What do you think?
Rate this book
Matt Sheridan Series
Standing Ground: A Matt Sheridan Novel - Book Three
Follow Matt Sheridan in Book Three of the acclaimed series by Robert Cole.
The world is decimated after Islamic terrorists unleash a combined nuclear and biological attack on the United States. Barbaric acts of violence and forced slavery forced him to flee his home, and now rogue elements of what remains of the federal government have chased him from his country. Follow the seasoned Army Ranger and his extended family as they land ashore in Ireland and attempt to make the Emerald Isle their safe haven. Prepare yourself for action, intrigue and hours of lost sleep scrambling to see what happens next to the Sheridan family. 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.
The world is decimated after Islamic terrorists unleash a combined nuclear and biological attack on the United States. Barbaric acts of violence and forced slavery forced him to flee his home, and now rogue elements of what remains of the federal government have chased him from his country. Follow the seasoned Army Ranger and his extended family as they land ashore in Ireland and attempt to make the Emerald Isle their safe haven. Prepare yourself for action, intrigue and hours of lost sleep scrambling to see what happens next to the Sheridan family. 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.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2023
285 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cole
5 books43 followersRobert 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 22, 2024
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but I found myself wondering why they settled on Ireland. It didn’t make much sense to me. The descriptions of Ireland’s landscapes are vivid and beautiful, but the story is slow and meandering until the last quarter.
This is not a standalone, you must read this series in order.
The world has been devastated by a catastrophic attack involving nuclear and biological weapons. Matt and his extended family must find a way to survive not only the elements, but fractured governments, and rogue agents.
Survivalist fiction
Post apocalyptic
Military thriller
Ott bad guys
*Major irritation. I know it is typical in many post-apocalyptic, survivalist stories, but I am extremely exhausted of women being raped and murdered to move the plot along and motivate the hero. This was also done in the last book, and reading it again in this one was grating.
This is not a standalone, you must read this series in order.
The world has been devastated by a catastrophic attack involving nuclear and biological weapons. Matt and his extended family must find a way to survive not only the elements, but fractured governments, and rogue agents.
Survivalist fiction
Post apocalyptic
Military thriller
Ott bad guys
*Major irritation. I know it is typical in many post-apocalyptic, survivalist stories, but I am extremely exhausted of women being raped and murdered to move the plot along and motivate the hero. This was also done in the last book, and reading it again in this one was grating.
June 20, 2024
I’d read the first book but hadn’t read the next 3 that were on KU so I decided to reread, the first wasn’t too bad but I really struggled to get through books 2 & 3, the story line was ok but the drawn out descriptions drained the life out of me! After finishing this book I’ve decided I don’t have it in me to read the next
November 24, 2023
I'm so glad I kept reading! Looking forward to book 4!
Standing Ground, A Matt Sheridan Novel Book Three, is the third of three currently available in this series. It is a series that should be read in order. These are not standalones.
I really enjoyed this book. I like the way they continuously focus on family, community and the future. I really appreciate the way the author is constantly bringing people together.
Book three was my favorite so far and I really hope book four is available soon!
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 will continue this series. I would recommend it to adults only. There is a mild amount of cursing which includes the bigger words. There is no intimacy or explicit scenes. There is violence and references to intimate violence, including brief descriptions of scenes (not acts) when rescuers arrive.
Standing Ground, A Matt Sheridan Novel Book Three, is the third of three currently available in this series. It is a series that should be read in order. These are not standalones.
I really enjoyed this book. I like the way they continuously focus on family, community and the future. I really appreciate the way the author is constantly bringing people together.
Book three was my favorite so far and I really hope book four is available soon!
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 will continue this series. I would recommend it to adults only. There is a mild amount of cursing which includes the bigger words. There is no intimacy or explicit scenes. There is violence and references to intimate violence, including brief descriptions of scenes (not acts) when rescuers arrive.
January 11, 2024
A very good read.
I loved this book. Following the main character Matt and his family, which keeps on growing, is a page-turner. Everywhere he goes there is usually serious trouble and this book is no different. I like Matt but I'm indifferent to the others and that's because everything is concentrated around him. It's a really easy read and there's so much going on that it carries me through the book. I've downloaded number 4 Bounding Overwatch.
I loved this book. Following the main character Matt and his family, which keeps on growing, is a page-turner. Everywhere he goes there is usually serious trouble and this book is no different. I like Matt but I'm indifferent to the others and that's because everything is concentrated around him. It's a really easy read and there's so much going on that it carries me through the book. I've downloaded number 4 Bounding Overwatch.
December 18, 2023
This is a solid story…
This is the 3rd in the series (and the first time I’ve read three in a row of anything in years if that tells you anything) and there is clearly going to be a 4th based on the ending I just read. And that’s ok. This group of apocalypse survivors are a group you’d want to be with — lead by a guy who seems to know it all (in a good way) and who considers anyone joining the group “family” and he means it.
However, I warn you by book number three, I had completely lost track of who quite a few of the characters were, because there are a LOT.
Typically, there is a lot of descriptions of guns and ammo — that’s just part of the genre. But Mr. Cole also insists on giving turn by turn, town by town descriptions of where the folks are driving. He is seemingly quite precise. Since this book largely takes place in Ireland, I suggest you do yourself a favor and call up Kinsale, Ireland and Cork Harbor on Google earth so you can nominally follow along. No, really, I’m serious. And as a personal note to Mr. Cole: there were quite a few more grammar/spelling errors in this book compared to the previous two (though neither of them were flawless). LMK if you find you need a proofreader.
Respectfully,
This is the 3rd in the series (and the first time I’ve read three in a row of anything in years if that tells you anything) and there is clearly going to be a 4th based on the ending I just read. And that’s ok. This group of apocalypse survivors are a group you’d want to be with — lead by a guy who seems to know it all (in a good way) and who considers anyone joining the group “family” and he means it.
However, I warn you by book number three, I had completely lost track of who quite a few of the characters were, because there are a LOT.
Typically, there is a lot of descriptions of guns and ammo — that’s just part of the genre. But Mr. Cole also insists on giving turn by turn, town by town descriptions of where the folks are driving. He is seemingly quite precise. Since this book largely takes place in Ireland, I suggest you do yourself a favor and call up Kinsale, Ireland and Cork Harbor on Google earth so you can nominally follow along. No, really, I’m serious. And as a personal note to Mr. Cole: there were quite a few more grammar/spelling errors in this book compared to the previous two (though neither of them were flawless). LMK if you find you need a proofreader.
Respectfully,
October 28, 2023
The Best of the Best
I loved these three books....what? No 4th? The President's call would surely have Matt determined to right more wrongs. I think a fourth story would be very exciting! Your characters were so well thought out and so close to being real. I have so many ex military and military friends and being an Army brat myself, I could easily place faces to characters. While not everyone could probably do that, your books, these stories captured my imagination and my love of all things military! Thank you so much. I hope never to see anything like your stories happen although I have to say, I am very disappointed with the US right now and just feel like some things may be possible. Fantastic job!
Lee Curnow
I loved these three books....what? No 4th? The President's call would surely have Matt determined to right more wrongs. I think a fourth story would be very exciting! Your characters were so well thought out and so close to being real. I have so many ex military and military friends and being an Army brat myself, I could easily place faces to characters. While not everyone could probably do that, your books, these stories captured my imagination and my love of all things military! Thank you so much. I hope never to see anything like your stories happen although I have to say, I am very disappointed with the US right now and just feel like some things may be possible. Fantastic job!
Lee Curnow
August 9, 2024
Post-apocalypse #3. With most of the world's population gone from smallpox and the U.S. descending into a violent civil war, Matt Sheridan and his growing group of family and friends commandeer a yacht and head for Ireland. Everything is much more peaceful there until they discover there are three Russian submarines docked in Belfast.
The first part of the book is more of an adventure than a thriller, as they encounter the few Irish survivors and begin to build a small community in the coastal town of Kinsale. In the second half, they have to deal with a lot more conflict. Both are very interesting. I've really enjoyed this series.
The first part of the book is more of an adventure than a thriller, as they encounter the few Irish survivors and begin to build a small community in the coastal town of Kinsale. In the second half, they have to deal with a lot more conflict. Both are very interesting. I've really enjoyed this series.
December 11, 2023
good storytelling, weak on details.
Vaccination and inoculation are not the same thing.
Cracked ribs are broken ribs. A better term is fractured. The differentiation is non-displaced vs displaced fractures.
You “flesh out” a plan you’re going with, you don’t “flush” it out.
Mongooses are not impervious to snake venom, they’re just fast enough to often not get bit.
Sometimes the wrong character talks or is referred to.
An occasional reminder of who all the characters are would be helpful.
Vaccination and inoculation are not the same thing.
Cracked ribs are broken ribs. A better term is fractured. The differentiation is non-displaced vs displaced fractures.
You “flesh out” a plan you’re going with, you don’t “flush” it out.
Mongooses are not impervious to snake venom, they’re just fast enough to often not get bit.
Sometimes the wrong character talks or is referred to.
An occasional reminder of who all the characters are would be helpful.
October 26, 2023
SIMPLY AMAZING SERIES
I can’t get enough of this series…I don’t know enough about AI to make a determination on the plausibility of the intel and level of detail provided by the AI program nor the plausibility of the deductions made by the characters from that intel but I’m perfectly ok with suspending reality and simply enjoying the story. This is a great spin on the same ole TEOTWAWKI
I can’t get enough of this series…I don’t know enough about AI to make a determination on the plausibility of the intel and level of detail provided by the AI program nor the plausibility of the deductions made by the characters from that intel but I’m perfectly ok with suspending reality and simply enjoying the story. This is a great spin on the same ole TEOTWAWKI
February 23, 2024
Loving this series!
This is incorrect:
"Cork Harbor is the second largest natural harbor in the world, second only to Sydney, Australia."
Boston Bay is a larger natural harbour than Sydney Harbour and is where Port Lincoln is located. They nearly settled there back in the early 1800's but chose where the city of Adelaide was based in the Torrens River, thinking it would give more water.
This is incorrect:
"Cork Harbor is the second largest natural harbor in the world, second only to Sydney, Australia."
Boston Bay is a larger natural harbour than Sydney Harbour and is where Port Lincoln is located. They nearly settled there back in the early 1800's but chose where the city of Adelaide was based in the Torrens River, thinking it would give more water.
March 10, 2024
Standing Ground delivers the goods .
Standing Ground delivers the good . After reading the first two books in the series , I couldn’t wait to read Standing Ground . I especially liked the imagery of Southern Ireland . I have been fortunate to have visited Kinsale , Crosshaven and Cork many times . This made the book even more interesting to me . All three of these books are very well written and easy to read . I can’t wait to start the next in the series .
Standing Ground delivers the good . After reading the first two books in the series , I couldn’t wait to read Standing Ground . I especially liked the imagery of Southern Ireland . I have been fortunate to have visited Kinsale , Crosshaven and Cork many times . This made the book even more interesting to me . All three of these books are very well written and easy to read . I can’t wait to start the next in the series .
May 1, 2024
So fun
Such a great read! I can’t wait to read the final book in this series. So much fun and a great form of escapism! It was great recognizing my home town of Cork while reading this book. Definitely recommend this series. It’s different from all the rest of the post apocalyptic books I’ve read. This series is centered on one man and his family. Not the usual bad guy psychopaths.
Such a great read! I can’t wait to read the final book in this series. So much fun and a great form of escapism! It was great recognizing my home town of Cork while reading this book. Definitely recommend this series. It’s different from all the rest of the post apocalyptic books I’ve read. This series is centered on one man and his family. Not the usual bad guy psychopaths.
October 16, 2023
Wow! Amazing storytelling
Matt Sheridan is a truly complex character. As the main person he shows immense calm and understanding of human behaviour but put his extended family in danger and Boom. In this book there is some exciting moments and adrenaline raising battles. The cliffhanger is huge!! At the end I truly was exhausted!
Matt Sheridan is a truly complex character. As the main person he shows immense calm and understanding of human behaviour but put his extended family in danger and Boom. In this book there is some exciting moments and adrenaline raising battles. The cliffhanger is huge!! At the end I truly was exhausted!
November 13, 2023
Credible story
I liked the storyline but it wasn’t as good as it should have been. The Russians could have been forced to abandon their submarines. Thus providing the group with a better power source utilizing the subs reactors. Just as a Monday morning writer. Still it was quite entertaining!
I liked the storyline but it wasn’t as good as it should have been. The Russians could have been forced to abandon their submarines. Thus providing the group with a better power source utilizing the subs reactors. Just as a Monday morning writer. Still it was quite entertaining!
January 10, 2024
A little unbelievable, but good escapism!
Author has an anti gun bias. He makes Ireland a sheep filled Utopia, yet has an all knowing
Independent man of action to protect the family utilizing any violence necessary.
His protagonist character is indeed all knowing! Hubris abounds, but still a good read and I was absorbed and think it worth a read!
Author has an anti gun bias. He makes Ireland a sheep filled Utopia, yet has an all knowing
Independent man of action to protect the family utilizing any violence necessary.
His protagonist character is indeed all knowing! Hubris abounds, but still a good read and I was absorbed and think it worth a read!
January 10, 2024
Non-stop action
The story remains intriguing through book 3. Ready to move on to
number 4. Still some frustration at lack of proofreading! Had to reread several areas due character mix ups. Frustrating. Still much unnecessary vulgar language that lends absolutely nothing to the story.
The story remains intriguing through book 3. Ready to move on to
number 4. Still some frustration at lack of proofreading! Had to reread several areas due character mix ups. Frustrating. Still much unnecessary vulgar language that lends absolutely nothing to the story.
September 4, 2024
can’t stop reading , I’m hooked.
Really a great story line, well written and very well researched. This the second one of the series and I am looking forward to getting into the next book. ITT has a way keeping focused and wondering about our own future should this actually happen.
Really a great story line, well written and very well researched. This the second one of the series and I am looking forward to getting into the next book. ITT has a way keeping focused and wondering about our own future should this actually happen.
September 13, 2024
Run for the high ground....
But be prepared always to have to run again! Even as one set of enemies are defanged, another arises no matter what continent you flee to. As the group attempts to return life to a more rational peaceful pace, evil continues to stalk them across the ocean from the very country they once called their own and fought to protect and preserve....
But be prepared always to have to run again! Even as one set of enemies are defanged, another arises no matter what continent you flee to. As the group attempts to return life to a more rational peaceful pace, evil continues to stalk them across the ocean from the very country they once called their own and fought to protect and preserve....
October 22, 2024
Amazing good read
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books. I like the pace of the story as it never bogs down. Family is the all important theme & it is kept front and center for each challenge that is presented.
Can't wait to read the final book #4. They have all been amazing.
Judy
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books. I like the pace of the story as it never bogs down. Family is the all important theme & it is kept front and center for each challenge that is presented.
Can't wait to read the final book #4. They have all been amazing.
Judy
July 19, 2025
Slow start is deceptive
The large cast makes slow going but when it matters, the action hits high gear. Quoting bad movies doesn’t help either, nonetheless, the author manages to explain complex strategies without maps or diagrams. Despite these criticisms, this novel leaves me wanting more.
The large cast makes slow going but when it matters, the action hits high gear. Quoting bad movies doesn’t help either, nonetheless, the author manages to explain complex strategies without maps or diagrams. Despite these criticisms, this novel leaves me wanting more.
December 9, 2025
Excellent!
I really enjoyed reading this novel "Standing Ground" and the two novels that preceded it. Excellent writing! It was exciting and kept me engrossed in the story to the end. I am retired and love to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action, a good story and really good writing!
I really enjoyed reading this novel "Standing Ground" and the two novels that preceded it. Excellent writing! It was exciting and kept me engrossed in the story to the end. I am retired and love to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action, a good story and really good writing!
October 4, 2023
Riviting
Great series that makes one believe that something like this could really happen. The characters are very likeable and the kind of people you would like to be associated with if such a tragedy were to occur.
Great series that makes one believe that something like this could really happen. The characters are very likeable and the kind of people you would like to be associated with if such a tragedy were to occur.
October 7, 2023
Honest review. Seriously.
Let's start with the positive. The story that was told had a good start and Progressed well. The main characters were well written and relatable. If apocalyptic survival tickles your fancy, I recommend this series! Prove me wrong!
Let's start with the positive. The story that was told had a good start and Progressed well. The main characters were well written and relatable. If apocalyptic survival tickles your fancy, I recommend this series! Prove me wrong!
October 18, 2023
Thank you Robert for Another Great Read
Another great read by Robert Cole! Enjoyed the characters, setting and story. Thank you for another good read and I am looking forward to number 4.
Another great read by Robert Cole! Enjoyed the characters, setting and story. Thank you for another good read and I am looking forward to number 4.
October 20, 2023
Action, drama, great characters lead to great read.
I really enjoy the way Matt's focus remains on keeping his extended family safe and the lengths to which he is willing to go to do so. Bring on number four!
I really enjoy the way Matt's focus remains on keeping his extended family safe and the lengths to which he is willing to go to do so. Bring on number four!
October 22, 2023
A Different Slant on Dystopian Novels
Wow. What a great story. However I can’t help wondering how the protagonists would have survived without access to modern military weapons and the military bases with the ammunition and heavier ordnance. Never mind, artillery a good story.
Wow. What a great story. However I can’t help wondering how the protagonists would have survived without access to modern military weapons and the military bases with the ammunition and heavier ordnance. Never mind, artillery a good story.
November 15, 2023
Can't miss this one!
The latest from Robert Cole is a real barn burner. He has put together a super succession to his previous novels that leaves you wanting more. Hopefully he will deliver another Matt Sheridan novel that will meet or exceed his others.
The latest from Robert Cole is a real barn burner. He has put together a super succession to his previous novels that leaves you wanting more. Hopefully he will deliver another Matt Sheridan novel that will meet or exceed his others.
December 9, 2023
A series that is time well spent readu
I highly enjoyed a different after the event series. The characters, plots and background are well written and described and I encourage everyone who likes this genre to read them.
I highly enjoyed a different after the event series. The characters, plots and background are well written and described and I encourage everyone who likes this genre to read them.
January 14, 2024
Great book and read
This is the third book in a series and finishes the whole story. It keeps the reader on edge and you don't want to put the book down. This is a great book and story and highly encourage people to read all three books to understand the entire plot!
This is the third book in a series and finishes the whole story. It keeps the reader on edge and you don't want to put the book down. This is a great book and story and highly encourage people to read all three books to understand the entire plot!
February 14, 2024
Jh review Matt Sheridan #3
Gantastic book...the Scorpion and the Frog gantastic analogy. The Mongoose is a ferocious little beast and a killer of the most poisonous snakes including the King Cobra..I did not know about them being impervious to scorpions...bravo and RLTW.
Gantastic book...the Scorpion and the Frog gantastic analogy. The Mongoose is a ferocious little beast and a killer of the most poisonous snakes including the King Cobra..I did not know about them being impervious to scorpions...bravo and RLTW.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews