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A Distant Eden #1
A Distant Eden
December 2012, a massive solar storm knocks out the power grid. Three hundred million Americans are suddenly faced with a survival situation. They have no water, electricity or fuel. Food rapidly disappears from the store shelves, not to be replaced. Only three percent will survive. Those three percent will have much in common. What does it take to be one of them?
218 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2012
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800 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 27, 2012
A Distant Eden is a chilling account of how a family survives an apocalypse while those around them are dying in droves. It’s the kind of book that makes you sit up and take notice of your world and question your place in it. Suddenly, you realise how easily the world we take for granted could be shattered, and you wonder if you would survive and how. This is thought-provoking stuff, written in a sparse, direct style well suited to the subject matter.
On one level, I enjoyed it a lot and on another level I found it deeply disturbing, either way, technically speaking, the book did have problems. Author, Lloyd Tackitt apologises for this in his introduction citing the fact that he wanted to write a survival manual combined with a novel as an excuse for dumping great chunks of information and having one dimensional characters. But if you know it isn’t good practice, why not find another solution, like put the details in an appendix.
I found the detail of the information interesting, so the info dumps didn’t bug me as they would have otherwise. You could actually make your own solar still from the description in this book. However, if we are to use it as a survival guide, there should be references and the author’s qualifications at the end of the book, so we can be sure the information is valid, otherwise, it’s better to stick to the novel form and make a really good job of it, because this story has a lot of potential.
I enjoyed reading about characters who are sure of themselves in a situation like this, and how they rationalised their behaviour was both fascinating and scary, but all the male characters were too similar. We should have had some variety in approach. I had hoped that the Christian man would show a bit more compassion than the others. He provided a great opportunity for some solid interpersonal and moral conflict, and even for showing a way to survive that didn’t require you to throw away your moral code, but he too easily accepted the murder of a woman and her child as being the ‘compassionate’ thing to do. I guess he wasn’t a real Christian. If he was, he should have at least contemplated the fact that eternity in hell is a very long time, and that perhaps survival at all costs in this life isn’t worth the trade off.
There is violence in this story, but its matter-of-fact delivery doesn’t dwell on the gory details. What is disturbing about it is that not one of the characters questions the morality of it. I sure hope the readers question it. Yes, these characters must protect themselves against those who are starving and will hurt them in order to get food, and yes, they can’t support them all, but their answer to this quandary is to make a snap judgement as to whether the person is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, or useful or not, and then pull the trigger on anyone they deem ‘bad’ or useless. Yeah, the trigger happy guys survive, but at what cost? These guys are the basis of a new society, and it’s scary that they consider their judgement of a person’s worth as justification for murder.
Characters that think like these guys do is why Australia has very strict gun laws.
Morality aside, the point in terms of evaluating it as a novel, is not whether or not you agree with the characters behaviour, but that all the characters act that way. The book needed a more diverse cast of characters and a greater depth and use of some of those that were there. We are told, for example, that everyone loved Sarah, but I never saw any reason why they would. We simply didn’t get to know her at all. The female characters were extremely sketchy and the children, though mentioned, never really existed. If they came to life as real characters they could provide a not only a counterpoint to the hardline males but another layer of reality and richness.
Also, the scenario masqueraded as realistic, but when you look below the surface, it really isn’t. Surely one of the family would have been injured, and could those guys who’d been desk jockeys for years, really have been able to do everything they did with the ease we were led to believe? The author needs to get inside his characters and live what he is making them do, only then will he be able to write them realistically and believably.
In summary, A Distant Eden a good idea, but much of the potential is wasted. With more work, it could be quite a good book. As it is, I give the book 3 stars, and for the price, I recommend it to those who have never read anything like it before. It will make you think.
On one level, I enjoyed it a lot and on another level I found it deeply disturbing, either way, technically speaking, the book did have problems. Author, Lloyd Tackitt apologises for this in his introduction citing the fact that he wanted to write a survival manual combined with a novel as an excuse for dumping great chunks of information and having one dimensional characters. But if you know it isn’t good practice, why not find another solution, like put the details in an appendix.
I found the detail of the information interesting, so the info dumps didn’t bug me as they would have otherwise. You could actually make your own solar still from the description in this book. However, if we are to use it as a survival guide, there should be references and the author’s qualifications at the end of the book, so we can be sure the information is valid, otherwise, it’s better to stick to the novel form and make a really good job of it, because this story has a lot of potential.
I enjoyed reading about characters who are sure of themselves in a situation like this, and how they rationalised their behaviour was both fascinating and scary, but all the male characters were too similar. We should have had some variety in approach. I had hoped that the Christian man would show a bit more compassion than the others. He provided a great opportunity for some solid interpersonal and moral conflict, and even for showing a way to survive that didn’t require you to throw away your moral code, but he too easily accepted the murder of a woman and her child as being the ‘compassionate’ thing to do. I guess he wasn’t a real Christian. If he was, he should have at least contemplated the fact that eternity in hell is a very long time, and that perhaps survival at all costs in this life isn’t worth the trade off.
There is violence in this story, but its matter-of-fact delivery doesn’t dwell on the gory details. What is disturbing about it is that not one of the characters questions the morality of it. I sure hope the readers question it. Yes, these characters must protect themselves against those who are starving and will hurt them in order to get food, and yes, they can’t support them all, but their answer to this quandary is to make a snap judgement as to whether the person is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, or useful or not, and then pull the trigger on anyone they deem ‘bad’ or useless. Yeah, the trigger happy guys survive, but at what cost? These guys are the basis of a new society, and it’s scary that they consider their judgement of a person’s worth as justification for murder.
Characters that think like these guys do is why Australia has very strict gun laws.
Morality aside, the point in terms of evaluating it as a novel, is not whether or not you agree with the characters behaviour, but that all the characters act that way. The book needed a more diverse cast of characters and a greater depth and use of some of those that were there. We are told, for example, that everyone loved Sarah, but I never saw any reason why they would. We simply didn’t get to know her at all. The female characters were extremely sketchy and the children, though mentioned, never really existed. If they came to life as real characters they could provide a not only a counterpoint to the hardline males but another layer of reality and richness.
Also, the scenario masqueraded as realistic, but when you look below the surface, it really isn’t. Surely one of the family would have been injured, and could those guys who’d been desk jockeys for years, really have been able to do everything they did with the ease we were led to believe? The author needs to get inside his characters and live what he is making them do, only then will he be able to write them realistically and believably.
In summary, A Distant Eden a good idea, but much of the potential is wasted. With more work, it could be quite a good book. As it is, I give the book 3 stars, and for the price, I recommend it to those who have never read anything like it before. It will make you think.
September 14, 2016
This book starts with an introduction. But I would prefer to call it a warning.
"This is a novel, but not the usual type. It is a cross between fiction and survival instruction manual."
Heed this warning. I would say it was more of a survival instruction manual with just a sprinkle of a fiction novel. This book is nothing but 200+ pages of info dumping. You get about one page of plot and story then move right on to 5+ pages of how-tos and DIYs. Saying I was bored to tears would be an understatement. If I didn't have to read this for a challenge I would have marked it DNF after only a couple of pages.
"This is a novel, but not the usual type. It is a cross between fiction and survival instruction manual."
Heed this warning. I would say it was more of a survival instruction manual with just a sprinkle of a fiction novel. This book is nothing but 200+ pages of info dumping. You get about one page of plot and story then move right on to 5+ pages of how-tos and DIYs. Saying I was bored to tears would be an understatement. If I didn't have to read this for a challenge I would have marked it DNF after only a couple of pages.
October 7, 2012
The author begins the book with a sort of explanation/sort of apology, telling readers that his goal with this book was to write a half-novel-half-survival-manual, and he only half-succeeded at either.
To that I say: own it or don't publish it, sir. Excuses are boring. People who will dig reading a half-novel-half-survival-manual aren't going to be bothered by the longish lecturey/technical passages; people who don't dig it will be bored to tears by them. Don't pre-apologize, just trust your book to find its audience on its own merits.
Now that that's out of the way... I really enjoyed this book! It was terrifying because it was sort of believable*, but ultimately it was fun because it was sort of ridiculous. We all like to believe we'd be the ones to survive TEOTWAWKI, and this is a story of a bunch of folks who actually do. Neat!
I didn't mind the technical bits. The characters were a bit dry, but maybe in the way that characters in a screenplay read as very dry. I kept imagining that I was watching an action movie, and that helped liven them up a bit.
I read the book in one sitting, because parts of it creeped me out so badly I couldn't stop. Plus, there are some pretty clever chapter-ending cliffhangers, but they (mostly) turn out to be cliffhangers a la Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy ("In order that some sense of mystery should still be preserved no revelation will yet be made concerning whose upper arm has been bruised").
The "warring tribes" section was kind of a fap, but whatever - I love a good caper, and Tackitt delivered.
In short: I enjoyed this half-novel-half-survival-manual, but I'm into that sort of thing. It was worth staying up late to finish, even in spite of resulting in very lecturey dreams.
* Apparently solar storms/EMPs are the new hotness in apocalypse stories? Discuss.
To that I say: own it or don't publish it, sir. Excuses are boring. People who will dig reading a half-novel-half-survival-manual aren't going to be bothered by the longish lecturey/technical passages; people who don't dig it will be bored to tears by them. Don't pre-apologize, just trust your book to find its audience on its own merits.
Now that that's out of the way... I really enjoyed this book! It was terrifying because it was sort of believable*, but ultimately it was fun because it was sort of ridiculous. We all like to believe we'd be the ones to survive TEOTWAWKI, and this is a story of a bunch of folks who actually do. Neat!
I didn't mind the technical bits. The characters were a bit dry, but maybe in the way that characters in a screenplay read as very dry. I kept imagining that I was watching an action movie, and that helped liven them up a bit.
I read the book in one sitting, because parts of it creeped me out so badly I couldn't stop. Plus, there are some pretty clever chapter-ending cliffhangers, but they (mostly) turn out to be cliffhangers a la Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy ("In order that some sense of mystery should still be preserved no revelation will yet be made concerning whose upper arm has been bruised").
The "warring tribes" section was kind of a fap, but whatever - I love a good caper, and Tackitt delivered.
In short: I enjoyed this half-novel-half-survival-manual, but I'm into that sort of thing. It was worth staying up late to finish, even in spite of resulting in very lecturey dreams.
* Apparently solar storms/EMPs are the new hotness in apocalypse stories? Discuss.
October 4, 2014
It's possible to write a fiction prepper novel with a solid plausible story. It's been done. It doesn't matter that the author told us there would be info dumps for educational purposes. He should have chosen one or the other. Good ideas if you can get through it. I could not.
August 25, 2014
The writing is amateurish and the characters and situation lacks depth. Still got some practical advises as to survive a power outage.
October 21, 2016
The author may think he's giving great advice. Unfortunately, anyone who tries to use his knowledge is going to probably end up in prison. I really tried to give this book a chance. But, it's clear the author does not know science. Does not know his fellow man. Does not know how to truly survive. Replacing fuses.. umm.. what about the alternator? Living in a sub basement to hide from the neighbors? Breaking into houses to make sure that your the only person on the block.. and killing anyone that is alive? WTF?? Save your time. I'm sorry, I wasted mine on this drivel.
September 18, 2012
It's hard to rate this one, because it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a primer on what would be necessary to survive in an apocalypse, then this is an interesting exploration of the preparations that you'd need to make in order to do so.
Don't be fooled, though: this is not really a novel.
In all fairness, the author admits this up front in the introduction. There are huge info dumps, little character development, and stilted, ineffective prose that made me stop quite frequently. The book really could have used an editor. In short, it's what you'd expect from someone who is not used to writing a novel when they try to write one. There's so much telling rather than showing that a few times I questioned whether I ought to finish.
Nevertheless, I did finish. For as negative as I've been so far, the information in here is truly fascinating, and I can appreciate the amount of research and thought that went into it. If you go in prepared for what is inside, you'll probably get what you're looking for.
Unfortunately, the novel-type parts of the book read more like an author's narrative outline than actual, finished prose. It's often quite bad. I wonder if the author might have done better to write straight-forward information sections interspersed with short narrative vignettes that tie together, rather than trying to mix everything together. It doesn't completely fail, but those looking for a cohesive story probably ought to look elsewhere.
On the other hand, if you're looking for survivalist information (how to build a solar still, what nuts and berries have the highest calorie content) this will definitely be right up your alley.
Don't be fooled, though: this is not really a novel.
In all fairness, the author admits this up front in the introduction. There are huge info dumps, little character development, and stilted, ineffective prose that made me stop quite frequently. The book really could have used an editor. In short, it's what you'd expect from someone who is not used to writing a novel when they try to write one. There's so much telling rather than showing that a few times I questioned whether I ought to finish.
Nevertheless, I did finish. For as negative as I've been so far, the information in here is truly fascinating, and I can appreciate the amount of research and thought that went into it. If you go in prepared for what is inside, you'll probably get what you're looking for.
Unfortunately, the novel-type parts of the book read more like an author's narrative outline than actual, finished prose. It's often quite bad. I wonder if the author might have done better to write straight-forward information sections interspersed with short narrative vignettes that tie together, rather than trying to mix everything together. It doesn't completely fail, but those looking for a cohesive story probably ought to look elsewhere.
On the other hand, if you're looking for survivalist information (how to build a solar still, what nuts and berries have the highest calorie content) this will definitely be right up your alley.
July 18, 2013
The author is upfront that the book is a How-To, but in the wrapping of a story. The 2 stars comes from the total lack of the writer's ability to tell that story. The entire book read more like an after action report. All the characters were very stiff and one dimensional, they never seemed to progress or even show a single emotion.
I was hoping that the author might have done his next book with some more attention to the characters and to developing his writing skills. All it takes is a cursory reading of the reviews for the later books to show that he doesn't. It's too bad because Mr. Tackitt has quite a bit of knowledge to provide but no real ability to tell a story. Mr Tackitt, drop me a line, I'll write with you and we could put out something very cool ;)
A one word summary - juvenile.
I was hoping that the author might have done his next book with some more attention to the characters and to developing his writing skills. All it takes is a cursory reading of the reviews for the later books to show that he doesn't. It's too bad because Mr. Tackitt has quite a bit of knowledge to provide but no real ability to tell a story. Mr Tackitt, drop me a line, I'll write with you and we could put out something very cool ;)
A one word summary - juvenile.
September 21, 2012
If you like doomsday/disaster stories, you will probably enjoy this one. There are no zombies or any other supernatural elements to the story. It is just a straight-up, end of the world as we know it tale. The author warns in the forward that there is no clear cut hero, just good people trying to save themselves and their familes. This means that at times they have to make tough decisions and do things that they would never have done in their "normal" lives. It gave the book a very realistic feel to me. The reader can pick up several useful tips on things that would come in handy in any sort of emergency situation.
September 5, 2014
As far as TEOTWAWKI books go, I've read worse. These are the type of books that I enjoy. I don't want to make any assumptions about the author but the writing style has a ways to go before it comes close to being at a semi professional level.
The ideas and concepts were good, but the execution was poor. I gave it a 2 star rating because I got to the end. Usually, if I can't finish a book I'll give it a 1 star rating.
The ideas and concepts were good, but the execution was poor. I gave it a 2 star rating because I got to the end. Usually, if I can't finish a book I'll give it a 1 star rating.
July 13, 2012
Enjoyed it. Felt it raced to the end and just fizzled though.
September 18, 2017
the past year, I have been on an apocalyptic reading binge, and some have been better than others: this one is probably the best one I have read because it is, to me, very realistic in terms of the believability of the end-of-the-world scenario. Most important, the author really doesn't hold back in relaying what I also believe the first six months impact - and mankind's downfall to kill or be killed, survival rates, and the human element as the survivors struggle to protect their families and prepare for a new stone age; some of the battle scenes, and the ability to get inexperienced folks up to speed seemed a little unrealistic in terms of after a few hours of training a person is ready to go and will succeed. There is a lot of violence in this novel, and if that makes you squeamish I would suggest you move on but realize if an apocalyptic event happens the events, as described in this novel, will more likely than not be brutal and very violent.
This end of the world scenario is a little different than the usual aliens, flu, or nuclear attack: it involves a massive solar flare that is just as bad or worse than an EMP. The author does a great job of getting you down to the individual and family / tribe level as they confront the day-to-day challenges. What I found I enjoyed as much as the novel, maybe more, is the author educates you all through the book on various survival techniques in the preparation and storage of food that will last a long time, hints on "how to" and various tools you will need, and ways to improvise. After reading this book, I probably spent 4-5 hours researching wood gasification, canning with a seal-less canning system, solar kitchens, and several other things.
What Mr. Tackitt relays in his novel makes a lot of sense, and he's a pretty good storyteller to boot.
I picked this up in the Amazon Kindle store for 99 cents, and that's a bargain and I certainly think it is worth more. I also enjoyed it enough I have bought and am reading the sequel called "Adrian's War." If you like the apocalyptic fiction genre, this one should be at the top of your list to read and is highly recommended.
This end of the world scenario is a little different than the usual aliens, flu, or nuclear attack: it involves a massive solar flare that is just as bad or worse than an EMP. The author does a great job of getting you down to the individual and family / tribe level as they confront the day-to-day challenges. What I found I enjoyed as much as the novel, maybe more, is the author educates you all through the book on various survival techniques in the preparation and storage of food that will last a long time, hints on "how to" and various tools you will need, and ways to improvise. After reading this book, I probably spent 4-5 hours researching wood gasification, canning with a seal-less canning system, solar kitchens, and several other things.
What Mr. Tackitt relays in his novel makes a lot of sense, and he's a pretty good storyteller to boot.
I picked this up in the Amazon Kindle store for 99 cents, and that's a bargain and I certainly think it is worth more. I also enjoyed it enough I have bought and am reading the sequel called "Adrian's War." If you like the apocalyptic fiction genre, this one should be at the top of your list to read and is highly recommended.
June 25, 2017
Readable, surprisingly so, and not as heavy on the "we are all good Christians but we have to do our duty as 'murcans" stuff as some of the other prepper stuff I've read. But I want to put it out there, did Lloyd Tackett seriously forget who were his own characters? Pretty sure that it was Alfred, Wilma, and JAMES left out at the hunting ranch, not Alfred, Wilma and JOHN as he wraps it up in the wholly superfluous epilogue. He adds the caveat in the beginning that he wasn't so much into creating characters with depth so much as a manual, but sheesh, come on.
Also, these guys very quickly come to the conclusion that basically 90% of people need to be killed cause, to paraphrase, "it's a whole new world out there." Happily, they all decide that it's the Christian thing to do.
Anyway, entertaining read all said and done, so long as you don't speak d more than a few hours on it and ideally you borrow the book from somebody else who actually bought it (you can borrow mine if you like, I say sheepishly). Don't expect great literature cause this ain't it, but better than that god awful One Second After that I had to bail on halfway through. Man, that was a titanically crummy book, and I shoulda known cause Newt Gingrich and half of Congress crow about its "importance" on the cover.
Also, these guys very quickly come to the conclusion that basically 90% of people need to be killed cause, to paraphrase, "it's a whole new world out there." Happily, they all decide that it's the Christian thing to do.
Anyway, entertaining read all said and done, so long as you don't speak d more than a few hours on it and ideally you borrow the book from somebody else who actually bought it (you can borrow mine if you like, I say sheepishly). Don't expect great literature cause this ain't it, but better than that god awful One Second After that I had to bail on halfway through. Man, that was a titanically crummy book, and I shoulda known cause Newt Gingrich and half of Congress crow about its "importance" on the cover.
July 2, 2019
Thought provoking
If i could, I would give a beginning rating of 3 1/2 and an ending rating of 5 stars. This story seemed slow to start, but once you got to know the characters, you continued to cruise on through to the end. The story had some things we all should perhaps think about. A truly " but what if" possibility, even if not a probability. I don't know if I would want my kids reading this -- probably not. Kids seem to be quite impressionable these days. And without a proper backround, giving this to someone who might not know fiction from fact could be disastrous. Having said that, I thought it was a good read.
If i could, I would give a beginning rating of 3 1/2 and an ending rating of 5 stars. This story seemed slow to start, but once you got to know the characters, you continued to cruise on through to the end. The story had some things we all should perhaps think about. A truly " but what if" possibility, even if not a probability. I don't know if I would want my kids reading this -- probably not. Kids seem to be quite impressionable these days. And without a proper backround, giving this to someone who might not know fiction from fact could be disastrous. Having said that, I thought it was a good read.
February 16, 2018
This was a fact-based way to use fiction to scare the Hell out of the human race! Tips to survive when the electric grid goes down is scary, but I was happy to see how many my family has taken. Bottles of water, liquid fuel cook stoves, large flashlights with tons of backup batteries are only the beginning. The author, here, used horror and 'what ifs' to tell a family-based story that turned into hope among survival of the prepared.
September 10, 2021
The characters (as well as the story line) lack depth and organization. Timing is off - the story line plods along interminably then rushes from A to D bypassing B and C such that the reader must make assumptions to fill in the plot line themselves. Further, characters skill sets often defy reality with almost super-human abilities. While some survival tenets like prep and planning are included, it reads more like a violence-prone survivalist's wet dream. Wasn't impressed.
May 25, 2017
An excellent story with important lessons built in
I expected the survival information/lessons in this book would overwhelm the story and make for a dry, challenging read. Instead, I was delighted to find the characters and their story were very interesting and the survival information and advice fit very well into the narrative. VERY well done infotainment!
I expected the survival information/lessons in this book would overwhelm the story and make for a dry, challenging read. Instead, I was delighted to find the characters and their story were very interesting and the survival information and advice fit very well into the narrative. VERY well done infotainment!
August 10, 2018
Grid-down survival
A testosterone-filled take on the end of the world. The “men” accomplish everything and “the girls” including 2 female doctors stand around silently.
Plenty of region-specific prep info included.
A testosterone-filled take on the end of the world. The “men” accomplish everything and “the girls” including 2 female doctors stand around silently.
Plenty of region-specific prep info included.
September 16, 2017
Great book
I loved it. Hard core survival. Looking forward to the next book in the series. As good as it gets.
I loved it. Hard core survival. Looking forward to the next book in the series. As good as it gets.
September 16, 2017
Useful information
The book was well discribed in the intro. A story with useful info told in a simple fictional account. I recommend it for the intro prepper.
The book was well discribed in the intro. A story with useful info told in a simple fictional account. I recommend it for the intro prepper.
September 21, 2017
very good, I don't usually read this type of book but this one was really good and informative.
September 6, 2019
Remarkable
One of the best authors in the apocalypse genre. I have read so many Tackitt covers all the bases. Just don’t miss this series.
One of the best authors in the apocalypse genre. I have read so many Tackitt covers all the bases. Just don’t miss this series.
November 28, 2022
Great story
This is an excellent well written great story. Great characters with sound reasons their actions. I highly look forward to the next one.
This is an excellent well written great story. Great characters with sound reasons their actions. I highly look forward to the next one.
October 13, 2016
Kind of dry..
There was a lot of information in this book about how to survive in an apocalypse. I don't know how helpful it might actually be, obviously, but it seemed pretty sensible. As far as the story went, it wasn't as intense as I would have preferred, but it was still pretty good. I downloaded this series when it was free; I don't know if it's still free or not.
A solar storm wipes out the power grid, resulting in chaos and mayhem, with most people unprepared for the realities of life without electricity, no transportation, no food deliveries, no running water, etc.
This is a story about one family who were somewhat prepared, and what they must do to survive in the new world order.
Results: although I enjoyed reading this, the fictional part of the book was a little dull. The author said in the introduction that it was a cross between fiction and a survival manual, and that's true. I only wish the fictional part had been more gripping.
There was a lot of information in this book about how to survive in an apocalypse. I don't know how helpful it might actually be, obviously, but it seemed pretty sensible. As far as the story went, it wasn't as intense as I would have preferred, but it was still pretty good. I downloaded this series when it was free; I don't know if it's still free or not.
A solar storm wipes out the power grid, resulting in chaos and mayhem, with most people unprepared for the realities of life without electricity, no transportation, no food deliveries, no running water, etc.
This is a story about one family who were somewhat prepared, and what they must do to survive in the new world order.
Results: although I enjoyed reading this, the fictional part of the book was a little dull. The author said in the introduction that it was a cross between fiction and a survival manual, and that's true. I only wish the fictional part had been more gripping.
July 27, 2012
In the Fwd, the author promises a primer on survival in the guise of a fictional account of a solar storm-triggered apocalypse. The book, judged by that mission, is a success. Tackitt has indeed crammed a wealth of anecdotal info into his storyline. I will be thinking about many of the problems and solutions that are part of the story for some time. That said, I think his scenario overstates the impacts of such an event, perhaps to create a truly massive doomsday scenario in which to pursue his goal of imparting the most information.
The moral compass of the book is troubling. I know that research of human behavior in disaster/crisis situations does not support the bleak actions that both the characters and the rest of humanity routinely display throughout the book. That is not to say that stark, life/death situations are not fair game to explore, but the moral of the story is clear: The only way to survive a civilization-disrupting event is to prepare, get out of dodge with your loved ones, protect what you have with hair trigger lethal force, and hunker down until the worst is over . . . then you can start to play nice with other people, provided that they have an obvious contribution commensurate with their need for food and other supplies. If the point of creating this hell on earth was truly for the dissemination of information, so be it. Many "preppers" have an almost palpable DESIRE to have TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it) occur, and this book sure feels like that as much as a "how-to" manual.
The idea that larger groups would band together immediately (something only done by shockingly callous military units in the book) and attempt to create a more civil, community-based response is essentially ignored. The fact that people in many parts of the world would not have far to fall back technologically is ignored (i.e. the book is amusingly provincial in this respect). If this is really how American society would fare, I fear Tackitt's little village of survivors would be playing Little House on the Prairie while other people are really putting modern civilization back together. Imagine their surprise when airplanes start flying overhead. Fair to say, the world in this book is one of the first where I can actually imagine a convoy of UN trucks on American soil (which I am sure his characters would shoot at).
The moral compass of the book is troubling. I know that research of human behavior in disaster/crisis situations does not support the bleak actions that both the characters and the rest of humanity routinely display throughout the book. That is not to say that stark, life/death situations are not fair game to explore, but the moral of the story is clear: The only way to survive a civilization-disrupting event is to prepare, get out of dodge with your loved ones, protect what you have with hair trigger lethal force, and hunker down until the worst is over . . . then you can start to play nice with other people, provided that they have an obvious contribution commensurate with their need for food and other supplies. If the point of creating this hell on earth was truly for the dissemination of information, so be it. Many "preppers" have an almost palpable DESIRE to have TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it) occur, and this book sure feels like that as much as a "how-to" manual.
The idea that larger groups would band together immediately (something only done by shockingly callous military units in the book) and attempt to create a more civil, community-based response is essentially ignored. The fact that people in many parts of the world would not have far to fall back technologically is ignored (i.e. the book is amusingly provincial in this respect). If this is really how American society would fare, I fear Tackitt's little village of survivors would be playing Little House on the Prairie while other people are really putting modern civilization back together. Imagine their surprise when airplanes start flying overhead. Fair to say, the world in this book is one of the first where I can actually imagine a convoy of UN trucks on American soil (which I am sure his characters would shoot at).
November 23, 2012
“This is a novel, but not the usual type. It is a cross between fiction and survival instruction manual.” Hybrid or not, A Distant Eden makes a darn good novel.
What would happen if the electrical grid failed permanently? Technology is suddenly back to the stone age. Most cars and other forms of mechanical transportation are non-functional. Food distribution is completely disrupted. Medical care is virtually non-existent. All water may be assumed to be contaminated. In Lloyd Tackitt’s book, A Distant Eden, such a scenario will cause the demise of over 95% of the world’s human population. Who will survive and how?
Roman has been obsessing about just such an apocalypse for decades and has made preparations for himself and his family. He has not only stockpiled enough food and survival gear for three years, but he is also fortunate in having a nephew, Adrian, who is an expert in military matters. In A Distant Eden Tackitt tells the story of how Roman and his family not only survive against all odds, but how they start to lay the basis for a nascent revival of civilization.
Survival under these circumstances requires a completely different conception of morality. What worked in a technologically modern and civilized society simply does not work when the technology is destroyed. Roman says “Shoot first and don’t bother to ask questions later. The answers are always the same. You have food and they want to take it from you.” Tackitt says “You’ll find good guys that are almost indistinguishable from the bad guys-because the people who survive will have many of the same traits.” So, in A Distant Eden what actually distinguishes the good guys from the bad? The good guys seek to produce their own survival needs, food, clean water, hygiene, clothing, shelter, weaponry and trade goods. The bad guys produce nothing. They are predators who seek to take survival needs from the producers. Life under these circumstances becomes a desperate struggle between the producers and the predators and the producers must become even more ruthless than the predators in order to survive.
What would happen if the electrical grid failed permanently? Technology is suddenly back to the stone age. Most cars and other forms of mechanical transportation are non-functional. Food distribution is completely disrupted. Medical care is virtually non-existent. All water may be assumed to be contaminated. In Lloyd Tackitt’s book, A Distant Eden, such a scenario will cause the demise of over 95% of the world’s human population. Who will survive and how?
Roman has been obsessing about just such an apocalypse for decades and has made preparations for himself and his family. He has not only stockpiled enough food and survival gear for three years, but he is also fortunate in having a nephew, Adrian, who is an expert in military matters. In A Distant Eden Tackitt tells the story of how Roman and his family not only survive against all odds, but how they start to lay the basis for a nascent revival of civilization.
Survival under these circumstances requires a completely different conception of morality. What worked in a technologically modern and civilized society simply does not work when the technology is destroyed. Roman says “Shoot first and don’t bother to ask questions later. The answers are always the same. You have food and they want to take it from you.” Tackitt says “You’ll find good guys that are almost indistinguishable from the bad guys-because the people who survive will have many of the same traits.” So, in A Distant Eden what actually distinguishes the good guys from the bad? The good guys seek to produce their own survival needs, food, clean water, hygiene, clothing, shelter, weaponry and trade goods. The bad guys produce nothing. They are predators who seek to take survival needs from the producers. Life under these circumstances becomes a desperate struggle between the producers and the predators and the producers must become even more ruthless than the predators in order to survive.
September 12, 2014
A DISTANT EDEN starts with an explanation by the author that there is not going to be a lot of what you would call character development in this story. You have to appreciate that kind of honesty, because, like 90% of the population in A DISTANT EDEN, character development dies a horrible, painful death. Its main characters are always right about everything, and always act in completely correct ways, even when doing things like murdering defenseless people. Nobody ever makes a mistake, because in this world, making a mistake means that you die.
This is a novel with no surprises. There is suspense, but that is only gained by the way that the crosscutting narratives are spliced together. Everything happens the way that the main characters think that it will, from an apocalyptic solar storm right down to the way that knife fights play out.
This book reminds me a little of WATERSHIP DOWN, which was about a similar post-apocalyptic book about the destruction of a rabbit society. That's a wonderful book, loaded with fear, danger, surprises, and a looming enemy. But it's also a novel about great characters, and leaders who come into leadership because they learn how to do it. There's not an ounce of that here, and that's too bad, because the author has some narrative talent, and the story is compelling if overly didactic and bland.
This is a novel with no surprises. There is suspense, but that is only gained by the way that the crosscutting narratives are spliced together. Everything happens the way that the main characters think that it will, from an apocalyptic solar storm right down to the way that knife fights play out.
This book reminds me a little of WATERSHIP DOWN, which was about a similar post-apocalyptic book about the destruction of a rabbit society. That's a wonderful book, loaded with fear, danger, surprises, and a looming enemy. But it's also a novel about great characters, and leaders who come into leadership because they learn how to do it. There's not an ounce of that here, and that's too bad, because the author has some narrative talent, and the story is compelling if overly didactic and bland.
October 15, 2013
Most of the other ratings have covered the lack of character development and the fact that this is hybrid-part novel part instructional manual, so I will skip any more detail about that. The end of the grid fascinates me. How would humans survive? Would I survive? What would become of city buildings and infrastructure? Those inner questions of mine kept me reading this odd book. The plot of this book is divided as the different family members and stray survivors come together. I found it all interesting. The disturbing part is the killing on sight because everyone must be after something another character has. One character is allowed to live only because he prays when he is threatened with execution. His claim to be a Christian is believed at that point. He is allowed to live. Is this part of the book instruction manual or part of the novel? I dont find killing everyone but a few who claim to Christians very good advice. Other than that, I was interested enough in the shallow plot to finish the book. I will read more about the author before I'd consider reading the sequel to this book.
July 19, 2012
I loved this book. The introduction the author tells you he was trying for "an instruction manual with a plot." I think he succeeded well. The characters were easy to like, understand, and sometimes say "yep, that's what I would do." I highlighted many places with plans to research as well as possibly buy the paper copy as other reviewer's said they had. I am not positive this will happen in my lifetime, but I agree it will happen soon. If it doesn't what does preparing hurt. We have had plenty of disasters lately to show us how dependent on electricity we are. This book was a great read about a family trying to reunite after AN EMP took out the infrastructure of the United States. Set in Texas, my home state it was easy to picture their travels.
Entertaining and informative. I look forward to a sequel or another stand alone by this author.
Entertaining and informative. I look forward to a sequel or another stand alone by this author.
June 13, 2014
The author gives you fair warning in the beginning that he's not necessarily a brilliant author. The purpose of this book was supposed to be a sort of handbook on how to be a survivalist and how to prepare for and live through a massive solar storm. The author specifically states that he didn't want to just list out all the ways of surviving like every other hand book so he turned it in to a fictional story based on his own research of what to do to survive. And it shows. The writing isn't all the great, and the story line moved either too fast in some areas or too slow in others and I found myself skeptical of the situations some of the characters were placed in. That being said, there were a lot of interesting facets about being a survivalist that I found interesting; specifically the solar cooker, the life sustaining foods, and the army's provisions for these suspected situations.
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