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Roland: Reluctant Paladin
Roland Stang never intended to become the caretaker of thirty abandoned children. He was just looking for a place to get out of the rain. His plan was to lay low and allow the world to reset itself after a world wide economic collapse. But, things do change. An orphan himself from an early age, the former soldier can't simply walk away and leave the children he finds. Especially once he realizes what a sorry lot of adults is nominally in charge of the group in the warehouse he's taken shelter in.
But now, he's got his hands full, and then some. He has to find a home for those children, and a way to feed, clothe, and educate them. All while protecting them from people who would prey on them in one way or another, and while protecting his own back from an angry woman who apparently hates him just because. Her only redeeming feature as far as Roland is concerned? She wants to protect the children as much as he does.
Leading a handful of teens and a busload of orphaned children, Roland sets out to find a safe haven for them. Along the way he'll make friends, enemies, and the odd mistake or two. Or more.
Roland isn't exactly parenting material, either. With problems of his own to deal with, maybe taking on so much extra responsibility wasn't the smartest thing he's ever done. Then again, Roland has always been stubborn.
Roland is just over 138,000 words of post-collapse survival.
But now, he's got his hands full, and then some. He has to find a home for those children, and a way to feed, clothe, and educate them. All while protecting them from people who would prey on them in one way or another, and while protecting his own back from an angry woman who apparently hates him just because. Her only redeeming feature as far as Roland is concerned? She wants to protect the children as much as he does.
Leading a handful of teens and a busload of orphaned children, Roland sets out to find a safe haven for them. Along the way he'll make friends, enemies, and the odd mistake or two. Or more.
Roland isn't exactly parenting material, either. With problems of his own to deal with, maybe taking on so much extra responsibility wasn't the smartest thing he's ever done. Then again, Roland has always been stubborn.
Roland is just over 138,000 words of post-collapse survival.
676 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
187 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 3, 2024
THOSE WHO FIGHT TO PROTECT THOSE WHO UNABLE TO DO SO FOR THEMSELVES ARE OUR TRUE HEROES
ROLAND: RELUCTANT PALADIN by N.C. Reed is another great book set around a group of people who are willing to fight and sacrifice everything including their own lifes for those who the are unable to defend themselves from gangs or tribes as the thugs were calling themselves that are running around killing, enslaving, and stealing anything they could get thier hands.
Lead by Roland, who has taken upon himself to protect 28 children from evil thugs, is joined by a few military men and women that put it all to protect these children not because what they can get out of doing so, not because they have any common connections with them, but because it's the right thing to do. It's the thing a good man or woman would do, and it's definitely what a good God loving person should do.
As with all of the books and series that I have read written by N.C. Reed, this book is well written, action-packed, full of structures and accomplishments, loss of friends and love ones, alliances with people who share good morals, and with the determination to survive without the loss of said morals. All the characters are well defined, and you will find yourself routing for Roland, James, Maria, Jesse, and the rest of Roland's group from the first page to the last.
I really enjoyed this book and really like if N.C. Reed would continue with the story of both Roland and / or James. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book as much as I have.
ROLAND: RELUCTANT PALADIN by N.C. Reed is another great book set around a group of people who are willing to fight and sacrifice everything including their own lifes for those who the are unable to defend themselves from gangs or tribes as the thugs were calling themselves that are running around killing, enslaving, and stealing anything they could get thier hands.
Lead by Roland, who has taken upon himself to protect 28 children from evil thugs, is joined by a few military men and women that put it all to protect these children not because what they can get out of doing so, not because they have any common connections with them, but because it's the right thing to do. It's the thing a good man or woman would do, and it's definitely what a good God loving person should do.
As with all of the books and series that I have read written by N.C. Reed, this book is well written, action-packed, full of structures and accomplishments, loss of friends and love ones, alliances with people who share good morals, and with the determination to survive without the loss of said morals. All the characters are well defined, and you will find yourself routing for Roland, James, Maria, Jesse, and the rest of Roland's group from the first page to the last.
I really enjoyed this book and really like if N.C. Reed would continue with the story of both Roland and / or James. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book as much as I have.
June 16, 2024
I cried.
A very powerful story. I both loved and hated it at the same time. True to life, it was not only the peripheral characters who died but. Too many, of the main players.
A very powerful story. I both loved and hated it at the same time. True to life, it was not only the peripheral characters who died but. Too many, of the main players.
April 11, 2024
Another good one
This was another very good story from NC Reed. Excting, and touching, with characters I cared about. He's become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read another.
This was another very good story from NC Reed. Excting, and touching, with characters I cared about. He's become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read another.
December 25, 2022
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book once I started reading it I didn't want to stop until the story was completed I highly recommend this for Anyone looking for a good story.
I really enjoyed this book once I started reading it I didn't want to stop until the story was completed I highly recommend this for Anyone looking for a good story.
July 11, 2023
The Song of Roland
Not quite, but a great story. Looks like a stand alone, at least for.now, but worthy of a read. Download it and get started.
Not quite, but a great story. Looks like a stand alone, at least for.now, but worthy of a read. Download it and get started.
October 6, 2022
I liked this book fine; even though Roland has problems, who doesn’t. Evil has existed since the forbidden fruit was eaten and murder since Cain killed Able and you know there is so much evil that will be unleashed as soon as there is no one willing to stand against it.
Roland seems like a standup guy who tries to do right with the new world situation that he finds himself in. I wasn’t crazy with the way the book ended but maybe that is a good ending for Roland. I have many of this author’s books and I will say that Odd Billy Todd is the absolute best! I am still hoping that there will be a sequel to that book called, “The FARMS’ and of course, I want to be a character in that book. ;)
Roland seems like a standup guy who tries to do right with the new world situation that he finds himself in. I wasn’t crazy with the way the book ended but maybe that is a good ending for Roland. I have many of this author’s books and I will say that Odd Billy Todd is the absolute best! I am still hoping that there will be a sequel to that book called, “The FARMS’ and of course, I want to be a character in that book. ;)
February 25, 2024
Excellent read for the Genre
Well written.
Situations are believable. None of the preposterous occurrences like most apocalypse stories. Yes, there are some peppers in the country. Even a Ralph happens on farms where you fix, mend and/or repair everything. Though the author forgot the most important tool after duct tape - bailing wire!
People die just like real life. Not always those who deserve to die.
Love the title!
Well written.
Situations are believable. None of the preposterous occurrences like most apocalypse stories. Yes, there are some peppers in the country. Even a Ralph happens on farms where you fix, mend and/or repair everything. Though the author forgot the most important tool after duct tape - bailing wire!
People die just like real life. Not always those who deserve to die.
Love the title!
October 13, 2022
Roland the Paladin
Got to tell you that this is a Great story. Top 3 I've read. Really was sad it ended. Great characters that I just adored. Would not mind reading another Roland adventure. Thanks for the entertainment.
Got to tell you that this is a Great story. Top 3 I've read. Really was sad it ended. Great characters that I just adored. Would not mind reading another Roland adventure. Thanks for the entertainment.
May 30, 2024
A very enjoyable book
From page 1 to the end it kept me turning pages to find out what as next. The characters are characters, enjoyable to read about.
I highly recommend this book.
From page 1 to the end it kept me turning pages to find out what as next. The characters are characters, enjoyable to read about.
I highly recommend this book.
September 9, 2023
Fascinating Fiction
A different approach to apocalypse fiction. Full of robust characters you quickly come to care about. Lovely use of dialect adds charm.
A different approach to apocalypse fiction. Full of robust characters you quickly come to care about. Lovely use of dialect adds charm.
May 2, 2020
Hero in the making
As I finished reading this book, May 1, 2020, we are just coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic. You will know better than I what happened but has not yet occurred for me. I say this because Roland is in a way in the same position, not knowing what is going to happen, but knowing things cannot remain the same. I think my only complaint about the story is that none of the men at least, knew how to speak proper English! 😆 There is a lot of loss in the story. It's not a joyful read, but it is action filled. The most rewarding aspect is that in the midst of overwhelming loss and tremendous emotional trauma, Roland didn't quit! That is the making of a hero. Tremendous challenge + not quitting = HERO.
As I finished reading this book, May 1, 2020, we are just coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic. You will know better than I what happened but has not yet occurred for me. I say this because Roland is in a way in the same position, not knowing what is going to happen, but knowing things cannot remain the same. I think my only complaint about the story is that none of the men at least, knew how to speak proper English! 😆 There is a lot of loss in the story. It's not a joyful read, but it is action filled. The most rewarding aspect is that in the midst of overwhelming loss and tremendous emotional trauma, Roland didn't quit! That is the making of a hero. Tremendous challenge + not quitting = HERO.
May 11, 2017
This was an interesting post apocalyptic book. I was looking forward to a zombie story but this wasn't it. Still I enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters and how they were thrown together. They were interesting without getting too into them. I was kept interested all through and wanted to know what was coming around each corner. The very last chapter was not what I was looking for and did fell a bit let down, but that does not mean it was bad. I just wanted it to lead someplace else and for more books to come along. All in all it was a good stand alone novel and if you like post apocalyptic stories this one should go down nicely. Give this a chance.
October 11, 2018
Roland is a fairly compelling character and appealing because he is willing to help those who really need it. There were a lot of children under his wing, but we only get to meet a few of the older ones (O.K., Ralph is my favorite). The younger ones never seem to become part of the story other than being cause for concern. There are quite a few errors in grammar and writing that a good editor could have fixed. Do people in Tennessee really all talk that way? The ending felt abrupt, almost like the author wasn't sure how to end Roland's story, but riding off into the sunset is as good as any.
August 26, 2020
One of the best!
Roland is a very unusual character. A warrior that defends the young, the weak and the helpless through an inner sense of self that requires that this is his purpose in life. Does he have doubts? Sure. Always there are doubts. The tough keep going. I recommend this book. Read it. Ponder it. It's a bell of a story. Better then Odd Billy Todd ,which is also a great story. HoboJoe
Roland is a very unusual character. A warrior that defends the young, the weak and the helpless through an inner sense of self that requires that this is his purpose in life. Does he have doubts? Sure. Always there are doubts. The tough keep going. I recommend this book. Read it. Ponder it. It's a bell of a story. Better then Odd Billy Todd ,which is also a great story. HoboJoe
March 23, 2022
Absolutely excellent
This story held my attention from the beginning. I usually get bored with a book and jump to the end. Do that with one of Reed's stories & you'll miss out on a lot of action. I wish there was a follow up book. Guess I'll just have to wait for the next Fire from the Sky.
This story held my attention from the beginning. I usually get bored with a book and jump to the end. Do that with one of Reed's stories & you'll miss out on a lot of action. I wish there was a follow up book. Guess I'll just have to wait for the next Fire from the Sky.
September 23, 2022
good story
NC Reed has had issues with all his books having spelling and grammar issues, though in this tale he covers a lot of that up with Tennessee hillbilly talk. Quite brilliant!
The story is post apocalyptic, with another apocalypse on tap for the story characters. A good story, interesting characters.
NC Reed has had issues with all his books having spelling and grammar issues, though in this tale he covers a lot of that up with Tennessee hillbilly talk. Quite brilliant!
The story is post apocalyptic, with another apocalypse on tap for the story characters. A good story, interesting characters.
August 23, 2017
Missed the MK 19
Was really
Looking forward to that 40mm grenade launcher smoking some bikers, oh well. Makes you hope that there are selfless people out there when the the shtf. Doubt it though.
Was really
Looking forward to that 40mm grenade launcher smoking some bikers, oh well. Makes you hope that there are selfless people out there when the the shtf. Doubt it though.
June 8, 2019
Five, plus
I am so disappointed there is not a second book. Yes, everything was concluded although I would like a different ending. Please, if you ever read these reviews Mr. Reed, write another Paladin story.
I am so disappointed there is not a second book. Yes, everything was concluded although I would like a different ending. Please, if you ever read these reviews Mr. Reed, write another Paladin story.
March 11, 2020
Thought provoking
The topic and characters in this story were relevant today! The development of the story was a great read - I enjoyed the way and which the main character became more fully engaged.
The topic and characters in this story were relevant today! The development of the story was a great read - I enjoyed the way and which the main character became more fully engaged.
April 20, 2020
Great Read!
Characters and plot are very believable. Good twist on story line of military hard liner becomes children's savior. At the end I wished this had been serialized. I love a 👍 good story!!!
Characters and plot are very believable. Good twist on story line of military hard liner becomes children's savior. At the end I wished this had been serialized. I love a 👍 good story!!!
September 16, 2020
Great read
This arthur is new to me just this year and I found myself fully enjoying his work. He builds strong characters and fast paced stories.I really like his work. Do yourself a favor and read his work.
This arthur is new to me just this year and I found myself fully enjoying his work. He builds strong characters and fast paced stories.I really like his work. Do yourself a favor and read his work.
October 21, 2020
Have gun, will travel
A real hero who finds his purpose saving a group of children lost in a diaspora. Cunning, smart, savvy with a heart of gold, Roland is a protector worthy of the title, Paladin
A real hero who finds his purpose saving a group of children lost in a diaspora. Cunning, smart, savvy with a heart of gold, Roland is a protector worthy of the title, Paladin
April 22, 2025
Excellent story of survival
I found this to be one of the more believable stories in this genre.
The title is accurate; a man doing what he could with what he has available in a near-impossible situation.
Recommended.
I found this to be one of the more believable stories in this genre.
The title is accurate; a man doing what he could with what he has available in a near-impossible situation.
Recommended.
July 3, 2017
Excellent writer!
Excellent writer a good story line. His character and sub characters are well crafted and fairly realistic. His main character is flaerd in a good eay.
Excellent writer a good story line. His character and sub characters are well crafted and fairly realistic. His main character is flaerd in a good eay.
August 12, 2017
Excellent!
Excellent story from the first word till the end. Characters, all great. I am so read to real more of them!
Excellent story from the first word till the end. Characters, all great. I am so read to real more of them!
February 3, 2018
.
Hearing about the flu sounds like today's world. Please protect the children, get your flu shot.
Interesting story, makes a person proud of the military
Hearing about the flu sounds like today's world. Please protect the children, get your flu shot.
Interesting story, makes a person proud of the military
June 19, 2019
Roland review
Roland: Reluctant Paladin is a very good post apocalyptic survival book written by author N. C. Reed. The storyline is unusual for this genre, but captivating.
Roland: Reluctant Paladin is a very good post apocalyptic survival book written by author N. C. Reed. The storyline is unusual for this genre, but captivating.
August 6, 2019
WOW
This book was a real adventure. I felt like I was really one of the soldiers. Good book. Need a sequel.
This book was a real adventure. I felt like I was really one of the soldiers. Good book. Need a sequel.
September 9, 2019
Good story line and character development with a plot twist that gives you and unexpected but understandable ending. Excellent author, I would recommend any of N.C. Reed's stories.
October 11, 2019
Great
Is this as amazing as the fire in the sky series? Why yes yes it is. Great stand alone work with a solid premise.
Is this as amazing as the fire in the sky series? Why yes yes it is. Great stand alone work with a solid premise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews