Jesse is on a UN Youth Ambassadors camp in New York when his subway is rocked by an explosion. Jesse and his three friends, Dave, Anna and Mini, crawl out from the wreckage to discover a city in chaos. Streets are deserted. Buildings are in ruins. Worse, the only other survivors seem to be infected with a virus that turns them into horrifying predators. As the four teenagers navigate their way through a destroyed city, they'll discover the lengths one will go to survive.
Chasers (Alone # 1)
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More About the Author
"Jed Walker is right there in Reacher's rear-view mirror." -- Lee Child
James Phelan is a Melbourne-based writer. He has studied and taught writing at a post graduate level, and has been a full-time novelist since the age of 25. His first book was the author interview collection LITERATI: Australian Contemporary Literary Figures Discuss Fear, Frustrations and Fame (John Wiley & Sons, 2005). His thriller novels featuring investigative journalist Lachlan Fox include FOX HUNT (Hachette, 2006), PATRIOT ACT (2007), BLOOD OIL (2008), LIQUID GOLD (2009), RED ICE (2010). His ALONE trilogy of Young Adult post-apocalyptic novels are titled CHASERS (Hachette, 2010), SURVIVOR (2011) and QUARANTINE (2011). James has written for a variety of newspapers and magazines, having worked at The Age from 2000-2006, and has contributed to short story anthologies and serialised novels, including: PICTURE THIS (Penguin, 2010), WATCHLIST (Vanguard, 2010), and the GET READING! anthology (2011). His latest novels are a thriller introducing a new character, Jed Walker, THE SPY (Hachette 2013), a 13-book Young Adult series THE LAST THIRTEEN (Scholastic, Sept 2013 and monthly in 2014), and several other projects. You can find James at www.jamesphelan.com
"James Phelan is one of the hottest thriller writers to arrive on the scene in years. His hero, Lachlan Fox, is just the kind of gritty man the world needs in a time of crisis." -- Vince Flynn
"Drawn to a keen edge, smart, resilent Lachlan Fox is a tough, savvy hero who takes the reader on a fast and furious ride through a complicated maze of timely political intrigue. James Phelan has earned a new avid fan." -- Steve Berry
"James Phelan has produced a big, juicy, rollicking tale in the spirit of Robert Ludlum. We haven't seen an international thriller like this for a long time. Let's hope Lachlan Fox is planning on getting into more trouble in the near future!" --Jeffery Deaver
"Insider secrets and violent power plays fuel the exciting new international thriller by James Phelan. From dark alleys to elite board rooms, this tale will rivet you with its fresh take on global politics and the fascinating men and women who pull the strings." -- Gayle Lynds
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Chasers
Alone Book One
By James Phelan
Jesse, Anna, Dave and Mini are all attending the Un Youth Ambassadors camp in New York, as they are on their way to see the 9/11 memorial their subway carriage is derailed by a massive explosion. The four teenagers from around the world are the only one to survive and soon crawl their way to the surface to find that all of New York City has suffered from a devastating attack. When they come across what appears to be survivors they are elated, but soon have their hopes diminished when the "survivors" soon turn on them chasing after them for their blood, for that one precious drink that will satiate their thirst.
James Phelan brings to life an all new form of monster in this novel; he combines aspects of zombies and vampires leaving us with a horrifying image. There is not a single aspect of this novel that I disliked, the characters are relatable thrown into a situation where they are trapped and absolutely "Alone" the monsters are terrifying yet you feel for the souls who have been turned into such monstrous creatures. The only thing I didn't get was why a group of survivors would stay in a high rise, 30 Rock, when most skyscrapers are collapsing around them, though the setting is superb for this novel as it provides ample life sustaining items for the small group. Honestly though the best part of this novel is the ending, it is amazing with not one but two spectacular twists that definitely secure your interest in the rest of this series.
I was sent a free copy of this novel for an honest review.
Alone Book One
By James Phelan
Jesse, Anna, Dave and Mini are all attending the Un Youth Ambassadors camp in New York, as they are on their way to see the 9/11 memorial their subway carriage is derailed by a massive explosion. The four teenagers from around the world are the only one to survive and soon crawl their way to the surface to find that all of New York City has suffered from a devastating attack. When they come across what appears to be survivors they are elated, but soon have their hopes diminished when the "survivors" soon turn on them chasing after them for their blood, for that one precious drink that will satiate their thirst.
James Phelan brings to life an all new form of monster in this novel; he combines aspects of zombies and vampires leaving us with a horrifying image. There is not a single aspect of this novel that I disliked, the characters are relatable thrown into a situation where they are trapped and absolutely "Alone" the monsters are terrifying yet you feel for the souls who have been turned into such monstrous creatures. The only thing I didn't get was why a group of survivors would stay in a high rise, 30 Rock, when most skyscrapers are collapsing around them, though the setting is superb for this novel as it provides ample life sustaining items for the small group. Honestly though the best part of this novel is the ending, it is amazing with not one but two spectacular twists that definitely secure your interest in the rest of this series.
I was sent a free copy of this novel for an honest review.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Sanz
Format:Paperback
MY REVIEW
My daughter Rachel of Rai29BookReadNReview received a copy of this book direct from the publishers K-Teen in exchange for her honest review. So as I love dystopian and we are hopefully going to be receiving an arc of BK2 in this series I decided I would read it.
I have seen three different covers for this book, the one I have used above is the one I prefer the most if I had to choose just one. However I do love the byline and how it is printed slightly more prominently on the other cover. (see right pic). You all know by now that I love a good byline and yes the byline "Outnumbered. No Sign of life. Just them. And you." is on the cover to the right and there's a slightly differently worded version that says "No other survivors. Just you . . .and then" on the cover pictured above its just not emphasized as much. The third cover is mostly different shades of a murky grey and I just didn't like that cover at all. I think the world globe pictured (well I think it is to represent the world) on both covers with the Series name on works much better on the cover to the right better than the above cover. So why do I prefer the top cover? I like that there is a person on it, a typical teenager I suppose in a hoodie and jeans. The wreckage behind him feels and looks more realistic and perhaps more believable as there is a human in the picture with it. So would I pick this one up from a book store shelf? Yes I would definitely pick up either of the cover versions I have pictured. The blurb tells us of the devastation that has occurred, and lets you know it is a dystopian/post apocalyptic genre.
Now to the book, the main character in the book is a teenaged boy, Jesse. He has gone to a summer camp and is on a tube train on his way with the rest of his group to do some sight seeing. The train he is on is de-railed. He has to get out of the train and find other survivors, find help or rescue services. He manages to get out with some of his friends, and they hide out in a tall building whilst a decision is made what to do next. You see it's not just straight forward as it seems some sort of virus has hit the people that were outside when the disaster hit. All these people, or "Chasers" as Jesse and his group call them want is to drink. the Chasers drink anything, water, salt water from the sea, slush from the snow and if someone is injured they'll drink their blood....This book is well written, definitely well thought out by an amazing writers mind and what can I say what a twist at the end! I just would never have guessed. I know this may sound cryptic to those who haven't read the book but I will not give away this super twisted ending. I will say I am looking forward to Bk#2 a lot, to see what happens and answer the many questions I have.
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, really enjoyed it and was like...wow! at the twisted ending. Would I recommend this book? Yes to those who love dystopian, post apocalyptic and those who like drama and mystery too. Would I read BK#2? Yes please, I think myself and my daughter will be haggling about who gets to read Bk#2 first lol! Would I read other books by James Phelan? Yes, I liked the writing style and pace,so much I read it in just two reading sessions! Did the book remind me of any others I have read? Yes, it reminded me a little of Ashfall by Mike Mullins.
My daughter Rachel of Rai29BookReadNReview received a copy of this book direct from the publishers K-Teen in exchange for her honest review. So as I love dystopian and we are hopefully going to be receiving an arc of BK2 in this series I decided I would read it.
I have seen three different covers for this book, the one I have used above is the one I prefer the most if I had to choose just one. However I do love the byline and how it is printed slightly more prominently on the other cover. (see right pic). You all know by now that I love a good byline and yes the byline "Outnumbered. No Sign of life. Just them. And you." is on the cover to the right and there's a slightly differently worded version that says "No other survivors. Just you . . .and then" on the cover pictured above its just not emphasized as much. The third cover is mostly different shades of a murky grey and I just didn't like that cover at all. I think the world globe pictured (well I think it is to represent the world) on both covers with the Series name on works much better on the cover to the right better than the above cover. So why do I prefer the top cover? I like that there is a person on it, a typical teenager I suppose in a hoodie and jeans. The wreckage behind him feels and looks more realistic and perhaps more believable as there is a human in the picture with it. So would I pick this one up from a book store shelf? Yes I would definitely pick up either of the cover versions I have pictured. The blurb tells us of the devastation that has occurred, and lets you know it is a dystopian/post apocalyptic genre.
Now to the book, the main character in the book is a teenaged boy, Jesse. He has gone to a summer camp and is on a tube train on his way with the rest of his group to do some sight seeing. The train he is on is de-railed. He has to get out of the train and find other survivors, find help or rescue services. He manages to get out with some of his friends, and they hide out in a tall building whilst a decision is made what to do next. You see it's not just straight forward as it seems some sort of virus has hit the people that were outside when the disaster hit. All these people, or "Chasers" as Jesse and his group call them want is to drink. the Chasers drink anything, water, salt water from the sea, slush from the snow and if someone is injured they'll drink their blood....This book is well written, definitely well thought out by an amazing writers mind and what can I say what a twist at the end! I just would never have guessed. I know this may sound cryptic to those who haven't read the book but I will not give away this super twisted ending. I will say I am looking forward to Bk#2 a lot, to see what happens and answer the many questions I have.
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, really enjoyed it and was like...wow! at the twisted ending. Would I recommend this book? Yes to those who love dystopian, post apocalyptic and those who like drama and mystery too. Would I read BK#2? Yes please, I think myself and my daughter will be haggling about who gets to read Bk#2 first lol! Would I read other books by James Phelan? Yes, I liked the writing style and pace,so much I read it in just two reading sessions! Did the book remind me of any others I have read? Yes, it reminded me a little of Ashfall by Mike Mullins.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
AFTERGLOW:
During the first half of this book, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to love it. Like it, yeah. Like 4 stars like. But then I read this:
We are all storytellers.
We write our stories
where and when we
can.
This is mine.
I have nothing.
I have everything.
I am alone.
Maybe you have to have context for this to hit you as hard as it hit me, but it was at this moment that I understood the theme, appreciated the series title, and fell in love with the book. It's a little less than 3/4 into the book.
I wrote this earlier in the day, at the 40% mark:
"I read the first half in a few hours last night and had trouble sleeping. Yay for prayer! It was only after some hardcore praying that I was able to go to sleep. I think I'll try to read the rest of it during the day and then wash it down with some My Little Pony or something. It's just scary and way too realistic-feeling. There are slow parts, which I appreciate in a zombie-esque post-apocalyptic book, and those real survivor parts make it feel a little like Castaway. Castaway with zombies. So yeah. I gotta say, though, the writing is surprising in a good way. The beginning bit has normal dialogue just like any other book, but after the event happens, the quotation marks all disappear and you get this feeling like it's all happening in Jesse's head, almost. Very interesting mechanism there. I'd say it makes the dialogue feel more urgent, and like it's being processed through the fog of trauma. As a writer myself, I always love to see the ways authors pull off something like that. James Phelan has done a fantastic job on his first YA novel. I'll be reading the whole trilogy. The books are shortish, and take place over only a matter of weeks. I'll keep you updated."
Time to update you. :) I would definitely keep the Castaway comparison from my comments above, but the chasers aren't quite zombies. They're something else. A couple of times they're compared to grazing cattle, and in the end the way they evolve from the beginning is very surprising. I guess if I were pitching this I'd say it's 28 Days Later meets Castaway for teens with an Aussie narrator.
The character arc of Jesse, our main guy the Aussie, works really well throughout the story. By the last page, I feel like his twelve or so days post-event have done their work. He's changed for the better. Honestly, that's a tricky feat for a post-apocalyptic book. There's so much going on, the need for so much world-building and explanations, that authors sometimes fudge on the character growth a bit.
Not James Phelan.
This book truly was about Jesse. I guess if he fudged anywhere, it was on the world-building and explanations. You only learn as much as Jesse does, and he's pretty scared so he doesn't take more risks than he has to, which means your information will be limited, too. Other reviewers complained that we didn't see more of the chasers, more action, more thriller.
I felt the suspense during the quiet moments sustained me well. I did not need more chasers. Not at all. In fact, without the thoughtfulness of this book, it wouldn't have made it to Afterglow. It would have been just another zombie book. It was only in getting to know Jesse and his friends that I understood the major themes, came to see the chasers as more than zombies, and got that cathartic feeling of personal growth for myself.
Last few pages = pure gold. Loved them.
I will just say... read during the bright, noisy, happy day. Do not read this at night.
Or if you disregard my admonition, at least keep My Little Pony queued up for emergencies.
During the first half of this book, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to love it. Like it, yeah. Like 4 stars like. But then I read this:
We are all storytellers.
We write our stories
where and when we
can.
This is mine.
I have nothing.
I have everything.
I am alone.
Maybe you have to have context for this to hit you as hard as it hit me, but it was at this moment that I understood the theme, appreciated the series title, and fell in love with the book. It's a little less than 3/4 into the book.
I wrote this earlier in the day, at the 40% mark:
"I read the first half in a few hours last night and had trouble sleeping. Yay for prayer! It was only after some hardcore praying that I was able to go to sleep. I think I'll try to read the rest of it during the day and then wash it down with some My Little Pony or something. It's just scary and way too realistic-feeling. There are slow parts, which I appreciate in a zombie-esque post-apocalyptic book, and those real survivor parts make it feel a little like Castaway. Castaway with zombies. So yeah. I gotta say, though, the writing is surprising in a good way. The beginning bit has normal dialogue just like any other book, but after the event happens, the quotation marks all disappear and you get this feeling like it's all happening in Jesse's head, almost. Very interesting mechanism there. I'd say it makes the dialogue feel more urgent, and like it's being processed through the fog of trauma. As a writer myself, I always love to see the ways authors pull off something like that. James Phelan has done a fantastic job on his first YA novel. I'll be reading the whole trilogy. The books are shortish, and take place over only a matter of weeks. I'll keep you updated."
Time to update you. :) I would definitely keep the Castaway comparison from my comments above, but the chasers aren't quite zombies. They're something else. A couple of times they're compared to grazing cattle, and in the end the way they evolve from the beginning is very surprising. I guess if I were pitching this I'd say it's 28 Days Later meets Castaway for teens with an Aussie narrator.
The character arc of Jesse, our main guy the Aussie, works really well throughout the story. By the last page, I feel like his twelve or so days post-event have done their work. He's changed for the better. Honestly, that's a tricky feat for a post-apocalyptic book. There's so much going on, the need for so much world-building and explanations, that authors sometimes fudge on the character growth a bit.
Not James Phelan.
This book truly was about Jesse. I guess if he fudged anywhere, it was on the world-building and explanations. You only learn as much as Jesse does, and he's pretty scared so he doesn't take more risks than he has to, which means your information will be limited, too. Other reviewers complained that we didn't see more of the chasers, more action, more thriller.
I felt the suspense during the quiet moments sustained me well. I did not need more chasers. Not at all. In fact, without the thoughtfulness of this book, it wouldn't have made it to Afterglow. It would have been just another zombie book. It was only in getting to know Jesse and his friends that I understood the major themes, came to see the chasers as more than zombies, and got that cathartic feeling of personal growth for myself.
Last few pages = pure gold. Loved them.
I will just say... read during the bright, noisy, happy day. Do not read this at night.
Or if you disregard my admonition, at least keep My Little Pony queued up for emergencies.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chasers
I loved the book it was exciting, full of suspense and I can't wait to read the next book of the chasers series.
Published 3 days ago by Julie McIntosh
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good story!
For me, this book is typical and what I thought. It was a quick and easy read.
So the plot is about these teens taking a ride on the subway and all of the sudden, BAM! Read more
So the plot is about these teens taking a ride on the subway and all of the sudden, BAM! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Savannah (Books With Bite)
4.0 out of 5 stars
Liked it a LOT
Well, this one turned out as a bit of a surprise.
The opening was a little rocky, as the tense seemed to keep switching back and forth and I had no idea if the author... Read more
The opening was a little rocky, as the tense seemed to keep switching back and forth and I had no idea if the author... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. J. A. Belfieldd
2.0 out of 5 stars
What did I just read?
PJV Quickie: Part vampire, part zombie, James Phelan’s young adult zombie novel CHASERS was a tough read for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rachel Rivera
3.0 out of 5 stars
Live To Read
Chasers left me with an empty feeling. I didn’t like the book, but didn’t dislike it either. First off, the characters fell flat for me. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Chels
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good.. sometimes confusing
In the digital version only in the first chapter did they have quotation marks so I couldn't really tell when someone was talking out loud or not.
Published 3 months ago by this camera is awesome! I only have one question... how do you delete videos?!?!?!?
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fast Paced, Cliff Ending
Background: Jesse is on a UN trip with a bunch of other teens, when all of a sudden there is an explosion and a crash on the subway. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Gorelenore
3.0 out of 5 stars
Solidly OK but nothing to write home about
Review:
I've had this book to review awhile now and was so excited to finally sit down and read it. Read more
I've had this book to review awhile now and was so excited to finally sit down and read it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kristin@Blood,SweatandBooks
3.0 out of 5 stars
First book, I'd rather see in movie than read.
As many of you may know, or even experienced first hand the recent events of Hurricane Sandy. Why am I speaking of Hurricane Sandy in my review? Read more
Published 5 months ago by Wanda (Good Choice Reading)
3.0 out of 5 stars
Chapter by Chapter's review of Chasers
Chasers by author James Phelan is the first book in the Alone series which from my understanding, was supposed to be The Walking Dead but in YA format and thus not as dark and... Read more
Published 6 months ago by MaryAnn
