G Wallace

Apocalyptic Candy

Revisado: 08-07-20

Don't expect a deep dive into cyber threats we face today, or the technology behind it. I guess you could read/listen to Lights Out by Ted Koppel if you want to understand the potential threats we face. No, this series simply uses that premise to kick start the proverbial race to prepare, fortify and defend. There's not much difference between this series and the other series by Mark Goodwin. They all start with a catastrophic event which leads to a small group of people trying to survive the aftermath. The good guys are usually very good and the bad guys are usually very bad. There's usually plenty of violence but it's treated like a movie script. A lot of flash and bang but without lasting emotional consequence.

This isn't a bad series as long as you understand that you're investing your time into an apocalyptic adrenaline rush and not dissertation into practical survival skills. It can be an entertaining escape, and one that may further help you consider the fragile world we live in - and move you to prepare. I appreciate the underlying Christian theme which gives hope, comfort and direction in times of trouble. Knowing and trusting in Christ is the greatest prep anyone can make.

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Lovely, Epic and Brutal

Revisado: 06-07-18

Watching the HBO series inspired me to try this audiobook to see if I could learn more about the characters and backstory. This audiobook helps to fill in gaps that were left out of the TV show. As was expected, some of the events in the story were changed for television. Overall, this is a very entertaining medieval fantasy that blends the brutality of mankind with majestic scenic wonders described in beautiful detail. Every main character is being shaped by the events of the story and you feel their struggles as they confront choices that lay before them. Characters you hate at the beginning become those you sympathize with as the story unfolds, others you hate more. Nothing is simple, just like the real world. The story is also very relative to the real world and our current since of foreboding that seems to be pressing upon the nations.

This is a very non-politically correct story, which i appreciate. Also, it is definitely hard R rated and doesn't pull punches. The narration is good though it's a challenge to portray so many characters with unique voices. This is a long audiobook but time melts away quickly. Definitely worth the credit. I look forward to the next book in this series!

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Dolphins, Aliens, Humans, guess who's the dumbest

Revisado: 09-26-17

Not quite what I expected. This story had some compelling elements but only kept my interest just enough to finish the book. Scott Brick does a solid narration job, but the story had a slow start and odd ending. Many characters were introduced at the beginning and many of those never developed beyond one dimension.

Overall I felt like there could have been a great story to tell, but it veered off track when the aliens appeared. Typical! From that point forward the story became more of a lecture on pollution and environmental issues. Don't get me wrong, there could have been a decent story to tell but the author chose to keep things simple and formulaic. Dolphins and aliens - smart, earth dwelling humans - stupid. And the aliens had to be the most boring representation of aliens ever portrayed in a novel that's essentially about aliens.

I won't get into all of the plot holes and implausible scenarios since this is a science fiction novel, but I guess the author plans to iron those out in book 2. One is enough for me. It did have some entertaining moments but I'm not interested in following the journey from here.

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One F-Bomb of A Book

Revisado: 08-25-17

Great narration, good story, bad language. This is the first Scott Sigler book I've listened to. The characters are well formulated and the story keeps you on edge constantly. There are very few parts of the book that drag, however, I felt the beginning was better than the ending. The story never really offered a likable character. Though well developed and "colorful", every character was also fairly deplorable. I didn't know whether I wanted them to die or not, and when they did I didn't really care.

I also felt a bit disappointed when the "monsters" debuted. The build-up was so great that the climax wasn't able to reach the expectations. It wasn't a complete bummer but I wish the "monsters" didn't come across so cartoonish. Deadly, but still cartoonish. At least the monsters didn't drop f-bombs every sentence like EVERY other character did, imo. Again, the worst element of the story was the lack of a hero, unless you sympathize with self absorbed, selfish, egotistical personalities.

Overall, apart from the swearing, it was quite entertaining and worth the credit.

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Good But Not Great

Revisado: 03-07-17

One Second After set the bar as one of the most powerful TEOTWAWKI novels dealing with the prospects of an EMP aftermath in the USA. It presented information and plausible "what if" scenarios in a very well researched and methodical manner. It undoubtedly has been the catalysts for many would-be preppers. That book set a standard of quality hard to match with respects to story, plot, suspense and narration.

As such, Mr. Forstchen saw the opportunity to milk the success of the first book with 2 more following in this series. Neither One Year Later nor this book match the bar of the first. The writing quality of this novel is good but it's hurt by a poor plot, little action and less effective narration. There were several parts of the book that drug on without much importance to the overall plot other than to allow the author to give us a history lesson, or try and conjure a Norman Rockwell archetypal image with words.

I'm not trying to be too critical because this series as a whole is better than most of the post apocalyptic dystopian series that are out there (IMHO). I hope Mr. Forstchen doesn't quit providing us books within this genre, though I'd prefer he move on from the OVERABUNDANCE of EMP related books that have come out recently. It's worth the credit to get closure on this story, but it's not an audiobook that I will return to any time soon.

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Worth A Credit

Revisado: 12-28-16

I just finished listening to Bobby Akart's "36 Hours" & "Zero Hour" which describes to outcome of major CME blackout event. It prefaced the apocalyptic event with lots of science and factoids. This Novel forgoes the CME science and practically thrust the characters and listener into a grid down scenario much like "Zero Hour". The major difference is how this author spins multiple plot threads and well described locals from the opening sequence of events.

At first I thought this was an overly ambitious attempt of an author trying to put his unique spin on the TEOTWAWKI genre, which it is, but it worked. During the first 30 minutes into the book I was considering trying to get my credit back, but the story took a foothold and I began to care about the character's various struggles. It's apparent that McDermott put a lot of study and thought into the settings and events of this novel. It did what any novel should do - Entertain. I don't think diehard preppers and survivalist will give this book any consideration, but it does pose a lot of "what if" scenarios and offers some very good advise. However, and most importantly, it doesn't try to be a scouts guide. You're enveloped in a story you don't want to end, which it doesn't, and I eagerly bought the next book of the series. It too will have you wanting more.

Kevin Pierce once again narrates in his usual style. His range of voices and dialects isn't overwhelming but passable. I give this book high marks for taking this genre into a well crafted land and sea adventure series with plenty of action and suspense. It's worth your credit.

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Post Modern Alas, Babylon

Revisado: 10-19-16

Just discovered this author, read the reviews, and figured I'd give it a try. For the most part this is a well crafted intro into a presumably long post-apocalyptic series to come. The author seems to have been heavily influenced by the narrative style of the classic book "Alas, Babylon", in that he wants to create a foundation of science and character development versus immediate Mad Max. Obviously this book sets up a scenario where a series of CME's cripple and destroy our electric infrastructure, versus an immediate nuclear exchange annihilation. This book is all about the tense build up to the moment of reckoning. The second book in this series (I just finished it) moves the story from preparation into survival.

Unlike many post-apocalyptic novels, this book portrays an ordinary family living an ordinary status-quo lifestyle, unaware of the concept of "prepping". They see the imminent signs of doom and learn fast that they need to prepare quickly and quietly. The timeline is set in the near future with the assertion that the Clinton's are once again at the helm of leadership and our civil liberties are being systematically flushed away. This is portrayed in several events during the story.

Overall a well written book with lots of things to consider. I appreciate the Christian context and lack of cursing. The author mostly captures the realism of our society and the delusion of our government and media. My one complaint is with the narration, though minor. Kevin Pierce narrates like a grandpa reading to his grandchildren, which moderates the overall tone. I would personally like to hear more emphatic passion expressed in this type of story.

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More of the Same

Revisado: 10-13-16

OK, I don't want to be harsh. I like Mark Goodwin books. However, the more audiobooks of his that I listen to the more I see the formulaic approach he uses to create his now third miniseries. Don't get me wrong, they all have their merits, but they all have certain similarities that have me wanting to search out new and different authors before returning and starting a series like this. Thankfully, perhaps, this genre is now infused with a wide range of talent to pick from, though finding it may take some trial and error since everyone seems to support their favorite authors and the reviews sometime seem too disingenuous.

As a Christian I'm glad that some Christian authors have found their niche in this genre, but that in and of itself doesn't guarantee well written fiction or adequate survival instruction. In my opinion, Mark Goodwin is at his best when he's developing a backdrop to his stories and describing the world through real current events. He tends to get somewhat bogged down in detail with his main characters and their immediate circumstances. His stories often ebb and flow between mundane issues and fast paced action and the momentum isn't consistent.

That being said, his books (this one included) is fairly well written and offers insightful Biblical references that describe a very real threat. Character development was good though somewhat stereotypical to this genre. There wasn't much new in the way of preparedness except to show how unprepared the main characters were. Overall and enjoyable but somewhat forgettable story.

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Par for the Course

Revisado: 10-13-16

If this book were written 10 years ago then it might be fresh and thought provoking. However, with a slew of authors (Boyd Craven III included) jumping on the bandwagon of dystopian TEOTWAWKI novels (or series) in the past few years, its becoming hard to tell them apart. It also seems as though narrator Kevin Pierce is fully entrenched in this genre, which further fuses these stories into one big cocktail of chaos.

This story doesn't bring anything new to the table except the ridiculous short length. At least you can get your apocalyptic fix without having to wade through several hours of character building narrative. The characters here are mostly cardboard cutouts of this genre with plot elements you've "heard" many times before. It's not necessarily bad, but it's not great fiction either. This is mostly an attempt to see how many books, or audiobooks, can be sold by this author with this series. If this first book is a teaser of what's to come then I'm doubtful I'll spend the time and credits to patiently wait for the author to churn out a never ending money hole saga. There are other series out there that are better, or at least just as good, if you believe 3 or 4 full length novels are enough to wrap up a post-apocalyptic series and move on.

Overall a good filler while you wait for the next novel in your favorite series to come out, but not really worth the 1 credit.

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40 Years Too Early

Revisado: 10-12-16

I've always heard the term "Orwellian" and thought I understood its true meaning until I finally got this audiobook and listened to it. WOW! What was once fiction is now nearly fact. Our current government, media and corporate oligarchy is truly a fascist conglomerate intent on controlling the population. If you still think you can "vote" your way back to freedom WAKE UP! The power elites want you to think you have some control. Read the current headlines and listen to political and corporate spin and then compare it to this book. COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS!!

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