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Exploring Home: Book 12 of the Survivalist Series
Tension is rising for Morgan. With Fred ready to give birth and the revelation that Mary is also pregnant, spirits are high in the community. For Morgan, however, it’s just one more thing to worry about. His mom and dad are now settled in and getting to work, but the babies are coming, the milking barn needs to be built and the power plant kept running. To make matters worse, they’re now dealing with the US Army.
Morgan has real concerns once he hears about the Army’s plans and what they expect of the people of Lake County. After more than a year without the rule of law, are the people ready to return to it? Is he? Are men and women who have become accustomed to doing as they see fit ready to return to a civil contract society? Or something more closely resembling the decadence that only recently died?Morgan and his group have an immense arsenal at their disposal, but they lack manpower. A militia is needed and Morgan is already building one. Neither Sarge nor Morgan will let the Army throw its weight around. If the Army has tyrannical plans, the people of Lake County have the means to disagree. But they will need help. Sarge has an ambitious plan but will need Morgan to make it work.
Morgan has real concerns once he hears about the Army’s plans and what they expect of the people of Lake County. After more than a year without the rule of law, are the people ready to return to it? Is he? Are men and women who have become accustomed to doing as they see fit ready to return to a civil contract society? Or something more closely resembling the decadence that only recently died?Morgan and his group have an immense arsenal at their disposal, but they lack manpower. A militia is needed and Morgan is already building one. Neither Sarge nor Morgan will let the Army throw its weight around. If the Army has tyrannical plans, the people of Lake County have the means to disagree. But they will need help. Sarge has an ambitious plan but will need Morgan to make it work.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
193 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
A. American
24 books783 followersCHRIS WEATHERMAN, also known as ANGERY AMERICAN, is the author of twenty-two published works, including USA Today Best Sellers Forsaking Home and Resurrecting Home. His books include the Survivalist Series, a sensational hit that began with the first book in the series, Going Home, and has sold more than one million copies worldwide. Chris’ latest release, Engineering Home, was #1 on Amazon New Releases Charts in Dystopian Fiction and Dystopian Science Fiction at its debut. It was also #2 on the Amazon Best Seller Chart only behind George Orwell’s 1984 upon Engineering Home’s release.
Chris appeared in season one of History Channel’s Alone series. He has been involved in prepping for over thirty years and practices primitive skills as well as modern survival that focuses on being prepared with the proper equipment. He travels the country appearing at expos and prepper-focused events to meet with readers, sign books and occasionally speak. In addition to these events, his travels also allow him to meet and train with instructors and students all over the country on preparedness and homestead design covering everything from food production to security.
As a trade Chris worked in the power industry for nearly twenty years building power plants and performing line work for power companies. He worked his way up to be the commissioning and start-up supervisor for many of these projects and has a solid understanding of power generation and distribution.
Chris currently lives in Florida on the edge of the Ocala National Forest with his wife of twenty-six years and his thirteen year old daughter Little Bit.
Chris appeared in season one of History Channel’s Alone series. He has been involved in prepping for over thirty years and practices primitive skills as well as modern survival that focuses on being prepared with the proper equipment. He travels the country appearing at expos and prepper-focused events to meet with readers, sign books and occasionally speak. In addition to these events, his travels also allow him to meet and train with instructors and students all over the country on preparedness and homestead design covering everything from food production to security.
As a trade Chris worked in the power industry for nearly twenty years building power plants and performing line work for power companies. He worked his way up to be the commissioning and start-up supervisor for many of these projects and has a solid understanding of power generation and distribution.
Chris currently lives in Florida on the edge of the Ocala National Forest with his wife of twenty-six years and his thirteen year old daughter Little Bit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 28, 2023
Awesome book
I have followed this series from the start,and I've never been disappointed. The books are always full of excitement.,humor,and i i am also able to learn a thing or too..Mr weatherman is an amazing story teller one of the best..
I have followed this series from the start,and I've never been disappointed. The books are always full of excitement.,humor,and i i am also able to learn a thing or too..Mr weatherman is an amazing story teller one of the best..
January 20, 2024
The rebuilding continues. More groups of people are discovered. New challenges are being faced with no real plan in site.
Another leave you hanging at the end.
Another leave you hanging at the end.
November 22, 2023
Another Gosh Darn Cliffhanger!
Once again, a great addition to the Survivalist Series.
Once again, another dang cliffhanger ending!
There were some slower parts, to be expected when the world is starting to come back together.
I'm impatiently waiting for book 13!
Once again, a great addition to the Survivalist Series.
Once again, another dang cliffhanger ending!
There were some slower parts, to be expected when the world is starting to come back together.
I'm impatiently waiting for book 13!
November 26, 2023
Amazing
I along with others have waited patiently for this book to come out and I was not disappointed!
The whole group made me laugh I got Sarge time, As expected and amazing addition to the series. Please the next book soon.
I along with others have waited patiently for this book to come out and I was not disappointed!
The whole group made me laugh I got Sarge time, As expected and amazing addition to the series. Please the next book soon.
February 18, 2025
Nothing.. ever.. happens...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
Turning into a paramilitary series with some slow parts in between moments of sheer terror.
But I love it.
Regarding the series:
Having recently found this series. I confess that have only listened to the audiobooks, but, as a bonus to Chris Weatherman's content, Duke Fontaine gives voice and nuance to each character and makes them come alive. In Fontaine's interpretive voice, Sarge has become my Jiminy Cricket, moral guide, and Morgan my prepping guide, for my real life, at times.
SPOLIERS FOLLOW:
Hobbes and Locke:
Without social contract, Thomas Hobbes believed life would be "nasty, brutish, and short. With a 75% American die-off following the loss of all electronic life conveniences and necessities, Weatherman seems to affirm Hobbes opinion. It's downright scary and believable how quickly and fully American society can degenerate without electronics. In just one year, many people become feral and, some, join rouge power groups and tribes, while others turn brigand by preying, plundering, and terrorizing like Vikings attacking monasteries.
Morgan seems to have generated some of his own grudges with the rule of law as, he, himself, passes judgement and executes sentences for threats, both direct and indirect, to him or his family. Goldtooth seemed justified, while Peggy, his neighbor and neighborhood "Karen", was unarmed and no direct threat to him, at the time, but gets blasted with a 45 slug. Of course, Peggy being a beyond-nosy, busybody was not missed and I can't help but muse myself, think of South Park, and quip, "Oh, my God, they killed Karen." In all, Morgan seems to hold a higher moral standard than some of the less prepared and, consequently, more panicked neighbors, but he still wobbles with his own over-the-top, summary executions devoid of any semblance of due-process. I cannot say his moral waffling is unrealistic, just disturbing and, perhaps, made more so by being disturbing and familiar, if one is honest with one's self.
Offsetting Hobbes is John Locke, who argued that, in a state of nature, people would cooperate and, eventually, return to the social contract. Weatherman seems to affirm Locke's arguments, as well, as, eventually, people start to cooperate and trust, trading resources; giving aid, when able; and rebuilding the local community. Eventually, a crude, somewhat Draconian rule of law is established and a judge is appointed to pass judgement and sentences on "offenders." Some electrical power is back and, despite setback, after setback, the community starts to actually build back better, as opposed to hollow rhetoric that seemly pre-empts the destruction of America snd elevation of bureaucracy with the sing-song phrase "Build Back Better". The entire series makes it obvious that top-heavy, bloated bureaucracy does not have American's own interests at heart and actively seeks to restore the surviving citizens sense of dependency on Big Brother. #MakeOrwellFictionAgain Indeed, I must agree that the social contract begins at the local level, as Weatherman's characters do with, heretofore, defensive military help from the Department of Defense (DOD). Of course, DOD is, itself, a bloated bureaucracy and their help to rebuild comes with many price tags.
Now, just when I thought I was finishing the series, Weatherman drags me back in with a cliff-hanger leaving so many unanswered questions. Was the HIND a captured vehicle, piloted by friendlies? Does the HIND mean an even stronger presence by the Russians in Florida? I love how Sarge refers to them as "Commies." Okay, on the edge and need some continuance. So, standing by for Stumpknocker SITREP.
But I love it.
Regarding the series:
Having recently found this series. I confess that have only listened to the audiobooks, but, as a bonus to Chris Weatherman's content, Duke Fontaine gives voice and nuance to each character and makes them come alive. In Fontaine's interpretive voice, Sarge has become my Jiminy Cricket, moral guide, and Morgan my prepping guide, for my real life, at times.
SPOLIERS FOLLOW:
Hobbes and Locke:
Without social contract, Thomas Hobbes believed life would be "nasty, brutish, and short. With a 75% American die-off following the loss of all electronic life conveniences and necessities, Weatherman seems to affirm Hobbes opinion. It's downright scary and believable how quickly and fully American society can degenerate without electronics. In just one year, many people become feral and, some, join rouge power groups and tribes, while others turn brigand by preying, plundering, and terrorizing like Vikings attacking monasteries.
Morgan seems to have generated some of his own grudges with the rule of law as, he, himself, passes judgement and executes sentences for threats, both direct and indirect, to him or his family. Goldtooth seemed justified, while Peggy, his neighbor and neighborhood "Karen", was unarmed and no direct threat to him, at the time, but gets blasted with a 45 slug. Of course, Peggy being a beyond-nosy, busybody was not missed and I can't help but muse myself, think of South Park, and quip, "Oh, my God, they killed Karen." In all, Morgan seems to hold a higher moral standard than some of the less prepared and, consequently, more panicked neighbors, but he still wobbles with his own over-the-top, summary executions devoid of any semblance of due-process. I cannot say his moral waffling is unrealistic, just disturbing and, perhaps, made more so by being disturbing and familiar, if one is honest with one's self.
Offsetting Hobbes is John Locke, who argued that, in a state of nature, people would cooperate and, eventually, return to the social contract. Weatherman seems to affirm Locke's arguments, as well, as, eventually, people start to cooperate and trust, trading resources; giving aid, when able; and rebuilding the local community. Eventually, a crude, somewhat Draconian rule of law is established and a judge is appointed to pass judgement and sentences on "offenders." Some electrical power is back and, despite setback, after setback, the community starts to actually build back better, as opposed to hollow rhetoric that seemly pre-empts the destruction of America snd elevation of bureaucracy with the sing-song phrase "Build Back Better". The entire series makes it obvious that top-heavy, bloated bureaucracy does not have American's own interests at heart and actively seeks to restore the surviving citizens sense of dependency on Big Brother. #MakeOrwellFictionAgain Indeed, I must agree that the social contract begins at the local level, as Weatherman's characters do with, heretofore, defensive military help from the Department of Defense (DOD). Of course, DOD is, itself, a bloated bureaucracy and their help to rebuild comes with many price tags.
Now, just when I thought I was finishing the series, Weatherman drags me back in with a cliff-hanger leaving so many unanswered questions. Was the HIND a captured vehicle, piloted by friendlies? Does the HIND mean an even stronger presence by the Russians in Florida? I love how Sarge refers to them as "Commies." Okay, on the edge and need some continuance. So, standing by for Stumpknocker SITREP.
January 4, 2024
I finished “Exploring Home” by A. American (2023) today. Like all the books in this series, it’s a very fast read, taking me only a couple days. This is book 12 in the series and it picks up where the last one left off. The problem was that it had been a while since I read the last one and I’d forgotten exactly who some of the characters were; the cast of characters had grown steadily over the course of the many books in the series and while I remembered the main ones that had been there for a while, more recently added characters had slipped my mind. I guess I’ll have to reread the whole series right before the next book comes out to avoid this problem next time.
The plot has gotten to the point where the disaster is starting to taper off and order is getting restored in a more permanent way. This results in a slightly less action-packed story that I’d gotten used to in this series, but there was still some excitement woven in. Even the more sedate parts of the book were still well-written and interesting, though it focuses more on building than destroying, unlike earlier novels in the series.
Also, thankfully, A. American has hired a better editor! The last books in the series were fraught with errors of grammar and continuity, reducing the enjoyability of the books slightly. One of the errors from the last book, calling a Stryker MGS a “Bradley” gets acknowledged/poked fun at, with the main character, Morgan, getting chewed out by Sarge for making that same mistake. I detected no grammatical errors or confusing bits where it seemed like part of the story got left out, which I can’t say for the last book or two in the series.
Overall, this one was very enjoyable and it seems to be setting future novels in the series up to be pretty epic and exciting. Another great book in this series!
The plot has gotten to the point where the disaster is starting to taper off and order is getting restored in a more permanent way. This results in a slightly less action-packed story that I’d gotten used to in this series, but there was still some excitement woven in. Even the more sedate parts of the book were still well-written and interesting, though it focuses more on building than destroying, unlike earlier novels in the series.
Also, thankfully, A. American has hired a better editor! The last books in the series were fraught with errors of grammar and continuity, reducing the enjoyability of the books slightly. One of the errors from the last book, calling a Stryker MGS a “Bradley” gets acknowledged/poked fun at, with the main character, Morgan, getting chewed out by Sarge for making that same mistake. I detected no grammatical errors or confusing bits where it seemed like part of the story got left out, which I can’t say for the last book or two in the series.
Overall, this one was very enjoyable and it seems to be setting future novels in the series up to be pretty epic and exciting. Another great book in this series!
December 26, 2023
A. American does it again
This edition started expounding on the earlier books as far as future plans. Most book series mention future plans and hopes Exploring Home starts showing that it will not all be rosy days after a certain point. Going from local accomplishments to implementing them on state level would be a loftier task in my opinion and it's nice to see them wading into the issues instead of just glossing them over.
The issuing of call signs had Mclaughlin out loud and made my wife wonder and ask what was happening to make me respond in this way. I remember call signs being given in a similar way and how you teammates responded to the signs given. I love it!
Looking forward to next book.
This edition started expounding on the earlier books as far as future plans. Most book series mention future plans and hopes Exploring Home starts showing that it will not all be rosy days after a certain point. Going from local accomplishments to implementing them on state level would be a loftier task in my opinion and it's nice to see them wading into the issues instead of just glossing them over.
The issuing of call signs had Mclaughlin out loud and made my wife wonder and ask what was happening to make me respond in this way. I remember call signs being given in a similar way and how you teammates responded to the signs given. I love it!
Looking forward to next book.
April 16, 2024
This continues the series with a lot of "how we live" and some action. I have to note that the editing was much better in this one from book 11. It puzzles me that the military has "appointed" Morgan as acting governor, but makes no effort to go out to areas of the state and let anyone know. They are just going to let the Central Florida militia do all of the work? They also say that the states will have absolute autonomy and the feds will just defend the borders. That is not a feasible plan at all. How are you going to fund that and how can the feds do anything with no decision making power? I don't even believe that that state borders would stay the same with the amount of death and destruction that happened. Mel went from a whiny spouse that had not adjusted to the reality of the disaster to a Ramboesque fighter with a taste for killing. I think she needs an intervention. This ending is very abrupt though leads to a book 13 which I kind of hope is the last and ends well. The series (and the central characters) deserve a good ending.
December 13, 2023
I love this series
The author always !saves .e WA fjnb...
The author always leaves me wanting more.. His characters are just great...maybe a little more brave, tough, accomplished but who wants to read a post apocalypse story featuringa bunch of whimps. I like my hero's strong, but lovable. Can't wait for the next chapter. Did I mention I've read this series three times beginning to end. Think I'm nuts? OK. We all have to be something!
The author always !saves .e WA fjnb...
The author always leaves me wanting more.. His characters are just great...maybe a little more brave, tough, accomplished but who wants to read a post apocalypse story featuringa bunch of whimps. I like my hero's strong, but lovable. Can't wait for the next chapter. Did I mention I've read this series three times beginning to end. Think I'm nuts? OK. We all have to be something!
December 25, 2023
I discovered the first book in this series about a year ago. I plowed through all of the books and was so excited when this latest book got added. I really look forward to every book and discovering how the plot twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and was quite upset at how it abruptly ended. I really hope the author hurries up and gets the next book out so I can discover how the rest of the story is going to play out.
June 26, 2024
Boring and bad writing
Boring doesn't cover how bad this series has become. The author tried to fix an error in book 12 that he made in book 11....sorry not buying it. Sarge would have stated in book 11, I killed that mfr. Nice try. Do better just do better. Seriously your readers don't deserve the crud you threw out in these last 2 books. Ugh so frustrating when you like most of the characters but the writer is failing them.
Boring doesn't cover how bad this series has become. The author tried to fix an error in book 12 that he made in book 11....sorry not buying it. Sarge would have stated in book 11, I killed that mfr. Nice try. Do better just do better. Seriously your readers don't deserve the crud you threw out in these last 2 books. Ugh so frustrating when you like most of the characters but the writer is failing them.
February 22, 2024
starts slow and builds
Nice to have the opportunity to rejoin Morgan and Sarge. Lots of new opportunities for our band of survivors and this book spends a decent amount of time getting us ready. Just enough action and detail like always.
The book sets up multiple options for story arc and I can’t wait for the next one.
Nice to have the opportunity to rejoin Morgan and Sarge. Lots of new opportunities for our band of survivors and this book spends a decent amount of time getting us ready. Just enough action and detail like always.
The book sets up multiple options for story arc and I can’t wait for the next one.
November 25, 2023
The best one yet in my favorite series!
AA,
This series just keeps getting better and better! The additions to Sarge and Morgan’s crew keep adding to this great story. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the next installment.
AA,
This series just keeps getting better and better! The additions to Sarge and Morgan’s crew keep adding to this great story. Keep up the great work and can’t wait for the next installment.
December 4, 2023
To Short
I felt like I had been cut off from my family. Left hanging by my Mama and not knowing when or how I would find the rest of the story. I hope it doesn’t take to many years for book #13
I felt like I had been cut off from my family. Left hanging by my Mama and not knowing when or how I would find the rest of the story. I hope it doesn’t take to many years for book #13
December 9, 2023
Great way to keep the series moving!
The series seems to have turned a corner and is now covering the parts left out in most books / series of this genre. Can’t wait for the next installment!
The series seems to have turned a corner and is now covering the parts left out in most books / series of this genre. Can’t wait for the next installment!
December 27, 2023
As always A. American does not disappoint, this continuing series is one of the best. After reading one, I start anticipating the next one. If you have not had the pleasure of reading this incredible series, you are missing out. I highly recommend this book and the series.
January 7, 2024
great series!
The character development in this series is second to none. You feel as if you are part of the planning process for missions and part of the daily conversations. Highly recommend to those who have not read this series yet!
The character development in this series is second to none. You feel as if you are part of the planning process for missions and part of the daily conversations. Highly recommend to those who have not read this series yet!
May 5, 2024
Cliffhanger Alert!
Wait until the next book is published before you start this one. It was extremely unsatisfying -- I despise cliffhangers. 4 stars for the story, -1 star for stopping in the middle of the action.
Wait until the next book is published before you start this one. It was extremely unsatisfying -- I despise cliffhangers. 4 stars for the story, -1 star for stopping in the middle of the action.
November 23, 2023
Awesome
Patiently waited for this book. Read it in two days and was very impressed as with all A. americans works. Now to pester him for book 13!
Patiently waited for this book. Read it in two days and was very impressed as with all A. americans works. Now to pester him for book 13!
November 27, 2023
It's definitely a building book, not much happening
November 29, 2023
Exploring Home
Love this series, just finished book 12, Exploring
Home can't wait for the next one!!! Soon I hope!!
I have read series twice!!
Love this series, just finished book 12, Exploring
Home can't wait for the next one!!! Soon I hope!!
I have read series twice!!
November 30, 2023
Another good journey with the folks in Florida. Good job A American.
December 1, 2023
Great series
Best series no have read in a long time. A truly exciting series of survival in a world changed by an Emp
Best series no have read in a long time. A truly exciting series of survival in a world changed by an Emp
December 9, 2023
Never disappoints
Great series, well worth the investment in time and time money. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Great series, well worth the investment in time and time money. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 12, 2023
Good
Finally another great book. Will be waiting for the next one. Keep up the great writing and more. Hoping it does. This group only gets stronger.
Finally another great book. Will be waiting for the next one. Keep up the great writing and more. Hoping it does. This group only gets stronger.
January 9, 2024
Another great book!
So great to get back with Morgan and the gang. Can’t wait for the next chapter! Thanks for another great read in this story!
So great to get back with Morgan and the gang. Can’t wait for the next chapter! Thanks for another great read in this story!
January 11, 2024
Loved this series. My favorite of all the EMP book series I have read. When will the next book be out as this ended on another cliff hanger?
February 23, 2024
Kind of a slower story, as some of them tend to be as they build up for whatever is coming next. And always with those cliffhangers! 😩😩😩 Now the people must wait for the next one…
March 19, 2024
DONE! I'm caught up. Next book is coming the year, I hope
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews