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Phoenix Rising #1
Phoenix Rising
"The Land Of The Free" Is No Longer FreeThe new President of the United States is sharing the wealth, rewriting the Constitution, and changing the National Anthem. America's liberals are thrilled with the election of the first foreign-born candidate. But when President Ohmshidi begins to implement his radical agenda-banning oil production, slashing military budgets, and establishing a "New World Order"-our once-great nation becomes easy pickings for a deadly new wave of Muslim extremists, who rename America. . .the Islamic Republic of Enlightenment. It's Time To Take Back AmericaEnter Jake Lantz, a battle-seasoned army major and ace helicopter pilot who refuses to stand by and watch his country go down in flames. Assembling a ragtag team of action-ready soldiers and patriots, Jake establishes Firebase Freedom-America's last defense against the violent, lawless thugs and "Army of Allah" that has taken over. Jake's Take back America. Give the people liberty-and give the enemy death. . .First Time In Print!
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
91 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,055 books1,402 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 12, 2020
UPDATE: I did a video read along for this book if you want to know what happened in it without reading it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7bYg...
After watching Jenny Nicholson's amazing and life changing review of "Trigger Warning", a book ghost written by William Johnstone's daughter, I wanted to try some of her other work to see if it could possibly measure up in terms of blatant racism and a very weirdly crafted plot.
Phoenix Rising did not disappoint. Like Trigger Warning, Rising is written with the middle grade prose of the Percy Jackson series with absolutely none of the grace. If it wasn't for the questionable content, this book would absolutely be ideal for children.
Phoenix Rising is about a helicopter pilot named Jake ( not to be confused with the overly buff Jake of Trigger Warning) who watches the news a lot. He realizes the incoming threat of the new president Omishishi, a muslim American black man with a questionable background. In this case, he is a stand in for Obama, as this was written in 2012. It takes virtually no time for America to go from a once proud nation to a literal nuclear hellscape, overrun by violent gangs, where root beer costs over a hundred dollars due to inflation.
Jake and his girlfriend Karin spend the book building a team of survivalists to establish a base and take the country back.
My favorite thing about this book is the absolutely bizarre story structure that it follows, which goes a little something like this.
Jake, or one of the other POV characters watches the news, which will let the readers know that all is not well, and the country has gone downhill. Some examples include Gasoline not being available, congress being dissolved, the military being disbanded, and the USA being renamed.
Next, the characters will react to the news, and then justify it in some way- for example, go to the Gas station and see that gas costs 300 dollars.
Then, they listen to the news again- much of which is narrated by a Glenn Beck character who sings and cries on screen and is portrayed as a completely logical hero.
This process repeats in a series of what genuinely feels like a cycle of pandering to outraged Republicans who want their opinions justified in a narrative format. Its not so much of a "book" as it is an expression of the worst case scenario for an evil Democrat overlord. Some fantastic reviews I enjoyed:
One Amazon reader says"
"All I can say is "HOLYCR@P!!!" Without reservation or hesitation, I recommend PHOENIX RISING.
It contains absolutely disturbing parallels to current history and actually caused me to break out in a cold, fear-induced sweat. Easily the most terrifying novel I have ever read by far!!!"
Another:
“Freedom” 5 stars
Take back America. If people do not wake up we are on the verge of having the communist left and the Muslims take over!. This book is a picture of what would have occurred if HIllary had won in 2016 after the destruction Obama did to America"
Some additional hi lights of the book are when Omishidi is pictured with his noticeably black bodyguards meant to scare you, Clay, a military guy, sexualizes his daughter, A young girl is raped and goes on a rant about why it would be evil of her to abort her rape baby, and a creepy, overly flirty war vet dies because there isn't enough penicillin to treat his wounds because of socialism.
In between some of these musings and small scenes, Jake and his gang are constantly attacked by indescribable and vague gangs of thugs who are after them for their survivalists resources. These enemies are taken down relatively fast and seem to primarily serve to break up the repetition of people talking about how America has been reduced to a full on Anarchist state, since more of the book is about this than it actually is showing it though plot development.
If you want a good laugh, this is an easy and very silly read, and JA Johnstone is probably a genius for giving old white conservative men easy to read children's political fiction where they can fantasize about the libs being owned.
On a structural level though, this book has almost no action or forward motion. its as though JA Johnstone could have written a blog post about "Reasons why Liberals want to destroy America" and that would have had just as much actual story progression.
So uh. You know. My fault for reading this for the lols.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7bYg...
After watching Jenny Nicholson's amazing and life changing review of "Trigger Warning", a book ghost written by William Johnstone's daughter, I wanted to try some of her other work to see if it could possibly measure up in terms of blatant racism and a very weirdly crafted plot.
Phoenix Rising did not disappoint. Like Trigger Warning, Rising is written with the middle grade prose of the Percy Jackson series with absolutely none of the grace. If it wasn't for the questionable content, this book would absolutely be ideal for children.
Phoenix Rising is about a helicopter pilot named Jake ( not to be confused with the overly buff Jake of Trigger Warning) who watches the news a lot. He realizes the incoming threat of the new president Omishishi, a muslim American black man with a questionable background. In this case, he is a stand in for Obama, as this was written in 2012. It takes virtually no time for America to go from a once proud nation to a literal nuclear hellscape, overrun by violent gangs, where root beer costs over a hundred dollars due to inflation.
Jake and his girlfriend Karin spend the book building a team of survivalists to establish a base and take the country back.
My favorite thing about this book is the absolutely bizarre story structure that it follows, which goes a little something like this.
Jake, or one of the other POV characters watches the news, which will let the readers know that all is not well, and the country has gone downhill. Some examples include Gasoline not being available, congress being dissolved, the military being disbanded, and the USA being renamed.
Next, the characters will react to the news, and then justify it in some way- for example, go to the Gas station and see that gas costs 300 dollars.
Then, they listen to the news again- much of which is narrated by a Glenn Beck character who sings and cries on screen and is portrayed as a completely logical hero.
This process repeats in a series of what genuinely feels like a cycle of pandering to outraged Republicans who want their opinions justified in a narrative format. Its not so much of a "book" as it is an expression of the worst case scenario for an evil Democrat overlord. Some fantastic reviews I enjoyed:
One Amazon reader says"
"All I can say is "HOLYCR@P!!!" Without reservation or hesitation, I recommend PHOENIX RISING.
It contains absolutely disturbing parallels to current history and actually caused me to break out in a cold, fear-induced sweat. Easily the most terrifying novel I have ever read by far!!!"
Another:
“Freedom” 5 stars
Take back America. If people do not wake up we are on the verge of having the communist left and the Muslims take over!. This book is a picture of what would have occurred if HIllary had won in 2016 after the destruction Obama did to America"
Some additional hi lights of the book are when Omishidi is pictured with his noticeably black bodyguards meant to scare you, Clay, a military guy, sexualizes his daughter, A young girl is raped and goes on a rant about why it would be evil of her to abort her rape baby, and a creepy, overly flirty war vet dies because there isn't enough penicillin to treat his wounds because of socialism.
In between some of these musings and small scenes, Jake and his gang are constantly attacked by indescribable and vague gangs of thugs who are after them for their survivalists resources. These enemies are taken down relatively fast and seem to primarily serve to break up the repetition of people talking about how America has been reduced to a full on Anarchist state, since more of the book is about this than it actually is showing it though plot development.
If you want a good laugh, this is an easy and very silly read, and JA Johnstone is probably a genius for giving old white conservative men easy to read children's political fiction where they can fantasize about the libs being owned.
On a structural level though, this book has almost no action or forward motion. its as though JA Johnstone could have written a blog post about "Reasons why Liberals want to destroy America" and that would have had just as much actual story progression.
So uh. You know. My fault for reading this for the lols.
August 2, 2011
A foreign-born citizen has been elected President of the United States. Within months of taking office, the US is a memory. In it's place... the New World Collective, led by Supreme Leader Mehdi Ohmshidi. The dollar is worthless. Food is at a premium. The military, as well as state and local law enforcement, is no more. All commercial television and radio stations are off the air, and anyone who speaks out against Ohmshidi is declared an enemy of the state. Amongst the citizenry, violence and bloodshed is the order of the day, as survival becomes job #1.
A group of former soldiers band together to weather the storm. Scrounging food and supplies, as well as a flyable helicopter, they travel to an old Gulf Coast fort where they join with a small handful of retirees still living in the area. Together, they make the old fort into a livable dwelling and begin to grow and hunt their own food. Finally, through the use of shortwave radio, they make contact with another such group. Safe in the knowledge that they are not alone, they vow to take their country back, not only from Ohmshidi, but from the Islamic terrorists who have set off three nuclear bombs within America's borders... and who are attempting to institute a caliphate in the weakened nation.
The first in a new series, this book contains the now-expected themes and elements of a Johnstone work: a focus on rugged individualism, a deep and abiding affirmation of traditional American values, and basic, straightforward, yet solid, storytelling. I'm looking forward to the Phoenix team's further adventures.
A group of former soldiers band together to weather the storm. Scrounging food and supplies, as well as a flyable helicopter, they travel to an old Gulf Coast fort where they join with a small handful of retirees still living in the area. Together, they make the old fort into a livable dwelling and begin to grow and hunt their own food. Finally, through the use of shortwave radio, they make contact with another such group. Safe in the knowledge that they are not alone, they vow to take their country back, not only from Ohmshidi, but from the Islamic terrorists who have set off three nuclear bombs within America's borders... and who are attempting to institute a caliphate in the weakened nation.
The first in a new series, this book contains the now-expected themes and elements of a Johnstone work: a focus on rugged individualism, a deep and abiding affirmation of traditional American values, and basic, straightforward, yet solid, storytelling. I'm looking forward to the Phoenix team's further adventures.
July 25, 2011
Wow, just finished this book and I must say " it was an interesting read." Definitely look forward to reading more of Johnstone's books. Although I don't think America will go quite so blatantly, I'm fairly sure the Germans didn't expect to see their leader lead them down the course he took them either. And not with such celerity.
June 12, 2015
In Phoenix Rising, America collapses due to an inept president who quickly becomes a dictator. Two separate groups of survivors work to survive as everything falls apart. The dollar becomes worthless, the military and congress are disbanded, terrorist detonate nuclear weapons in the United States, and humans begin to prey on one another to survive.
I assume that the author is very right-leaning politically. My guess was that the heroic and patriotic talk show host might have been modeled after Glen Beck and the president is probably modeled after Barrack Obama.
I found it difficult to fathom that the time frame of this book was even remotely possible. Really? A few months to destroy this country from the inside? I could see it in a matter of a couple years at the very least if things were drastically changed, but that's just me and my own levels of paranoid thinking.
Beyond the politics, this is pretty standard action with some really well thought out ideas. Kudos on the helicopter research or knowledge. Creativity is not lacking by any means. There are some really innovative ideas. I just think some things could have been spaced out better for realism.
The writing style isn't bad in itself. I would read more from this author, but won't be jumping through hoops to find more of their work. Should I find some at a book sale or something, I would certainly snatch some up.
I assume that the author is very right-leaning politically. My guess was that the heroic and patriotic talk show host might have been modeled after Glen Beck and the president is probably modeled after Barrack Obama.
I found it difficult to fathom that the time frame of this book was even remotely possible. Really? A few months to destroy this country from the inside? I could see it in a matter of a couple years at the very least if things were drastically changed, but that's just me and my own levels of paranoid thinking.
Beyond the politics, this is pretty standard action with some really well thought out ideas. Kudos on the helicopter research or knowledge. Creativity is not lacking by any means. There are some really innovative ideas. I just think some things could have been spaced out better for realism.
The writing style isn't bad in itself. I would read more from this author, but won't be jumping through hoops to find more of their work. Should I find some at a book sale or something, I would certainly snatch some up.
October 14, 2011
I was split on this book. It reminded me of the TV series 'Jericho' which I liked a ton. However, I felt that the timeline of events was far too rushed. America as we know it basically ceased to exist in four months or so... and all without being attacked. The 'left-wing' president caused the destruction by his policies and it seemed too unlikely to me to keep me engaged in the early portions of the story. As it progressed and action picked up... I enjoyed it more. From what I understand, it's the start of a new series... and I will probably enjoy the books to come more than this one.
April 11, 2012
Absolutely one of scariest books I ever read. I feel like the story was picked out of the current time in the United States. We must save the United States and improve it...not thru current administration but through an administration that cares and loves what we stand for....individual liberties w/o more government control.
July 17, 2011
I have to look at this as an alternate universe novel in that it turns the United States upside down in ways I don't think could ever happen in reality. Things are neither as bad as the conservative side paint them or as good as the liberal side would have us believe.
The author doesn't just take a jab at Obama, but gives him a full out bludgeoning.
America has elected a new President, a man who's a naturalized citizen(a new law allowed it), Mother American, father Pakistani(I'm not sure whether the author deliberately ignored it or just doesn't know the law. A child with one American parent is not a naturalized citizen, but a REAL American!).
President Ohmshidi lets America know in his inaugural address that every American soldier based outside of the States would be brought home immediately. That overloaded the base, strained facilities, and demoralized the troops.
His next move is to stop domestic oil drilling, importation of crude oil from OPEC, all refining of crude oil. What oil the country had would have to do. The idea, says the President, is to force scientist to develop cleaner, greener, methods of energy.
All it produced was chaos. All manufacturing stopped, all airlines were grounded, no food was getting to places that needed it, hospital facilities were running out of needed drugs.
Three boat lods of food supplies sent to America from an Islamic nation had nuclear weapons on board. They detonated at the same time: one in New York, one In Boston, and the third in Norfolk. At the same time, bombs went off in England, Spain, France, Germany, and three into Israel.
A new world order of Islamic terrorists were setting up shop.
The book focuses on two groups of Americans struggling to survive. Major Jake Lantz sees it all coming and begins making preparations before the army is completely decimated. A former Amish that left the order, Jake is well versed in living without the amenities the rest of us take for granted. He assembles a group, all experts in various things, diverts supplies to a holding area, and picks out a spot set up camp: an old abandoned Civil War fort in southern Alabama.
The second group is headed by Robert Varney, ex-military of the Viet Nam era, now a writer. He lives in an area of fairly expensive homes, but he and a few other older couples are the only permanent residents. Together, they begin looking in those empty homes for propane, food, and anything else useful.
The two groups end up together and setting up home as the country is going to hell.
It ended such that it might be the first of a new series. I can see how it could go the route that the late William Johnstone's Ashes series went, Americans fighting to reclaim a crumbling country.
The author doesn't just take a jab at Obama, but gives him a full out bludgeoning.
America has elected a new President, a man who's a naturalized citizen(a new law allowed it), Mother American, father Pakistani(I'm not sure whether the author deliberately ignored it or just doesn't know the law. A child with one American parent is not a naturalized citizen, but a REAL American!).
President Ohmshidi lets America know in his inaugural address that every American soldier based outside of the States would be brought home immediately. That overloaded the base, strained facilities, and demoralized the troops.
His next move is to stop domestic oil drilling, importation of crude oil from OPEC, all refining of crude oil. What oil the country had would have to do. The idea, says the President, is to force scientist to develop cleaner, greener, methods of energy.
All it produced was chaos. All manufacturing stopped, all airlines were grounded, no food was getting to places that needed it, hospital facilities were running out of needed drugs.
Three boat lods of food supplies sent to America from an Islamic nation had nuclear weapons on board. They detonated at the same time: one in New York, one In Boston, and the third in Norfolk. At the same time, bombs went off in England, Spain, France, Germany, and three into Israel.
A new world order of Islamic terrorists were setting up shop.
The book focuses on two groups of Americans struggling to survive. Major Jake Lantz sees it all coming and begins making preparations before the army is completely decimated. A former Amish that left the order, Jake is well versed in living without the amenities the rest of us take for granted. He assembles a group, all experts in various things, diverts supplies to a holding area, and picks out a spot set up camp: an old abandoned Civil War fort in southern Alabama.
The second group is headed by Robert Varney, ex-military of the Viet Nam era, now a writer. He lives in an area of fairly expensive homes, but he and a few other older couples are the only permanent residents. Together, they begin looking in those empty homes for propane, food, and anything else useful.
The two groups end up together and setting up home as the country is going to hell.
It ended such that it might be the first of a new series. I can see how it could go the route that the late William Johnstone's Ashes series went, Americans fighting to reclaim a crumbling country.
July 27, 2011
In Phoenix Rising, author’s William W. and J.A. Johnstone take the reader through what is the ultimate American nightmare. A new left wing President has been elected, and his first order of business is to bring every single member of the military that is overseas, back home to America and halt all military flights.
Major Jake Lantz, a right wing conservative Army-man is in the midst of the chaos, as he is forced to shut down his flight school and is left responsible for scores of men left purposeless on base.
Horrendous changes in the name of peace and environmental conservation are being made. The president begins by putting a stop to all drilling for oil and importation. This has caused the worst recession this country has ever seen. With no way to get medical supplies, hospitals are closing. Nurse Captain Karin Dawes, Major Lantz’s girlfriend is watching her patients die left and right.
Countries filled with animosity for the “infidel” under the guise of aid, arrive in America with more than just food cargo that soon creates more devastation than Hiroshima.
Jake bands a group of soldiers together, each with a valuable talent for survival. After they repair a helicopter, they flee from the violent mainland to a small island off the Gulf Coast. The group then unites with a handful of couples who live in beach houses on the coast of Alabama.
The survivors of the modern day American apocalypse have built a motel, planted gardens, and are rebuilding a new future. They’ve finally made contact with other American’s via radio signal and are ready to “take back America!”
This story makes the reader delve into a nightmare, but springs with American hope, so unbreakable!
Major Jake Lantz, a right wing conservative Army-man is in the midst of the chaos, as he is forced to shut down his flight school and is left responsible for scores of men left purposeless on base.
Horrendous changes in the name of peace and environmental conservation are being made. The president begins by putting a stop to all drilling for oil and importation. This has caused the worst recession this country has ever seen. With no way to get medical supplies, hospitals are closing. Nurse Captain Karin Dawes, Major Lantz’s girlfriend is watching her patients die left and right.
Countries filled with animosity for the “infidel” under the guise of aid, arrive in America with more than just food cargo that soon creates more devastation than Hiroshima.
Jake bands a group of soldiers together, each with a valuable talent for survival. After they repair a helicopter, they flee from the violent mainland to a small island off the Gulf Coast. The group then unites with a handful of couples who live in beach houses on the coast of Alabama.
The survivors of the modern day American apocalypse have built a motel, planted gardens, and are rebuilding a new future. They’ve finally made contact with other American’s via radio signal and are ready to “take back America!”
This story makes the reader delve into a nightmare, but springs with American hope, so unbreakable!
February 20, 2015
the newly elected president Ohmshidi promises everything and anything. but when he begins to completely rewrite the constitution,share his wealth with other countries and bans oil production for his so called new world order. That's when things go out the window. the antagonist Jake Lanz sets up a hardcore group of military men and women for the upcoming doom that is surely impending. set in a post apocalyptic world Jake and his team put there skills to the test to fight for there right to survive.
November 24, 2011
Enjoyed this book. It takes America to a scary place. While I don't think things will ever get as bad as predicted in this book, it does show what can happen if the government gets too much control.
August 14, 2011
Another good one from the Johnstone legacy! So real and true to current events.
You need to read this one.
You need to read this one.
July 12, 2012
Page turner, interesting speculation.
July 30, 2012
This book is a must read. As it so closesly mirrors todays society.
August 1, 2012
Enjoyed the theme. But I also enjoy Brad Thor. Hope something of this magnitude never happens!
November 24, 2012
This book made me very angry! Angry at the characters in the book that ruined America. Truly enjoyed this book in fact I haven't read a William W. Johnstone book I haven't enjoyed. RIP.
June 18, 2017
Bookfor present times
This book brings our world today into focus as what we might be living in a few years. Great read.
This book brings our world today into focus as what we might be living in a few years. Great read.
September 6, 2018
Let me start by saying my expectations weren’t high for this book considering I didn’t really like the first book I read from this author. I bought it 5 years ago, paid $1 dollar for this book and I still feel ripped off. Mr. Johnstone’s conservative opinions are quite obvious in both books I have read of his and his detailed descriptions of black people are suspect considering he gives little details of every other character in his books. I especially like at the end of the book when he writes “even though Americans made the colossal mistake of sending an arrogant, incompetent fool to the White House”. I couldn’t think of a better description of our current numb nuts of a president who happens to be a conservative. Plan and simple if you enjoy shallow simple minded books, this ones for you.
August 21, 2020
I have not read any previous books by William W. Johnstone but I really enjoyed this story. During this year we have been dealing with uncertain times, and it is not beyond my imagination for something like this to happen. We can only hope and pray that it does not come to that. I am interested in reading any follow up books. Living where we do we have come in contact with several service men and women and I want to thank them for their service. I recognize several of the characters from these acquaintances. Not sure if the technical issues can actually be done but they sounded good to me. Thoroughly enjoyed!
November 11, 2019
Another great read from William W. Johnstone
Just like in his OUT OF ASHES series, William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone have come up with another great patriotic read. America has been torn apart by a greedy President determined to destroy her. But he didn't take into account the staunch Americans determined to get her back, protect her and defend her once again. Johnstone has long been my favorite current author. The stories are relatable and leave thinking "what if" and "maybe I should be prepared". Everyone should read his books !
Just like in his OUT OF ASHES series, William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone have come up with another great patriotic read. America has been torn apart by a greedy President determined to destroy her. But he didn't take into account the staunch Americans determined to get her back, protect her and defend her once again. Johnstone has long been my favorite current author. The stories are relatable and leave thinking "what if" and "maybe I should be prepared". Everyone should read his books !
April 3, 2018
Dystopian story of a total failure of the USA civilization after the election of an unknown as president. We are never acquainted with who this president is other than his name and origin. I chose to view it as a parody, otherwise I would have put it down before completing. Upon completing it I came to realize that the pain did not end with this volume, one would have to wade through 2 volumes more to get to the end of the story. Note to self, do NOT continue onto the 2nd. volume.
September 18, 2017
The Johnstone boys do it again. A fun book about a bad president and terrorism ruining America and the start of rebuilding. Jake is a military helicopter pilot who grew up Amish. Both skill sets will end up serving him well as the American infrastructure breaks down.
September 17, 2021
"I know writers who use subtext, and they're all cowards." Moderately funny baby-brained conservative Obama fantasy about an atheist-Muslim arrogant-inept foreign born president that spikes America like a football for undeveloped reasons, aided by Speaker of the House "Nina Percy."
May 2, 2022
Great Reading
This is a very good and interesting story, with the times we are living in today I hope not a vision of our future. We MST do as the characters of this story AND pull together.
This is a very good and interesting story, with the times we are living in today I hope not a vision of our future. We MST do as the characters of this story AND pull together.
October 23, 2018
3.25 stars ~ Quick easy read. A tad slow to develop and a little shallow. However, I liked the overall storyline and the characters. I'll invest some time in this series, via the library (free).
February 4, 2022
America fights back
Enjoying the books by this author. This was my favorite so far. The new president takes over and ruins the country.
Enjoying the books by this author. This was my favorite so far. The new president takes over and ruins the country.
July 11, 2022
I can’t tell if the author was try to be serious about this or it was a complete satire by the president election system
August 16, 2022
top notch
Couldn’t put it down! A great read for anyone. Especially those who love America! Take back America! God is Good
Couldn’t put it down! A great read for anyone. Especially those who love America! Take back America! God is Good
November 18, 2013
Oh my! Another Johnstone book that's getting low marks from me. It was just a couple months ago I was wondering if I would find one. This makes about four.
Thee problem in this book is the premise that America could crash and burn so quickly. It completely ignores the economic forces that would not let this happen and the political ocean that would also not let this happen.
It's a reason I've told so many friends not to worry so much about the current president and what they feel is some sort of takeover. It's possible - though i think extremely unlikely - that Obama has tried some sort of takeover as some suspect. But the actual forces that move our country along would snap into place and stop any attempt like that. It's the only rope I'll give to the theorists of a takeover: It might have happened, been stopped and we'll never know there was even an attempt. As I wrote earlier, i don't believe this has, or will, happen.
This book is clearly riding the wave of those thinking that Obama is a muslim and is out to doom America. The names have been changed, but the intent is almost as much satire as an action/ adventure story. It's also clear that the TV/radio fellow depicted is based upon Glenn Beck, who, to a lesser extent than portrayed here, has been very vocal about actions taken and the possible results. His views are grounded in facts. This book takes those views and propels them to melodramatic levels - as this book generally is throughout.
As the takeover business settles, about 250 pages in, the book also starts to settle and become more practically readable. Basically what makes the westerns so good comes into play and the rest of the book is good.
This book is another of the survivalist books that is part of the Johnstone cadre. I'm no fan of science fiction or fantasy. This fits well in the genre, but isn't packaged that way. It should be.
Despite this review kicking the book around, I'm moving on to Part 2. Hoping the latter part of this book will be found in the second of the series.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book.
Thee problem in this book is the premise that America could crash and burn so quickly. It completely ignores the economic forces that would not let this happen and the political ocean that would also not let this happen.
It's a reason I've told so many friends not to worry so much about the current president and what they feel is some sort of takeover. It's possible - though i think extremely unlikely - that Obama has tried some sort of takeover as some suspect. But the actual forces that move our country along would snap into place and stop any attempt like that. It's the only rope I'll give to the theorists of a takeover: It might have happened, been stopped and we'll never know there was even an attempt. As I wrote earlier, i don't believe this has, or will, happen.
This book is clearly riding the wave of those thinking that Obama is a muslim and is out to doom America. The names have been changed, but the intent is almost as much satire as an action/ adventure story. It's also clear that the TV/radio fellow depicted is based upon Glenn Beck, who, to a lesser extent than portrayed here, has been very vocal about actions taken and the possible results. His views are grounded in facts. This book takes those views and propels them to melodramatic levels - as this book generally is throughout.
As the takeover business settles, about 250 pages in, the book also starts to settle and become more practically readable. Basically what makes the westerns so good comes into play and the rest of the book is good.
This book is another of the survivalist books that is part of the Johnstone cadre. I'm no fan of science fiction or fantasy. This fits well in the genre, but isn't packaged that way. It should be.
Despite this review kicking the book around, I'm moving on to Part 2. Hoping the latter part of this book will be found in the second of the series.
Bottom line: I don't recommend this book.
December 8, 2012
What would America look like if an uber liberal wanted to take it down? Just like this book. However, there are sooooooo many scenarios that this book/story/series(reading the next one right now "Firebase Freedom")never explore. About halfway through the book the President shuts down all domestic fossil fuel production. How well would that work outside of this story? (the militias would be formed and action would be taken) It wouldn't. Would all military personnel would just go..."Um...OK well lets just roll over and we will not uphold our oath to protect and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic?"
Never going to happen. Would the world stand by while America was co-opted into a Muslim caliphate? Um....no.
While I don't hate this book by any stretch, it is beyond realistic. I will read the entire series because it is at least, interesting to say the least. You know who the good guys and bad guys are. And in the end I want to see how the conflict is resolved.
Never going to happen. Would the world stand by while America was co-opted into a Muslim caliphate? Um....no.
While I don't hate this book by any stretch, it is beyond realistic. I will read the entire series because it is at least, interesting to say the least. You know who the good guys and bad guys are. And in the end I want to see how the conflict is resolved.
August 5, 2016
I am glad my husband talked me into reading this. I look forward to the others in the series.
This is a scary scenario at anytime but it is even scarier when you can see something like this in the future. Reminds you to make decisions not based on popular thought or sentiment but with research and gut feelings.
It also makes me think would I be strong enough to survive if this happened or something like it?
Lots of food for thought.
This is a scary scenario at anytime but it is even scarier when you can see something like this in the future. Reminds you to make decisions not based on popular thought or sentiment but with research and gut feelings.
It also makes me think would I be strong enough to survive if this happened or something like it?
Lots of food for thought.
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