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Matt Sheridan Series

Breaking Contact: A Matt Sheridan Novel - Book Two

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Follow Matt Sheridan in Book Two of the acclaimed new series by Robert Cole.The world is decimated after Islamic terrorists unleash a combined nuclear and biological attack on the United States. After successfully evacuating his family to rural Vermont, Matt Sheridan must evade the increasingly powerful forces of The Base in their push to control New England through barbaric acts of violence and forced slavery. Follow the seasoned Army Ranger and his extended family as they decide whether to fight The Base, or to flee to a safer haven where they can rebuild their lives. Prepare yourself for action, intrigue and hours of lost sleep scrambling to see what happens next. Author Robert Cole brings his knowledge as a “red-cell” team leader on some of the most-classified Department of Defense’s Weapons of Mass Destruction scenarios to this realistic, captivating second novel.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

506 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Robert Cole

5 books43 followers
Robert Cole is a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army who has worked as a consultant on classified government projects similar to those outlined in his first novel, Cataclysm. In addition to having served with some of the Army’s most elite units, Robert is also a successful entrepreneur and college professor.

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5 stars
1,087 (74%)
4 stars
306 (20%)
3 stars
53 (3%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,587 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2024
Intense second book in the series, this one is certainly more focused on battles and violence, than the individuals or basic survival.

As much as I inhaled this story, I found the premise ridiculous. If 98% of the population has died, I don’t know if it’s plausible for large groups of men from biker clubs and prisons to group together to take over the country.

Survivalist fiction
Post apocalyptic
Military thriller
Fast-paced

Matt Sheridan, a seasoned Army Ranger, battles to protect his family and community against the ruthless forces of The Base, a violent faction seeking to dominate New England through fear and oppression. (Killing innocents, rape and murder of women)

“So basically, we have possibly 20,000 good guys in Portland, 10,000 good guys in Bangor, and a horde of 300,000 fucking barbarians posing as the 21st-century James Madison and George Washington spread south to Virginia. Is that about right?”

I really liked the addition of QuAI, this group would not have survived without it.

*There are some sentences that are repeated a few times, possibly during editing, and the author forgot to delete.
4 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
Okay, so first, I’m not really sure who reads these reviews anyway but…since I do this so infrequently because of the reason I mentioned above, I just felt this series actually deserved a shout out for just how damn much I have enjoyed this series so far. As a little back ground, I have been reading zombie and apocalypse fiction for longer than I care to remember and I have always enjoyed when someone writes about something that, in all reality, could really happen. I really like how Robert Cole has spun a very believable tale and made me become very invested in the whole Sheridan clan and extended family. I think I pretty much devoured the first book on one sitting and found myself on the edge of my seat wondering just how this family would survive the next calamity and find a way through this post apocalyptic landscape without completely loosing the deep family commitment that the patriarch has. If you love books of this genre then I do recommend you give Mr. Cole a chance to completely wrap you around the axel of this family’s survival I a world were the next day is never guaranteed.
Profile Image for Andrea Payne.
709 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2023
Enjoyed!

Breaking Contact, A Matt Sheridan Novel Book Two is the second of three currently available in this series. It is a series and should be read in order.

I really enjoyed this book. I like the way they continuously focus on family, community and the future. One of my favorite things about this book is how they all support each other and work together.

I have an immense amount of respect for our veterans, service members, Leo's and first responders. We are able to be who we are only because of who you each are. Thank you for your determination and dedication and for your service and sacrifice.

I attempted to find a way to contact the author and I'll continue trying. This book has a lot of typos and errors.

I will continue this series. I would recommend it to adults only. There is a moderate amount of cursing which includes the bigger words. There is no intimacy or explicit scenes. There is violence and references to intimate violence. While not described, there are scenes in which the intimate violence is occurring when rescue arrives.
427 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2024
First book was pretty good but the 2nd book lost it and went all military plans. Out of the military group of people he has found our main character Matt becomes the leader and assigns everyone there places in life within his little army. Young and old alike defer to Matt on how to do just about everything. The weaponry they constantly stumble upon is always top of the line stuff used in wars but always available to Matt and friends-lol. This started out good but kinda went off the rails into military fantasy somewhere along the 2nd book. Basically no one survives without Matt’s expertise and knowledge it seems. Everyone loves a hero but this is just a little over the top for me and the constant barrage of weapons talk just left me bored. May be more interesting for the military minded.
Profile Image for Dan.
3,608 reviews617 followers
December 16, 2025
This author has a really shit attitude. The introductory Author’s Note, with its thinly-veiled sarcasm and pretense (why are you starting your second book on defense? Plenty of people seemed to love the first novel. Hell, I even liked it), is not a great opening—especially when the last thing we’ve read from him (in book one) was him begging for (only) 5-star reviews.

Opens three days after the ending of book one—eighteen days after the Muslim terrorists destroyed eight major American cities.

Matt and Clare Sheridan and their extended clan (of 11 people) face off against the motorcycle gang, who seem to have links to The Base.

Eleven becomes sixteen, with new additions: Pete Rhodes and daughter Liz; Stan and Marvi White (but Stan is black) and their daughter, Juliet.

Pete and Matt were fraternity brothers and fellow Army soldiers; Stan was a Navy man. Stan White is a computer genius and head of QuAI.

Matt’s solitary strategizing sessions are nice. He formulates cool tactics.

Attacks, subterfuge, AI learnings, raids.

Claymore mines. 💥 Battle.

Vinalhaven, in the islands of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Electricity. ⚡️

The Muslim fundamentalists running ‘The Base’ group (and posing as American soldiers) pervert the United States Constitution by adopting it—sans amendments. Slavery and subjugation of women are just the beginning.

The barbarians of The Base continue their assault up the Eastern Coast of the United States.

The Irish Rover super yacht.

Politics turn from neutral to nasty towards the end.

The extended Sheridan Family grows to…twenty-five.

Urgent escape to Ireland.

While the novel delivers in some areas, in others…it does not. Could use: fewer characters, less description, more heart, more focus, and some exposition.

This book is much too long, and it should be halved. First half: Vermont. Second half: Maine.

Having single POV can absolutely work—if the author can handle it. Matt is too perfect. At first it seems fortunate; by the end, it’s sophomoric.

From Clare being wishy-washy on guns to Matt always having the perfect strategy to no one ever getting seriously injured, let alone any fatalities in their group of 25…the narrative continues to eschew verisimilitude.

Again, this author’s attitude grates. He thanks the readers—yeah…but only those who (you guessed it!) left 5-star reviews on Amazon for the first novel. 🙄 👎🏻👎🏻

And to be crystal clear: This book is so not a 5, bro. 💀
118 reviews
December 15, 2023
Excellent…

…this is #2 in a series of three, I believe, and it is quite good. I’m actually anxious to read #3…and that doesn’t happen often.
The characters are quite believable and likable. There’s no question that you can lose track of who some of them are as the story moves forward — I mean there are so many of them — but the author does go to lengths to add enough detail to each of them that it’s not hard to (eventually) figure out he’s talking about.
I will say, after two books, the main character, Matt, is basically perfect. I mean he thinks and plans contingencies with such skill that he saves the day time after time.
Nevertheless, it is a good book and well worth your time.
Respectfully,
34 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2024
Another really great read.

If you like a post-apocalyptic book, you'll love this series. I really loved all 4 books of this series, and I am hoping there will be a fifth!

The writing is great. Even as a woman reading it, I find even the talk about weaponry doesn't bore me as it can with some writers who are men. In post-apocalyptic stories, the attacks on women can be a little too much also- but these books were so well done in that respect. They're very realistic, and I am fully invested in the Sheridan family's story. I even teared up on more than one occasion. Excellent - thank you, Robert!
Profile Image for Chris Lawrence.
1 review
November 16, 2023
AWESOME BOOK!

I served as a Paratrooper (Airborne Infantryman) in the US Army and did a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. Combat was my job. While not deployed I trained for it every day and while deployed I lived it about every day. The gun fights, tactics, weapons, gear, lingo, everything is RIGHT ON! I found myself calling the next moves before they happened because a lot of combat has a very textbook tactical approach and the way it happens in the book is the way most of it would really happen. Bravo Mr. Cole! I’m about to start the next book NOW!
2 reviews
March 30, 2024
I found the book highly entertaining! The chronology that occurs when the world gets undone and the shrinking population of the entire world evolves into a survival mode and desperation. I’m enjoying the book and look forward to starting the next one!

I found the book highly entertaining! The chronology that occurs when the world gets undone and the shrinking population of the entire world evolves into a survival mode and desperation. I’m enjoying the book and look forward to starting the next one!
14 reviews
April 17, 2024
A New England Apocalyptic Tale After SHTF

Great character development and storyline. Usually SHTF and grid down thrillers take place in Appalachia, Wyoming,or the Southwest, so finding one in the extreme northeast was an unexpected treat. Normally, when I read prepping advice, it always begins with, “you need a group … with a variety of experiences and skills” and that is so true. But you also need great leadership and Breaking Contact had that in Matt and everything else as well: locale, leadership, great characters, and plenty of fast paced action.
Profile Image for Jerry.
414 reviews
July 14, 2024
Post-apocalypse, Part 2. Matt Sheridan and his growing entourage have to flee their Vermont farmhouse after a major firefight with the militant Nomads. They head for Maine and a resort island they are familiar with off its coast. Trying to take control of what's left of the country is a barbaric organization called The Base, who's influence is rapidly spreading to northern New England.

Plenty of action, as Sheridan's military background influences his meticulous planning and execution that plays a big role in their survival.

Very entertaining. I look forward to Book Three.
4 reviews
July 3, 2023
Great Story

I enjoyed the story very much. Even though Matt is the central character I was very pleased to learn more about the supporting characters. I am eagerly waiting on book 3, as I wonder about the fate of America. Can the military unite and fight back. How can the citizens take up arms if the have not been vaccinated, additionally, can the people remaining put aside differences and unite to take back their country!!? So many questions…so many possibilities.
6 reviews
January 2, 2024
Another well, written, riveting tale! another well, written, riveting tail!

Robert Cole’s, Book 2 of Matt Sheridan’s story is super interesting, very detailed with wonderful background, information and descriptions. Scary to think of the potential of what could happen to our great country at the hands of terrorists and turncoats. Made me stay up late on the wild ride to finish the book. A must read! Looking forward to Book 3.
6 reviews
February 28, 2024
Awesome dystopian tale , very vivid imagery .

Such a great story , the second book in the series was even better than the first . Now I can’t wait to read the third book . I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the geography , weapons and watercraft . Coming from the Great Lakes but visiting the Northeast often , this imagery made the book very real , enjoyable and easy to read .
Profile Image for Rebecca Reeder.
6 reviews
May 14, 2024
As an Army Veteran I have bought both my Sons these book

Best books I read in this genre of books. Being prior service I recommended to others and bought both my Sons both hiring 40 years old one Son is prior service also. Great adventure, at bit scary/ terrifying being a female yet educational. If any end of society event in the future is to happen I feel a tad bit more prepared after reading the tactical movement s and thought process from the characters.
18 reviews
July 4, 2023
Really a good read

This series is one you can't put down. Waiting for number 3 is going to be difficult. The characters are well done, stay true to how they begin and the story line is different from most. Being former military the author gets too detailed sometimes but it also shows how meticulous the main character is. One of the best series I've read in a very long time.
64 reviews
July 9, 2023
good storytelling. Some distractingly wrong details.

Good storytelling overall. Sometimes gets bogged down in descriptive details and backstory. You don’t have to include everything in your notes. Gets some details annoyingly wrong, such as not knowing the difference between vaccination and inoculation. They are NOT synonymous. Look it up. But overall a decent read.
127 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2023
Breaking Contact: A Matt Sheridan Novel - Book Two (Matt Sheridan Series 2) Kindle Edition
by Robert Cole (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
Is there truly a safe place?
As a veteran I really appreciate Robert Cole’s knowledge and writing skill. Book three in this series should be available for purchase this month (i.e., August 2023) and I shall purchase it.
Great job, Mr. Cole!

28 reviews
September 27, 2023
An outstanding read!

Both books 1 and 2 in this series are outstanding reads, and I am eagerly awaiting book 3! The only criticism, and it is a small one, is that it needs another good proof-read to fix some errors that have slipped through, enough to make it worth mentioning, but certainly not enough to detract from a helluva good story.
14 reviews
October 11, 2023
An Outstanding Read

I’ve read a lot of post apocalyptic fictional books, but I consider these Matt Sheridan books to be he best of that genre. The character development is excellent, and one really gets to know the members of the family. The story lines and plots are very realistic. Once you start reading these books they are hard to put down.
November 26, 2023
A brilliant book.

Breaking Contact is a fantastic addition to the series. The characters have each gelled within their group together depending on their expertise and then as a family, they move as one with no arguments or anyone in a huff. So well well-written, easy to read and has lots of action.
25 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2023
Great story and characters

After finishing this and the first book in the series over the last couple of days, I am ready for more adventure and surprises. What a great cast of characters! Excellent plot and the action sequences are very realistic. I recommend this book and the series for anyone who likes post apocalyptic and military fiction.
Profile Image for Walter  Graff.
95 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
Enjoyed the characters

While the author seems to have a preconceived bias against hard right conservatives, it is only hinted at occasionally. I do note a distrust of government in the text.

Sometimes the story’s main character is too omniscient, but I have already decided to read the next installment! Suffice it to say, the story’s characters drew me in!
Profile Image for Pat.
49 reviews
March 6, 2024
I'm enjoying Robert Cole's writing -- he's creating characters that we can connect to and care what happens to them. One piece of advice that I'd give Mr. Cole is that if he's going to write about "far right wing" people, he needs to include some "far left wing" digs. He's liable to alienate his audience by bringing present day politics into an otherwise very enjoyable tale.
63 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2024
A thrilling adventure that I hope we never have.

In a post-nuclear attack on the US, the Sheridan family must survive. Unfortunately, they are targeted both by the surviving US government and a sleezy large, well-organized gang of thugs trying to take over the country. Given the current political climate in US politics, the story is a nightmare come true.
Profile Image for Maggie Deaton.
750 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2024
No Rest for the Weary...

Even as things appear to reach an even keel, things blow wide open and once more a safe haven becomes potential trap and the Sheridan and their extended family are forced to flee... However, this time they are fleeing those they had never thought to be an enemy...
3 reviews
February 10, 2025
LOVE, Love, Love Books 1 and 2

I couldn’t put these books down. The author made me feel as if I was a part of the story. I appreciated that the two books were quite long, compared to typical novels so the characters could be better explored throughout the story line.
I didn’t want the books to end. I’m looking forward to Book 3 and other novels by this author.
228 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2025
Following the manuals

Not only does the author rely on military manuals, and of course, his own experience, he’s been reading Stephen King’s NF writing tips. It’s time to toss that one aside, Bob, because you’re doing great! (Sorry, Mr. King but l’m not a fan.) I’m on to your third installment and hoping Matt has all the answers.
44 reviews
July 12, 2023
another GREAT Author has emerged!

I can’t say enough about Mr. Cole, his writing and this book/series. Mr. Cole writes in the manner of the great author Bobby Akart. Descriptive,
imaginative, knowledgeable, along with a great story line! I can’t wait for Book#3
Profile Image for Regina Sharon.
2 reviews
July 15, 2023
A Matt Sheridan novel books 1 & 2

The characters were well portrayed and drew you into the story . This was also easy to read even with so much happening to the different characters. Well desripted, edited well. I would definitely read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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