Dive into the pulse-pounding world of First Wave, where survival isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life! JT Sawyer’s gripping post-apocalyptic series follows Special Forces veteran Travis Combs and his ragtag crew as they navigate a zombie-infested Arizona desert, battling not only the undead but also ruthless biker gangs and shadowy government forces. With a unique blend of gritty survival tactics and heartfelt character bonds, First Wave redefines the zombie apocalypse genre.
Unlike typical zombie tales drenched in gore, First Wave hooks readers with its focus on practical survival and human resilience. Sawyer, a survival expert himself, infuses the story with authentic details that make every trap, trek, and tense encounter feel real. Ready to join Travis on this thrilling odyssey? Let’s explore how this series came to life and why it’s a must-read for apocalypse fans.
How First Wave Began
First Wave sprang from the mind of JT Sawyer, the pen name of Tony Nester, a survival instructor with over 30 years of experience training military special operations, the Department of Homeland Security, and even Hollywood stars. Published in 2014, the series was born from Sawyer’s love for the rugged Four-Corners region and his desire to craft a zombie thriller grounded in real-world survival skills. Inspired by classics like The Odyssey, Sawyer wove a tale of a leader guiding his group through chaos, with a personal mission to reunite with his son driving the narrative.
Sawyer’s background as a consultant for films like Into the Wild and his deep knowledge of the Southwest’s mesas and canyons shaped First Wave’s vivid setting. His goal? To create a story where zombies are a backdrop to the human struggle, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and hope amidst despair. The result is a series that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
The Heart of First Wave
The First Wave series spans four books, with the first three—First Wave, The Longest Day, and No Place to Hide—available as a boxed set titled First Wave: A Zombie-Apocalypse Series Boxed Set. In First Wave, Travis Combs emerges from a 22-day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon to find a world unraveled by a deadly pandemic. Leading a diverse group, including an ER nurse, a school principal, and a helicopter pilot, he teaches them to survive the harsh Arizona desert while dodging bloodthirsty zombies and cartel thugs. The Longest Day follows their grueling journey toward Denver, where Travis hopes to find his son, only to face a new threat in Flagstaff’s mountains. No Place to Hide ramps up the stakes with faster-moving zombies and a traitor among them, as they race to a secret lab holding the key to a cure.
The series shines through its themes of survival, trust, and family. Sawyer’s military expertise brings authenticity to the group’s tactics, from crafting traps to scavenging supplies, while the Southwest setting—its canyons, mesas, and relentless sun—becomes a character in itself. The zombies, ranging from slow shamblers to swift predators, keep the tension high, but it’s the relationships, like Travis’s subtle romance with Kate, that give the story heart. Fans praise the fast-paced action and Sawyer’s ability to make survival feel both educational and thrilling.
Why First Wave Resonates
First Wave has carved a niche in the zombie apocalypse genre by blending adrenaline-fueled action with practical survival lessons. Readers on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon rave about its believable characters and Sawyer’s knack for making the Southwest’s harsh beauty a vivid backdrop. The series appeals to survivalist buffs and thriller fans alike, offering a fresh take on a crowded genre by prioritizing human connections over endless gore.
Its impact lies in its realism and relatability. Sawyer’s experience ensures every decision Travis makes feels plausible, inspiring readers to think about their own resilience. While not a cultural juggernaut, First Wave’s dedicated fanbase and positive reviews highlight its lasting appeal as a gritty, heartfelt adventure that leaves you hungry for more.
- First book published: 2014
- Total books: 4 (3 main novels, 1 boxed set)
- Setting: Post-apocalyptic Arizona
- Author’s real name: Tony Nester
Ready to brave the zombie-infested desert with Travis Combs? Grab First Wave and dive into a post-apocalyptic thriller that’s as smart as it is thrilling!