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New America #2
Resistance
Book two in the New America Series.
Eighteen months after the Collapse of 2027, the former United States is divided. On one side is the evil and tyrannical Unified American Empire, controlled by President Simon Sterling, the man responsible for the death of the last legitimate president, Malcolm Powers.
On the other side, President Howard Beck controls the Pacific States of America, the last hope for democracy and freedom. The two adversaries become embroiled in a bitter game of deception, betrayal, and espionage while battling an even more imposing menace that could easily destroy the very nation they are both desperately fighting to control.
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Eighteen months after the Collapse of 2027, the former United States is divided. On one side is the evil and tyrannical Unified American Empire, controlled by President Simon Sterling, the man responsible for the death of the last legitimate president, Malcolm Powers.
On the other side, President Howard Beck controls the Pacific States of America, the last hope for democracy and freedom. The two adversaries become embroiled in a bitter game of deception, betrayal, and espionage while battling an even more imposing menace that could easily destroy the very nation they are both desperately fighting to control.
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253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2013
125 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Richard Stephenson
18 books834 followersRichard Stephenson was born in 1975 in Denison, TX and spent his childhood in North Texas. In 1992, he graduated high school after only three years. He then pursued his degree at Oklahoma Christian University, once again accomplishing the task in three years. Richard then married his best friend before going off to basic training to be a military policeman with the US Army. With his new wife joining the adventure, they spent the next four years at Fort Polk, LA and had two children.
Richard currently lives in Southeast Texas with his family where he is working something very top secret.
Why haven't I published anything in four years?
Well, stay tuned!
Richard currently lives in Southeast Texas with his family where he is working something very top secret.
Why haven't I published anything in four years?
Well, stay tuned!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 1, 2013
After reading book one in the series I was looking forward to book two and it's fantastic! Taken straight back into the story and wonderful characters (good or bad), I really didn't want to put it down.
I don't give spoilers, so it's not easy to say too much, however, this second book is full of mystery, intrigue, backstabbing, secrets - to mention just a little - and pulled me along at a fast pace.
It's very well written (who cares about the typos?) and tells a very important tale about the human condition and what happens when the world changes.
The only problem is waiting for book three, but I know I'll be buying it as soon as it's available.
Highly recommended - one of those 10 star books, at least!
I don't give spoilers, so it's not easy to say too much, however, this second book is full of mystery, intrigue, backstabbing, secrets - to mention just a little - and pulled me along at a fast pace.
It's very well written (who cares about the typos?) and tells a very important tale about the human condition and what happens when the world changes.
The only problem is waiting for book three, but I know I'll be buying it as soon as it's available.
Highly recommended - one of those 10 star books, at least!
August 30, 2013
What happened, Mr. Stephenson? Get tired of writing?
After the pretty good effort on the first book, Collapse, you dropped the ball in this sequel. In the first book, you told a story by leading the readers through it. About half way through this one, you apparently decided to stop taking us through the story and just decided to tell us what happened. This happened, then this happened, then this happened, etc. etc. etc. Pieces of the story that you told in two paragraphs would have been much better told in two pages. Where did the details go? Where did the characters' interaction go? A real disappointment. I doubt I will buy the third book.
After the pretty good effort on the first book, Collapse, you dropped the ball in this sequel. In the first book, you told a story by leading the readers through it. About half way through this one, you apparently decided to stop taking us through the story and just decided to tell us what happened. This happened, then this happened, then this happened, etc. etc. etc. Pieces of the story that you told in two paragraphs would have been much better told in two pages. Where did the details go? Where did the characters' interaction go? A real disappointment. I doubt I will buy the third book.
July 27, 2025
I liked this book as much as the first one. Again, lots of action going on. Many of the same characters from Collapse, some of whom are honest, hardworking, and likable and some who are like a lot like US politicians currently in office. A war breaks out in this one, which could lead to a couple more wars in the future. America has become a third world country – civil rights are ignored, and slavery is once again rampant. I’m hoping America will once more become united in the final book.
August 1, 2017
Volume Two of the Post-Apocalyptic Trilogy: Good as the first
So often, authors lose sight of their gift with second volumes of trilogies. Thankfully, this is NOT true of this trilogy.
As we open, the evil vice-president Sterling has gained nominal control of the US, albeit much of it is in an ungovernable state of anarchy. The only organized resistance comes from the Rocky Mountain fortress established by the world's richest (and smartest) man, Howard Beck, and his artificial intelligence computer, Hal. As Iran presses in from the east, and China sits on the sidelines in the west, a mysterious assassin roams the country, kidnapping the families of people in key positions, forcing them to do his destructive bidding (after which, being evil of course, he kills their families anyway).
Most of the key characters from volume one (Richard, the ex-SEAL turned high security prisoner, turned escapee; Max, the small town Sheriff; and others join the resistance.
The reader is left desperate to find out the results of each episode in battles of increasing scope and intensity, as the good guys and bad guys get shuffled, and forces realign, culminating in a battle for control of the US.
From the title, it is clear that the resistance wins, so this is not a spoiler. The fun is in how we get there.
Off to read volume three!
So often, authors lose sight of their gift with second volumes of trilogies. Thankfully, this is NOT true of this trilogy.
As we open, the evil vice-president Sterling has gained nominal control of the US, albeit much of it is in an ungovernable state of anarchy. The only organized resistance comes from the Rocky Mountain fortress established by the world's richest (and smartest) man, Howard Beck, and his artificial intelligence computer, Hal. As Iran presses in from the east, and China sits on the sidelines in the west, a mysterious assassin roams the country, kidnapping the families of people in key positions, forcing them to do his destructive bidding (after which, being evil of course, he kills their families anyway).
Most of the key characters from volume one (Richard, the ex-SEAL turned high security prisoner, turned escapee; Max, the small town Sheriff; and others join the resistance.
The reader is left desperate to find out the results of each episode in battles of increasing scope and intensity, as the good guys and bad guys get shuffled, and forces realign, culminating in a battle for control of the US.
From the title, it is clear that the resistance wins, so this is not a spoiler. The fun is in how we get there.
Off to read volume three!
September 19, 2017
Before you pick this book up to read, please make sure you have read the first book in the series, Collapse (New America-Book One), or this one really won't make much sense.
The author picks up about a year and a half from the conclusion of book one, with the war between the two USA factions heating up and the atrocities by the legacy USA government escalating beyond the belief of most Americans. As usual with the first book in the series, the action scenes are very detailed and engrossing and you will find your pulse racing from time to time as the author can really suck you into the story and make you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I'm fairly confident you will enjoy this one, also.
I will say the last third of the book went a little fast, almost as if there was a concentrated effort to hurry up and conclude this second installment of the series and, without having a spoiler, the conclusion just hitting you hard without a buildup. However, the stage is set for a third installment of the series which I am sure most of you will be waiting for as soon as you finish this one.
If you like a good thriller, start with book one before this one and you'll be sure to enjoy the series.
The author picks up about a year and a half from the conclusion of book one, with the war between the two USA factions heating up and the atrocities by the legacy USA government escalating beyond the belief of most Americans. As usual with the first book in the series, the action scenes are very detailed and engrossing and you will find your pulse racing from time to time as the author can really suck you into the story and make you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I'm fairly confident you will enjoy this one, also.
I will say the last third of the book went a little fast, almost as if there was a concentrated effort to hurry up and conclude this second installment of the series and, without having a spoiler, the conclusion just hitting you hard without a buildup. However, the stage is set for a third installment of the series which I am sure most of you will be waiting for as soon as you finish this one.
If you like a good thriller, start with book one before this one and you'll be sure to enjoy the series.
July 19, 2018
This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading "Collapse" first so that you get the full background not only on the characters but the world around them.
I really enjoyed this book and it connects well with the first book. The characters have to face mounting odds and as long as they work together looks bright...until it isn't because of the twists and turns that happen along the way.
If you enjoy Post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction with a bit of a political bent to it and don't mind violence as well as adult language and situations then this may be the series for you.
I really enjoyed this book and it connects well with the first book. The characters have to face mounting odds and as long as they work together looks bright...until it isn't because of the twists and turns that happen along the way.
If you enjoy Post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction with a bit of a political bent to it and don't mind violence as well as adult language and situations then this may be the series for you.
February 10, 2019
An engrossing series
In this story, the “former” USA has suffered catastrophic damage from natural disasters and an internal political takeover after the death/assignation of the president - resulting in a dictatorship. Some powerful citizens band together and the US is now two countries. One modeled after the former USA democracy, one a dictatorship. Betrayals, lawlessness, war, and espionage result. A great cast of characters with heart, and grit. Really good!
In this story, the “former” USA has suffered catastrophic damage from natural disasters and an internal political takeover after the death/assignation of the president - resulting in a dictatorship. Some powerful citizens band together and the US is now two countries. One modeled after the former USA democracy, one a dictatorship. Betrayals, lawlessness, war, and espionage result. A great cast of characters with heart, and grit. Really good!
February 10, 2021
Mixed emotions
I struggled with the rating of these two books. While the main story was awesome there was a bit of information I felt was unnecessary, especially in book one. I found myself skimming sections, trying to get back to the story. I settled on 4 stars because the characters were so real, and their roles and connections were brilliantly portrayed.
I struggled with the rating of these two books. While the main story was awesome there was a bit of information I felt was unnecessary, especially in book one. I found myself skimming sections, trying to get back to the story. I settled on 4 stars because the characters were so real, and their roles and connections were brilliantly portrayed.
March 5, 2018
Good premise and plot twists. These books are easy reads and the content makes them hard to put down.
These books are easy reads and the content makes them hard to put down. The A. I. theme makes me want one.
These books are easy reads and the content makes them hard to put down. The A. I. theme makes me want one.
April 5, 2019
I didn't find this to be as compelling of a book as # 1 in the series. The plot seemed a little more disjointed and the characters seemed a little flatter. Still worth a read.
February 8, 2023
Treason galore
Many different storylines keeps you reading.
But when there are technical difficulties, it is difficult to discern what is really happening.
Many different storylines keeps you reading.
But when there are technical difficulties, it is difficult to discern what is really happening.
November 19, 2013
In Collapse, Richard Stephenson builds a dystopic world that is all too realistic. In the sequel, Resistance, he goes even further to illustrate this terrifyingly realistic future.
Taking place 18 months after Book 1 the former United States is divided, controlled on one side by President Stirling, the backstabbing President killer. On the other you have Howard Beck the leader with Asperger's syndrome.
Like a painter with a high attention to detail, Stephenson spells out the events following Book 1 in great detail. And this is exactly why I have become a fan of his. Unlike other post-apocalyptic or dystopian stories, Stephenson has the talent to integrate little gems into his books. Political assassinations, coup attempts and high tech battles being just a few. He writes with a level of wisdom that makes me believe he is a seasoned author, but it turns out this is only his second book.
The 5 star rating isn't just for Stephenson's attention to detail or ability to write a well paced action filled page turner. It's the vibrant and deep characters he creates. Since book one I have been a fan of Howard Beck. I've known several people with Aspergers syndrome and it's clear Stephenson has done his research when building this character.
Looking forward to Stephenson's future works.
Taking place 18 months after Book 1 the former United States is divided, controlled on one side by President Stirling, the backstabbing President killer. On the other you have Howard Beck the leader with Asperger's syndrome.
Like a painter with a high attention to detail, Stephenson spells out the events following Book 1 in great detail. And this is exactly why I have become a fan of his. Unlike other post-apocalyptic or dystopian stories, Stephenson has the talent to integrate little gems into his books. Political assassinations, coup attempts and high tech battles being just a few. He writes with a level of wisdom that makes me believe he is a seasoned author, but it turns out this is only his second book.
The 5 star rating isn't just for Stephenson's attention to detail or ability to write a well paced action filled page turner. It's the vibrant and deep characters he creates. Since book one I have been a fan of Howard Beck. I've known several people with Aspergers syndrome and it's clear Stephenson has done his research when building this character.
Looking forward to Stephenson's future works.
September 8, 2015
Once more Richard Stephenson wrote an interesting, fun, enjoyable book to read as excellent as his first one Collapse. About 18 months after the Collapse of 2027, the former United States is divided. On one side is the evil and tyrannical Unified American Empire (UAE), controlled by President Simon Sterling, the man responsible for the death of the last legitimate president, Malcolm Powers. On the other side, President Howard Beck controls the Pacific States of America (PSA), the last hope for democracy and freedom. A fast paced novel with intrigue, twists, action, and of course, it leaves you craving for more which can be found on his third installment titled Redemption. Even if you have not read the first book, you can still read Resistance and get a good idea of what took place in Collapse since the author covers key events on this one to refresh our minds of what transpired in the first book. Definitely recommended and if you enjoyed Collapse then Resistance will not disappoint at all.
August 10, 2016
This was the second book of the series. I downloaded this as a freebie to my Kindle. I had already downloaded and read the first book, Collapse, by Richard Stephensen. I really liked the first book and thought I would read the second. I was not disappointed.
Resistance picks up where the first ended. The US has fallen on some hard times and two groups are struggling for control of what remains. When other threats appear on the horizon will these groups come together to defend what's left of the good ol' USA or will the infighting and deceit lead to her ultimate destruction?
Read this book if you like apocalyptic stories - although I would recommend reading the books in order and start with the first one,Collapse.
I believe there is a third book in the works and is due out in 2014. I look forward to reading it.
Resistance picks up where the first ended. The US has fallen on some hard times and two groups are struggling for control of what remains. When other threats appear on the horizon will these groups come together to defend what's left of the good ol' USA or will the infighting and deceit lead to her ultimate destruction?
Read this book if you like apocalyptic stories - although I would recommend reading the books in order and start with the first one,Collapse.
I believe there is a third book in the works and is due out in 2014. I look forward to reading it.
July 11, 2015
Very interesting continuation of the series. The U.S. was split between east and west of the Rocky Mountains. East was a disaster area sent back to the Iron Age by the EMP detonated by the Empire of Iran. West was controlled by the ever present maniac who had visions of taking over the entire country once reparations were made to the east. The Chinese, who also got into the act, had other plans for us. They saw the opportunity to invade the east U.S. and began their own attack against us. The character that stole the show was HAL; the artificial intelligence created by Howard (Hughes?) the richest man in the world. Lots going on, compelling and very well written. Redemption is the third book in the series and I'm looking forward to listening to it.
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February 11, 2014Loved it!
I just don't know why anyone wouldn't like this second book in the series but DO read the first book, COLLAPSE, before you read this one. You have to learn the background on the characters so you understand what's going on....and there's lots going on! I had a terrible time putting it down! I can hardly wait for the next in the series to come out. To try to tell you what it's about would do the characters and the book a disservice. However, Navy SEAL meets Mayberry Andrew richest man in the world at Law and Order with Star Wars at Area 51. Yep, gotta read Collapse before Resistance!!
I just don't know why anyone wouldn't like this second book in the series but DO read the first book, COLLAPSE, before you read this one. You have to learn the background on the characters so you understand what's going on....and there's lots going on! I had a terrible time putting it down! I can hardly wait for the next in the series to come out. To try to tell you what it's about would do the characters and the book a disservice. However, Navy SEAL meets Mayberry Andrew richest man in the world at Law and Order with Star Wars at Area 51. Yep, gotta read Collapse before Resistance!!
February 9, 2014
I enjoyed the book although some of the situations are a little far out, however, it is set well into the future so who knows. Personal Computers were a "far out" idea a little over 40 years ago. This book is a continuation of a series and keeps up the intensity of "Collapse." If you like science fiction mixed in with a wartime thriller then this is the book for you. I found it to be an enjoyable next step in this story and quite frankly, I wish the next book was out now. It is promised in the summer of 2014. I am ready to read it now!
March 27, 2015
A good second book. It contains narration on the macro level and some on the itty-bitty level. On the strategic level, we understand the countries who want to do harm to the two major fragments of the USA. BTW, where's Canada and Mexico in this. One could assume hegemonic tendencies there, too...but, nope! At the tactical level, the slavery thing was well played. The person who narrated Howard did not make me feel that he was in charge...his voice was irritating. Finally, the end was truly and end, with an epilogue. Makes me want to read/listen to the third novel in the series.
February 26, 2014
I read this book right after I finished the first book in the series.
This book held my interest, but I don't think it was as good as the first one. The saga continues as people of the US figure out who is an ally and who is not.
I am hoping that once the third book is released, I will still care about what happens. (One of the reasons I don't read series/trilogy, whichever the author calls these.)
This book held my interest, but I don't think it was as good as the first one. The saga continues as people of the US figure out who is an ally and who is not.
I am hoping that once the third book is released, I will still care about what happens. (One of the reasons I don't read series/trilogy, whichever the author calls these.)
August 5, 2013
This was a good sequel to Collapse. Eighteen months after the Collapse of 2027, the former United States is divided. On one side is the tyrannical Unified American Empire, controlled by President Stirling, the man responsible for the death of the last legitimate president. On the other side, is Howard Beck, the last hope for democracy and freedom. Can't wait for book #3.
October 22, 2013
Good follow up to collapse. Realistic story line with plenty of twists. Unfortunately there wasn't much more character development then in the first book. Further development and introductions of new characters following parallel to the plot to be connected later in the series would have enhanced this story. Still, one of the best limited release series out there.
October 30, 2013
Great followup. I eagerly await the third installment next year.
My only complains is that I can't read it now.
I want to see what happens to the PSA.
What about the Chinese?
How will Iran figure into all of this?
What about HAL???
I tore through this book in a few days and wish there was more to read.
My only complains is that I can't read it now.
I want to see what happens to the PSA.
What about the Chinese?
How will Iran figure into all of this?
What about HAL???
I tore through this book in a few days and wish there was more to read.
September 7, 2016
Wonderful follow up to Collapse. Following the brillance of Howard and the fun of Hal while villians get dealt with is rousing fun. Plenty of action and the characters are all well developed.
I won't give away the spoiler that kept it from being a full five stars, but it is not the writing, just a personal preference.
I'll be watching Richard and reading more of his works.
I won't give away the spoiler that kept it from being a full five stars, but it is not the writing, just a personal preference.
I'll be watching Richard and reading more of his works.
February 9, 2015
I'm going to say that Richard Stephenson's newest book in the New America series was a bit of a tough read. It didn't flow as easily as the first one did in my opinion and I felt it was a bit hurried.
Over all though, a decent read and it'll be interesting to see what happens in book 3
Over all though, a decent read and it'll be interesting to see what happens in book 3
September 24, 2013
This book took me a lot longer to finish than the first book, for some reason I just couldn't get into it as much. The story-line didn't feel as engaging to me as before, and I am bummed that I have to wait for the 3rd book to figure out how this all turns out!
August 22, 2013
i found this to be a lot slower than the first book in the series. I had a hard time finishing it. more than likely if the series continues, i will stop here. It wasnt a bad book, it just didnt compel me to read it.
December 8, 2013
Wow! Finished reading this last night and really enjoyed it. Lots of action and plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.I did shed a few tears at the death of one character. Looking forward to when the next book in the series is released. Definitely a series that I would read again.
December 19, 2013
a good followup. not too much rehashing of what happened in #1. a lot of viewpoint switching which is fine, but sometimes it took me too long to figure out who i was following. would have liked to find out who the "polite man" really was.
June 1, 2014
This was great. I read it in three days and then followed it up with After Days by Scott Medbury. Both great in their own way and just the way I like it, fast paced with well written characters and plot. Give both a go!
January 14, 2015
Great follow-up.
This is a great follow-up to book 1. You definitely want to read book 1 or you will miss some of the interaction between some of the group's.
Max and Marshall are great characters. I can't wait to read more about Marshall next spring.
This is a great follow-up to book 1. You definitely want to read book 1 or you will miss some of the interaction between some of the group's.
Max and Marshall are great characters. I can't wait to read more about Marshall next spring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews