The Stronghold

299 Days #4

by Glen Tate

299 Days: The Stronghold, the fourth book in the 299 Days series, Grant Matson begins teaming up with others who will help the community of Pierce Point become a Patriot stronghold, ready to stand against government Loyalists, the Undecideds and the Oblivious. Using the United States Constitution as a guide, they develop a sense of order and begin planning for a future that shows no sign of improving.

Outside of Pierce Point, the country continues its downward spiral. The Feds are rationing food and gas and playing favorites while some states are choosing to “opt out” of the Federal Government. Scrappy street gangs have made way for sophisticated white collar gangs who, along with government officials, participate in bartering and bribery of every kind. Vigilantes are loose everywhere, and those working for what is left of the government don’t know if they’re with the good guys or bad guys.

The Pierce Point Patriots prepare to defend their land, their families, and their beliefs, even if that means going up against those in their community who are loyal to the government and all things that lead to the Collapse of America.

Genres: Fiction, Dystopia, Survival, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook, Apocalyptic

222 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 10, 2012

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying Tate's realistic approach to a possible economic collapse. There is enough Survivalist Fiction elements for the fantasy reader with a lot of commumity building and serious prep and defense stuff for a more realistic reader. This is a well thought out book series.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is "Book" 4* in the 10 volume series.

The author sells the series as a more nuanced and developed slow collapse story. And it is definitely slow.
The writing is plain, but adequate. The characters are not terribly developed, but it is the story/situation that is the focus of the development in this series.

I am finding the series engaging enough (just barely, though) to continue...but I am also finding aspects less plausible (not sure that is quite the right word in this fictional scenario) and/or engaging.

It seems that the Pierce point community has "solved" the food problem (at least short term), but it is not clear how. It also seems odd that the community has so willingly engaged such a large security element and is feeding them (with what and how is unclear)...despite the apparent absence of any threats that have occurred.

And this whole "outside voice" component of the story line has also reduced the effectiveness of the storyline. (When the main character has to make choices, at intervals a convenient "outside voice" speaks in his head and tells him what to do or that he's doing the right thing..." It has a religious overtone but is carefully done to avoid explicitly taking on a religious character (but it does not work). And yet the result is a bit ridiculous. And it severely diminishes the nature of making difficult decisions when the outcomes are unknown. Which (at least for me) diminishes the whole theme of this book. Even though the "outside voice" events are not terribly frequent, they are critical to the storyline. Much easier for the main character to do things with command auditory hallucinations...

Anyways, while I finding the book entertaining enough to continue, it is getting weaker. And weirder. And the author has lost my buy-in on a number of fronts...

[Apocalyptic Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

V for Vendetta meets the American Patriot. Isn’t it interesting how the ideas of self-sufficiency and smaller government have indeed become revolutionary in modern times? Wouldn’t many of us be on a POI (person of interest) list In an era where taking responsibility for the well-being of yourself and your family is considered subversive by the powers that be. Glen Tate’s 299 Days series forces a person to question their ever-increasing dependence on a bloated, incompetent and corrupt government. In The Stronghold, the fourth book in the 299 Days series, the faltering economy has the government on the ropes, grasping to power through bribery, propaganda and downright thuggery. The economy has failed on a massive scale. Food, fuel and medical supplies are becoming scarce. The government is handing out electronic ration cards called “FCards” to feed the masses. These “FCards” are funded through the confiscation of funds in bank accounts and 401K’s which people can no longer access. Unfortunately, through desperation, many people, especially in larger urban areas, are happy to get help from the government and eagerly hand over the last of their civil liberties for these rations. In contrast, Pierce Point, while dealing with the same scarcity, is becoming a bastion for common sense cooperation. People are looking for a simpler, practical, common sense approach to community. Don’t misunderstand, Pierce Point isn’t some self-sufficient, Constitutional utopia but Grant Matson, his friends and neighbors are willing to work together in a fair and common sense way that might just make our grandparents proud. The Stronghold presents some compelling possibilities and is an insightful exploration into the all too real possibility of an economic collapse.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story. I like how everything isn't a shoot out. That makes it more believable. I don't really like the main character. I guess I'm supposed to but I don't. He is kind of a know it all jerk. He takes to much pleasure in making his rivals look dumb. He doesn't try to bring them into the fold at all. I don't get why he does that. Still it is readable. These books aren't cheap though. So I will not be rushing through this series.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this book a 5 star for its genre and intended purpose, but a 3 star as a general novel. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Brad Theado · Rating 5 out of 5]

These just keep getting better

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story keeps rolling. Interesting application of items from other classic novels of the same genre.

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series, each book better than the one preceeding it.

[Amy Queen-Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is I do not like series, and They are too short. I want them to be in all one book.

[Sean Yunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is concise, making for a fast read. The plot is very intriguing, making this a real page turner. This series is very though provoking, and entertaining.

Highly recommended if you enjoy either dystopian fiction, or military/political thrillers.

[Ann237]

Bk4

[Ken Aslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that the main characters have had the ground work laid out the story lines are really moving ahead now. He's done a nice job of balancing his characters out, nobodies too over the top.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

End of the world book 4

[Cathy Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better, entertaining and educational.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronghold refers to our hero Grant Matson's desire to make the community of Pierce Point become a Patriot stronghold. Book four chronicles the communities efforts towards that end.

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good on you sir for writing a grim, but fun, all too possible scenario for the impending collapse.