Audible Book Review: 299 Days, The Preparation, Book 1, by Glen Tate

This is an early prepper narrative – not action but preparation.

299 Days
The Preparation, Book 1
By: Glen Tate
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 10-26-14
Publisher: Sellerman and Sweeney, LLC
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Prepper
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Meet Grant Matson: lawyer, father, suburbanite husband who awakens to the fragility of modern society and embarks on a personal journey that introduces him to a world of self-reliance and liberation. 299 Days: The Preparation, the first audiobook in the 299 Days series, depicts the inner struggles Grant must face as he exists in a social system he recognizes as unsustainable and on the verge of collapse, but one in which he has built his life around. What begins as a return to his roots, self-sufficiency and independence, becomes a full blown move to prepare for what may come.
Engaging, insightful, and a bit suspenseful, follow Grant's transition from a self-perceived "sheeple" to a full-blown "prepper". Will his fears come true? Is he an extremist? What if nothing happens? What if something does?
©2012 Glen Tate (P)2014 Sellerman and Sweeney, LLC

Review:
Grant was raised by a logger father who fell into alcoholism after an accident. Thereafter his youth was full of abuse and dysfunction. Grant knows his family is poor and initially he thinks he can’t get beyond his circumstances. But he manages to go to college, meet and impress the woman of his dreams, and progress to law school. Upon graduation he is glad to get a position where he can fight for justice for the little guys set upon particularly by the government or big companies. He is distressed by government policies and he begins to see behind the scenes that America will suffer an economic fall from its massive debt.

Grant recognizes that the typical city “sheeple” will not be prepared to face trouble. He learned shooting and rural skills in his childhood and now he slowly turns to his rural roots and begins to gather the supplies to survive a social system failure. It starts with collecting guns and nonperishable food stockpiles. It continues with training with former military and law enforcement officers, to identifying other like-minded friends who he can reach out to when trouble hits. Finally, he is able to acquire (with his mother’s help) a cabin that is sustainable and defensible. Most of this is done behind the back of his wife which is bound to cause trouble at some point.

This story is told from the POV of Grant as he ponders the dangers of an economic collapse and step by step prepares for the worst. The author, through his main character, shares his dislike of liberal policies especially as they have impacted Washington State. There is limited action and suspense in this first book as the biggest suspense is in wondering how he will deal with his wife when the time comes and when the collapse may occur. Still, I enjoyed the journey of awareness and preparation for a plausible event. It is not a particularly exciting book but I found it entertaining. I will likely try the next book at some time. I recommend this to fans of prepper narratives (who won’t take offense to the political views).

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is an experienced and good narrator for this type of story. He provides distinct voices and solemnity of the purpose. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74; (Regular Price: $24.95). This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.

Audible Book Review: The Age of Embers (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller) by Ryan Schow

This is a good action, post apocalyptic title.
The Age of Embers (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller)
The Age of Embers, Book 1
By: Ryan Schow
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 08-07-19
Publisher: Ryan Schow
Genre: Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
An Amazon all-star recipient! Fresh off the highly acclaimed The Last War Series, comes a gripping new tale of the apocalypse from bestselling author, Ryan Schow. The Age of Embers Series is perfect for fans of Matthew Mather, Bobby Akart, Jack Hunt, Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Mike Kraus, and Harley Tate.
The end is almost here, are you ready?
A high-tech nightmare. A crippling attack on America and her infrastructure. Are humans in their final days? When a sudden, unexplained spasm of violence rocks the country from coast to coast, when our military is hijacked and the president can’t be found, the survivors will be left to wonder if this is the start of a new world war, or if this is the last chapter of humanity itself.
Undercover DEA agent, Fire Dimas, is drowning in problems: an unrelenting job, a difficult marriage and a teenage daughter with suitors of the worst kind. Then there’s the cartel he double-crossed and the “incident” at the high school. To say he’s in way over his head is the understatement of the century. Rest assured though, for Fire and his family, it’s about to get much, much worse. The assault has already begun....
Eliana Gutierrez and her niece, Carolina, are stolen by the Guatemalan cartel and swallowed into the dark world of human trafficking until a brutal crime separates them. Eliana must now use the deadly trafficking lines to trek up through Mexico and into America in search of the only person she ever loved. Along the way, she’ll come face-to-face with a handsome, rancorous hitman who will either be her salvation or her bitter end. Under the cover of a post-apocalyptic nightmare, Eliana will risk life and limb for the child, but will it be enough?
The Age of Embers is a post-apocalyptic survival series written inside the universe of the best-selling The Last War series. This edge-of-your-seat thriller chronicles the harrowing journey of ordinary people trapped in an encroaching dark age. Get ready for characters you'll want to know in real life, big post-apocalyptic action and a no-holds-barred action/adventure series that just might hit a little too close to home.
Note: The Age of Embers and subsequent books can be listened to as a stand alone series or in addition to The Last War series. Both stories are written in the same universe on the same timeline and some characters will overlap.
©2019 Ryan Schow (P)2019 Ryan Schow

Review:
Fire Dimas is an undercover DEA Agent in Chicago who is on the edge. He hasn’t been home for eight months and his marriage is on the rocks. His teen daughter is stepping out with the wrong kind of boys. Fire has underlying anger issues that haven’t been helped by having his hands tied in a criminal environment.

An unexplained attack starts destroying the cities, taking out authority centers as well as indiscriminating killing people in the streets. Chaos erupts and the social dynamic changes as surviving gangs try to take control and civilians just try to survive. Fire is caught in the middle wanting to protect his family but being in a place to take down the gangs. He will move between both worlds until his own family is caught in the maelstrom.

Meanwhile, in Guatemalan, Eliana is a beautiful young woman who has been isolated by her overly protective father. His means of protecting her is to make her look less attractive and train her to fight to injure men. Finally, the day arrives when Eliana and her younger niece, Carolina, are captured by traffickers who kill her father. Eliana struggles to escape and survive to track down Carolina. As Eliana pursues the trail, she meets a rough but handsome ‘hitman’. He agrees to introduce her to the head of cartel with a plan that may well cost her live. After they both walk out of the situation, they agree to travel together in the same direction, if not as partners. Their path goes through grit and death and eventually brings them to a collision with Fire in Chicago.

I picked this for an action, post-apocalyptic title and it delivered. It is dark, gritty and violent story. Some of the scenes made me flinch and cringe and I didn’t feel that all of it was realistic. But it could be real, especially the attack event, which is scary! It is likely that I will go back to the earlier books by Schow and then continue with this series too. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic who can handle the girt and violence.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a good narrator who does quite a bit of narrating in this genre. He manages the hard voices and gritty characters well with distinct sounds and energy. I appreciated having this in audio format.

Source: 12/17/2020 Audible Sale – $5.00. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: White Wasteland by Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross

I liked this Post Apocalyptic story but realized it is a shoot off from an earlier series.

White Wasteland
A Black Autumn Saga (White Wasteland Series, Book 1)
By: Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: White Wasteland Series, Book 1
Black Autumn, Book 5
Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 05-04-21
Publisher: ReadyMan Publishing, LLC
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
As winter descends on a broken nation, the Homestead survival compound squares off against Mother Nature and an unstoppable wave of human suffering against a violent flu, coupled with desperate mobs and a fanatical warlord.
The Special Forces warriors and their civilian fight force face a moral collapse at home as the founder of the Homestead struggles with the demons of his own, while a secretive group of Homestead women follow their hearts into uncharted waters, tossing the fragile community into further turmoil.
Strange visions, precarious faith, and troubled dreams gnaw at the Homestead, but are keys to their survival buried in their inmost truths?
The saga of Black Autumn continues in book one of the White Wasteland Series.
©2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross (P)2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross

Review:
Jason is the political, ‘mayorial’, leader of the Homestead, who is steadily drinking more and losing sight of doing the right thing. The Special Forces security leader, Jeff, is realizing he will have to take a stronger position to protect the Homestead - first from masses of starving people seeking food and then from more serious, organized threats.

Meanwhile, the hierarchy of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church), is floundering due to the death of many of the high leaders. One of the top twelve remains but he is reluctant, due to guilt, to declare himself the next president. Instead a egomaniac church leader, with a large following on secure farmland to the southern border, declares himself the new President. He then declares war on the church in Salt Lake City.

The Homestead forces don’t have enough numbers to continue to fight off the outsider attacks. Jeff is having vivid dreams or nightmares nudging him to make hard decisions. Should he seek the help of the Salt Lake City church to fight the threat from the south?

The story jumps right in with action, and I quickly realized that the characters and apocalyptic event are carried forward from another series. This book is actually the 5th book in the Black Autumn series and the 1st in the White Wasteland series. Even though there is not a clear backstory to bring a reader up to date, I still enjoyed this story. It had plenty of action and personal conflicts to make it interesting.

I found the religious element interesting with the internal church struggles and the recognition of evil even in self-proclaimed godly men. I didn’t feel that the author was trying to preach through the inclusion of the church conflict which fit with the setting of the Homestead next door to Salt Lake City.

Some readers will feel it necessary to start at the beginning of the first series, but I think it can be enjoyed even if that doesn’t happen. I have the first book on Kindle and plan to read it at some point. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic stories.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a great job narrating this genre. He provides distinct voices and appropriate energy. I am glad that I was able to listen to this story.

Source: 3/3/22 New-to-Me series purchased at Audible Sale for $3.74 This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: What's Left of My World by C.A. Rudolph

I like this post-apocalyptic, character driven story.

What's Left of My World
By: C.A. Rudolph
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: What's Left of My World, Book 1 (7 books)
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 04-04-17
Publisher: C.A. Rudolph
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lauren Russell often wondered why her father had been so adamant about teaching her skills that most other fathers wouldn't even consider teaching their daughters. Ever since she was little, she had been taught how to live and survive outdoors, and how to use firearms to protect herself and those around her. Some of the training had been a bit extreme. Or had it been?
Many of her questions were answered the day the world as she knew it ended. Now, the skills she had been taught serve an essential purpose. They keep her and those she cares about alive. Even in the sparsely-populated mountains of West Virginia, where she and her family have been forced to relocate for their safety after the collapse, peril lurks around every corner. Normal life has taken on a whole new meaning for Lauren, her family, and the community they have become a part of. In this different world, the new status quo is self-preservation. There is no more middle ground. People either live, or they die.
Lauren's father didn't make it home on the day the world changed forever, and she misses him more than anything. Now, in What's Left of My World, she and her family must learn to endure life's horrors - without him.
©2016 C.A.Rudolph (P)2017 C.A.Rudolph

Review:
Lauren’s father had made sure that she could handle herself and her weapons. She has learned to live and survive outdoors, to face the perils of nature, and to face wild and human predators. She and her family have made it to a refuge valley in West Virginia. She hopes her father will be able to travel from his DC office to find his way to the family. But they all know there are dangers.

Within the valley there are members of the community who work together to survive while ‘takers’ living in the woods make raids to steal supplies. Now there are motorcycle terrorists breaking through to the interior homes. The bullies had attacked a neighbor home. Although the men were caught, the woman of the house was killed. When they investigated the men’s saddle bags, they found trophies – human fingers. The community is going to have to arm up and face this new, brutal threat. The community members are flawed, including Lauren who knows better than to investigate a murder scene on her own. She stumbles upon a survivor and has no way to know if he is an enemy or can be an asset.

I enjoyed the story line and the primary characters. They are a mixed bag of young and old, prepared and unprepared but ready to contribute to the upcoming battles. The action and suspense are good even if there are some unrealistic moments. Warning: the evil is brutal and ugly so be prepared for that. I will be listening to the next book and recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic survival.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a reliable narrator in this genre. He provides distinct voices and distinct energy. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale on Sci Fi and Fantasy titles. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Traveler Series, A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3 by Tom Abrahams

I liked this series that focuses on one man's survival and ‘battles’ with the enemy.
The Traveler Series
A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 03-06-19
Publisher: Piton Press LLC
Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The first three books in the Traveler series in one bundle!
Book One: Home
He thought he was prepared. He thought his family was safe. He was wrong.
Five years after a pneumonic plague killed two-thirds of the world’s population, army veteran Marcus Battle is isolated. He’s alone with his guns, his food, and the graves of his wife and child.
Unaware of the chaos that’s befallen everything outside of his central Texas ranch land, Marcus lives a Spartan life. If anyone steps onto his property he shoots first and never ask questions.
But when a woman in distress, chased by marauders, seeks asylum, Marcus has a decision to make.
Does he throw her to the wolves to protect himself, or does he help her and leave the shelter and protection of home?
Book Two: Canyon
He’s homeless. He’s on the run. and he wants revenge.
Marcus Battle has left behind his home.
Now he’s on a seemingly impossible mission to find a missing child. But can he balance that responsibility with his deep, primal desire to exact revenge on the men who destroyed his solitary existence?
The world he discovers on his journey isn’t the one he remembers before a pneumonic plague called the Scourge killed two-thirds of the world’s population. It is lawless, depraved, and far deadlier than the disease which created it.
Battle made a promise to find that child. It’s a promise he regrets more acutely with every step of the journey where he is as much the hunter as he is the hunted.
Book Three: Wall
He survived the scourge. He escaped the cartel. Now he faces the wall.
In the chaos of a global plague, evil took hold. Governments fell, the good became servants, and the Cartel rose to power.
A wall was built to contain the wasteland and keep the evil at bay. Now an organized resistance wants change. They're willing to fight for it and they've asked Marcus Battle to help.
The last thing Battle wants is another war. But if that's what it takes to gain freedom and safe passage to the other side of the wall, he'll take aim and fire.
©2019 Piton Press LLC (P)2019 Piton Press LLC

Review:
Marcus Battle, a retired army vet, thought he had prepared to protect his family. But he couldn’t save his wife and young son when the plague (the scourge) swept across the world and came to his door. Marcus has survived five years alone on his isolated ranch with his hoarded supplies of food and guns, his fences and special protections, and the ghosts of his family.

Then the outside world intrudes on his solitude. An apparently abused and frightened woman, Lola, works her way into his property but with her comes trouble. He eliminates most of the threats but one man escapes to go back to his cartel boss to reveal that a man is living outside the control of the bosses. Not only do they want to retrieve their property, Lola, they are targeting Marcus. They just have no clue what a Battle they will face. (Sorry – the name reference is just too hard to resist.)

This is a bundle of the first three books in the series. Home introduces Marcus and tells about his Home. Canyon follows Marcus as he and Lola escape to join a rebellion group, the Dwellers, living in the mountains. The third book, Wall, shares how Marcus helps in the fight between the Cartel and the Dwellers. Then Marcus and a few friends are escorted to the Wall to hopefully find a new start in the world to the north. I liked reading the first three books together.

The author does a good job blending personal issues with danger and violence. Abrahams uses alternating present events with flash back chapters to fill in the history, both of Battle at home with his family and Battle saving another soldier in Syria. I liked Marcus Battle’s character with his firmness and emotional struggles to reconnect with other people. His character pretty much overshadows everyone else although we do get to learn some of the history of a handful of the bad men. The story is sadly plausible in the aspect that a Cartel system could take over if government forces pull out.

I recently read a spin off story, Unprepared, The Scourge, about the beginning of the plague.. I think this series is a little stronger for entertainment. I do plan to continue with the next bundle, books 4 through 6. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic, dystopian with lots of fight action.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does his usual excellent job of narration. He provides distinct voices and fitting energy and emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: November 2019 Audible purchase $7.49. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021 Alphabet audio goals.

Audible Book Review: Unprepared, The Scourge, Book 1 by Tom Abrahams

This is a descent post-apocalyptic but not stellar.
Unprepared
The Scourge, Book 1
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 04-26-20
Publisher: Piton Press LLC
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A mutating plague is spreading. It's killing two of every three people on Earth. And Mike Crenshaw is totally unprepared.
From the world of The Traveler Series comes a new cast of characters, new obstacles, and the same devastating, world-altering virus which plunges society into the depth of a dystopian hell.
Unprepared begins in the hours before The Scourge takes hold. As if ripped from today's headlines, governments react too slowly and the disease spreads too fast. Quarantines don't work. Infrastructure fails. People die.
Follow Mike and his friends as they try to survive this new landscape and find out how the world in which The Traveler Series was set came into being. It's a thrill ride that will keep you up at night with the lights on and the doors locked.
©2020 Piton Press LLC (P)2020 Piton Press LLC

Review:
Mike Crenshaw is just a regular guy, a second-rate radio salesman in Lake Mary, Florida. The sales leader, Brice, is an unlikely friend. As the world learns about a fast acting, deathly virus, Mike and Brice find themselves together, unprepared, without supplies, and trying to get out of town. Along the way they pick up a stranger who agrees to let them drive her to relatives on the coast.

In a nearby area of Orlando, a waning news reporter, Kandy, and her new boyfriend, (Phil?), barely escape an angry mob. They too begin to head to New Smyrna Beach seeking refuge with Phil’s family.

Part of the story also covers the scientists in the Ukraine who are desperately researching the virus and seeking cures. The female doctor originally thinks she is being punished being sent to Ukraine, not realizing that she has had a chance to be part of the event at ground zero. I also liked the personal snippets as the plague spread through 1349 London.

The virus and government handling (or mishandling) could mirror the early days of Covid19 although the book virus is much more deadly. The story moves a little slowly at the beginning as the author introduces the characters in their different locations. The story skims over the multitudes dying as it follows these handful of survivors trying to get past barricades to safety. I enjoyed the diverse characters, and I liked the threads of connection that are revealed closer to the end.

The setting in Florida is a plus for me as is the lack of foul language. There is some mild cursing. It is fun that the author slips in songs and authors that are familiar. There are apparently “Easter Eggs” from the Travelers series - the same world five years later with different survivors. I have the Audible books 1-3 of that series and I may try the Travelers series before I continue with this one. Unprepared may be less exciting because, although there are several tense scenes, the story is more focused on setting up the characters and their journey to refuge. I recommend this as a solid beginning to a post-apocalyptic series.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a skilled narrator in this genre. He manages to convey the personalities and his voice fits the intensity of the story. I look forward to listening to more by this author and narrator.

Source: 12/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Promises to Keep: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy) by R.E. McDermott

Plenty of action made this an intense, engaging conclusion.
Promises to Keep: After the EMP
Disruption Trilogy Book 3
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: Disruption, Book 3
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-05-17
Language: English
Publisher: R. E. McDermott
Genre: Alternate History, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
In this thrilling final chapter of The Disruption Trilogy, R. E. McDermott once again transports us to a frighteningly realistic post-apocalyptic world of chaos and uncommon courage, and of both hope and despair.
When a massive solar storm takes down the power grid, all order collapses with civilization kept alive only by scattered pockets of survivors who find themselves not only short of critical resources, but facing an unexpected enemy - what's left of their own government.
Survivor resistance stiffens as an increasingly corrupt and tyrannical president clamps down on dissent and seeks to eliminate anyone who might expose his perfidy. With both the defenders of Fort Box in what's left of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the people of the ship Pecos Trader in southeast Texas facing uncertain futures, a resourceful and elusive George Anderson leads government forces on a wild goose chase along the Appalachian Trail, but the future looks grim. Only one man has the credibility and the stature to turn the situation around and fulfill a promise to himself - and the nation.
Simon Tremble, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the last lawmaker not under control of the corrupt president, climbs out of his hidden hollow and starts south along the Appalachian Trail. He has promises to keep.
©2017 R.E. McDermott (P)2017 R.E. McDermott

Review:
Simon Tremble, the presumptive successor to the President, is trying to get to a safe haven, away from the corrupt powers who want to kill him because he knows too much. Simon and his son are on the path through the Appalachian Trail dodging all the checkpoints set up to find him. Along the way he stumbles upon some unexpected allies.

Meanwhile there are two locations trying to rebuild but they are under siege. Colonel Hunnicut and Levy Jenkins are leading the fight at Fort Box in Wilmington. With a band of Coasties (former Coast Guards members) and a National Guard unit they seek to organize and protect a growing gathering of refugee families. The fort occupants are fighting the corrupt government forces who are misleading desperate refugees to be front line fodder for the attacks.

Captain Jordan Hughes has guided his crew and their tanker of fuel, the Pecos Trader, towards home. Near Beaumont, Texas, his crew has created a floating ‘station’ which is under siege by a large group of ex-cons who have been masquerading as law enforcement.

The book is full of tense action while sharing the struggles of the many characters, some caring leaders and other power-hungry despots. I was pulled in from the opening lines and kept glued through the battles until the difficult but hopeful end. I liked the hint of possible future stories to revisit the rebuilding communities. I do recommend reading the trilogy in order. This is a set for those who enjoy alternative history, post-apocalyptic struggles.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a wonderful narrator. As soon as I began listening, I was caught up in the world of troubled America. I totally enjoyed the audio listen.

Source: November 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Book 1: Under a Tell-Tale Sky: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy Book 1) 4.5
Book 2: Push Back: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy Book 2) 4.5

Audible Book Review: Defiance, Defending Home, Book 1 by William H. Weber

This was an okay homesteading battle but not compelling post-apocalyptic.

Defiance

By: William H. Weber

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: Defending Home, Book 1

Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 07-25-16

Language: English

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; 3.75 Story, 4.25 Narration.

Publisher's Summary

A month has passed since a deadly virus swept the country, killing millions and leaving chaos in its wake. Dale Hardy has managed to weather the storm by hunkering down on his homestead in Arizona. He grows his own crops, generates his own power, and draws fresh water from his own deep aquifer. But when a nearby town's water supply dwindles in the searing Arizona heat, Dale's peaceful existence is threatened.

The new mayor and sheriff want what he has, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it. With a crooked local government conspiring against him, Dale will need to stand in defiance or risk losing everything.

©2016 William H. Weber (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dale Hardy had tried to prepare for trouble. He has learned to grow his own crops, generate power and draw fresh water from the aquifer on his land which has been in his family for generations. A deadly virus has killed many people throughout the country, leaving behind chaos and lack of power during a time of severe draught. Dale hunkered in and drew his family together to help protect them from the virus and the violence that has begun to break out as resources, particularly food and water, become scarce.

Dale’s water trouble started when neighbors began demanding water, then armed strangers tried to sneak in and steal water. But now a newly self-appointed mayor and sheriff are trying to take away his water and they are willing to send in cutthroats to accomplish their goal.

Dale isn’t backing down. He may be willing to trade water for other commodities but if he isn’t willing to just give a cup of water to neighbors, he sure isn’t going to stand by while corrupt officials try to take his water.

There are personal issues to add to the tension. Dale was dating a female deputy until he became concerned that his young daughter would hear the false rumors that he had been seeing the deputy before his wife died. One of the relatives is a young man whose father was sent to prison. The prisoner has broken out and is intent on getting to his son, even as he leaves a trail of death behind him.

I generally like post-apocalyptic books. This one was centered on water shortage more than the plague crisis. There wasn’t a lot of prepper detail but there was private, defensive (initially) action. I didn’t feel there was a lot of character depth and, although I could side with Dale, I wasn’t impassioned by the story or characters. I listened all the way through, expecting a confrontation but just as that arrives, this book ends. It was okay but I am likely to try other series before continuing this one.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a good job with this genre. He presents the story with a direct flow and the characters with appropriate emotion. I think it was easier for me to listen to this on audio than it would have been for me to read in text.

Source: September 2018 Audible $1.99 Purchase (already owned Kindle version). This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III

This is a charming romance with a great dog included.

One Man's Opus

A Survival and Preparedness Story

By: Boyd Craven III

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: One Man's Opus, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 04-26-17

Language: English

Publisher: Boyd Craven III

Genre: Preparedness, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Man's best friend.

Rick is like many Americans. He's concerned with what he sees on the news, and how the country seems to be ready to tear itself apart. His biggest concern has been civil unrest. Already an avid camper, he sets out to secure his future, and career, by finding his own Eden.

Tina is a small-business owner and knows what she wants in life. She and her furry companion find themselves at gunpoint when Rick walks back into her world and forever changes the dynamic between them.

One dog, who's been the savior, protector, and companion...Opus. The owner of two humans that mostly understand him. Mostly.

When the police walk into an ambush, a series of events forces the couple to bug out. The problem with having to leave for a small town, at a remote location, is it really isn't a secret. Small towns bring their own problems with crime, and power plays. Everybody knows everybody, and the gossip mill runs as fast as lightning.

Will the trio be as prepared as they need to be?

©2017 Boyd Craven III (P)2017 Boyd Craven III

Review:
Rick is a serious introvert and sort of a geek author. He thought he would write a different genre but, on a dare, he started writing paranormal romance which provides a decent living. A friend offers him an old RV and Rick re-meets Tina when he goes to ask to park the unit at her storage facility. In an unexpected situation he is surprised to meet her guard dog, Opus.

Rick goes camping and begins to set up a campsite/bug out place. He thinks he may need to be more prepared for rough times. Rick, with Tina visiting, spends more time at the RV especially as unrest and riots spread in the city. Most of the campsite neighbors are friendly but one man and his unpleasant friends object and look to cause trouble.

The relationship between Rick and Tina develops slowly, always with Opus making his presence known. Rick and Tina are very relatable, real to life characters and Opus is a gem. This is a charming romance story which moves along at a nice pace with the decisions of life and impact of friends added in.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of post-apocalyptic tales by Mr. Craven. This story is not truly post-apocalyptic but rather a preparedness story as stated. I was pleased to find this engaging even though it is not full of tension and action. It is not a steamy romance either; just a nice, warm love story. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a natural life, warm romance and might like the touch of prepper elements.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a solid job of narrating. He creates voices for characters and provides appropriate emotion while being a very easy listen. I enjoy his portrayal which added to my enjoyment of the book.

Source: Audible Credit Purchase June 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott

This is a solid, entertaining addition to my post-apocalyptic reading/listening binge.
Under a Tell-Tale Sky
Disruption, Book 1
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: Disruption, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-29-16
Language: English
Publisher: R. E. McDermott
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
When a massive solar flare fries the electrical grid, Captain Jordan Hughes' problems are just starting. Stranded far from home with a now-priceless cargo of fuel and a restless crew, Hughes weighs his options as violence worsens ashore and the world crumbles around the secure little world of his ship, the Pecos Trader.
"Wait and see", is not an option. Hughes has to get his ship and crew home, but FEMA arrives with other plans.
Resisting the demands of an increasingly corrupt and self-serving federal bureaucracy, Hughes leads a ragtag band of sailors, preppers, and dissident military personnel on an incredible voyage to reunite them all with home and family - only to find their real journey is just beginning.
©2015 Robert E. McDermott (P)2016 Robert E. McDermott

Review:
A solar flare causes an EMP event that takes down the power grid across America and, presumably, the world. The story begins with the introduction of the crew of a cargo ship in North Carolina. After their station is attacked, some Coastguard members join with the ship with the goal of providing support in numbers. Crew members divide as the Captain decides to return to his home base in Texas. Several choose to travel north to their homes by other means. Some travel with more caution than others but they all face danger with the ship crew heading for more trouble than they can imagine.

Meanwhile the highest leaders in the land decide that there is no choice but to abandon most of the people to their own efforts. They make plans to get the power grid back up for their own benefit and control. They turn a blind eye to corruption, thieving and ravaging by tyrannical FEMA authorities as long as they get a piece of the spoils.

It doesn't take long for criminal and corrupt politicians to take advantage of the crisis. Will good people be able to join together to battle back the chaos and evil as they try to survive, much less think of recovering?

McDermott does a good job of setting up plausible scenarios. He develops a handful of strong characters (mostly men although there are a few brave women too) and provides family situations that provide motive to keep the characters moving towards home or safety. The top villains are also developed enough to be despicable and scary. I liked how each chapter is identified by location and date relative to the event. This helped me as a listener to keep track of where the action was and who was involved. Admittedly, the changing scenes allowed for temporary cliff hangers which kept me listening till it came back to the tense scenes so I could learn what happened.

There is plenty of action to make this a solid, entertaining post-apocalyptic story. I recommend this to those who like the genre. I will be getting book two to continue with the journey and battle for survival.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a go-to narrator for sci fi. He presents distinct voices, suitable energy and emotion and steady pacing. I am always glad to listen as his narration adds to the reading experience.

Source: July 2016 Audible Selection. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenges.

Audible Review: Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller by L.L. Akers

This is an engaging, character intensive SHTF story; I enjoyed the characters and the premise.

Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller

The SHTF Series, Book 1

By: L. L. Akers

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Unabridged

Release date: 10-16-17

Publisher: Scorched Earth Publishing, LLC

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

As a prepper, Grayson Rowan was prepared for almost anything.

...anything other than being totally alone when the sh*t hits the fan.

While he sat back and watched the United States rattle swords with Korea, play chicken with Russia, and strong-arm China, he felt sure if the lights went out that he and his family would be ready and safe - whether it was due to a natural disaster or a man-made event. They had everything they needed at their homestead.

What he wasn't prepared for was his family not being home if it ever happened.

Olivia Rowan is with her sisters, Gabby and Emma, on a girls-only trip to Myrtle Beach. When chaos erupts and there's no gas, their journey home is a nightmare, filled with predators and danger - and apparently, Olivia hadn't learned a thing her husband tried to teach her.

When your neighbors run out of water and turn on each other, what will you do?

Jake, a country boy mechanic, never believed in TEOTWAWKI, but he'd heard his brother-in-law preach about it many times. He knew what to do, but he didn't prepare. He lazily left it all up to Grayson - he was the prepper after all. When catastrophe strikes, will he continue to keep his head stuck in the sand while his clueless neighbors destroy each other, and his wife is stuck out on the road, or will he stand up and fight like a man?

And if you're alone? Bug in or bug out?

Graysie Rowan, a freshman at university, just wants to go home. When no word comes from the government, and the state capital is overrun with looters, chaos, and mayhem, the college administration puts the students on lockdown. But her dad, Grayson, had prepared her for this. Now, if she can only remember what it was he said to do....

If they want to survive this post-apocalyptic event, they'll all have to learn to fight like a man.

©2017 Lisa L. Akers (P)2017 Lisa L. Akers

Review:
Grayson, a firm prepper, is the ‘patriarch’ of his family and has prepared the family farm so everyone will be taken care of. Although the rest of the family have agreed to prep and the rendezvous plans, they don’t take the threats as seriously as Grayson does. They are all startled … and unfortunately separated… when the grid goes down. Grayson is home alone since his wife and sisters-in-law are 200+ miles away for a girl’s weekend at the beach. His daughter is an hour away at college.

Jake, one of the brothers-in-law, a mechanic, has been experiencing some funky mood that he’s been trying to hide from everyone. He hasn’t had much motivation and it takes him a little time to accept that a SHTF event has occurred. He still doesn’t take the steps he knows need to be done and drags his feet getting on the road to the family farm. Plus he remembers that he got lax on some of the tasks he was supposed to take care of. When he finally gets ready to go he runs into one problem after another.

Grayson’s wife, Olivia, is enjoying the beach with sisters Gabby and Emma. Olivia loves her husband but never really bought into the prepper mode. As the beach resort descends into chaos, Olivia plays ostrich and hides her head in a book on the beach. Gabby is ready to move out and try to get home but is rightfully upset when she discovers she is the only one with her bug out bag. The girls are extremely vulnerable as they try to find a ride home and begin to run into some dregs of society.

Graysie is a freshman at college who is stuck with her clueless roommates. University authorities have told the students to stay put. But after several days, as conditions deteriorate, Graysie decides she is going to get past the security guard to her car and head home.

Everyone may have to "fight like a man" as Grayson has tried to teach them. The story follows all four threads with the fears and dangers the characters face as technology, normalcy and society break down around them. The characters evoked various emotions: curiosity, annoyance, anger, dread, fear, and relief. There are some political statements which didn't bother me but sadly there is unnecessary bad language. There are a few alarming scenes that are consistent with an EOTW scenario. I liked the prepper information, including what could go wrong with the best of plans. I am interested in continuing the series.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce has become a reliable sci fi narrator. He doesn’t always provide completely unique voices but he still manages to convey the distinct personalities. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story and I hope to continue listening to the series on Audible.

I received this from the narrator for an honest review. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.
This was my first read/listen in November for 2017 #RRSciFiMonth.

Audible Book Review: Apocalypse: The Days of Elijah, Book 1, by Mark Goodwin

This story is very engaging, Biblically based, and I want to continue the series.
Apocalypse: The Days of Elijah, Book 1
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: The Days of Elijah, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 01-19-17
Language: English
Publisher: Goodwin America Corp.
Genre: Apocalyptic, Religious, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.50 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After a massive wave of disappearances, 26-year-old CIA analyst Everett Carroll finally believes what he's been told about the biblical prophecy of the rapture. But will he be able to survive the gauntlet of destruction known as the Great Tribulation? Seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out upon the earth, and woe to the inhabitants thereof! Global currencies have collapsed, famine and plague have claimed the lives of millions, and the world has crumbled into chaos. The only reason Everett and his girlfriend, Courtney, have survived the mayhem is because they were warned by John Jones, Everett's recently deceased boss, that all of these tragedies would occur. And what's more, through his inside knowledge at the agency, mixed with his interpretation of prophecy, Jones predicted that a world leader would ride in on a white horse to fix the ills of the planet. But who is this leader and what is his motivation for mandating the new identification implant and the global cashless currency?
Everett is surprised when he finds out that Elijah, the Messianic Jewish hermit who lives on the mountain above their retreat, did not disappear along with the rest of the Christians. When he tells Everett of a special mission that God has given him, the old prophet gives Everett more questions than answers.
This is the highly-anticipated follow-up series to the best-selling trilogy, The Days of Noah, which chronicles the economic, moral, and social collapse of the United States.
As with all books by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to scripture, this book might not be for you.
©2016 Goodwin America Corp. (P)2017 Goodwin America Corp.

Review:
Everett is a 26-year-old CIA analyst whose boss, John Jones, slowly convinced him to prepare for a collapse of society as we know it. Everett and his girlfriend, Courtney survived the collapse with the help of Jones’ advice and in the safety of the cabin Jones left to them. Another couple was sharing the responsibilities of survival preparedness and watch until one morning they disappeared… along with many other unexplained disappearances around the world.

The new government and the new world religious leader provide a strange tale of alien abductions to explain the disappearances. Even this bizarre story was predicted by Jones so Everett and Courtney are even more convinced that his conspiracies theories are more fact than fiction.

Everett and Courtney are a bit surprised to learn that the old Messianic Jewish hermit, Elijah, who lives up the hill, did not disappear with the other Christian believers. But Elijah explains he is waiting to fulfill a special mission and, in the meantime, he encourages the couple to believe and get right with God. Then God can be their biggest ally in the earthly battles.

Everett reaches out to another couple who he knows were underground resisters of the new marking and commerce system. The new couple joins them at the cabin and they begin to strategize how to acquire and store enough supplies to last the next seven years that is expected to be turmoil and oppression, especially for those who refused to accept the mark under the new government. There are dangers ranging from local thieves to government authorities when they travel to the city so that Elijah can confront one of the leaders, and finally nature itself presents its own mix of troubles in fires, landslides and earthquakes.

The “apocalypse” theme is not new but I enjoyed the characters and how the trials and disappearances played out in their lives. There is a good blend of action and theological argument. I also liked the prepper, survival elements. I enjoyed the first book in the trilogy, The Days of Noah, the series where Everett and Jones are first introduced. Although this picks up in time after the trilogy, there is a summary and enough fill in of the backstory so I didn’t feel like I missed too much. I do want to continue the story from here to keep track of the characters and their struggles to survive. I recommend this to readers who enjoy apocalyptic stories with a Biblical foundation and no foul language.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a fine job with the narration. He gives the characters distinct sounds and portrays the personalities set by the author. I really enjoyed listening to this in audio.

I selected this story with an Audible Credit in April 2017. This adds to my Audio Book Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Borrowed World: A Novel of Post-Apocalyptic Collapse by Franklin Horton

This is an engaging and realistic post-apocalyptic story.
The Borrowed World: A Novel of Post-Apocalyptic Collapse, Volume 1
Written by: Franklin Horton
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
Series: The Borrowed World, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-02-15
Publisher: Franklin Horton
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In a night of devastating terror, ISIS operatives have unleashed a coordinated attack on America's infrastructure. Life as we know it in America grinds to a halt as the electrical grid collapses, communication networks are damaged, critical bridges and dams are destroyed, and major fuel refineries go up in massive fiery clouds. When the government responds by immediately halting fuel sales to the public, Jim Powell finds himself in a terrifying predicament - trapped five hundred miles from home with a group of coworkers.
With thousands of trapped travelers and scarce law enforcement, the miles between Jim and his family become a brutal gauntlet where the rules of civilized society no longer apply. As Jim puts his years of preparation and planning to the test, he is forced to ask himself if he has what it takes to make it home. Does he have the strength - the brutality - required to meet this new world toe-to-toe?
©2015 Franklin Horton (P)2015 Franklin Horton

Review:
A coordinated terrorist attack strikes at the infrastructure of America, taking down bridges and dams and enough of the electrical grid to shut down much of the food delivery and communications systems. Jim Powell and several co-workers are five hundred miles away from home attending a work conference. Jim and his friend, Gary, are preppers who have been expecting trouble and are prepared. The four ladies with them are skeptics and not all cooperative. They do not believe Jim’s explanations of the downward societal spiral that will occur. Still, they all agree to get back in their cars and head for home.

They soon run into difficulties as the government seizes control of all fuel sources leaving them, and many others, stranded. The group are soon surrounded by erupting violence and hard decisions. One woman is killed by panicked gunfire and two others decide to go to a FEMA relocation camp. That leaves Jim, Gary and HHH to continue the long trek towards home.

Meanwhile, the story covers Jim’s family as they face dangers on their home turf. His wife, Ellen, thirteen-year-old son, Pete and eleven-year-old daughter, Ariel, prepare to face the deteriorating society. Jim has left supplies and instructions which the family quickly begins to follow. They life outside of the community but there is a transient trailer park down the road where the tenants soon threaten those they perceive as easy prey. They have no idea the steps a mother will take to protect her family.

This reminds me of the Survivalist Series by A. American that I have listened to. It starts out similarly and is also told, in parts, from first person view of the primary protagonist. Other portions are third person including some bits that are beyond Jim’s knowledge. I liked the addition of the home front point of view and both threads have plenty of action and danger. So far there is no addition of military cohorts but this is just book one.

The story moves quickly and, to me, it is realistic and gives practical aspects for preparing to face an EOTWAWKI (end of the world as we know it) scenario. There is some bad language and of course violence fitting the situation. I suspect I will continue to listen to this although I don’t feel compelled to rush to get the rest in the series just yet. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a good job with narrating. His voice fits Jim and although he doesn’t actually portray individual voices he manages to present the characters distinctly. I did enjoy this in audio format for the ease and engaging listen.

This is from my Audible TBR for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and “B” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy by Mark Goodwin

This is an interesting story full of political conspiracies and a compelling view of what could happen in America in the near future.
The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
Series: The Days of Noah, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-13-14
Publisher: Goodwin America Corp.
Genre: Futuristic, Sci Fi, Political Conspiracy, Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Could we be living in a time of which there is more prophetic writings than of any period in history? Noah Parker, like many in the United States, has been asleep at the wheel. During his complacency, the founding precepts of America have been slowly, systematically destroyed by a conspiracy that dates back hundreds of years. The signs can no longer be ignored and Noah is forced to pull his head out of the sand and see things for what they really are. Has his awakening come too late or can he and those around him reclaim the freedoms and principles which have been lost? Watch through the eyes of Noah Parker and his family as a global empire takes shape, ancient writings are fulfilled and the last days fall upon the once great, United States of America. The Days of Noah, Book One: Conspiracy is a fast paced fiction thriller which looks at how modern conspiracies might play into Biblical prophecy about the end times.
©2014 Goodwin America Corp. (P)2014 Goodwin America Corp.

Review:
I had been eyeing Mr. Goodwin’s work for a while and I am glad to have listened to this. The story follows two lines of characters to present a plausible theory of government manipulation by a secret group of powerful players.

Noah and his wife, Cassie, are Christian believers living fairly normal lives. He is a teacher and she works with a newspaper while homeschooling their seven-year old daughter, Lacy. Cassie has a strong belief that freedoms are being encroached on and will only become more limited. She is a 'prepper' planning with food stores, guns and some investments in precious metals. The couple belong to a small group from their church and many of them are quiet preppers too.

One day Noah’s students are discussing demolition and the possibilities that the 9/11 bombings were set internally and not a terrorist attack. Another day the forbidden topic of creation is raised in Noah’s class room. Noah merely states that some people believe that creation is a sounder ‘theory” than evolution. Noah is arrested for violating the government course curriculum restrictions.

While friends step forward to help bail Noah out of jail, authorities force their way into his home in a traumatic scene, killing their dog, confiscating guns and computers and placing Lacy in the clutches of a social services officer. Some of the officers realize that the government has gone too far and they quit their positions to support Noah and Cassie. Church friends find a good lawyer to fight the criminal and parental abuse charges and they all help set up a protest against the officers who bullied Cassie.

The second line of the story follows Elliot as an Intelligence Officer with the CIA. Elliot’s job is to monitor unusual purchases of firearms, ammunition, long term food storage, tactical supplies, gold and silver and components for explosives. Elliot reports some concerns regarding cryptocurrency purchases to his supervisor, John Jones. Although Jones downplays Elliot’s concerns he soon starts meeting with Elliot in secret and telling him to prepare for drastic changes.

I have read other near future, ‘America in crisis’ stories but most did not have the extent of conspiracy theories this book presents. The author creates likeable characters and I was pulled into the good pacing of events while rooting for the protagonists. I liked the combination of the faith beliefs and the all too plausible political possibilities. I recommend this to others who are interested in erosion of American freedoms and possible events leading up to end of the world times, or at least end of the world as we know it.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce has become one of the “go to” narrators for sci fi and prepper stories. Pierce does a solid job narrating the characters so, after a rather slow beginning, they become real, placing the listener in the story. I enjoyed listening to this story and look forward to more in the series.

I chose this from my Audible shelves for TBR challenge, Audio Book Challenge for "D" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III

This is an entertaining post-apocalyptic with strong survival aspects mixed with good character interactions.

Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel

Written by: Boyd Craven III

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-03-16
Publisher: boyd craven
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Tom's a prepper, and with his three friends, they embark on a fly-in fishing trip to northern Canada to have a long, relaxing vacation. Things turn deadly when an EMP leaves them stranded and alone 1,000 miles away from civilization. Winter is coming, and they only brought enough supplies for two weeks.

In a hostile land, there's no room for mistakes or illness. One wrong step can prove to be as deadly as the wildlife that has no fear of humans, and that views them as more than a potential food source. Escape by boat or over land would be near impossible.

So much to do, so ill-equipped, and so little time. Follow the four friends in their journey of survival. Survival isn't just an option - It's life or death.
©2016 Boyd L Craven III

Review:
Tom is a prepper, having been raised fishing, hunting and trapping in some wild land in northern Michigan. Tom and three friends have made plans for a summer vacation of camping. Tom’s friends include an EMT, Jordon, and Tom’s best friend Brian and his wife Tracy. Tom isn’t thrilled to have Tracy along since she happens to be his ex-wife from many years before when they were ‘young and stupid’.

The four friends are flown in shifts into a remote area of Canada for their adventure of fishing and camping. Tom is the last one to be dropped off with his gear. As the pilot heads out, suddenly the plane drops and crashes in the lake. As they attempt to rescue the pilot he whispers that the electronics of the plane have stopped and they realize that his pacemaker has stopped.

Tom is quick to suspect that there has been an EMP strike. He has brought extra supplies but certainly not enough for an extended stay. As time passes they accept that they are stranded and they begin to set up more extended food and living supplies to see them through the coming months and the bitter cold winter.

When a mother bear with two cubs crashes camp, the campers, with limited weapons, must improvise traps from the tools they have. Tom stumbles upon a young woman swimming in a neighboring lake. She engages their help to render medical assistance to her father. The family consists of the parents and two daughters, the younger being deaf.

The new friends pool their resources and talents as they face a serious battle for survival. I enjoyed the prepper details and the relationship tensions and growths. The story is engaging both with the survival aspects and the interactions. It moves at a good pace with interesting challenges to be faced.

Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone. Reading the first book, Good Fences, explains a little bit more of what happen that the characters in this book don’t know since they have no means of communication. However, the ending of this book adds more information about how the country is managing after the collapse caused by the EMP strike.

I appreciated the fact that Mr. Craven presents interesting stories with tension and some foul language but not overboard. I hope there will be more in this series and I may just have to pick up some of Mr. Craven’s The World Burns series to enjoy until there are more Scorched Earth books.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a talented narrator. He portrays the different accents well and conveys the fear, intensity and humor of the story. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I received this audio from the narrator through Audiobook Blast It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and N in 2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel by Boyd Craven III

I really enjoyed this engaging post EMP strike story.

Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel
Written by: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-11-15
Publisher: Boyd Craven III
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Brian Cartwright just wants to work and run his farm in peace. The police keep showing up as the HOA from the new neighborhood keeps filing nuisance complaints against him and his farm. What makes matters worse, his former boss George and his son built a big house overlooking the farm. His prepping lifestyle and following the news online is his only other hobby other than church activities.
George's son is the teenager responsible for causing the accident that killed Brian's wife. Every interaction with the power hungry father drives him insane. To make matters worse, George's son has been trespassing and gets injured on Brian's property causing him to build bigger and taller fences.
The neighbors that once shunned Brian Cartwright now need him like never before. America has been attacked with an EMP and they find themselves requiring the help of the widowed farmer the same time he realizes he needs them as well.
When things get dicey, can they mend the wall, or do good fences make good neighbors?
©2015 Boyd Craven III (P)2015 Boyd Craven III

Review:
Brian Cartwright was happy with his life until his car was hit by a drunk driver, killing Brian’s wife. The teen driver was the son of Brian’s boss who arranged to get all charges dropped while he also cut Brian’s insurance and terminated his position. Brian moved to his family’s closed up farm where he could try to heal. Brian is a prepper and he is glad to rebuild the farm and store up supplies for days of trouble.

But all is not quiet on the farm. His old boss, George, built an upscale subdivision on the adjacent land. George is repeatedly sending the cops to the farm to complain of animal smells, gun shots or any other excuse he can make. Brian decides to raise his fences and set up a large gate trying to keep his neighbors out.

Then an EMP strike changes everything. Brian and a handful of his closest friends set up on the farm. This group includes a young widow, Lucy, and her toddler son, Spencer, who met Brian while he was building the bigger fence. The neighbors aren’t prepared for loss of power, water and food. They resent the fact that Brian and his friends have survival supplies and they begin to grumble and threaten the farmsteaders. Brian has to make hard decisions and tensions quickly build. News comes of a more brutal outside threat that is headed towards their community. Can the neighbors find a common ground and plans to help each other to move forward and to stand against the outside threat?

I was drawn in by Brian’s character and the story became even more engaging with the inclusion of Lucy and Spencer. Brian’s other friends are reasonably developed characters too. The story portrays real-to-life issues and mostly realistic difficulties and conflicts that would arise from an EMP strike. There are prepper sites and resources shared through the dialogue in addition to aspects of prepper survival. The story moves at a steady pace, is a nice length and I found it completely engaging.

I like this post-apocalyptic genre and I am interested in reading/listening to more of Mr. Craven’s Scorched Earth series. I suggest this is a must to add to reading lists for readers who enjoy the genre. I also recommend it to those who enjoy strong social and family drama. Caution – there is some foul language, which I found a shame but I still enjoyed the overall package.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a wonderful job of narration. He captures the different character voices and moves the story along. I was wrapped up in the listen and had a hard time turning it off.

I picked this up with an Audible credit recently as I received the second book for review through Audiobook Blast.

Audio Book Review: Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains by Kyle Pratt

This is a strong 'survivor' story with an engaging protagonist and solid storyline.

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-04-13
Publisher: Camden Cascade Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel. Through Many Fires is Kyle Pratt's third novel.
©2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt (P)2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt

Review:
Caden Westmore has a fast paced, politically savvy career path planned out in Washington, DC, along with the high profile, intense, newscaster fiancé, Becky, to make the future even brighter. Then a nuclear bomb hits the Capitol killing most of the top government officials, including Caden’s boss. Caden was lucky to be on the outskirts of the effected area so he is able to head south toward Atlanta to get to Becky.

Caden runs into a road block which delays his journey. He is watching Becky presenting the news when the telecast suddenly goes to static as another bomb hits Atlanta. Caden is stunned and finds himself traveling with a military convoy that is setting up a camp in north Georgia. Along the road Caden rescues an infant who he names Adam. When they are threatened by thieves at the camp, they are saved by Maria, a determined young woman who has lost her family.

Caden has military training and agrees to take a position in security with the Washington State Governor who is the remaining presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This helps Caden, with Maria and Adam tagging along, get back to his own family who have a small farm in Washington.

Caden discovers himself pulled into service in the National Guards where he faces difficult decisions for safety and survival. Ultimately he has to decide if he will protect the Constitution and American freedom against the orders of the new, successor president who declares marshal law, cancels future elections and makes a surprising and perhaps treacherous deal for aid.

The writing is solid with good action, some surprising twists and strong character development, particularly for Caden. The events are presented from Caden's view with insight to his thoughts and reactions. I was really pulled into Caden’s life and dilemmas. The story moved very quickly and as I became aware that the end was nearing I was saddened as I wanted more. It appears there will be more to the series and I will be watching for the next book.

Audio Notes: Initially I thought the narrating was a little flat. However, I soon was pulled into the story and enjoyed the subtle quirks that Kevin Pierce manages to convey. I can recommend this as a good read and good listening experience.

I received this title from Audible for review through Audiobook Jukebox.