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The Mad Mick #9
Shift Point: Book Nine in The Mad Mick Series
What happens when success is impossible and failure isn’t an option?
In the ninth installment in the bestselling Mad Mick Series, several months have passed since Walter Lightspeed demonstrated he could restore power to the United States using his innovative wireless power delivery system. After a year in the dark, America was finally on the rebound. Optimism soared as people imagined an end to the most difficult period in modern American history.
Lightspeed’s success allowed him to take the office of President and gain the support of the military. With their backing—and the assistance of Conor, Ricardo, and their team—Lightspeed’s efforts to restore power were accelerated. He was making regular radio addresses to the American public to keep them updated and raise their spirits. He made Wi-Fi available to regions with power so people could use their phones to catch up on news and monitor the progress of power restoration. Jobs and aid were available for those who wanted them.
But Lightspeed underestimated his enemies.
The political establishment would rather leave the nation in ruin than allow an outsider to sit at their table. There were new enemies rising from outside of the country, but also from within its borders. There were the Luddites who decided that a year without power had restored balance and purpose to their lives. There were the foreign actors determined to strike in this moment of national vulnerability. There were even those within Lightspeed’s own organization who had become disillusioned with the way he was doing things and conspired against him.
These attempts to sabotage his national recovery effort are raising serious questions for Lightspeed and his team. What has America become? Is it a nation beyond repair? Is destruction of the enemy more important than compromise?
Was it more important than saving the nation?
In the ninth installment in the bestselling Mad Mick Series, several months have passed since Walter Lightspeed demonstrated he could restore power to the United States using his innovative wireless power delivery system. After a year in the dark, America was finally on the rebound. Optimism soared as people imagined an end to the most difficult period in modern American history.
Lightspeed’s success allowed him to take the office of President and gain the support of the military. With their backing—and the assistance of Conor, Ricardo, and their team—Lightspeed’s efforts to restore power were accelerated. He was making regular radio addresses to the American public to keep them updated and raise their spirits. He made Wi-Fi available to regions with power so people could use their phones to catch up on news and monitor the progress of power restoration. Jobs and aid were available for those who wanted them.
But Lightspeed underestimated his enemies.
The political establishment would rather leave the nation in ruin than allow an outsider to sit at their table. There were new enemies rising from outside of the country, but also from within its borders. There were the Luddites who decided that a year without power had restored balance and purpose to their lives. There were the foreign actors determined to strike in this moment of national vulnerability. There were even those within Lightspeed’s own organization who had become disillusioned with the way he was doing things and conspired against him.
These attempts to sabotage his national recovery effort are raising serious questions for Lightspeed and his team. What has America become? Is it a nation beyond repair? Is destruction of the enemy more important than compromise?
Was it more important than saving the nation?
388 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2023
About the author
Franklin Horton
177 books409 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 25, 2026
Lightspeed, Conor, Richardo and crew are in for a wild ride. The struggle between Good vs Bad comes to a head.
Will the lights come back on? Will the struggle for power and control be the end of the Mad Mick?
Another brilliant paper turn by Mr. Horton.
Will the lights come back on? Will the struggle for power and control be the end of the Mad Mick?
Another brilliant paper turn by Mr. Horton.
October 2, 2023
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
It's hard to determine who is worse in this story, our own government, American citizens, or our enemies. This story provides a great example of what could actually happen all because of greed. I could definitely see our government sacrificing others for their own gain. Keep the stories coming, Mr. Horton.
It's hard to determine who is worse in this story, our own government, American citizens, or our enemies. This story provides a great example of what could actually happen all because of greed. I could definitely see our government sacrificing others for their own gain. Keep the stories coming, Mr. Horton.
November 26, 2023
a great addition to the series
Book Nine is a great addition to this series! Action packed with a great story line. I would recommend it
Book Nine is a great addition to this series! Action packed with a great story line. I would recommend it
July 9, 2023
Finished this book on the last day of my vacay. I would have read it in about 3 days if not on vacation. This is the 9th book in the Mad Mick series by Franklin Horton. A little background, Franklin Horton has written three different series that overlap they are as follows: The Borrowed World Series (10 Books), Locker Nine series (4 books) and Mad Mick series (9 books so far), these series all overlap and are connected. He has also written The Way of Dan series (4 books so far) and the stand alone book, Random Acts. All these books revolve around EMPs being exploded in the sky above the US. Turns out some Washington Powerbrokers are behind it because they want to reshape the country. The stories are about trying to get home and survive except the Mad Mick series and these are about a private contractor working sometimes for the government and sometimes for others. He is continually saving good people trying to survive and taking down bad guys either the ones who caused the EMPs or those trying to set up their own evil fiefdoms. All excellent books and believe many would like these books, they all have strong characters, especially strong female characters.
February 20, 2026
Have you ever read a book and there is a side character that you just fell in love with? Well that’s what happened to me when I read Franklin Horton’s Locker Nine series. A quick blurb about a guy named Conner his witty daughter Barb and a singular adventure that lasts one moment in L9. He stole my heart and I just went on with the L9 series. I loved Mr. Hortons writing style, wit and ability to not shy away from the truth of humanity as a whole but the violence that surrounds us daily and frankly the idiocy that we willingly choke down from both our local and federal government.
Franklin Horton isn’t afraid to take you on a truthful “what if” adventure. As you all know I’m a no spoiler gal so my review for these Mad Mick books will all be the same. I was lucky that I discovered them just now so I was able to read the first 11 back to back and now I’m like most fans sitting and waiting for the next adventure.
I will say this is an in your face series. There is violence but it’s all to be expected. There is no food - people are going to come for your food. You get it. I highly recommend the entire series.
Franklin Horton isn’t afraid to take you on a truthful “what if” adventure. As you all know I’m a no spoiler gal so my review for these Mad Mick books will all be the same. I was lucky that I discovered them just now so I was able to read the first 11 back to back and now I’m like most fans sitting and waiting for the next adventure.
I will say this is an in your face series. There is violence but it’s all to be expected. There is no food - people are going to come for your food. You get it. I highly recommend the entire series.
August 31, 2025
The self-proclaimed president of the United States is still fighting to restore power after the collapse. He is facing opposition from certain extremist groups and members of the old government guard. Even those closest to him are turning on him, leaving him with only a few people worthy of trust. With multiple attempts on his life, his attempts to rebuild the county might not come to fruition. It had some good action, but some frustrating events that I saw coming. Connor's group had a backseat again in the story, unfortunately. They are the reason I liked these books.
June 28, 2023
you out did yourself with this one.
This is a great read and a big plot twist. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I was a bit disappointed you put DD in your book. He was a great person and did a lot for the country’s special operations forces.
But the stuff at the end of his career doesn’t offset that. But still it worked out. Thank your for the hours of the mad mick and company.
This is a great read and a big plot twist. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I was a bit disappointed you put DD in your book. He was a great person and did a lot for the country’s special operations forces.
But the stuff at the end of his career doesn’t offset that. But still it worked out. Thank your for the hours of the mad mick and company.
June 20, 2023
Wow. From rags to riches to rags again. A small departure from the Mad Mick we are used to but a great story nonetheless. Lots a twists turns and a whole lot of agreement to several of the aspects of the country.
Definitely looking forward to Mad Mick's future looks like. With a country in disarray, the adventures are limitless.
Great job, Franklin
Definitely looking forward to Mad Mick's future looks like. With a country in disarray, the adventures are limitless.
Great job, Franklin
July 2, 2023
Another nail biter.
FRANKLIN HORTON sure knows how to draw you in and holding your breath the whole time. Love everything I've read by Mr. Horton. I don't like reviews that give away the story before you read it so I don't leave them. I do know Mr. Horton hasn't left me down and is one of those writers who can't write fast enough for his fans. Salute Mr. Horton.
FRANKLIN HORTON sure knows how to draw you in and holding your breath the whole time. Love everything I've read by Mr. Horton. I don't like reviews that give away the story before you read it so I don't leave them. I do know Mr. Horton hasn't left me down and is one of those writers who can't write fast enough for his fans. Salute Mr. Horton.
July 22, 2023
Love this series!
I love this author and all of his work. But this is my favorite of his series. I really love these characters and the no nonsense way of handling the enemy. As expected this story was a fast pace action filled thrill ride from start to finish. Get the books and leave your reviews.
I love this author and all of his work. But this is my favorite of his series. I really love these characters and the no nonsense way of handling the enemy. As expected this story was a fast pace action filled thrill ride from start to finish. Get the books and leave your reviews.
November 12, 2023
Griping!
Almost done with all his books. Love it, never disappointed in any of his books. Some authors. It seams lose inspiration, and just put some books out due to contracts. You can see it in the bore of the book. I think I am over 25 plus books into this authors work. Never gotten board. With his writing, good job and well done Franklin!
Almost done with all his books. Love it, never disappointed in any of his books. Some authors. It seams lose inspiration, and just put some books out due to contracts. You can see it in the bore of the book. I think I am over 25 plus books into this authors work. Never gotten board. With his writing, good job and well done Franklin!
May 8, 2025
A great story
I was unable to put the book down and wound up staying with it until the wee hours of the morning. I was pulling for Light speed and wishing he would be more firm in dealing with Resnek.she was like Pandora or the snake in the garden. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how the Mad Mick does.
I was unable to put the book down and wound up staying with it until the wee hours of the morning. I was pulling for Light speed and wishing he would be more firm in dealing with Resnek.she was like Pandora or the snake in the garden. I'm looking forward to the next book to see how the Mad Mick does.
June 16, 2023
Loved it
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
June 18, 2023
ANOTHER GREAT STORY
I love the Mad Mick and have eagerly read every book that comes out. Unfortunately each one ends with me wanting more. This book is aptly named…I feel like this is a “shift point” in this story. Read these books…you won’t be disappointed!
I love the Mad Mick and have eagerly read every book that comes out. Unfortunately each one ends with me wanting more. This book is aptly named…I feel like this is a “shift point” in this story. Read these books…you won’t be disappointed!
June 19, 2023
The Mad Mick returns!
As usual, this book has many exciting turns. The team finds that there are enemies where they did and didn't expect to find them. The page turning action will have you starting and finishing quickly. Looking forward to book 10.
As usual, this book has many exciting turns. The team finds that there are enemies where they did and didn't expect to find them. The page turning action will have you starting and finishing quickly. Looking forward to book 10.
July 1, 2023
fantastic series
This author and this series get better and better. The characters are like family members. You feel as if you are in the middle of the action. Can’t wait for book 10!
This author and this series get better and better. The characters are like family members. You feel as if you are in the middle of the action. Can’t wait for book 10!
July 2, 2023
Never disappoints
Little slow with action at first otherwise I still love all the characters and hope Mr. Horton with his great imagination follows up very soon wi
th another adventure.
Little slow with action at first otherwise I still love all the characters and hope Mr. Horton with his great imagination follows up very soon wi
th another adventure.
Read
August 19, 2023The Brass Ring!
This book was even better than the rest. I give the author high marks for such an excellent well written and thought out story. I was captivated the whole time. Can't wait to read the next one.
This book was even better than the rest. I give the author high marks for such an excellent well written and thought out story. I was captivated the whole time. Can't wait to read the next one.
September 22, 2023
I love this series
I’m sad every time I finish a book in the series. As I read Franklin’s books, I’m happy and enthralled and captivated, but as soon as the rating and review pops up, I’m immediately thrown in despair and verbally blurt out my displeasure.. DANMIT Boyd!! 🤣👍🏼
I’m sad every time I finish a book in the series. As I read Franklin’s books, I’m happy and enthralled and captivated, but as soon as the rating and review pops up, I’m immediately thrown in despair and verbally blurt out my displeasure.. DANMIT Boyd!! 🤣👍🏼
July 13, 2024
Aw man
I was hoping for a different ending but having read the companion books first, I figured this is what would happen. Excellent storytelling! A definite recommend for the book and the series.
I was hoping for a different ending but having read the companion books first, I figured this is what would happen. Excellent storytelling! A definite recommend for the book and the series.
October 19, 2024
No shortage of thrills here!
Post apocalyptic fiction fans, doomsday preppers, government conspiracy theorists, all will find this book fast-moving, action packed and thought provoking. Another great read in this amazing series by Franklin Horton.
Post apocalyptic fiction fans, doomsday preppers, government conspiracy theorists, all will find this book fast-moving, action packed and thought provoking. Another great read in this amazing series by Franklin Horton.
September 3, 2025
Another great "Mad Mick" book
This book is a long winded story and with it's shocking ending, it almost makes you think that it is the end of the series. Keep reading for more clues.
This book is a long winded story and with it's shocking ending, it almost makes you think that it is the end of the series. Keep reading for more clues.
October 31, 2025
Another great ride!
Getting closer to the end. It's so sad for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. Hopefully the author can find more Mad Nick stories in that maniacal brain.
Love this series!
Getting closer to the end. It's so sad for me. I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. Hopefully the author can find more Mad Nick stories in that maniacal brain.
Love this series!
June 17, 2023
good
Ninth book in the Mad Mick series. Follow as the survivors try to bring electricity back to the USA. Read how they try to defeat traitors, foreign Countries
Ninth book in the Mad Mick series. Follow as the survivors try to bring electricity back to the USA. Read how they try to defeat traitors, foreign Countries
June 24, 2023
good book good series
Great series and characters . This writer never disappoints. Apocalyptic fiction at its best. Recommend this series and the other books by Frank Horton
Great series and characters . This writer never disappoints. Apocalyptic fiction at its best. Recommend this series and the other books by Frank Horton
June 25, 2023
Just when I think the Mad Mick can’t get any better, Franklin Horton proves me wrong again! Can’t wait for MM 10 !!
June 26, 2023
Another great Mad Mick story, though I'm still trying to recover from the ending. Where do we go from here?
July 4, 2023
Good series
I've read any number of these type of books. Franklin Horton is one of the very best, real conversations, no filler nonsense, he writes the way people talk.
I've read any number of these type of books. Franklin Horton is one of the very best, real conversations, no filler nonsense, he writes the way people talk.
July 8, 2023
hmmm
Well without any spoilers this is definitely an interesting read. Franklin keeps things fresh and keeps the punches coming. Highly recommend.
Well without any spoilers this is definitely an interesting read. Franklin keeps things fresh and keeps the punches coming. Highly recommend.
July 16, 2023
will there be a book 10?
I hope there will be more books in this series! The characters are relatable, the action constant. It’s fantastic . Very different than most of its ilk.
I hope there will be more books in this series! The characters are relatable, the action constant. It’s fantastic . Very different than most of its ilk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews