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Wildfire #1

Apache Dawn

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Ten years after the deadliest pandemic in human history, the same once-defeated influenza virus strikes America without warning. One man holds the key to stopping the deadly outbreak in its tracks and the governments of the world--including his own--will stop at nothing to find him.

From Los Angeles to Boston, to the Northern Rockies--follow Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and average Americans as they struggle to save America and themselves. Apache Dawn is the story of America's fight for survival against a terrible virus, foreign invasion, and political intrigue.

495 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2014

1098 people are currently reading
981 people want to read

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Marcus Richardson

75 books50 followers

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5 stars
369 (42%)
4 stars
290 (33%)
3 stars
133 (15%)
2 stars
52 (5%)
1 star
24 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Glen.
310 reviews94 followers
December 31, 2019
A great Book 1 with battles and other high octane action. Most of the characters were well developed but some of falls apart with the overall scenario. Lets see, Asians invade the west coast or NATO invades the east coast under the guise of humanitarian mission and so forth (for the sake of spoilers).

On the lower level, the read was quite enjoyable, from underground resistance in Boston, to the crew protecting a dying president in Los Angles and the most wanted man in the world (read medical miracle) somewhere in Montana.

I did enjoy the book, and will be reading the sequences.

Oh, and I receive this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
14 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2018
A Rollicking Adventure Spoiled By Childish Politics

Author Richardson spins a great yarn combining invasion and pandemic. And for much of the book his political views don't intrude too heavily. But when they do, it's as if the writing has been taken over by an 8-year old who grew up watching nothing but Sean Hannity.
Profile Image for Jenny From The Bog.
823 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Take a talent for writing, a multitude of interesting plot ideas that should never have been combined, every stereotype you can think of (including a Native American who suddenly hears his ancestors and feels he need to make grandstanding speeches, howl and become a warrior killer after living his life as a gym teacher), caricature politics, a plethora of inconceivable plot points and you have this train wreck of a book.
To be honest, I was frustrated because there was a lot about this book I DID like, but the unfortunate elements really dragged it down. A good editor might've saved it .
46 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2018
I usually finish books I start. Not this one.

It started off well enough with an interesting premise. After the first couple of chapters I felt the author was trying too hard. By the middle of the book I had enough. The scenario around the Vice President/ President was, to me, just unbelievable.

What did me in, however, was the NRA commercial on how we shouldn't let them "take our guns" because all sorts bad things will happen. Political and other beliefs can be woven into any story line but a lot and deft touch is required.

Pied on top of that was the story line from Red Dawn. Russians parachuting into a midwestern town - come on. Thats when I closed the book.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,001 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2016
Without a doubt this has to be one of the best international/presidential military conspiracies I have rad in quite awhile ! The story line, characters and writing is top notch and held me glued to every page until the very end. I highly recommend it. Lots of action with different twists and turns makes it a real page turner.
Profile Image for Jameson Skaife.
212 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2018
Alot similar characters were a bit hard to follow at first. Everything seemed a bit heavy handed. The characters were stereotypes and most of the plot was unbelievable. Extremely "bro"y. Even though there is no end to this book, I don't feel the need to read the rest of the series to see how it ends.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2020
When I selected this series to read/listen to, a couple less than positive reviews and the fact that all four books were available with free codes made me wonder if I had made a mistake in my choice. By the middle of this first volume, I am happy to report I am no longer concerned. From the first time the U.S. Army Rangers and the U.S. Navy Seals commandeered their role in the story, I was hooked. The characters, their actions and genuine reactions to situations grabbed my interest and haven’t let go. The story switches between several sub-plots; Denny the teacher in Salmon Falls Idaho, Chad the hunter having valuable blood in Glacier National Park, Brenda Alston doctor and former military Captain in Los Angeles, Captain Derek Alston with a squad of Rangers ordered to retrieve Chad, Master Chief Cooper with a platoon of Seals directed to secure the President from a hospital in Los Angeles, Vice President Harold Baron and his *cough* assistant Jane Reynolds. Quite a list to keep track of but the tale moves along smoothly. The main story has the United States being invaded by foreign troops, softening us up first with a weaponized virus. I enjoyed this first volume and look forward to the next. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
2,358 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2018
Interesting story line - When is a lethal mega-flu not a lethal mega-flu? When it's actually been created/modified to enable North Korea to invade the USA. Infect the President and plant a patsy as the new president (OMG, what a character). Use Rangers and Seals to rescue characters and try to get them to safety. Deceive everybody while appearing to help.
It wasn't a shoot-em-up story but there was a bit of that. It was a good mix of character types. What has to happen so that you decide to obey your conscience instead of the president's orders?
The only thing that I questioned was how North Korea could have gotten as much equipment into the US without it being noticed. Surreptitious army units is one thing but tanks and helicopters are much more visible. It didn't disturb my enjoyment - just left me wondering.
Profile Image for mia.
777 reviews
April 26, 2020
This was quite the epic saga to get into, but what a wild ride! A masterpiece of political corruption & intrigue, and a well orchestrated invasion, with a nasty little pandemic thrown in to add to the suspense! The back story of the main characters is lengthy, but it helps later when you get to know the characters and their roles in the story, my favourite characters were Cooper and Denny! It wasn't long before I was totally engrossed and despite 18 hours I was disapointed when I got to the end! James Romick provides wonderful narration and helps bring this book to life, I need book 2!
Profile Image for Janis.
565 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2023
A ripped from the headlines story

This is a red dawn meets outbreak! Also, after the current news with the ballon conspiracy this story seems a little too close to home. It wouldn’t take much for an overzealous power to use a localized pandemic outbreak as cover for the start of an invasion. It’s just would someone have the oudacity to f do o this to the United States?! Exceptionally well written, well paced- you will cheer from your seat for the good guys and desperately want to thump the invaders!
88 reviews
January 10, 2018
I a not usually into sci-fi or even doomsday, end of the world-this is well written and basically current in that it doesn't seem so far fetched. At first the story line was a little hard to follow because we were following so many different people in different situations. It all comes together in its own way.
Will start book 2 soon -just had to wedge in on that finally came through on my wait list.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
January 25, 2019
Apache Dawn is the first book in the Wildfire Saga. This should not be read as a standalone as there is a huge cliffhanger at the end of the book. There is violence. While I normally really like these types of books, with this one there is so much going on at one time that you really need to suspend your belief in reality to read it. At times the storyline is just so unbelievable that I just had to shake my head. Not yet sure if I will read more of the series.
Profile Image for Jessica.
176 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2018
I am torn as to how many stars to review this book. There were parts I truly disliked but the writing was good, MOST of the characters were engaging, though some were mere caricatures, and I cared enough about how the plot would unfurl to keep reading so.... 3 1/2 stars. I do not think I will pick up the next one though, I have been reading too many End of the World books lately.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2018
With the flu taking its toll on so many it easy to get into the beginning of this story and continue. Biological warfare and the overpowering desire for power by some makes this story a possibility at some point in time if not this time. It did't have enough for me to pursue the next 4 books in the series.
1 review
March 24, 2020
I know just Finish this book , I was a woman I don't usually read war books I guess you can call it that, but I loved this book I couldn't put it down just I'll have to get the rest of the series, you should try ITIT's good

I believe both men and women would enjoy this book come Especially right now considering The corona virus 19 is out there it's pretty cool to read enjoy
Profile Image for Ami.
2,338 reviews13 followers
August 15, 2022
There are many characters in this interesting and entertaining apocalyptic story. Most are of little consequence but, a small portion compelled me to keep reading. There is plenty of action and danger to keep you turning those pages.

It does need a proofreader and there is quite a bit of profanity.
Profile Image for Charlene Davis.
1,142 reviews5 followers
December 24, 2017
Awesome

This is a fast paced, exciting adventure sci fy book. But, you will become very thoughtful of what Marcus writes because it very well could happen. I don't do spoilers on my reviews. This is a be ready not to put down book.
201 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2017
Amazing

This story drew me in from the very beginning. As a former Air Force brat I was amazed at the realism that Mr. Richardson was able to impart in this narrative. I can't sit to read the rest of the books in this series!
353 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2018
Dawn Gone

A very well written Book, Marcus Richardson. A plot that effects all America? Grab the moment and read and I dare you to think this will never happen. Five Stars is a given!
Profile Image for Dionne.
Author 3 books12 followers
January 31, 2018
Good story

This story is really great. I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I hope Chad survives all of whatever the author wrote for him. The character, Chad is the perfect main character for this. Great story!
87 reviews
March 25, 2018
Riveting

Fast pace American disaster coming from invasions and mutating virus happening at the same time with the Seal team and Rangers fighting both enemies at the same time. Make you proud of the second amendment to defend our freedoms
130 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2019
Makes you think

Although a work of fiction it makes you think about how easily things in the book could happen. The characters are gripping and non stop action from start to finish. Well worth purchasing.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
13 reviews
August 6, 2019
Hooked from page one to the very end. This book = late nights, ignored family members, and time that mysteriously disappears. What it lacks in character development it more than makes up for in action and excitement.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,219 reviews30 followers
September 23, 2019
Engaged from start to finish

And I will read more in the series.. Scary given the way things are going today. Could be an eye opener for some while for others a confirmation. I do recommend.
486 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2020
Reading during a pandemic....

What makes this book is how possible it is! Watching the riots across out country during a pandemic just made this book that much more frightening. A president unhinged? I will just say well done to the author!
Profile Image for Chuck.
57 reviews
June 27, 2020
Arrgh!

This book is already WAY TOO LONG! I definitely will not be wasting any more time on subsequent books. Just get to the point and skip pages and pages of narrative that does nothing to further the story.
630 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2021
Politics

Lots of politics in every other chapter I skimmed those because I hate politics real or fake. Wait did I say real? The country has been invaded and the president is run by a puppet master. We aren’t invaded but we all understand life under a weak inept president.
28 reviews
July 3, 2024
Apache Dawn: Book 1

Dang, this book is so close to hitting home. I had tears in my eyes. I was MAD, hurt, glad and now Mad that 546 pages of book 1 is done.

Love this story.

Please give it a read.
Profile Image for Beverly.
63 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2017
War

This is a great story, I usally don't read military books. Can't wait to read next book. I couldn't put the book down.
Profile Image for PJ Lea.
1,064 reviews
December 24, 2017
📚📚📚📚

This book feels scarily real and knowing that it was inspired by a real scientist's work makes it even more so. Action and intrigue aplenty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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