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Bounding Overwatch: A Matt Sheridan Novel - Book Four
Follow Matt Sheridan in Book Four 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 go head-to-head with the US President and decide how best to keep their family safe in the post-pandemic world. 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 go head-to-head with the US President and decide how best to keep their family safe in the post-pandemic world. 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.
- GenresApocalypticAdventure
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2023
194 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cole
8 books49 followersRobert Cole is a former U.S. Army infantry officer (75th Ranger Regiment, 101st Airborne) who holds a Ph.D. in International Relations. His fiction draws on real-world military and geopolitical experience, including time spent in African conflict zones. He is the author of the Matt Sheridan post-apocalyptic series, the Fractured Union political thriller series, and Diamond Coast, the first book in the Relief Solutions international thriller series. He is also a college professor, entrepreneur, and devoted father.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 31, 2024
Spoiler.
It's an exceptional series and the storyline is a frighteningly plausible scenario. In getting to know and like the very realistic characters that I have read about over the four books. They are all so quick-paced page-turners from the beginning. Bounding Overwatch is an amazing last book in the series in which I thought my hero Matt was dead and I was devastated. I kept thinking that everyone had a bad feeling about this rescue and when he was hit I thought that was him done for. Thankfully he lives to tell another tale, although I'm not hopeful, and has another plan up his sleeve. I'm gutted that I'm finished with Matt Sheridan and I now have to find another series to latch on to. Thank you, Robert Cole, for giving us these fantastic books. I highly recommend reading them. Not to be missed.
It's an exceptional series and the storyline is a frighteningly plausible scenario. In getting to know and like the very realistic characters that I have read about over the four books. They are all so quick-paced page-turners from the beginning. Bounding Overwatch is an amazing last book in the series in which I thought my hero Matt was dead and I was devastated. I kept thinking that everyone had a bad feeling about this rescue and when he was hit I thought that was him done for. Thankfully he lives to tell another tale, although I'm not hopeful, and has another plan up his sleeve. I'm gutted that I'm finished with Matt Sheridan and I now have to find another series to latch on to. Thank you, Robert Cole, for giving us these fantastic books. I highly recommend reading them. Not to be missed.
August 2, 2025
F bombs not necessary
I enjoyed your books. Strange that you seemed to think you needed to throw an F bomb or motherf****r in every once in a while. It sounded strange that the characters were having a normal conversation and suddenly the F bomb ge to thrown in. It would have been an even better story without them.
I enjoyed your books. Strange that you seemed to think you needed to throw an F bomb or motherf****r in every once in a while. It sounded strange that the characters were having a normal conversation and suddenly the F bomb ge to thrown in. It would have been an even better story without them.
January 28, 2024
Good read
Escapist SHTF novel with some interesting twists. Globe trotting story instead of the usual hunker down and defend the homestead kind of story.
Escapist SHTF novel with some interesting twists. Globe trotting story instead of the usual hunker down and defend the homestead kind of story.
April 21, 2026
“The only thing that matters is our safety. We have to live in a place where we don’t have to constantly worry about threats sneaking up on us. The Base knows we’re here. Moravian knows we’re here. Who else? And who’s next?”
In Ireland, the family continues to grow.
Threats from the President, and incoming hostiles.
Operations and strategizing. Battle at sea and on land, with The Base.
Continued danger. Flight to the next location: El Hierro, in the Canary Islands.
Everyone continues to be an expert at everything (very convenient). At times, this novel feels like one giant-sized info dump.
Gordon and Brian Doyle: mechanics, pilots, and husbands. Gay people are so often excluded from post-apocalyptic tales. ⭐️
The group has challenges, but they just handle everything so capably. Everyone performs their best; no one gets nervous or messes up. Hell, no one even close to the MCs has been seriously injured—let alone died—in four books.
Just so happen to find a super yacht. Just so happen to find a ferry boat. And the crew to man and navigate these vessels. It’s straining credulity at this point.
The AI work and the teamwork are cool elements. It’s just…after four novels…this doesn’t seem truly “high stakes” when every single battle they engage in is a blow-out for the home team.
Once they arrive at Meridian, this improves dramatically.
The wealthy Arab terrorists running the island: Aruj and Khayr al-Din, led by their sister Sayyida.
Abducted models; enslaved locals.
The tactics are brilliant. And fascinating. Coordinated sea and land battles, once again.
Matt lived by a single mantra when it came to combat: surprise and violence of action trumped a good plan and sound judgment every single time.
Meridian is entirely self-sufficient in energy production.
Learning the origins of the super strain of smallpox: The Caliph.
Cells in Pennsylvania and Cape Town, South Africa.
Integrating and organizing the island is quite well done.
Rob and Lucy’s crew: attacked by the African pirates.
Rescue mission, to the coast of Guinea.
Holy gut punch of an MCD.
Strong emotional work in the last quarter. The sense of peace and contentment in El Hierro; the horrors of the rescue mission.
Heart-wrenching ending.
Still don’t appreciate the author begging for 5-star reviews—or him asking you to email him if it’s a 3 or lower, talking through the issues you have. Sir, you can just read my reviews. It’s extremely presumptuous that I would want to interact with you.
I will say that the last 30% is stellar.
“We plan to make El Hierro our home. We believe this is the best place on Earth to build a community that will last generations, and I sincerely hope we can work together to accomplish this.”
In Ireland, the family continues to grow.
Threats from the President, and incoming hostiles.
Operations and strategizing. Battle at sea and on land, with The Base.
Continued danger. Flight to the next location: El Hierro, in the Canary Islands.
Everyone continues to be an expert at everything (very convenient). At times, this novel feels like one giant-sized info dump.
Gordon and Brian Doyle: mechanics, pilots, and husbands. Gay people are so often excluded from post-apocalyptic tales. ⭐️
The group has challenges, but they just handle everything so capably. Everyone performs their best; no one gets nervous or messes up. Hell, no one even close to the MCs has been seriously injured—let alone died—in four books.
Just so happen to find a super yacht. Just so happen to find a ferry boat. And the crew to man and navigate these vessels. It’s straining credulity at this point.
The AI work and the teamwork are cool elements. It’s just…after four novels…this doesn’t seem truly “high stakes” when every single battle they engage in is a blow-out for the home team.
Once they arrive at Meridian, this improves dramatically.
The wealthy Arab terrorists running the island: Aruj and Khayr al-Din, led by their sister Sayyida.
Abducted models; enslaved locals.
The tactics are brilliant. And fascinating. Coordinated sea and land battles, once again.
Matt lived by a single mantra when it came to combat: surprise and violence of action trumped a good plan and sound judgment every single time.
Meridian is entirely self-sufficient in energy production.
Learning the origins of the super strain of smallpox: The Caliph.
Cells in Pennsylvania and Cape Town, South Africa.
Integrating and organizing the island is quite well done.
Rob and Lucy’s crew: attacked by the African pirates.
Rescue mission, to the coast of Guinea.
Holy gut punch of an MCD.
Strong emotional work in the last quarter. The sense of peace and contentment in El Hierro; the horrors of the rescue mission.
Heart-wrenching ending.
Still don’t appreciate the author begging for 5-star reviews—or him asking you to email him if it’s a 3 or lower, talking through the issues you have. Sir, you can just read my reviews. It’s extremely presumptuous that I would want to interact with you.
I will say that the last 30% is stellar.
“We plan to make El Hierro our home. We believe this is the best place on Earth to build a community that will last generations, and I sincerely hope we can work together to accomplish this.”
March 25, 2026
In Bounding Overwatch, Matt Sheridan and his extended family continue navigating a shattered America still reeling from coordinated nuclear and biological attacks. As the federal government fractures and rival factions tighten their grip on surviving communities, Matt is forced into a series of difficult choices that test his loyalty, morality, and endurance. The story follows his attempt to protect those he loves while confronting a regime that has embraced brutality as a tool for control. Traveling through hostile territory, Matt and his group face ambushes, shifting alliances, and the constant threat of betrayal. Their journey becomes a struggle not only for physical survival but for preserving their humanity in a landscape where cruelty has become routine. Cole blends tactical realism with emotional tension, showing how ordinary people adapt when society collapses. The novel builds toward a decisive confrontation that challenges Matt to define what freedom and responsibility mean in a world stripped of order.
May 11, 2024
Exciting and well executed
This is my first read from this author and I will look for more of his books. The action was believable and the characters well developed. No major editing issues to complain about. I got half way through the first book and ordered the next three immediately, the story was that engrossing. If you were to read just a short synopsis of the entire 4 books, it would appear at first to be a bit too fantastic. However, the author moved logically and believably from one point to the next and the story proceeded smoothly from start to finish. I hope another book is on the way so that we find out whether Matt and his extended family finally find the peace they have searched and fought for.
This is my first read from this author and I will look for more of his books. The action was believable and the characters well developed. No major editing issues to complain about. I got half way through the first book and ordered the next three immediately, the story was that engrossing. If you were to read just a short synopsis of the entire 4 books, it would appear at first to be a bit too fantastic. However, the author moved logically and believably from one point to the next and the story proceeded smoothly from start to finish. I hope another book is on the way so that we find out whether Matt and his extended family finally find the peace they have searched and fought for.
January 23, 2024
Amazing read.....
Having just finished all of the Matt Sheridan series, I have to say bravo Robert Cole. Your a polished story teller, with.a.bold and believe able story line. I literally could not put the book down. As a former 11 bravo.and OEF veteran with 36 years of military service, I enjoyed the simple yet accurate display in your descriptions of what could be complex military concepts. Any reader could and would enjoy this experience. By far my favorite post apocalyptic read to date. Highly recommend to all readers.
Having just finished all of the Matt Sheridan series, I have to say bravo Robert Cole. Your a polished story teller, with.a.bold and believe able story line. I literally could not put the book down. As a former 11 bravo.and OEF veteran with 36 years of military service, I enjoyed the simple yet accurate display in your descriptions of what could be complex military concepts. Any reader could and would enjoy this experience. By far my favorite post apocalyptic read to date. Highly recommend to all readers.
February 25, 2024
Excellent series!
I really loved all 4 books of this series and am hoping there will be a fifth!
The writing is great. Even as a woman reading it, I find even the talk about weaponry doesn't bore me as it can with some writers who are men. In post-apocalyptic stories, the attacks on women can be a little too much also- but these books were so well done in that respect. They're very realistic, and I am fully invested in the Sheridan family's story. I even teared up on more than one occasion. Excellent - thank you, Robert!
I really loved all 4 books of this series and am hoping there will be a fifth!
The writing is great. Even as a woman reading it, I find even the talk about weaponry doesn't bore me as it can with some writers who are men. In post-apocalyptic stories, the attacks on women can be a little too much also- but these books were so well done in that respect. They're very realistic, and I am fully invested in the Sheridan family's story. I even teared up on more than one occasion. Excellent - thank you, Robert!
August 15, 2024
Excellent series
I've loved this series. I love this genre but I've enjoyed reading the adventures of the Sheridans very much. I like the "what woukd I do" concersations I have with myself while reading. And while I'm no expert in anything I've not found any questionable issues while reading. I'm a retired soldier's wife but I don't know much about the details of battle, weaponry etc. But I do notice when a non-military person writes such books. It's clear Mr. Cole knows what he's talking about. I hope he'll write more. It's been fun.
I've loved this series. I love this genre but I've enjoyed reading the adventures of the Sheridans very much. I like the "what woukd I do" concersations I have with myself while reading. And while I'm no expert in anything I've not found any questionable issues while reading. I'm a retired soldier's wife but I don't know much about the details of battle, weaponry etc. But I do notice when a non-military person writes such books. It's clear Mr. Cole knows what he's talking about. I hope he'll write more. It's been fun.
February 1, 2024
Exceptional
Well written, including grammar and spelling. Excellent build of characters. Matt is the hero we all want to read about. The tension at the ending was nerve bending...in a,good way. These books hold your interest through the entire series. You will find you struggle with them, admire them all, and fight with them . I did not want this series to end. I can honestly say one of the best I have read!
Well written, including grammar and spelling. Excellent build of characters. Matt is the hero we all want to read about. The tension at the ending was nerve bending...in a,good way. These books hold your interest through the entire series. You will find you struggle with them, admire them all, and fight with them . I did not want this series to end. I can honestly say one of the best I have read!
February 11, 2024
Well written series that keeps the reader hungry for more!
This series was so very enjoyable that I hated to see the end. Robert Cole has a fantastic writing style that brings you into the story along with the other Sheridan family members! Thank you so much for your wide ranging imagination in story telling that puts the reader smack down into the center of a possible future cataclysm!
This series was so very enjoyable that I hated to see the end. Robert Cole has a fantastic writing style that brings you into the story along with the other Sheridan family members! Thank you so much for your wide ranging imagination in story telling that puts the reader smack down into the center of a possible future cataclysm!
January 15, 2024
Very Good Action Series
A very well done future shock apocalypse novel. Better yet, the end leaves room for a fifth part since enemies remain.
The numerous technical details are correct and the only errors I noticed are probably the result of an over active spellchecker.
The plot is varied enough to be suspenseful, and at points shocking.
A very well done future shock apocalypse novel. Better yet, the end leaves room for a fifth part since enemies remain.
The numerous technical details are correct and the only errors I noticed are probably the result of an over active spellchecker.
The plot is varied enough to be suspenseful, and at points shocking.
February 13, 2024
A common man doing uncommon things, A HERO
It's hard to describe a novel of this caliber. The character, Matt Sheridan, came alive in this extremely, well written book. If this were a living breathing person, it would be an honor to meet him. Thank you Robert Cole for this thoroughly engaging tale!!!
BRAVO ZULU. !!!!
It's hard to describe a novel of this caliber. The character, Matt Sheridan, came alive in this extremely, well written book. If this were a living breathing person, it would be an honor to meet him. Thank you Robert Cole for this thoroughly engaging tale!!!
BRAVO ZULU. !!!!
February 16, 2024
Jh review .attached Sheridan #4.
Wow absolutely fantastic book. Sometimes it is the right thing to do to put yourself in jarms way. Brotherhood of warriors is what it is all about. Great ending albeit a sad ending ending with a fresh feel. I am enamored by the writing great job....RLTW...HOO AH!!!!
Wow absolutely fantastic book. Sometimes it is the right thing to do to put yourself in jarms way. Brotherhood of warriors is what it is all about. Great ending albeit a sad ending ending with a fresh feel. I am enamored by the writing great job....RLTW...HOO AH!!!!
March 2, 2024
Outstanding series! Great read!
So enjoyed all 4 books. Innovative storytelling which kept me on edge of seat and reading well past my bedtime. Strongly developed characters. Fantastic writing to tell the good guys’ stories and moral compass while efficiently conveying the bad actors’ depravity and ruthlessness. Thank you Robert Cole. I am a fan.
So enjoyed all 4 books. Innovative storytelling which kept me on edge of seat and reading well past my bedtime. Strongly developed characters. Fantastic writing to tell the good guys’ stories and moral compass while efficiently conveying the bad actors’ depravity and ruthlessness. Thank you Robert Cole. I am a fan.
March 10, 2024
Wow !
All of the books were intense. Couldn't put them down. As soon as I read the first one I went to the next one. intense ,powerful, great characters. Great story. Will definitely read more. There wasn't a good character that I didn't like or the way the story was told. A good and evil story of survival
All of the books were intense. Couldn't put them down. As soon as I read the first one I went to the next one. intense ,powerful, great characters. Great story. Will definitely read more. There wasn't a good character that I didn't like or the way the story was told. A good and evil story of survival
March 20, 2024
Bounding Overwatch tops them all.
I’m not going to spoil the ending of this one for people who haven’t read it yet . The first three books in the series were awesome and I couldn’t wait to read this one. The fourth in the series , Bounding Overwatch doesn’t disappoint and has a gripping ending . It definately makes me hope there will be a fifth book or more .
I’m not going to spoil the ending of this one for people who haven’t read it yet . The first three books in the series were awesome and I couldn’t wait to read this one. The fourth in the series , Bounding Overwatch doesn’t disappoint and has a gripping ending . It definately makes me hope there will be a fifth book or more .
May 9, 2024
Great Series
Just finished the Matt Sheridan series. I must say, what a read! Couldn't put it down. It was pretty amazing how things kept falling in place for hero, but hey, it's a story. I think in a SHTF senerio, the world would be pretty much as in this series, good folks surviving all the crazies. I loved this series!
Just finished the Matt Sheridan series. I must say, what a read! Couldn't put it down. It was pretty amazing how things kept falling in place for hero, but hey, it's a story. I think in a SHTF senerio, the world would be pretty much as in this series, good folks surviving all the crazies. I loved this series!
May 29, 2024
Could Not Put It Down
This series was absolutely wonderful, it kept me enthralled at every step to the point I did not want to stop reading it. I read all four volumes in 4 days it was so good. I really hope he comes out with another series as good as this one and the same genre.
This series was absolutely wonderful, it kept me enthralled at every step to the point I did not want to stop reading it. I read all four volumes in 4 days it was so good. I really hope he comes out with another series as good as this one and the same genre.
July 6, 2024
Not as engaging as the first three in the series.
The author seems to display a distaste for the Middle East and for Muslims. That bias really detracts from an otherwise excellent series. It would have been a fine twist to have the evil bombers be Russian or Chinese, especially after the US obliterated the entire Muslim world. Oooops.
The author seems to display a distaste for the Middle East and for Muslims. That bias really detracts from an otherwise excellent series. It would have been a fine twist to have the evil bombers be Russian or Chinese, especially after the US obliterated the entire Muslim world. Oooops.
August 29, 2024
Post-apocalypse #4. After another battle in Ireland, this time with the terrorist group "The Base", Matt Sheridan decides to take his growing group away from danger to the Canary Islands, where they encounter a whole new set of problems.
Lots of action and adventure throughout. A very entertaining series.
Lots of action and adventure throughout. A very entertaining series.
September 7, 2024
combat USArmy officers
For combat officers who have experienced war, this book offers excellent examples of professional planning and execution of combat situations. It also offers a highly entertaining hours of reading. As an infantry officer who has experienced combat. This is the best I have read.
For combat officers who have experienced war, this book offers excellent examples of professional planning and execution of combat situations. It also offers a highly entertaining hours of reading. As an infantry officer who has experienced combat. This is the best I have read.
October 11, 2024
Excellent series!
Just the right amount of heart stopping action!
Truly gifted author. You can't get much more evil than cannibalism! I think this series covered most of humanity's failings. It makes me wonder if we deserve to survive as a species. We are capable of true kindness/goodness and truly depraved evil acts.
Just the right amount of heart stopping action!
Truly gifted author. You can't get much more evil than cannibalism! I think this series covered most of humanity's failings. It makes me wonder if we deserve to survive as a species. We are capable of true kindness/goodness and truly depraved evil acts.
November 27, 2024
One of the best book series I’ve ever read
I loved the main character Matt Sheridan. We need more Matt Sheridan in the world. If you’ve been in the military you’ll appreciate the courage and honor of Matt Sheridan. The author did a great job surrounding Matt with amazing characters. Anxiously awaiting Book 5.
I loved the main character Matt Sheridan. We need more Matt Sheridan in the world. If you’ve been in the military you’ll appreciate the courage and honor of Matt Sheridan. The author did a great job surrounding Matt with amazing characters. Anxiously awaiting Book 5.
July 20, 2025
Hold tight for more
The bad guys get steadily worse in this installment, so much so that the usual suspects pale in comparison. I wish more of my leaders were as effective as Matt Sheridan. At war or at peace the foresight and stability of a commander is paramount in assuring success. It also takes an effective unit to carry it out. Our Matt recognizes this.
The bad guys get steadily worse in this installment, so much so that the usual suspects pale in comparison. I wish more of my leaders were as effective as Matt Sheridan. At war or at peace the foresight and stability of a commander is paramount in assuring success. It also takes an effective unit to carry it out. Our Matt recognizes this.
October 18, 2025
Speaking as a squid for 10 years..
I'm so glad that I went into the Navy instead of the army. After reading your depiction of the apocalyptic future that could be ours, I think I would take sea life over land life just about any day of the week! Love the novels, hate the idea that is possible a humans could actually be this barbaric. Though I'm sure they could.
I'm so glad that I went into the Navy instead of the army. After reading your depiction of the apocalyptic future that could be ours, I think I would take sea life over land life just about any day of the week! Love the novels, hate the idea that is possible a humans could actually be this barbaric. Though I'm sure they could.
January 7, 2026
Rapid fire book
The narrative is so profoundly compelling and authentic that readers will find themselves completely immersed, unable to set the book down. The story's emotional depth and realistic portrayal draw readers into its world, creating an irresistible reading experience that captivates from the first page to the last.
The narrative is so profoundly compelling and authentic that readers will find themselves completely immersed, unable to set the book down. The story's emotional depth and realistic portrayal draw readers into its world, creating an irresistible reading experience that captivates from the first page to the last.
December 27, 2023
Very good book
I rarely write reviews but I will this time. This book and really the whole series is well thought out and keeps your attention throughout the story. You are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can't wait for the next installment.
I rarely write reviews but I will this time. This book and really the whole series is well thought out and keeps your attention throughout the story. You are always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can't wait for the next installment.
January 2, 2024
Best of the genre
Well done. Nicely written take on post-apocalyptic fiction. Military and geopolitical threats delivered really well. Seems that the biggest differentiator from other works is the genre is the family angle. Looking forward to more from this author.
Well done. Nicely written take on post-apocalyptic fiction. Military and geopolitical threats delivered really well. Seems that the biggest differentiator from other works is the genre is the family angle. Looking forward to more from this author.
January 5, 2024
Hard to put this book down!
Love the characters and the story. Scary scenario but reassuring that in this case, good wins over evil!
I hope Robert keeps writing this series. I've looked forward to each one
Love the characters and the story. Scary scenario but reassuring that in this case, good wins over evil!
I hope Robert keeps writing this series. I've looked forward to each one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews