Buck Out

by Ken Benton

Malcolm Carter and Ryan Boone, two New York City friends whose lives have been dominated by the financial markets, are about to exchange their charts and reports for guns and survival supplies - but not because they want to. When China and Japan decide it's time to dump US Treasury bonds, an economic nightmare plays out in America. The Federal Reserve watches helplessly as the dollar is decimated, and the resulting food shortage spreads lawlessness across the land like a virus.

Malcolm is a successful day trader who always needs to make one more score before he'll listen to Ryan and diversify some of his assets into real estate or gold. He figures an impressively larger bank account might be the only way he can lure his Secret Service agent ex-wife back.

Malcolm finally hits it big by aggressively shorting bonds when the market crashes but waits too long to invest in tangibles. All that newfound money suddenly won't buy him a bar of gold, a pint of beer, or a minute of Hannah's attention - especially when she's in the field chasing down a former counterfeiting gang.

As luck would have it, Ryan turns out to be a closet doomsday prepper. The two of them attempt to escape the chaotic Big Apple and reach Ryan's land in West Virginia, supplied by only the contents of Ryan's bug-out bag. But it's not going to be an easy journey. Traveling has become difficult and dangerous. Malcolm learns he must redirect the same tenacity that helped him beat the markets toward staying alive on the road...and, hopefully, finding Hannah.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

Audible Audio

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

Ken Benton appears to be your run-of-the-mill city slicker at first glance, blissfully playing with his iPhone at the bar of the local barbeque joint while sipping on craft-brewed IPA. But he has a secret passion: doomsday survival prepping. And if you ever snuck up behind him to see what he was reading, it would likely be one of those apocalyptic-survival stories set after the collapse of modern society. Yes, he’s one of those nuts. But someday soon, Ken believes, those nuts may become the new upper class in society. Until then, we’ll just have to make do with story-telling. And preparing. Cheers

Reviews

[john h irish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read and insightful reaction to an monetary meltdown.. Remember when reading the book it could happen!!!!!

[Readsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast moving story that is going to entertain you. But it is also is going to make you stop and take a closer look at this countries financial situation. It's really scary to think that a foreign country could manipulate our economy but I'm afraid this might be more realistic than most people want to admit. 'Buck Out' makes you think and take a closer look around you. As I said here at the beginning, the story is very entertaining. The main character is faced with a crisis that he is a little slow to accept but he recognizes the signs thanks to his good friend. On a secondary plot line, a treasury agent is pursuing murderous counterfeiters. I definitely recommend this novel.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buck Out by Ken Benton is a terrific read. Right from the very first chapter, I told myself that I would be truly disappointed if Benton messed this up. The premise is genius and the writing style is detailed and thrilling. Benton, in fact, exceeded my expectations and I traveled along with him on this dark and twisty road. This is my first Ken Benton book, but it will definitely not be my last. Very well done indeed.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buck Out review

Buck Out is a financial post apocalyptic book written by author Ken Benton. This isn't quite as frightening as an EMP apocalypse, but seems within the realm of possibility.