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End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America
“A riveting and thoroughly researched chronicle...reminiscent of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood.” —The New York Times Book Review
The gripping story of the Ruby Ridge siege, showing how the historic standoff between federal agents and a white-separatist family set the stage for the conspiracy-laced politics of the Trump era.
“Vivid, frightening, and fascinating…This book blew me away and opened my eyes.”—Walter Isaacson, author of The Code Breaker and Elon Musk
On August 21, 1992, shots rang out while federal agents were surveilling a cabin in Boundary County, Idaho as part of an operation to arrest Randy Weaver—a reclusive, mountain-dwelling survivalist—for failure to appear in court on a gun charge. When Weaver finally surrendered to the authorities eleven days later, his wife, son, and dog lay dead, as did a US Marshal. Ever since, America has been trying to make sense of what happened on Ruby Ridge. Today, the question could not be more urgent, as the shock waves from Ruby Ridge have amplified and compounded, cracking the very foundations of our democracy.
In End of Days, Chris Jennings explains the significance of this historic siege by setting the story of the Weaver family within the long history of apocalyptic Christianity in the United States, illuminating the ways in which that faith has gradually transformed the nation. The strain of doomsday Christianity that gripped the Weavers, he shows, was grounded in a particular reading of biblical prophecy that can be traced back to the 1870s and up through the twentieth-century rise of Christian fundamentalism to the right-wing conspiracism that now defines American society and politics. The events at Ruby Ridge acted as an accelerant for this spreading worldview, and are essential to understanding the crisis that our nation confronts today.
The gripping story of the Ruby Ridge siege, showing how the historic standoff between federal agents and a white-separatist family set the stage for the conspiracy-laced politics of the Trump era.
“Vivid, frightening, and fascinating…This book blew me away and opened my eyes.”—Walter Isaacson, author of The Code Breaker and Elon Musk
On August 21, 1992, shots rang out while federal agents were surveilling a cabin in Boundary County, Idaho as part of an operation to arrest Randy Weaver—a reclusive, mountain-dwelling survivalist—for failure to appear in court on a gun charge. When Weaver finally surrendered to the authorities eleven days later, his wife, son, and dog lay dead, as did a US Marshal. Ever since, America has been trying to make sense of what happened on Ruby Ridge. Today, the question could not be more urgent, as the shock waves from Ruby Ridge have amplified and compounded, cracking the very foundations of our democracy.
In End of Days, Chris Jennings explains the significance of this historic siege by setting the story of the Weaver family within the long history of apocalyptic Christianity in the United States, illuminating the ways in which that faith has gradually transformed the nation. The strain of doomsday Christianity that gripped the Weavers, he shows, was grounded in a particular reading of biblical prophecy that can be traced back to the 1870s and up through the twentieth-century rise of Christian fundamentalism to the right-wing conspiracism that now defines American society and politics. The events at Ruby Ridge acted as an accelerant for this spreading worldview, and are essential to understanding the crisis that our nation confronts today.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 20, 2026
A lot of people are going to be upset with this book. Come to think of it, everyone should find something to be upset with in Chris Jennings' End of Days. The writing and storytelling are the only things that didn't fill me with dread.
The book is ostensibly about Ruby Ridge. For the uninitiated, "Ruby Ridge" is shorthand for the 1992 standoff between a survivalist family in Idaho and the federal government. Before the Oklahoma City bombing was Waco and before Waco was Ruby Ridge. However, the most compelling aspect of this book for me was Jennings' very clearly explaining that Ruby Ridge was far from the beginning of this particular strain of paranoia, fundamentalism, and persecution complex.
Where did it start? The Bible of course! No, not all of it. Just one particular part of it. The truly unhinged Book of Revelation. Jennings takes the time to meticulously walk the reader through the many interpretations of Revelation which ultimately lead to the aforementioned survivalist family on one side of the standoff, the Weavers. I think that this portion of the book may be uncomfortable for some, much like how I, as a Catholic, squirm reading about the Inquisition or Crusades. It is important to note that Jennings doesn't mock anyone's beliefs or call them stupid. He will, however, quietly (and often hilariously) point out when specific people are being quite hypocritical and unchristian-like.
Lest you get concerned that this is a one-sided narrative, I can wholeheartedly disabuse you of that notion. While the Weavers are not heroes in this story, the federal government looks no better and, it can coherently be argued, actually look worse. While the feds are not the evil minions of the antichrist that the Weavers perceive them to be, they ultimately end up doing a heck of a lot of things that line up quite well with the idea of an oppressive force bent on destroying the family. However, Jennings' clear-eyed look at their operations leads you to the old adage, "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." While the first part of the book will not endear many to the Weavers, the final portion humanizes them and will make you sympathize with their losses even while abhorring their more extreme views.
This is all wonderful and thought-provoking stuff. However, the true gem of this book is Jennings' writing. It flows so easily and his word choices lean into the religiosity of the story. Jennings does everything with a purpose. A little alliteration here and there is also fun. It is an example of an author who wants to take his writing to a higher level without showing off and taking away from the themes of the book. It is excellent from beginning to the apocalyptic end.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company.)
The book is ostensibly about Ruby Ridge. For the uninitiated, "Ruby Ridge" is shorthand for the 1992 standoff between a survivalist family in Idaho and the federal government. Before the Oklahoma City bombing was Waco and before Waco was Ruby Ridge. However, the most compelling aspect of this book for me was Jennings' very clearly explaining that Ruby Ridge was far from the beginning of this particular strain of paranoia, fundamentalism, and persecution complex.
Where did it start? The Bible of course! No, not all of it. Just one particular part of it. The truly unhinged Book of Revelation. Jennings takes the time to meticulously walk the reader through the many interpretations of Revelation which ultimately lead to the aforementioned survivalist family on one side of the standoff, the Weavers. I think that this portion of the book may be uncomfortable for some, much like how I, as a Catholic, squirm reading about the Inquisition or Crusades. It is important to note that Jennings doesn't mock anyone's beliefs or call them stupid. He will, however, quietly (and often hilariously) point out when specific people are being quite hypocritical and unchristian-like.
Lest you get concerned that this is a one-sided narrative, I can wholeheartedly disabuse you of that notion. While the Weavers are not heroes in this story, the federal government looks no better and, it can coherently be argued, actually look worse. While the feds are not the evil minions of the antichrist that the Weavers perceive them to be, they ultimately end up doing a heck of a lot of things that line up quite well with the idea of an oppressive force bent on destroying the family. However, Jennings' clear-eyed look at their operations leads you to the old adage, "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." While the first part of the book will not endear many to the Weavers, the final portion humanizes them and will make you sympathize with their losses even while abhorring their more extreme views.
This is all wonderful and thought-provoking stuff. However, the true gem of this book is Jennings' writing. It flows so easily and his word choices lean into the religiosity of the story. Jennings does everything with a purpose. A little alliteration here and there is also fun. It is an example of an author who wants to take his writing to a higher level without showing off and taking away from the themes of the book. It is excellent from beginning to the apocalyptic end.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company.)
February 25, 2026
This was decent look into the Rub Ridge story. It focused a lot more on the Apocalypse and religious believes of the Weavers than the events on the ridge and even the aftermath. I would've preferred a more equal balance. In the end, while Jennings did recount the story effectively, I'm not sure he added a new perspective or lens for me to think about the events through. It is an interesting book if you want a deep look at religion as a part of some of these white nationlist groups, but wasn't a great Ruby Ridge book.
February 9, 2026
Big thanks to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for making Chris Jennings’ stunning new book End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America, which focuses on millenarianism, apocalyptic Christianity, and one of the infamous instances when this thinking came to erupt in a family’s isolated cabin the woods in Idaho. Even the name Ruby Ridge has connotations of government overreach, violence, and tragedy, and this was one of the first instances of this kind of clash between white Christian nationalists and the government in a decade that was marked by events like the Unabomber (although not Christian, he displayed antagonism towards the government), the Olympic bombing, Waco and the Branch Davidians, and the Oklahoma City bombing. This doesn’t include other instances of apocalyptic religions like Heaven’s Gate, who ultimately took their own lives, and the Japanese cult Aum Shirnyko, whose goal of hastening the apocalypse resulted in numerous deaths in the Tokyo subway. Jennings’ book examines the American context of this kind of apocalyptic thinking, and specifically how American Christian religions looked at The Book of Revelations, the last book of the Bible, as a literal text of prophecy rather than examining the historical context of this book to understand how it served as an allegorical rendering that was critical of the Roman Empire, a brutal regime that was violently eliminating Christians. While I’ve read other instances of Ruby Ridge, none of them went this in depth. Furthermore, with Jennings providing more context about the development of this kind of apocalyptic Christianity, it created a far deeper understanding of how the Weavers and many of their sympathizers thought about the government and events like the Gulf War that might have portended signs of the coming end of days. Jennings’ book is both fascinating and tragic, yet it is also prophetic, not in the biblical sense, but in the socio-political sense as we see how the Weavers’ millenarianism, which was somewhat isolated to the Midwest and Northwest and to Christian Identity groups, has gradually become more mainstream and aligned itself more with conservative politics. While Jennings’ doesn’t spend much of the book identifying modern causes and reasons for the proliferation of this kind of apocalyptic thinking, we can see how many different factors, especially popular media that is not always accurate or in good faith can propel wild and disparate beliefs to a larger group of seekers and people with questions. That’s one of the aspects I found so compelling about this book. However, learning more about both millenarianism, this apocalyptic strain of Christianity, and how it mutated into a shared system with Christian Identity and White Identity groups also made this book and important and engaging read. Jennings’ detailed research into the Weavers’ family and lives presents an even-handed view of the Ruby Ridge accident, which could have been avoided if either Randy Weaver or the US government had done more to work to a resolution.
This book is organized into 3 parts that outline the early lives of the Weavers, like how they met after high school, their marriage, and the deepening of their Christian faith in the 1970s post-Vietnam era. However, Part 1 also delves into the development of the millenarianism, the belief that the second coming of Christ will transform the world into 1000 years of paradise but will be preceded by a kind of battle with evil. I really appreciated how Jennings traced the history of the apocalypse from John of Patmos’s writings in Revelations to the American Christian groups that adopted this kind of thinking by interpreting these writings literally. While I knew about some of this thinking, it was fascinating to see how these groups adopted this text as a literal explanation for end times. I found Jennings’ ability to explain this change in a few chapters to be well done. It’s a challenge to make these kinds of theological ideas and philosophies comprehensible and relatable, but these chapters do a great deal to help understand this kind of thinking and how it progressed within different groups in America. Furthermore, readers can see how events, politics, and challenges in life might make some groups more susceptible to this kind of apocalyptic thinking. That’s where the Weavers’ story occurs. While it seems like the family had some opportunities to access the American dream, we also see how Vicki Weaver’s interest in literature like The Late Great Planet Earth, a popular book that claimed to prophesize the end of the world in the 1970s, altered her view about society and the world. Drawing parallels between this form of 1970s popular analog media and more recent digital versions of the apocalyptic predictions like Q-Anon, Jennigs’ identifies how beliefs and adherence to these kinds of conspiracies can lead to action. For the Weavers, this included sharing their beliefs and concerns with others, which gradually ostracized them from their Iowa community, leading them to relocate to the isolated mountains of Idaho.
Part 2 of the book picks up when the family decides to leave to build their own home in Idaho. Furthermore, Jennings details connections that Randy established with white Christian nationalist groups like the Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord and Richard Butler’s Aryan Nations compound. I wasn’t aware of how close Randy Weaver was to some of these organizations, especially since this was around the time that the Order was terrorizing the North and Midwest. While Randy probably didn’t have direct contact with members of the Order, it does seem like he shared their views and possessed some Aryan Nations memorabilia. Vicki, meanwhile, seemed to take her beliefs further into the Old Testament, keeping traditional Jewish holidays, but with Christian names. It’s strange that the family would align their beliefs with this system, especially since they adopted an antisemitic view of the world. However, that is what Jennings notes about this millenarianism belief—that it adheres to conspiracies that ultimately complicate their beliefs, enabling believers to adopt even stranger, more complex rationales rather than accepting the most reasonable explanation. Although the family built their own home and maintained the land surrounding the home, it seemed like Randy continued to have trouble getting along with others. Throughout the book, we learn about the various friendships or acquaintances who eventually burned bridges with Randy. In particular there are several instances of trouble with neighbors that eventually lead the Secret Service to visit Randy for a threat to President Reagan that was probably sent by one of these scorned neighbors. Nevertheless, Jennings’ detailed research and reporting shows that Randy Weaver wasn’t an easy person to get along with, repeatedly made enemies and took advantage of those who trusted him, and seemed to have problems with authority.
Part 3 of the book details the events that led to the standoff between the Weavers and the federal government. Again, Jennings’ even-handed reporting and documentation of this event helps to show that the US government also made considerable errors in pursuing a case against Randy Weaver and tried to flip him to learn more about the rising threat of white supremacist groups in Idaho. However, they did this through entrapment and didn’t really understand the nature of the Weavers’ beliefs in the apocalypse, mistakes that would end up being repeated a year later in Waco, TX and cited as evidence of the threat the US government posed to convicted terrorist Timothy McVeigh. Nevertheless, the Weavers had multiple friends and family members who pled with them to surrender and allow the siege to end, yet their apocalyptic beliefs showed that these events were signals for the end of the world. To complicate matters even more, the government wasn’t aware that they killed Sam and Vicki Weaver, Randy’s son and wife, over the course of the siege, and seemingly to enforce low-level charges that would have probably netted Randy probation rather than jail time. Jennings does note that there were oddities with the warrant and court appearance documentation for Randy, which further heightened the family’s suspicions of a government conspiracy, but we also see how this kind of conspiratorial and apocalyptic thinking led the family to fight to the death, assuming that the end of the world was coming. I couldn’t put this book down, especially after the Weavers left for Idaho. I remember when this happened, watching it play out on television, but I didn’t know the finer details. In fact, I think that many people didn’t know many of the details, as Randy became a somewhat sympathetic figure who had a television movie made about the siege. There was also a congressional investigation in 1995, and I’m not sure how much that changed the perception of Randy Weaver, but Jennings’ book does a lot to identify how both the Weavers and the government made incredibly costly, fatal mistakes in this event. End of Days is an important and compelling book, especially for those interested in learning more about the rise of extremism in the 80s and how it continues to fester and infect the country today. Furthermore, Jennings’ reporting leaves readers to draw their own conclusions about the kind of modern analogies between the Weavers’ apocalyptic beliefs, the popular media of the 70s and 80s that helped fuel this kind of thinking, and more recent forms that have sought to take advantage of willing adherents- people looking for answers or solutions to problems, and compelling them to action. With recent events like COVID, terrorist attacks, or the January 6th siege of the Capitol, readers are able to identify the ways that people often find conspiracies or signs of the apocalypse and take drastic action. This is an amazing and important book that I highly recommend!
This book is organized into 3 parts that outline the early lives of the Weavers, like how they met after high school, their marriage, and the deepening of their Christian faith in the 1970s post-Vietnam era. However, Part 1 also delves into the development of the millenarianism, the belief that the second coming of Christ will transform the world into 1000 years of paradise but will be preceded by a kind of battle with evil. I really appreciated how Jennings traced the history of the apocalypse from John of Patmos’s writings in Revelations to the American Christian groups that adopted this kind of thinking by interpreting these writings literally. While I knew about some of this thinking, it was fascinating to see how these groups adopted this text as a literal explanation for end times. I found Jennings’ ability to explain this change in a few chapters to be well done. It’s a challenge to make these kinds of theological ideas and philosophies comprehensible and relatable, but these chapters do a great deal to help understand this kind of thinking and how it progressed within different groups in America. Furthermore, readers can see how events, politics, and challenges in life might make some groups more susceptible to this kind of apocalyptic thinking. That’s where the Weavers’ story occurs. While it seems like the family had some opportunities to access the American dream, we also see how Vicki Weaver’s interest in literature like The Late Great Planet Earth, a popular book that claimed to prophesize the end of the world in the 1970s, altered her view about society and the world. Drawing parallels between this form of 1970s popular analog media and more recent digital versions of the apocalyptic predictions like Q-Anon, Jennigs’ identifies how beliefs and adherence to these kinds of conspiracies can lead to action. For the Weavers, this included sharing their beliefs and concerns with others, which gradually ostracized them from their Iowa community, leading them to relocate to the isolated mountains of Idaho.
Part 2 of the book picks up when the family decides to leave to build their own home in Idaho. Furthermore, Jennings details connections that Randy established with white Christian nationalist groups like the Covenant, The Sword and the Arm of the Lord and Richard Butler’s Aryan Nations compound. I wasn’t aware of how close Randy Weaver was to some of these organizations, especially since this was around the time that the Order was terrorizing the North and Midwest. While Randy probably didn’t have direct contact with members of the Order, it does seem like he shared their views and possessed some Aryan Nations memorabilia. Vicki, meanwhile, seemed to take her beliefs further into the Old Testament, keeping traditional Jewish holidays, but with Christian names. It’s strange that the family would align their beliefs with this system, especially since they adopted an antisemitic view of the world. However, that is what Jennings notes about this millenarianism belief—that it adheres to conspiracies that ultimately complicate their beliefs, enabling believers to adopt even stranger, more complex rationales rather than accepting the most reasonable explanation. Although the family built their own home and maintained the land surrounding the home, it seemed like Randy continued to have trouble getting along with others. Throughout the book, we learn about the various friendships or acquaintances who eventually burned bridges with Randy. In particular there are several instances of trouble with neighbors that eventually lead the Secret Service to visit Randy for a threat to President Reagan that was probably sent by one of these scorned neighbors. Nevertheless, Jennings’ detailed research and reporting shows that Randy Weaver wasn’t an easy person to get along with, repeatedly made enemies and took advantage of those who trusted him, and seemed to have problems with authority.
Part 3 of the book details the events that led to the standoff between the Weavers and the federal government. Again, Jennings’ even-handed reporting and documentation of this event helps to show that the US government also made considerable errors in pursuing a case against Randy Weaver and tried to flip him to learn more about the rising threat of white supremacist groups in Idaho. However, they did this through entrapment and didn’t really understand the nature of the Weavers’ beliefs in the apocalypse, mistakes that would end up being repeated a year later in Waco, TX and cited as evidence of the threat the US government posed to convicted terrorist Timothy McVeigh. Nevertheless, the Weavers had multiple friends and family members who pled with them to surrender and allow the siege to end, yet their apocalyptic beliefs showed that these events were signals for the end of the world. To complicate matters even more, the government wasn’t aware that they killed Sam and Vicki Weaver, Randy’s son and wife, over the course of the siege, and seemingly to enforce low-level charges that would have probably netted Randy probation rather than jail time. Jennings does note that there were oddities with the warrant and court appearance documentation for Randy, which further heightened the family’s suspicions of a government conspiracy, but we also see how this kind of conspiratorial and apocalyptic thinking led the family to fight to the death, assuming that the end of the world was coming. I couldn’t put this book down, especially after the Weavers left for Idaho. I remember when this happened, watching it play out on television, but I didn’t know the finer details. In fact, I think that many people didn’t know many of the details, as Randy became a somewhat sympathetic figure who had a television movie made about the siege. There was also a congressional investigation in 1995, and I’m not sure how much that changed the perception of Randy Weaver, but Jennings’ book does a lot to identify how both the Weavers and the government made incredibly costly, fatal mistakes in this event. End of Days is an important and compelling book, especially for those interested in learning more about the rise of extremism in the 80s and how it continues to fester and infect the country today. Furthermore, Jennings’ reporting leaves readers to draw their own conclusions about the kind of modern analogies between the Weavers’ apocalyptic beliefs, the popular media of the 70s and 80s that helped fuel this kind of thinking, and more recent forms that have sought to take advantage of willing adherents- people looking for answers or solutions to problems, and compelling them to action. With recent events like COVID, terrorist attacks, or the January 6th siege of the Capitol, readers are able to identify the ways that people often find conspiracies or signs of the apocalypse and take drastic action. This is an amazing and important book that I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the most definitive and comprehensive look at the Weaver family that someone could ever expect. If you want to know everything about the family, their philosophy and theology that created the world they chose to live the way they did, then this is a 5 star review. around 370 pages with almost 60 pages of citations and supporting documents.
The first 10% and last 20% are about the assault and the events that took place. Those parts are are absolutely worth the read.
The reason I gave 3 stars is based on the middle part of the book that cataloged and comprehensively walks you through religions of other nations, settlers that came to America, the different sects that branched off, the history and theological differences of each and key players of each religious group. When I say comprehensive I really mean it. If knowing that history and how the Weavers and their personal families and lineage were involved with and slowly changed their views to the more extreme End Of Days that they felt were shortly approaching... then this is your book. However, for me it felt like 2 separate books that were shoehorned together.
I recieved an ARC of this book for my honest review.
The first 10% and last 20% are about the assault and the events that took place. Those parts are are absolutely worth the read.
The reason I gave 3 stars is based on the middle part of the book that cataloged and comprehensively walks you through religions of other nations, settlers that came to America, the different sects that branched off, the history and theological differences of each and key players of each religious group. When I say comprehensive I really mean it. If knowing that history and how the Weavers and their personal families and lineage were involved with and slowly changed their views to the more extreme End Of Days that they felt were shortly approaching... then this is your book. However, for me it felt like 2 separate books that were shoehorned together.
I recieved an ARC of this book for my honest review.
February 19, 2026
Sam Weaver was killed on my second birthday. I was one state over, picking apples with my mom in the front yard to make a pie. I was well into adulthood before ever hearing about the drama taking place that day. Raised in overwhelmingly white Christianity, I grew up reading the Left Behind series and learning in church youth group Hal Lindsay's views on the end times. After deconstructing evangelicalism as an adult, I was vaguely aware that the concept of "the rapture" entered theology around the time of the Industrial Revolution, but never knew the specific history of modern apocalyptic beliefs.
Chris Jennings' End of Days provides extremely thorough context for the history and theology of dispensationalism, white nationalism after the Vietnam War and the rise of conspiracy theories during the Midwest farm crisis, and the many events leading up to the Ruby Ridge siege. So much helped provide a larger picture of the world I grew up in. For example, I had never heard of John Nelson Darby yet grew up with a Scofield reference Bible in my home. It turns out Darby is responsible for everything I was taught about the “end times” as a kid.
A central theme of this story to me was of "self-fulfilling prophecy". Heartbreakingly, the Weavers were so intent on the government someday ruining them that through a wild chain of events they made it happen. As quoted in chapter 17, “Paranoids are not paranoid because they’re paranoid, but because they put themselves into paranoid situations.”
This is a six star read and should be required reading for every American. Whether or not you come from a religious background, the context provided in this story paints a picture of why we are where we’re at today. And of course, the last paragraph of the epilogue gave me chills.
Chris Jennings' End of Days provides extremely thorough context for the history and theology of dispensationalism, white nationalism after the Vietnam War and the rise of conspiracy theories during the Midwest farm crisis, and the many events leading up to the Ruby Ridge siege. So much helped provide a larger picture of the world I grew up in. For example, I had never heard of John Nelson Darby yet grew up with a Scofield reference Bible in my home. It turns out Darby is responsible for everything I was taught about the “end times” as a kid.
A central theme of this story to me was of "self-fulfilling prophecy". Heartbreakingly, the Weavers were so intent on the government someday ruining them that through a wild chain of events they made it happen. As quoted in chapter 17, “Paranoids are not paranoid because they’re paranoid, but because they put themselves into paranoid situations.”
This is a six star read and should be required reading for every American. Whether or not you come from a religious background, the context provided in this story paints a picture of why we are where we’re at today. And of course, the last paragraph of the epilogue gave me chills.
February 25, 2026
Wow! Simply one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. I’ve struggled to fully understand how the far right and religion fully integrated and this book provided the background information that made it make sense to me. The first parts of the book delve into deep topics such as pre vs post-millennialism and the impacts on a persons world view in a way that was actually interesting to read. The Book of Revelations was thoroughly discussed as well as its impact on apocalyptic thinking. The second part of the book dove into the history and thought processes of the Weaver family and the mistakes the government made as a result of misinterpreting their mind set. Very balanced and well researched book.
February 16, 2026
This book was a masterpiece of historical reporting. I will admit that my knowledge of Ruby Ridge was pretty limited. I knew about Randy Weaver and the death of his wife and son but didn't know about much of the rest of this book. This has moved Chris Jennings up the list of my favorite writers of history and I look forward to reading his book on American Utopianism next.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This even-handed account of the events leading up to and during the seige at Ruby Ridge is a gripping and tragic read. No-one escapes blame, both sides making errors in judgement and understanding, which culminated in an infamous series of blunders that lead to the name Ruby Ridge becoming shorthand for whichever reading of events you subscribe to.
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January 15, 2026In End of Days, Chris Jennings examines the tragedy of the Weaver family in a larger context. Rather than treating Ruby Ridge simply as a political standoff or law-enforcement failure, Jennings situates the Weavers within a broader stream of American apocalypticism, showing how their beliefs were not invented in a vacuum but drew from a mix of biblical literalism, separatist ideology, and deep suspicion of government authority. The book is careful to trace how certain interpretations of Scripture—especially regarding the imminence of the end times and the corrupt nature of worldly powers—can foster withdrawal, absolutism, and a readiness for conflict. Jennings does not caricature the Weavers’ faith, but he does not excuse its consequences either. His layered approach allows the reader to see how belief, fear, and power interacted in ways that made catastrophe increasingly likely. He further emphasizes how apocalyptic theology, when detached from ecclesial accountability and ethical restraint, can become dangerous. Scripture becomes a tool for confirmation rather than discernment, and perceived opposition is easily reclassified as persecution. Jennings is especially effective in demonstrating how a fixation on the “end” can eclipse overall understanding of both scripture and life events. Overall, End of Days is a sobering and important book. It challenges readers—especially Christians—to consider how theology shapes imagination, behavior, and moral boundaries. By examining Ruby Ridge through the lens of belief rather than ideology alone, Jennings offers a powerful reminder that ideas about God, the world, and the future are never neutral. They form people, communities, and sometimes, catastrophes.
February 18, 2026
Searing cultural history. Essential reading for the “How Did We Get Here?” syllabus.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advance copy of this book that looks at how a small matter blew into a siege, killing two people, a federal agent and a family dog, and served as a locus for those who believed in a world full of religious and governmental conspiracies, a world of grifters and true believes united in causes, that has in many ways shattered the American Dream.
I am not really a joiner. Or for that matter a believer. The last thing I was a member of was the cub scouts. I was a never a union member. I like science fiction, but have never dressed up as my favorite cast member, nor do I have a colored lightsaber denoting my light or dark side feeling. I grew up a Roman Catholic, went to Catholic school for a time, did the steps up to Confirmation, but I never felt anything about religion. I have never felt the draw to return, nor do I feel an emptiness in my heart from not being a part of it. And I have never hoped for the Armageddon, nor moved into the woods because the real world scared me. This is a book about a moment where all the thoughts that people had, about the government, losing guns, losing family, losing their whiteness, losing their religion, all the fears that people seem to have had, and continue to have, seemed to have coalesced. To be made true. And the world has never been the same. End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America by Chris Jennings is a story of fear, caused by religion, racism, the economy, the other, outside forces, all leading to a conflict that left people dead, unleashing even more violence, and fear that we still deal with today.
The book begins at the moments when the siege at Randy Weaver's cabin began with the barking of a dog, the sound of a shot killing the dog, and the shots that led to two more people, a federal agent and a teen dead. From there Jennings goes into the past, to the Book of Revelations, a part of the Bible that has more influence on horror writing than anything Bram Stoker, H. P. Lovecraft of Stephen King could ever have. Jennings looks at the origins of this book of the Bible, and its influence on thinkers and writers, up until the mid-part of this century. Where books like the Late Great Planet Earth written by Hal Lindsey, began to sink into the public consciousness. Jennings looks at Randy Weaver and his wife Vicki, as the went from a couple who were doing well in a depressed community, to fearing the Zionist Occupational Government, the End Times, and the government stealing their guns, and their children. The book looks at what put Weaver on the government's watch list, a crime that escalated due to government screw-ups and apocalyptic thoughts on the Weavers part. All ending in that fateful day, leaving people dead, a segment of the country inflamed, and a reckoning we still haven't dealt with.
An extremely well-written and well-researched book that will probably have people screaming woke, or propaganda, or anti-government writing. Jennings makes a story about people who just seem unpleasant in many ways, yet shows them in the broader scale of what many, many people believe. Jennings is really could at filling in blanks, trying to make sense of things, and acknowledging well, we just can't know why certain things happened. Why did this lead to this, to that. Jennings never surmises, never puts words in peoples mouths, gives all the sides of the story he can, and leaves it to the reader. This is a sad book. The Weaver kids I feel the worst about. Not Randy who asked if he would change anything said no. After losing a wife, a child and dog.
This is a book that presents a very sad view of the world, one that left me with a lot of questions. What could have been different. The government made mistakes, the Weavers made mistakes, the guys on the ground made mistakes. And yet, no one ever takes responsibility. Maybe that is the true secret to believing in conspiracies. Why one thinks so many people are after you, why a person who doesn't look like you does better, or that company gets tax breaks on a billion dollars, while you can't afford to get your teeth fixed. Conspiracy takes responsibility away. I don't know. A fascinating book, one that made me think, and wonder about people in ways that probably are not good, but maybe something this world should start doing.
I am not really a joiner. Or for that matter a believer. The last thing I was a member of was the cub scouts. I was a never a union member. I like science fiction, but have never dressed up as my favorite cast member, nor do I have a colored lightsaber denoting my light or dark side feeling. I grew up a Roman Catholic, went to Catholic school for a time, did the steps up to Confirmation, but I never felt anything about religion. I have never felt the draw to return, nor do I feel an emptiness in my heart from not being a part of it. And I have never hoped for the Armageddon, nor moved into the woods because the real world scared me. This is a book about a moment where all the thoughts that people had, about the government, losing guns, losing family, losing their whiteness, losing their religion, all the fears that people seem to have had, and continue to have, seemed to have coalesced. To be made true. And the world has never been the same. End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America by Chris Jennings is a story of fear, caused by religion, racism, the economy, the other, outside forces, all leading to a conflict that left people dead, unleashing even more violence, and fear that we still deal with today.
The book begins at the moments when the siege at Randy Weaver's cabin began with the barking of a dog, the sound of a shot killing the dog, and the shots that led to two more people, a federal agent and a teen dead. From there Jennings goes into the past, to the Book of Revelations, a part of the Bible that has more influence on horror writing than anything Bram Stoker, H. P. Lovecraft of Stephen King could ever have. Jennings looks at the origins of this book of the Bible, and its influence on thinkers and writers, up until the mid-part of this century. Where books like the Late Great Planet Earth written by Hal Lindsey, began to sink into the public consciousness. Jennings looks at Randy Weaver and his wife Vicki, as the went from a couple who were doing well in a depressed community, to fearing the Zionist Occupational Government, the End Times, and the government stealing their guns, and their children. The book looks at what put Weaver on the government's watch list, a crime that escalated due to government screw-ups and apocalyptic thoughts on the Weavers part. All ending in that fateful day, leaving people dead, a segment of the country inflamed, and a reckoning we still haven't dealt with.
An extremely well-written and well-researched book that will probably have people screaming woke, or propaganda, or anti-government writing. Jennings makes a story about people who just seem unpleasant in many ways, yet shows them in the broader scale of what many, many people believe. Jennings is really could at filling in blanks, trying to make sense of things, and acknowledging well, we just can't know why certain things happened. Why did this lead to this, to that. Jennings never surmises, never puts words in peoples mouths, gives all the sides of the story he can, and leaves it to the reader. This is a sad book. The Weaver kids I feel the worst about. Not Randy who asked if he would change anything said no. After losing a wife, a child and dog.
This is a book that presents a very sad view of the world, one that left me with a lot of questions. What could have been different. The government made mistakes, the Weavers made mistakes, the guys on the ground made mistakes. And yet, no one ever takes responsibility. Maybe that is the true secret to believing in conspiracies. Why one thinks so many people are after you, why a person who doesn't look like you does better, or that company gets tax breaks on a billion dollars, while you can't afford to get your teeth fixed. Conspiracy takes responsibility away. I don't know. A fascinating book, one that made me think, and wonder about people in ways that probably are not good, but maybe something this world should start doing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chris Jennings' End of Days chronicles the 1992 Ruby Ridge, Idaho, siege of the Weaver family by the U.S. government, which resulted in the death of two family members and a federal agent.
Jennings thoroughly covers Ruby Ridge, but the book's strength lies in his examination of Randy and Vicki Weaver's religious beliefs and the federal government's strategies for dealing with anti-government types. As it turned out, the Weavers and the feds were always headed for trouble.
The Weavers were distrustful of the government and concerned that a clash with federal agencies was possible. Federal agencies, through faulty intelligence, miscommunication, and bureaucratic mistakes, came to view the Weavers as unpredictable and possibly violent.
To me, two things highlighted in the book set the Weavers and the feds on a collision course: the teachings of theologian John Nelson Darby, and the beliefs of anti-government extremist Gordon Kahl.
Darby lived in the 19th century, and his teachings became central to the American fundamentalist movement. The end times, the antichrist, the tribulation, and the rapture of the church were part and parcel of his biblical interpretations. Though the Weavers may not have known of Darby, his end-of-the-world views influenced their religious beliefs. To escape it, they sought to create a stronghold to ride out the storm.
On the other hand, the feds were influenced by their dealings with Kahl, who rejected federal authority and advocated armed resistance. Initially a tax resistor, he later joined the Posse Comitatus, a group that meshed with his views. Kahl later killed two federal agents and died in a 1983 shootout with authorities. His actions informed how the FBI and other agencies came to view the resistors who followed after Kahl.
Jennings detailed research and writing on the influences of Darby and Kahl help explain why Ruby Ridge happened. It doesn't make it easier to come to terms with the tragedy, but it does bring into focus why the actions and philosophies of the Weavers and the federal government ended in violence.
Jennings' book is a compelling read. I liked that he started with the initial clash between the Weavers and federal agents that led to the 11-day standoff. It nicely sets up his examination of the Weavers' lives and how they came to think and act as they did. He also highlights federal encounters with other anti-government individuals and groups.
At the end, Jennings provides a well-reasoned epilogue that explains the impact of Ruby Ridge. He brings together the perspectives, history, and human frailties at play, offering a balanced account of an event that still shapes how citizens and the federal government view each other.
I received an advance reading copy from www.netgalley.com.
Jennings thoroughly covers Ruby Ridge, but the book's strength lies in his examination of Randy and Vicki Weaver's religious beliefs and the federal government's strategies for dealing with anti-government types. As it turned out, the Weavers and the feds were always headed for trouble.
The Weavers were distrustful of the government and concerned that a clash with federal agencies was possible. Federal agencies, through faulty intelligence, miscommunication, and bureaucratic mistakes, came to view the Weavers as unpredictable and possibly violent.
To me, two things highlighted in the book set the Weavers and the feds on a collision course: the teachings of theologian John Nelson Darby, and the beliefs of anti-government extremist Gordon Kahl.
Darby lived in the 19th century, and his teachings became central to the American fundamentalist movement. The end times, the antichrist, the tribulation, and the rapture of the church were part and parcel of his biblical interpretations. Though the Weavers may not have known of Darby, his end-of-the-world views influenced their religious beliefs. To escape it, they sought to create a stronghold to ride out the storm.
On the other hand, the feds were influenced by their dealings with Kahl, who rejected federal authority and advocated armed resistance. Initially a tax resistor, he later joined the Posse Comitatus, a group that meshed with his views. Kahl later killed two federal agents and died in a 1983 shootout with authorities. His actions informed how the FBI and other agencies came to view the resistors who followed after Kahl.
Jennings detailed research and writing on the influences of Darby and Kahl help explain why Ruby Ridge happened. It doesn't make it easier to come to terms with the tragedy, but it does bring into focus why the actions and philosophies of the Weavers and the federal government ended in violence.
Jennings' book is a compelling read. I liked that he started with the initial clash between the Weavers and federal agents that led to the 11-day standoff. It nicely sets up his examination of the Weavers' lives and how they came to think and act as they did. He also highlights federal encounters with other anti-government individuals and groups.
At the end, Jennings provides a well-reasoned epilogue that explains the impact of Ruby Ridge. He brings together the perspectives, history, and human frailties at play, offering a balanced account of an event that still shapes how citizens and the federal government view each other.
I received an advance reading copy from www.netgalley.com.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
End of Days is a powerful piece of narrative nonfiction that takes a pivotal moment in modern American history, the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, and places it in the broader sweep of religious belief, conspiracy, and political transformation. Jennings doesn’t just recount the events of that eleven day siege in Idaho, he uses it as a lens to explore how apocalyptic faith and deep mistrust of government have shaped the American psyche and, increasingly, the nation’s politics.
Jennings begins with the tragic confrontation between Randy Weaver’s family and federal agents, a standoff that ended with the deaths of Weaver’s wife, son, their dog, and a U.S. Marshal. From there, the book moves beyond a simple recounting of facts and into a sweeping historical investigation of the strain of apocalyptic Christianity that influenced the Weavers’ worldview, tracing it back through nineteenth century millenarianism and early evangelicalism. This isn’t dry academic history; rather, Jennings connects theological interpretations of Revelation to how certain Americans come to see themselves as embattled, chosen, and justified in preparing for “the end.”
One of the strengths of End of Days is the way Jennings balances narrative storytelling with analytical depth. The Ruby Ridge episode itself is grippingly reconstructed, with vivid scenes that feel like a thriller but remain firmly grounded in evidence and reporting. Against this, Jennings interweaves thoughtful context about how religious belief and mistrust of federal institutions have evolved over time. This makes the book relevant far beyond its historical moment: it feels eerily contemporary in light of rising polarization, conspiratorial thinking, and the political turmoil of recent years.
Overall, End of Days reads like an essential piece of cultural journalism: beautifully written, meticulously researched, and urgently relevant. It’s not just a book about a standoff in Idaho, it’s a meditation on how fear, faith, and ideology can collide to reshape a nation.
Jennings begins with the tragic confrontation between Randy Weaver’s family and federal agents, a standoff that ended with the deaths of Weaver’s wife, son, their dog, and a U.S. Marshal. From there, the book moves beyond a simple recounting of facts and into a sweeping historical investigation of the strain of apocalyptic Christianity that influenced the Weavers’ worldview, tracing it back through nineteenth century millenarianism and early evangelicalism. This isn’t dry academic history; rather, Jennings connects theological interpretations of Revelation to how certain Americans come to see themselves as embattled, chosen, and justified in preparing for “the end.”
One of the strengths of End of Days is the way Jennings balances narrative storytelling with analytical depth. The Ruby Ridge episode itself is grippingly reconstructed, with vivid scenes that feel like a thriller but remain firmly grounded in evidence and reporting. Against this, Jennings interweaves thoughtful context about how religious belief and mistrust of federal institutions have evolved over time. This makes the book relevant far beyond its historical moment: it feels eerily contemporary in light of rising polarization, conspiratorial thinking, and the political turmoil of recent years.
Overall, End of Days reads like an essential piece of cultural journalism: beautifully written, meticulously researched, and urgently relevant. It’s not just a book about a standoff in Idaho, it’s a meditation on how fear, faith, and ideology can collide to reshape a nation.
February 16, 2026
Fantastic example of what happens when people on both sides of an issue become antagonistic and things explode. Randy Weaver and his family were fundamentalistic Christians who believed the end of world was upon us. They retreated to a lonely hilltop in Idaho where they built a homestead and wanted to be left alone by society. Unfortunately, Weaver had a pending failure to appear in court warrant. Rather than wait until Weaver came down from his lair to shop in town, the Federal authorities decided to make an example of him. Using ultra-militaristic tactics, they set up surveillance on the Weavers, got caught at it, and ended up shooting Randy Weaver's son in the back, killing him. Then, rather than letting matters settle down until cooler heads could prevail, they upped the ante, surrounding the hilltop with enough military power to take over a small country. The end result being a massive catastrophe.
The Weaver's became martyrs for the White Supremacists. In fact, you can trace many of the crimes committed by the White Supremacists back to the Weaver debacle. The Order, the Timothy McVeigh bombing, even Waco.
I've followed this case for over thirty years. Despite my career being spent in Federal Law Enforcement, I have to admit that this episode was a turning point and disaster for our country. I loath the Uber-military that Fed Law Enf has become. In almost all cases, a more nuanced and less aggressive approach could have saved so many lives and so much heartache. That being said, I am also totally against the Alt-Right and their methods. Conflicted, I am.
Jennings does a great job reporting this event. Excellently written and the story really draws you in. He presents both sides fairly. I highly recommend this book, especially in the National circumstances we are finding ourselves currently in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The Weaver's became martyrs for the White Supremacists. In fact, you can trace many of the crimes committed by the White Supremacists back to the Weaver debacle. The Order, the Timothy McVeigh bombing, even Waco.
I've followed this case for over thirty years. Despite my career being spent in Federal Law Enforcement, I have to admit that this episode was a turning point and disaster for our country. I loath the Uber-military that Fed Law Enf has become. In almost all cases, a more nuanced and less aggressive approach could have saved so many lives and so much heartache. That being said, I am also totally against the Alt-Right and their methods. Conflicted, I am.
Jennings does a great job reporting this event. Excellently written and the story really draws you in. He presents both sides fairly. I highly recommend this book, especially in the National circumstances we are finding ourselves currently in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
February 23, 2026
"Rather than galloping tyranny, what Ruby Ridge portended was a slow-moving ontological crackup— the fracturing of American reality itself. A steadily expanding portion of citizens have come to inhabit a world built upon the same apocalyptic story that sent Randy and Vicki up their mountain."
The above stuck with me because I think "the fracturing of American reality" is happening in real time right before our eyes today and every day. In a world where facts and the truth have become optional, we could likely be headed towards many more Ruby Ridge like incidents.
This book is a deeply researched, beautifully written, and balanced account of the Ruby Ridge tragedy that took place on August 21, 1992, in a remote cabin in the Idaho mountains. There are no heroes here and there is plenty of blame to throw around, but one thing is for sure this tragedy was avoidable. There is no doubt that the Weaver's rabid, anti-government views and their apocalyptic religious beliefs placed them, and their innocent children in terrible danger. On the government side, they let Weaver get away with much more than they should have, escalating a delicate situation, and feeding into the Weaver's persecution fantasies. I can't help but think that if anyone other than a white man and his family, would have holed up in a cabin with a bunch of weapons, refusing to appear, this incident would have been shut down before it started.
Ruby Ridge took place in 1992 and I fear we have learned nothing from the aftermath, if anything tensions have escalated, confidence in our government is at its lowest, and the line between church and state keeps blurring.
"As it becomes increasingly obvious that some measure of shared reality is a civic necessity, Ruby Ridge illustrates what can happen when a group of people live within myths that cannot be reconciled with life in an ever-changing society or the slow, hard work of democratic governance."
The above stuck with me because I think "the fracturing of American reality" is happening in real time right before our eyes today and every day. In a world where facts and the truth have become optional, we could likely be headed towards many more Ruby Ridge like incidents.
This book is a deeply researched, beautifully written, and balanced account of the Ruby Ridge tragedy that took place on August 21, 1992, in a remote cabin in the Idaho mountains. There are no heroes here and there is plenty of blame to throw around, but one thing is for sure this tragedy was avoidable. There is no doubt that the Weaver's rabid, anti-government views and their apocalyptic religious beliefs placed them, and their innocent children in terrible danger. On the government side, they let Weaver get away with much more than they should have, escalating a delicate situation, and feeding into the Weaver's persecution fantasies. I can't help but think that if anyone other than a white man and his family, would have holed up in a cabin with a bunch of weapons, refusing to appear, this incident would have been shut down before it started.
Ruby Ridge took place in 1992 and I fear we have learned nothing from the aftermath, if anything tensions have escalated, confidence in our government is at its lowest, and the line between church and state keeps blurring.
"As it becomes increasingly obvious that some measure of shared reality is a civic necessity, Ruby Ridge illustrates what can happen when a group of people live within myths that cannot be reconciled with life in an ever-changing society or the slow, hard work of democratic governance."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Three decades on, Ruby Ridge looks like the start of something than its finale.”
Thanks to Little Brown and Novel Suspects for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ruby Ridge is one of those events that in my consumption of true crime has gotten lost behind Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing. As much as I’ve known about Ruby Ridge on the periphery of these other events, I was glad to finally get to read about it in greater detail.
What this book does really well is trace the beliefs of Randy and Vicki Weaver and where the panic about the end-of-days started. While I will say that a lot of the religious explanations and history is a bit dense, it’s integral to understanding how the Weavers bought into this full stop. They changed their entire way of life to move to northern Idaho and live off the grid.
It also recounts the failures of law enforcement and the government in this incident. Like a lot of these events, our perceptions are warped by what bits and pieces we’ve picked up over time through the media. Jennings doesn’t absolve the Weavers, but he also doesn’t treat the government as heroes. The Weavers may have held extreme beliefs and had been in some legal trouble, but that shouldn’t have ended with several dead in an eleven-day standoff.
If you have an interest in this incident, I would absolutely recommend this books. It’s so clearly well-researched and provides enough information to give the true picture of what happened at Ruby Ridge, and also how it parallels some of what we see today.
Thanks to Little Brown and Novel Suspects for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ruby Ridge is one of those events that in my consumption of true crime has gotten lost behind Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing. As much as I’ve known about Ruby Ridge on the periphery of these other events, I was glad to finally get to read about it in greater detail.
What this book does really well is trace the beliefs of Randy and Vicki Weaver and where the panic about the end-of-days started. While I will say that a lot of the religious explanations and history is a bit dense, it’s integral to understanding how the Weavers bought into this full stop. They changed their entire way of life to move to northern Idaho and live off the grid.
It also recounts the failures of law enforcement and the government in this incident. Like a lot of these events, our perceptions are warped by what bits and pieces we’ve picked up over time through the media. Jennings doesn’t absolve the Weavers, but he also doesn’t treat the government as heroes. The Weavers may have held extreme beliefs and had been in some legal trouble, but that shouldn’t have ended with several dead in an eleven-day standoff.
If you have an interest in this incident, I would absolutely recommend this books. It’s so clearly well-researched and provides enough information to give the true picture of what happened at Ruby Ridge, and also how it parallels some of what we see today.
February 27, 2026
I didn’t mean to spiral, but my bookshelf had other plans. 🩸📚
Apparently, my recent reading theme was: blood, belief systems, and international chaos. I accidentally built the most intense stack, and honestly? I couldn’t look away.
The Lineup:
End of Days by Chris Jennings: A sobering, sharp look at apocalyptic obsessions and American extremism. ⛈️
The Blood Countess by Shelley Puhak: Part true crime, part feminist reckoning. Was Elizabeth Báthory a monster or a political scapegoat? 🏰
Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah: A tense, emotional mystery rooted in the Choctaw community. Perry Antelope is a top-tier lead. 🔍
The Devil's Bible by Steve Berry: Conspiracy-fueled adrenaline involving the actual Codex Gigas. Pure chaos. 📜
Altogether, these reads made me double-check every official version of history I’ve ever been told.
✨️Thank you, Little, Brown and Company, Bloomsbury Publishing, Bantam, Grand Central Publishing, Chris Jennings, Shelley Puhak, Devon Mihesuah and Steve Berry for sharing these books with us!
Apparently, my recent reading theme was: blood, belief systems, and international chaos. I accidentally built the most intense stack, and honestly? I couldn’t look away.
The Lineup:
End of Days by Chris Jennings: A sobering, sharp look at apocalyptic obsessions and American extremism. ⛈️
The Blood Countess by Shelley Puhak: Part true crime, part feminist reckoning. Was Elizabeth Báthory a monster or a political scapegoat? 🏰
Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah: A tense, emotional mystery rooted in the Choctaw community. Perry Antelope is a top-tier lead. 🔍
The Devil's Bible by Steve Berry: Conspiracy-fueled adrenaline involving the actual Codex Gigas. Pure chaos. 📜
Altogether, these reads made me double-check every official version of history I’ve ever been told.
✨️Thank you, Little, Brown and Company, Bloomsbury Publishing, Bantam, Grand Central Publishing, Chris Jennings, Shelley Puhak, Devon Mihesuah and Steve Berry for sharing these books with us!
February 25, 2026
My interest in this stems from watching Criminal Minds, where they mention Ruby Ridge a few times. I had no idea what they were talking about the first time I heard this, and had to google it.
The book delves into the Weaver family, how their beliefs went from religious to fundamentalist to extremist. I don’t understand what makes people think that the world is ending and so now would be a good time to stockpile weapons and I think the author does as much as he can to detail this journey for the family without being inside their heads.
The stand-off (? siege?) bookends the story, so we start with the Weavers and FBI shooting at each other, the go back to see how things lead to this. This really grabbed my attention. Now I want to read more about this (and Waco.)
The book delves into the Weaver family, how their beliefs went from religious to fundamentalist to extremist. I don’t understand what makes people think that the world is ending and so now would be a good time to stockpile weapons and I think the author does as much as he can to detail this journey for the family without being inside their heads.
The stand-off (? siege?) bookends the story, so we start with the Weavers and FBI shooting at each other, the go back to see how things lead to this. This really grabbed my attention. Now I want to read more about this (and Waco.)
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This is one of the best books on 'triggering the militia movement' and the dissent we've seen so far...and how we might just be able to reverse it!
The Weaver's story is not only horrible...it's a lesson dealing with 'apocalyptic faith' here in America...the government's overreach and mistakes...and downward trends we're facing today...
Chris Jennings has done a fine job writing this piece...and the researched depths is 'above and beyond'...
If you want to get a good understanding of what's happening today, you've gotta read this book about what happened yesterday...
Highly Recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, this book blew me away. It was a fascinating deep dive into the Ruby Ridge incident and the Weaver family in the early 1990s, while also exploring how the Weavers became so entrenched in their beliefs. The background on fringe apocalyptic Christianity dragged for me at times, but it added important context and made the entire event feel bigger and more complex. The storytelling was excellent, especially during the siege. I couldn’t put it down! The author also does a great job keeping the narrative accessible and even-handed. Highly recommend if you want to understand Ruby Ridge and the ideology surrounding it.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
February 17, 2026
I need to stop reading books about people who think they have a direct hotline to God, and think they need a stockpile of guns and ammunition, and a menstruation hut.
Can someone explain why religious extremists who proudly announce their hatred for all Jews then go on to eliminate all mainstream Christian holidays from their lives, and start celebrating their own versions of Jewish holidays? Make it make sense.
The book covers the history of doomsday Christianity, including the story of John Nelson Darby, the guy who invented the Rapture. It’s well written, but I don’t think any amount of research or scholarship could make me understand what makes fundies tick.
February 21, 2026
Gripping, unsettling, and impossible to put down.
Chris Jennings dives deep into Ruby Ridge and its aftermath with impressive clarity and empathy, weaving history and analysis without ever feeling dry. At times, the detail can be overwhelming, but it only underscores the stakes.
The book excels in humanizing the people involved while exploring larger cultural and political tremors that still echo today. Jennings’ storytelling balances narrative tension with thoughtful reflection, making it feel both like a true crime and a social study.
A must-read for anyone interested in modern American history, politics, or the human cost of extremism.
Chris Jennings dives deep into Ruby Ridge and its aftermath with impressive clarity and empathy, weaving history and analysis without ever feeling dry. At times, the detail can be overwhelming, but it only underscores the stakes.
The book excels in humanizing the people involved while exploring larger cultural and political tremors that still echo today. Jennings’ storytelling balances narrative tension with thoughtful reflection, making it feel both like a true crime and a social study.
A must-read for anyone interested in modern American history, politics, or the human cost of extremism.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A fantastic read not only on the siege itself but the religious & societal overtones that prefaced it. There are no winners in what happened & Jennings makes sure to highlight that there were numerous mistakes, missteps, failures, perpetuated by all sides. Highly recommend if you're interested at all not only in the Ruby Ridge incident itself, but the 'Christian' apocalyptic overtones of the far-right that lead to it.
*Thank you to Edelweiss for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to Edelweiss for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2026
i received an early copy of this book.
it cannot be clearly enough stated how much i enjoyed this book. i have heard bits and pieces about this case, but never the full story, so i was delighted to dive into a new topic. jennings covers this event’s timeline excellently, and throughly analyzes the causes, effects, and what legacy it has on american politics. in addition, i loveeeeee when non-fiction authors get a little snarky, so i did truly appreciate jennings’s writing style lol. beautifully done, and i will be sure to read more of jennings’s work. 😊
it cannot be clearly enough stated how much i enjoyed this book. i have heard bits and pieces about this case, but never the full story, so i was delighted to dive into a new topic. jennings covers this event’s timeline excellently, and throughly analyzes the causes, effects, and what legacy it has on american politics. in addition, i loveeeeee when non-fiction authors get a little snarky, so i did truly appreciate jennings’s writing style lol. beautifully done, and i will be sure to read more of jennings’s work. 😊
February 23, 2026
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads give away. As someone getting into deconstructing Christianity the history was fascinating. It had so much to it that if I hadn't been familiar with some figures it would have taken me a lot longer to read with a lot of pauses for research. This book delivered exactly what it promised but it felt a touch lopsided. To be clear, it is a very logical way to present the information. So much information in the front and then you hit a wall with Ruby Ridge itself. I would absolutely recommend this book to others.
February 20, 2026
Interesting and relatively well told. I wish the relevance would have been tied into the broader political and cultural contexts in a way that didn’t pale in comparison in to John Ganz’s When the Clock Broke. Ruby Ridge was a much more minor focus of that book but I felt like it did more to explain its broader impact.
February 21, 2026
Don’t attribute to malice what can easily be explained by incompetence comes to mind when reading this book. I thought Jennings did a good job exposing federal bungling and countering the conspiracy narrative, and demonstrating where some of the Weavers’ pain was self imposed and other times where it was an undue burden. I also enjoyed his writing style. I devoured this in two days.
Want to read
February 26, 2026This book is quite a read. Living in Montana I’ve run into people who espouse this Book of Revelations stuff, but I never knew the source and how much it has been woven into the fabric of American culture. As I often read before bed, one night this book wormed its way into my sleep and produced an unpleasant dream. Not much of a recommendation I guess.
February 11, 2026
A gripping account with deep insight into America’s radical fringes.
Chris Jennings turns the tragedy of Ruby Ridge into a lens for understanding how apocalyptic faith and government overreach shaped the rise of militias and modern conspiratorial politics.
Chris Jennings turns the tragedy of Ruby Ridge into a lens for understanding how apocalyptic faith and government overreach shaped the rise of militias and modern conspiratorial politics.
February 27, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I really liked the beginning and end that actually talked about what happened on Ruby Ridge. The middle parts were hit or miss on the history portion. I would have liked to know a little more about what happened afterward.
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