Holding Their Own

Holding Their Own #1

by Joe Nobody, D. Allen (Contributor), D. Hall (Contributor)

This first book of the Holding Their Own series, A Story of Survival, is set in the year 2015, when the world is burdened by the second Great Depression. The United States, already weakened by internal strife, becomes the target of an international terror plot. A series of attacks results in thousands of casualties and disables the country's core infrastructure. The combination of economic hardship and the staggering blow of the terror attacks results in a collapse of the government.

This is a realistic story of how an average, middle class couple survives the cascading events brought on by international politics, high tech military actions and the eventual downfall of society. All of their survival skills are tested during the action packed expedition in a world that resembles the American West of 200 years past.

Holding Their Own II: The Independents
Holding Their Own III: Pedestals of Ash

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Fiction, Survival, Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Thriller, Adventure

332 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2011

About the author

Joe Nobody (pen name for the author who wishes to keep his identity confidential) has provided systems, consulting and training for the U.S. Army, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Naval Research, United States Border Patrol as well as several private firms and government agencies which cannot be disclosed.
He is currently active in this area and for the security of his family and ongoing business, wishes to remain anonymous.

He has over 30 years of competitive shooting experience, including IPSC, NRA, and other related organizations. He has been a firearms instructor and consultant for over 30 years and holds the rights to a United States Patent for a firearms modification.

Joe initially became involved in helping private citizens "prepare" at the request of his students and clients. A conscientious instructor, he would always inquire as to why they wanted to learn certain skills or techniques and often the response was to prepare for more than just simple home invasion or self-defense. If you ask Joe what his greatest attribute is, he will tell you he is a "problem solver" and uses his formal education in Systems Engineering to this end.

"As the economy worsens, world tensions rise, and the modern media propagates bad news faster than ever before, more and more people want to prepare. I wrote HOLDING because it allows me to reach more of the good folks who are concerned about their security. I want them to sleep better at night knowing they have a plan of defense should the 'Event' ever occur."

Reviews

[Ben Zipkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Lights Out, The Jakarta Pandemic, or any of the "works" of James Rawles you will probably find this book interesting. This book isn't going to win any literary prizes. The characters are all cardboard cutouts (only good guys and bad guys) and the dialogue is laughable. I also found initial plot setup difficult to understand or believe. Too much "Clancy" for my tastes.

Despite its flaws, the author keeps the plot moving along and the reader interested, and in the end offers a quick fix for fans of the SHTF genre.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to reading this series based on reviews that I had read about it but sadly it turned out to be 'not my thing'. This was down to the MC and the way the plot was developed.

The MC was the macho, brilliant and sex obsessed alpha male that I really don't enjoy reading about and I took an instant dislike to him. So having the story broken up with his moments of glory in the Gulf was offputting and I don't feel it added anything to the story. I wanted to read what was happening NOW, not having the story slowed down and broken up with the flashback stuff. There was far too much about how great he was and not enough story for me.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes. I’m obsessed with SHTF books. This one is ok. I liked the set up for the ‘collapse’ seemed very plausible. Liked some of the ‘prepper’ talk and stuff, but that is about it. It reminded me too much of a Jack Reacher type book. It was a fast paced, good read…don’t get me wrong. I just like the more survival/learning to live off the land in these type books. I’m having my husband read this; I think he will really like it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all apocalyptic reads. A long series with likable characters is even better. The first book in this series about the economic break down of the American society and effects on the surrounding countries was a nonstop page turner for me. What makes it scary is that it seems like something that could actually go down. The story, for the most part, follows Bishop and his wife Terri just trying to make it out of Houston and through rural Texas to what they believe is a safe place. Meanwhile all hell has broke loose everywhere. Rogue military groups, desperate starving people, fires burning freely, no power, no gas, looters. I can't wait to start book 2 today!

[Ron Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a survival book that is actually fun to read. I gave it a five because of that and because it is particularly related to what we are likely to face shortly in the United States. Everyone can learn something useful from this book. Read it.

[Steven Sheeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been disappointed recently with the plethora of self-published PA books on Amazon and elsewhere. While I fully support self-publishing, I feel that does not remove the requirements for a good story and good editing.

In the case of this book, I was not disappointed.

The characters are very believable, the plot is easy to follow and well thought out and the story is a joy to read. I became engaged with the main characters very quickly and enjoyed watching them grow and expand.

over all, this book is well written and a joy to read and I highly recommend it.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good TEOTWAWKI book - gonna start part 2 next. Fun read.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Nice story of post-apocalypse with a social study thrown in. Highly recommend.

[Robin Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good survival book. Fast moving. Happens in 2015. Makes one think. On to book 2!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and am hoping rest of books in series are as good.

[Ruth Murphy-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and have purchased the series as they came out.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

It a great survival book. The scenario of the fall of the United States is so real, given the state of our nation today. It's a page turner!

[Chris Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some may have issues with the misspelled words and grammatical errors, but its an over all good story. Another in a new wave of self published authors who are good storytellers.

[Dr. Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

The completely unlikable main character really ruined this book for me. The plot was OK, sort of a Tom Clancy lite story, where multiple coincidences bring about the end of the world. But the character at the center of the story is really awful.

Spoilers:
Early on we are treated to a flashback where the MC, working as a contractor in Iraq, survives an IED that kills a Marine. The main character's response is to attack a group of Iraqi civilians with the intent to kill them. This is only prevented because the main character did not load his weapon before attacking!

Later we get a flashback to a date that the main character went on with his now wife. On the date, three teenagers cut in front of him in line, and the main character proceeds to attack them from behind, beating them up and knocking the cash register at the restaurant to the floor. Not only does the MC get away with this without being arrested for assault, the woman he is dating is so taken with his unnecessary violence and lack of emotional control that she marries him!

Every conversation between the main character and his wife turns into a series of 6th-grade level dick-jokes as she tries to have a conversation and the MC tries to make everything she says into some sort of bad innuendo for sex. My favorite is when the main character returns home from the hospital where his wife's mother has died, and he decides to start the conversation with a quick joke. Only in this book would anyone stay married to this idiot!

I love a good post-apocalyptic tale, where a normal person, or group of people, overcomes adversity to survive and thrive. There are no normal people here, just a violent narcissist with a hair-trigger temper.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of a thirteen volume series. Set within the current viewpoint of our social and political landscape the author projects a slowly but persistent terrorist attack on our shores. With our economy in the toilet the terrorists choose an opportune time to launch their attack on the public. Executing a combination of chemical and explosive attacks the terrorists rack up a total of thirty-thousand casualties in their opening salvo. Our local couple of focus, Bishop and Terri will be our thermometer to measure and catalog how this apocalypse-in-the-making continues. They will wind up leaving their home in Houston and head for a pseudo-ranch and safety in West Texas. A group of former soldiers calling themselves The Force had robbed a bank and were making their way to Mexico with the loot. I’m sure we will hear more about them. This is a pretty good start to a long series with wonderful characters in Bishop and Terri and a more-than-capable narrator in D. Allen. I’m going to head right into book two, The Independents.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read much in this genre before, and I found this to be strangely compelling. The main characters were a bit cheesy, and the dialogue between them, and their jokes, were a little awkward for my taste, but I found the overall concept really engaging...and probably a bit scary since this 2015 post apocalyptic world seems like it really could happen. I will be looking for the next book in this series to see where Bishop, Terri and this author takes us next.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and a thrilling ride into an apocalyptic America. Society has crumbled and Bishop and his wife Terri must evacuate Houston and head to their West Texas buyout spot. It was a hard book to read initially and I put it down several times. After I got deeper into the book it was hard to put down. The author writes male dialogue very well but pretty much fails miserably writing his wife’s dialogue and perspective. She sounds like a guy when she talks.

[Mrs LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really enjoy about this particular series is the relationship between Terri and Bishop. Outside of the (sometimes) comical banter, Terri is treated as an equal and holds her own. While there are things that need to be explained at times, she is quick minded and catches on fast. I love that she is just as protective and deadly as Bishop and therefore awarded her own respect.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I have read a lot of this type of book. Some make sense and others are so far fetched you go really.
He does a great job of building a believable scenario that actually scared me. I could see that happening today.

I liked the characters and the story moves fast so I really enjoyed this book.

[Deborah McCloskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Nobody's writing is very good, but sometimes he puts a chapter at the beginning of the book that doesn't go with the story until later in the book, otherwise, it's fast-paced, action-packed, and has very good dialog between characters. You can learn a lot about self-defense and survival in any circumstance be it storm, earthquake, or other disasters.

[Suhayl Howaida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting off I wanna say, I love the genre and liked this book enough to continue the series. I gave it 3 stars for the horrible editing and sad attempts at humor. The characters were a little silly at times and sometimes not believable, but I will continue on and enjoy.

[Steve Martucio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never dissapointed with Nobody

Although I am far from being a literary critic I know what I enjoy reading and Joe Nobody always comes through. This series is a little on the pricey side but if it keeps Joe writing and turning out great reads, I'll keep buying.

[ML Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me

I enjoyed this story very much. First I’ve heard of this author. Looking forward to reading the next book of this series. Felt these events could realistically occur.

[Kaleb Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly one of the scariest books I've ever read because of how realistic the scenarios were. The set up and build to the eventual government collapse was detailed and believable to the point of it seeming real.

[Chris Homler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

Entertaining enough to a regular reader, but not a book I just couldn’t put down. Not sure if I’ll keep going in the series.

[Jerry]

Just received book one of the series today! Stay tuned...

[BH Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Near unstoppable protagonist in an apocalyptic circumstance.

[Lucas Hamasaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost a four. Why not? Let's see:

The multiple POVs. While they do make the book very rich in details, it also drags the story. A lot. Sometimes, it's interesting. Sometimes, it's... not.

The flashbacks. A few are okay. But I'd say that the author overdid it.

He also overdid it with the "humour". Bishop is funny. I get it. Haha. Can we move on? Because, let's face it, the only person who thinks he's funny is Bishop himself.

Other than that, I actually did enjoy this book a lot. Including Bishop, even if the comment above made it seem like I didn't. Dude has a hero complex and can do no wrong, but I prefer that over a dumb hero that survives because he's a lucky bastard. He cares about people and is always trying to do the right thing.

One last thing: THANK YOU for not making everybody turn into cannibals who sell women after two weeks. Whenever I read a book that follows some sort tragedy, society crumbles and people decide to turn into monsters and it's completely unrealistic. This book, however, is very horrifying because it's not like that at all. People do TERRIBLE stuff, don't get me wrong. But it happens gradually and there's actual, real development.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. The main character was super lucky. Even with getting shot. I'm ok with that, heros are always lucky. I'm sure someone more experienced than I would have found more issures than I did. My only issue was that two totally diffrent people had painted buildings to look destroyed in the first month of the shtf. It just seemed unlikely that a motorcycle gang and a former marine both had these rare skills. Other than that, which probably didn't bother most readers, I enjoyed reading this. The main couples constant corny jokes made them feel real. Like these two people definitely belong together. The shtf scenario was just real enough to be scary. Worth a read if you enjoy this genre.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

God story that is a fun read. Curious complainers are some other reviewers comments about predictability -question whether they understand the genre is stories who follow the successful, and buries the unsuccessful as the story tells out? I am sure there is some loser's fiction out there where they can follow the unsuccessful.. Or perhaps not.

Fun story with some solid thought provoking moments. A good interplay as to how fragile the trust we share is when we fail to discern the difference between the black hearted and the stand-up in society, and the limitations circumstances could place on holding in check those who lack moral fiber.

Have fun and read this one... Of to volume two next!