking one step ahead in both battle and banter. He’s fiercely loyal, especially to Jason, with whom he shares a deep brotherhood forged over multiple deployments.
While Travis’s bravado is what most see, there’s a depth to him that few truly understand—a deep sense of duty and a strong emotional core that drives him to push harder, fight longer, and sacrifice whatever it takes for those he cares about. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Travis stands firm, balancing humor with courage, and never shying away from a challenge.
Sgt Hayes
Amanda Hayes is a determined and resourceful Marine, known for her unwavering resolve and sharp intellect. Petite yet powerful, Amanda moves with agility and precision, her every step calculated from years of rigorous training. Her piercing gaze reflects both strength and intelligence, while her scarred arms and legs tell the story of battles fought and won.
Despite her small stature, Amanda commands attention with her no-nonsense attitude and fierce leadership. She is highly skilled in tactical planning and quick decision-making, making her a trusted leader in high-stakes situations. Her loyalty to her comrades runs deep, and she’s willing to make any sacrifice for the team.
Beneath her tough exterior, Amanda harbors a compassionate side, especially for those she leads. She has a quiet resilience, refusing to back down in the face of danger, and her courage inspires others to follow her into the most perilous situations. In a world falling apart, Amanda is the glue that keeps her team together, driven by duty and a fierce will to survive.
The Exoshredders
Exoshredders are a terrifying mutation of the infected, marked by their grotesque and lethal physical transformations. Their name derives from the exoskeletal structures that replace much of their original skin and muscle, creating a thick, impenetrable armor. This exoskeleton is composed of calcified bone tissue that grows externally, providing them with near-total protection from conventional weapons like bullets and blades.
Medically speaking, this transformation is believed to occur due to a viral pathogen that induces rapid osteogenesis (bone formation), alongside the breakdown of softer tissues. The skin begins to slough off as the body undergoes this radical metamorphosis, leaving only hardened bone that acts as a natural shield. The exoskeletal growth often distorts the original human form, resulting in elongated limbs and sharp, claw-like appendages formed by the overgrowth of bone at the fingertips.
One of the most dangerous features of Exoshredders is their elongated fingers, which grow into sharpened, spike-like weapons capable of puncturing human flesh with ease. These spikes are not only physical weapons but also the primary means of infection. The tips of the fingers contain venom glands that secrete a viral compound, spreading the pathogen through direct puncture wounds. This venom accelerates the infection process in victims, who begin showing symptoms within hours.
Another disturbing aspect of Exoshredders is their neurological adaptation. Unlike other infected, which exhibit mindless, erratic behavior, Exoshredders display signs of pack-like coordination and tactical thinking. Neurological scans would likely show hyperactivity in the amygdala (responsible for aggression) and abnormal connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, allowing for heightened focus during hunting. These neurological adaptations suggest that the infection not only affects physical transformation but also rewires the brain to optimize predatory instincts.
In terms of movement, Exoshredders retain a disturbing combination of inhuman agility and speed, despite their grotesque form. Their movements are erratic but efficient, combining bursts of speed with unpredictable, animal-like lunges. Their vocalizations—high-pitched screeches and deep, guttural growls—are believed to serve as a means of communication with other infected, adding to their hunting capabilities.
Medically, the survival of these infected is dependent on the extreme transformation of their metabolic processes. They no longer rely on typical human nourishment but seem to subsist on the energy provided by the infection itself, possibly drawing nutrients from their victims or an internal system of viral regeneration. Their heightened aggression and near-impervious bodies make them relentless predators, designed to spread the infection and hunt survivors with brutal efficiency.