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The Coming Collapse #5
Liberators: A Novel of the Coming Global Collapse
The New York Times bestselling author of Patriots and How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It returns with another riveting postapocalyptic tale
New York Times bestselling author James Wesley, Rawles has won a large readership among the growing ranks of survivalists and preppers with novels that combine fast-paced adventure with useful how-to information. Set against a backdrop of global socioeconomic collapse, Liberators features Afghanistan War vet Ray McGregor and Phil Adams, a Defense Intelligence Agency officer. When the United States is engulfed by chaos, a tyrannical army of occupation ruthlessly restores order. Operating out of a sparsely populated town in remote western Canada, the two men fight the occupiers to ensure not only their own survival, but also the future of North America.
New York Times bestselling author James Wesley, Rawles has won a large readership among the growing ranks of survivalists and preppers with novels that combine fast-paced adventure with useful how-to information. Set against a backdrop of global socioeconomic collapse, Liberators features Afghanistan War vet Ray McGregor and Phil Adams, a Defense Intelligence Agency officer. When the United States is engulfed by chaos, a tyrannical army of occupation ruthlessly restores order. Operating out of a sparsely populated town in remote western Canada, the two men fight the occupiers to ensure not only their own survival, but also the future of North America.
413 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
37 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
James Wesley, Rawles
22 books250 followersJames Wesley, Rawles is a internationally recognized authority on family disaster preparedness and survivalism. He has been described by journalists as the "conscience of survivalism." Formerly a U.S. Army intelligence officer, Rawles is now a fiction and nonfiction author, as well as a rancher. His books have been translated into seven languages. He is also a lecturer and the founder and Senior Editor of http://www.SurvivalBlog.com, the Internet's first blogs on preparedness that has enjoyed perennial popularity and now receives more than 320,000 unique visits per week. He and his family live at a remote self-sufficient ranch surrounded by National Forest lands that is is cryptically identified as located "somewhere west of the Rockies.
Rawles worked as an Associate Editor and Regional Editor (for the Western U.S.) with Defense Electronics magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s and concurrently was Managing Editor of The International Countermeasures Handbook. He worked as a technical writer through most of the 1990s with a variety of electronics and software companies including Oracle Corporation. In 2005, he began blogging full-time. On his book covers and in his blog, he presents his name with a comma, as James Wesley, Rawles, to distinguish between his given name and his family name.
James Wesley, Rawles was born James Wesley Rawles in California in 1960 and attended local public schools. Rawles received a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose University.
From 1984 to 1993, he served as a United States Army Military Intelligence officer. He resigned his commission as a U.S. Army Captain immediately after Bill Clinton was inaugurated as President of the United States.
Rawles is the editor of SurvivalBlog.com, a popular blog on survival and preparedness topics. The blog has been described as "the guiding light of the prepper movement." The main focus of his blog is preparing for the multitude of possible threats toward society. In his various writings, Rawles has warned about socio-economic collapse, terrorist attacks, and food shortages.
He is now a freelance writer, blogger, and survival retreat consultant. One journalist called him a "survival guru" He was described as the "conscience of survivalism." Rawles is best known as the author of the survivalist novel Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse.
Rawles is an outspoken proponent of family preparedness, especially regarding food storage and advocates relocating to lightly populated rural "retreat" areas. His preparedness philosophy emphasizes the fragility of modern society, the value of silver and other tangibles for barter, recognition of moral absolutes, being well-armed, maintaining a "deep larder," relocation to rural retreats, and Christian charity. In an interview in The New York Times, Rawles identified himself as a "guns and groceries" survivalist.
Rawles interprets the 2nd Amendment as supporting citizens' individual rights to bear and keep arms. He believes they should be able to take arms to public events.
Rawles is opposed to racism. He supports abolition of modern slavery in the world.
Rawles is a spokeman for the surivalist movement. A central premise of that movement is that there is a high risk of a coming societal meltdown and the need to prepare for the repercussions. Rawles said that the popular media has developed an incorrect far-right "lunatic fringe" image in part because of the actions of a radical few such as Timothy McVeigh. He called this a distortion of the true message of survivalism. Unlike the handful of fringe proponents, Rawles focuses instead on family preparedness and personal freedom. Rawles explained that the typical survivalist does not actually live in a rural area, but is rather is a city dweller worried about the collapse of society who views the rural lifestyle as idyllic. Speaking from his experience, Rawles cautions that rural self-sufficiency a
Rawles worked as an Associate Editor and Regional Editor (for the Western U.S.) with Defense Electronics magazine in the late 1980s and early 1990s and concurrently was Managing Editor of The International Countermeasures Handbook. He worked as a technical writer through most of the 1990s with a variety of electronics and software companies including Oracle Corporation. In 2005, he began blogging full-time. On his book covers and in his blog, he presents his name with a comma, as James Wesley, Rawles, to distinguish between his given name and his family name.
James Wesley, Rawles was born James Wesley Rawles in California in 1960 and attended local public schools. Rawles received a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose University.
From 1984 to 1993, he served as a United States Army Military Intelligence officer. He resigned his commission as a U.S. Army Captain immediately after Bill Clinton was inaugurated as President of the United States.
Rawles is the editor of SurvivalBlog.com, a popular blog on survival and preparedness topics. The blog has been described as "the guiding light of the prepper movement." The main focus of his blog is preparing for the multitude of possible threats toward society. In his various writings, Rawles has warned about socio-economic collapse, terrorist attacks, and food shortages.
He is now a freelance writer, blogger, and survival retreat consultant. One journalist called him a "survival guru" He was described as the "conscience of survivalism." Rawles is best known as the author of the survivalist novel Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse.
Rawles is an outspoken proponent of family preparedness, especially regarding food storage and advocates relocating to lightly populated rural "retreat" areas. His preparedness philosophy emphasizes the fragility of modern society, the value of silver and other tangibles for barter, recognition of moral absolutes, being well-armed, maintaining a "deep larder," relocation to rural retreats, and Christian charity. In an interview in The New York Times, Rawles identified himself as a "guns and groceries" survivalist.
Rawles interprets the 2nd Amendment as supporting citizens' individual rights to bear and keep arms. He believes they should be able to take arms to public events.
Rawles is opposed to racism. He supports abolition of modern slavery in the world.
Rawles is a spokeman for the surivalist movement. A central premise of that movement is that there is a high risk of a coming societal meltdown and the need to prepare for the repercussions. Rawles said that the popular media has developed an incorrect far-right "lunatic fringe" image in part because of the actions of a radical few such as Timothy McVeigh. He called this a distortion of the true message of survivalism. Unlike the handful of fringe proponents, Rawles focuses instead on family preparedness and personal freedom. Rawles explained that the typical survivalist does not actually live in a rural area, but is rather is a city dweller worried about the collapse of society who views the rural lifestyle as idyllic. Speaking from his experience, Rawles cautions that rural self-sufficiency a
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 9, 2016
This is the first book by James Wesley Rawles I've read. I usually gravitate to a different type of genre.
In a nutshell...
You follow different groups of very prepared people (preppers) aware of the oncoming crisis to separate location. Overcoming and surviving situations based on their skills. After reaching their destinations more surviving insues with the fall of their government and the threat of foreign overtake looms on the horizon.
Overall...
After reading this book I've come to realize how very unprepared I am for any catastrophic event.
Entertaining but I was never on the edge of my seat. There was a religious aspect that I really didn't connect with.
Prepper in the making...
I now know what a bug out bag is and what should be packed.
The importance of a bug out location that should also be prepped and ready for your arrival.
What should be considered for barter.
Know how to hunt and forage for food.
This list would be too long if I went on........
In a nutshell...
You follow different groups of very prepared people (preppers) aware of the oncoming crisis to separate location. Overcoming and surviving situations based on their skills. After reaching their destinations more surviving insues with the fall of their government and the threat of foreign overtake looms on the horizon.
Overall...
After reading this book I've come to realize how very unprepared I am for any catastrophic event.
Entertaining but I was never on the edge of my seat. There was a religious aspect that I really didn't connect with.
Prepper in the making...
I now know what a bug out bag is and what should be packed.
The importance of a bug out location that should also be prepped and ready for your arrival.
What should be considered for barter.
Know how to hunt and forage for food.
This list would be too long if I went on........
October 30, 2014
This book seemed like two separate books. The first half of the book was fantastic with great characters and a good story line. Somewhere around the 50% mark, the book changed into a technical manual/history book. I found myself skimming fast through long detailed sections that described how to set up an information gathering group that neither educated nor entertained. I would rate the first half with 4 stars and the second half with two.
October 15, 2014
I've read and enjoyed two of James Wesley, Rawles' other books in this series. Thus I looked forward to the latest, Liberators (Amazon link, due to be released October 21). Most of the action takes place in Canada during "the Crunch" when most of the worlds' economies have collapsed, with ensuing disorder, scarcity of food and fuel, and governments in disarray. There are several books in the series, all taking place during the same years, but with different characters in different parts of the world. Liberators is certainly engaging. You just hope it never becomes non-fiction.
All of the books in the series can be classified as "prepper" novels in that besides providing you with a possible futuristic history, they also offer advice (via the characters' actions) on how to prepare for an emergency, and the breakdown of government -- be it at the local or national level.
I've rated the book slightly lower than previous ones for a few reasons. First, there seems to be more exposition rather than plot actions in contrast to previous works in the series. Fiction is best when it is of the "show, don't tell" modal.
Secondly, the occupation of Canada, first by European U.N. forces is believable enough. However, once they are "sent packing" as it were, the occupation by China is a bit more far-fetched. I can't see a country with little oil production of its own being able to transport so many troops and ships/planes or helicopters/ground vehicles overseas.
Liberators also seems to have an extra-heavy dose of Christianity infused in the characters, making them seem rather wooden. As a matter of fact, I don't remember a single person of another religion (or lack of one) taking part in the story.
Still, it's a fun read that I hope never comes true.
All of the books in the series can be classified as "prepper" novels in that besides providing you with a possible futuristic history, they also offer advice (via the characters' actions) on how to prepare for an emergency, and the breakdown of government -- be it at the local or national level.
I've rated the book slightly lower than previous ones for a few reasons. First, there seems to be more exposition rather than plot actions in contrast to previous works in the series. Fiction is best when it is of the "show, don't tell" modal.
Secondly, the occupation of Canada, first by European U.N. forces is believable enough. However, once they are "sent packing" as it were, the occupation by China is a bit more far-fetched. I can't see a country with little oil production of its own being able to transport so many troops and ships/planes or helicopters/ground vehicles overseas.
Liberators also seems to have an extra-heavy dose of Christianity infused in the characters, making them seem rather wooden. As a matter of fact, I don't remember a single person of another religion (or lack of one) taking part in the story.
Still, it's a fun read that I hope never comes true.
March 13, 2015
I received this book via Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
Honestly, if I had picked up this book by any other means, I would not have finished it. The plot and the character development were mere after thoughts to Rawles' political agenda. The character development was weak, and what development we do get is boring and unbelievable (ie the protagonists are all "perfect" and can do no wrong). The relationships are all underdeveloped. It seemed like Rawles was just checking off boxes as to what he thinks a story needs. The plot is boring and disjointed. Rawles' writing style is simple yet tedious. He included every single detail you could imagine, including, but not limited to, all of the gear every character was carrying at all times and the exact sizes of various equipment and shelters. Think Robinson Crusoe level detail.
Typically I enjoy post-apocalyptic story lines. Unfortunately, Liberators is by far the weakest book of that genre I have ever come across. I would only recommend this book to people who are interested in extreme right-wing politics, Christianity, and are gun fanatics.
Honestly, if I had picked up this book by any other means, I would not have finished it. The plot and the character development were mere after thoughts to Rawles' political agenda. The character development was weak, and what development we do get is boring and unbelievable (ie the protagonists are all "perfect" and can do no wrong). The relationships are all underdeveloped. It seemed like Rawles was just checking off boxes as to what he thinks a story needs. The plot is boring and disjointed. Rawles' writing style is simple yet tedious. He included every single detail you could imagine, including, but not limited to, all of the gear every character was carrying at all times and the exact sizes of various equipment and shelters. Think Robinson Crusoe level detail.
Typically I enjoy post-apocalyptic story lines. Unfortunately, Liberators is by far the weakest book of that genre I have ever come across. I would only recommend this book to people who are interested in extreme right-wing politics, Christianity, and are gun fanatics.
February 4, 2017
I couldn't finish it. I tried, I really did, but I couldn't.
Having read some of Rawles' previous books I knew what to expect: preachy Christian values, over technical descriptions of gear and military abbreviations/ terminology galore.
But this one was even worse in those respects than the others.
Almost complete lack of character development with over clunky dialogue. Nobody talks like these characters, and if they do, no one is listening to them.
Completely disjointed plotline. Current day plot for a couple chapters then "four years prior". Rinse and repeat.
And look, I get the author was a technical advisor or whatever, but the average reader isn't, and doesn't have time nor desire to spend half a page reading a description of the modification made to a vehicle or rifle. Especially when almost halfway through the book they haven't even fired a shot.
Rawles' books are very technical "how to" manuals disguised as novels which greatly and negatively distracts from the story both for the author and for the reader. If nothing else, it serves as a "how NOT to" write a novel.
Having read some of Rawles' previous books I knew what to expect: preachy Christian values, over technical descriptions of gear and military abbreviations/ terminology galore.
But this one was even worse in those respects than the others.
Almost complete lack of character development with over clunky dialogue. Nobody talks like these characters, and if they do, no one is listening to them.
Completely disjointed plotline. Current day plot for a couple chapters then "four years prior". Rinse and repeat.
And look, I get the author was a technical advisor or whatever, but the average reader isn't, and doesn't have time nor desire to spend half a page reading a description of the modification made to a vehicle or rifle. Especially when almost halfway through the book they haven't even fired a shot.
Rawles' books are very technical "how to" manuals disguised as novels which greatly and negatively distracts from the story both for the author and for the reader. If nothing else, it serves as a "how NOT to" write a novel.
March 29, 2016
The banks have collapsed and chaos reins. The socialists have set up a police state and are coming for your guns. It's time to grab your kids, your guns (lots and lots of guns), your pre-1963 silver quarters and head for the hills. Make sure to mention you're a Christian as only the God-fearing are to be trusted in this new world. At least the US fared better than Canada who got invaded first by the French and then the Chinese both under the guise of being UN peacekeepers. The author put in a ton of details regarding guns, camping gear, engines, and other items that will be just make the book dated in a couple years. He should have spent less time on the details and spent more time on the plot. There are so many better post-apocalyptic novels out there. Do not waste your time with this one.
October 21, 2014
I liked the book because I feel we have something like this coming to our country. I wanted insight in how to be prepared for such a situation. I found many useful thoughts and I thought there was a like to take into consideration. I also thought probably it was written more for a man and that a man would probably give it a (5 star). I don't understand all the details of the different gauges of guns and shells but know how important that is to men. I just want to know what to do with them and how to handle them. I am really grateful to have won this book thru Goodreads and would hope in the future to read many more. I love reading and am open to reading things that are out of my norm. So thank you again for having the privilege of reading your work. Was well written.
November 14, 2014
I loved survivors to start off. founders was ok. expatriates was further down hill and final liberators hit rock bottom. I had high hopes with it being the last in his series. I was never able to finish patriots since it was too detailed to get any feel for the characters or keep up with the plot. liberators went full circle back to format he started with while I wish he would have followed survivors where the characters were developed and you learned a few things along the way. instead liberators read as a text book on random information and a right wing rant with Christian emphasis as they were the good guys that could do no wrong.
January 30, 2025
Have you ever wondered what it would look like for our country if our government collapsed? James Wesley Rawles depicts this scenario in his book Liberators. In the thrilling Realistic Fiction novel you can take a glimpse into this frightening scenario and how it would affect our lives. From the perspective of two different characters, the American economy is in shambles and it causes the government to disappear--with no law or order, chaos ensues. Following the fall of the government, and with the newly opened power gap in the world's superpowers, the French invaded the defenseless Canada and the United States hoping to gain power and control. Joshua, his wife, and his wife's sister, and their two sons were looking for a way to survive while also trying to find a way to get to Joshua's friends who live in Kentucky. But when the French start looking for them they have to find another way to escape and keep their sons alive. They are in constant danger of being robbed, jumped, and worse. While this is going on Ray makes his way to his parents ranch in Canada after being fired from his job in Washington. He is hoping to wait out the Crunch with his family and a friend he met while serving in the army. Ray and his family hate what the French are doing and decide to start carrying out operations against the French and start recruiting others to hopefully drive the French out. Will they survive and push the invaders out while keeping their families safe?
I think this is a tornado of a book and would be a great choice for those interested in sci-fi and realistic fiction. This book is especially good if you're looking for a longer story that will keep you interested the whole time. And I guarantee some parts of the book will make you read for hours without even realizing it. I loved this book and I was always looking forward to being able to read it. It has so much detail in everything it depicts and is a great book that I think all people who enjoy reading this genre should read at least once.
I think this is a tornado of a book and would be a great choice for those interested in sci-fi and realistic fiction. This book is especially good if you're looking for a longer story that will keep you interested the whole time. And I guarantee some parts of the book will make you read for hours without even realizing it. I loved this book and I was always looking forward to being able to read it. It has so much detail in everything it depicts and is a great book that I think all people who enjoy reading this genre should read at least once.
May 26, 2017
This book started off great. I was really into it and the story. Then about the halfway mark it really slowed down. It wasn't a story any more. All it was, was military acronyms and tactics. At the 290 page mark I closed the book for the last time about 100 pages from the end. This story had great potential, but fizzled out. Sad it didn't live up to its potential!
October 1, 2017
Listened to on CD. I listened to this and Expats back to back, so by the end of this some of the characters and story lines blurred on me. It was a good book with a lot of action and suspense, but Survivors is still my favorite in the series.
September 14, 2018
Once you've read any one of the Rawles books, you've basically read them all. It's pretty much rinse & repeat in every book of his. He might change the names and locales but not much new by way of substance. Quick, easy, free Library read.
January 26, 2021
GOOD YARN!
A very good yarn about a notional economic collapse, ensuing collapse of governments and tn military occupations, and the guerilla fight tjat overcame the foreign forces.
Usual story details provided by Rawles provide significant value for those so inclined.
A very good yarn about a notional economic collapse, ensuing collapse of governments and tn military occupations, and the guerilla fight tjat overcame the foreign forces.
Usual story details provided by Rawles provide significant value for those so inclined.
May 9, 2017
Ugh. Not my thing. Thanks, Dad, for inadvertently buying it and then leaving it on my shelf.
March 13, 2019
This is nothing but a book of short stories, some really short.
I believe that this book was just a way for the author to put together a book from what stories he could not otherwise sell.
I believe that this book was just a way for the author to put together a book from what stories he could not otherwise sell.
January 15, 2023
Good read, but...
The story line is a good one. Too much time shifting.... Some technical descriptions seem to go a bit long... Too much action outside US for my taste.
The story line is a good one. Too much time shifting.... Some technical descriptions seem to go a bit long... Too much action outside US for my taste.
May 26, 2024
Lo conseguí en edición original y electrónica. Sigue en la misma línea pero en Canadá. Reaparecen los personajes de otros libros. Asoman los malvados chinos.
October 21, 2024
Kind of a doomsday story. But faith in it. And a happy ending.
August 6, 2025
Good story.
I am not anti-2nd Amendment but there seemed to be an inordinate amount of space used to describe each and every firearm and every bullet used with them.
I am not anti-2nd Amendment but there seemed to be an inordinate amount of space used to describe each and every firearm and every bullet used with them.
November 2, 2014
Surely among the worse novels I’ve ever read—James Rawles's book is more survivalist’s screed than work of fiction—think an inept
Atlas Shrugged
.
The US falls into chaos (of course) thanks to the evil socialists in Washington and though we never learns any real details, the UN sends troops. Oh, and a similar fate befalls Western Canada, because there the bad guys are the Francophones in the East who, wouldn’t ya know it, call on France for troops to put down the Western Provinces uprisings.
True to its survivalists origins, Rawles fills his pages with descriptions of all kinds of munitions, and his characters know an amazing amount of detail about what seem like every firearm produced in the world. They’re so comfortable with all this firepower that guns are almost always referred to by their model number. If you’re not into imbued with this culture, you can get lost quickly.
Most of the dialogue is stilted, even between lovers who seem more intent on hoisting survivalist politics than relating to each other. Sex always awaits marriage, which can take months until a duly empowered personage is found to officiate.
Another annoying Rawles penchant is for acronyms. Why use names that everybody understands when you can create a catchy acronym and provide a not-so-subtle clue about sides. So, taking my cue for Mr. Rawles, how about this one: a VBSN. Very-Bad-and-Silly-Novel.
The US falls into chaos (of course) thanks to the evil socialists in Washington and though we never learns any real details, the UN sends troops. Oh, and a similar fate befalls Western Canada, because there the bad guys are the Francophones in the East who, wouldn’t ya know it, call on France for troops to put down the Western Provinces uprisings.
True to its survivalists origins, Rawles fills his pages with descriptions of all kinds of munitions, and his characters know an amazing amount of detail about what seem like every firearm produced in the world. They’re so comfortable with all this firepower that guns are almost always referred to by their model number. If you’re not into imbued with this culture, you can get lost quickly.
Most of the dialogue is stilted, even between lovers who seem more intent on hoisting survivalist politics than relating to each other. Sex always awaits marriage, which can take months until a duly empowered personage is found to officiate.
Another annoying Rawles penchant is for acronyms. Why use names that everybody understands when you can create a catchy acronym and provide a not-so-subtle clue about sides. So, taking my cue for Mr. Rawles, how about this one: a VBSN. Very-Bad-and-Silly-Novel.
February 19, 2017
The United States and Canada finally fall to economic policies and inflation. Resistance movements grow in both counties as an socialist dictatorship controls the USA and foreign United Nations troops occupy Western Canada. An interesting fictional read on global collapse.
November 29, 2014
Liberators is an outstanding fifth installment in James Wesley, Rawles series. Very well researched the novel parallels the other four in his prophetically optimistic storytelling of the rise from a politically induced continent wide crash.
I very much enjoy that Rawles doesn't bend to the silly fad of political correctness and creates characters whose values are admirable at the deepest levels. Who could read the accounts and not wish that they knew such people of character, and that they count on these caliber of folk to "have their six" in reality?
The clarity of conviction and honesty in faith of many of the characters also conveyed a great sense of worthwhile pace and faith driven lifestyles that many aspire to. Godspeed is the word that comes to mind of this reader.
Woven into the storytelling are gems of practical knowledge, descriptive resistance options, and dozens of "ah hah moment" creating examples of thought through complete preparedness. It would be a surprise if any reader didn't pause to reflect on at least few of the examples as they might apply to their own lives.
Additionally inspiring is how a reader could create their own parallel storylines - in fact some of the criticism of some reviews are complaining creative readers who perhaps are missing the point that Liberators has inspired a higher level of thought in their minds that they are mistaking for a need to criticize where it is really the writer-in-the-reader wanting to come out.
An excellent read and highly recommended.
I very much enjoy that Rawles doesn't bend to the silly fad of political correctness and creates characters whose values are admirable at the deepest levels. Who could read the accounts and not wish that they knew such people of character, and that they count on these caliber of folk to "have their six" in reality?
The clarity of conviction and honesty in faith of many of the characters also conveyed a great sense of worthwhile pace and faith driven lifestyles that many aspire to. Godspeed is the word that comes to mind of this reader.
Woven into the storytelling are gems of practical knowledge, descriptive resistance options, and dozens of "ah hah moment" creating examples of thought through complete preparedness. It would be a surprise if any reader didn't pause to reflect on at least few of the examples as they might apply to their own lives.
Additionally inspiring is how a reader could create their own parallel storylines - in fact some of the criticism of some reviews are complaining creative readers who perhaps are missing the point that Liberators has inspired a higher level of thought in their minds that they are mistaking for a need to criticize where it is really the writer-in-the-reader wanting to come out.
An excellent read and highly recommended.
February 15, 2017
This was my first read by James Wesley Rawles. The book started out great, a lot of helpful tips as well as a good story. About two-thirds through it got a little too technical and I wasn't as enthusiastic. As this was my first time in this genre I would definitely try it again.
January 29, 2017
There's a lot of liberal hate for this author and his books, which makes me want to read them more even though they aren't that great in terms of storytelling. This series is about a post-American economic collapse where people are trying to get around a heavy military-like presence akin to the movie Red Dawn. In this book, it starts out telling the story of a couple and how they met and what they did together when it came time to bug out. However, it shifts gears about halfway through and starts jumping around to other characters and situations. The author is a survivalist and/or doomsday prepper and fills the book with knowledge about everything from guns and camping gear. He even gets into some negotiation and trading tactics, which is quite interesting. This is my 2nd book in this series and I got a kick out of it, but I really wanted more action than it delivered. The author definitely knows what he's talking about, but his extreme right wing religious agenda is an obvious turn-off for some.
July 22, 2015
If you’ve read JWR other books you know what to expect from this book, but finally, maybe hopefully, he’s hit his stride with this one. ‘Liberators’ does a good job of mixing action with survival knowledge and his Christian values. In the past it seems like he’s had a ton of survival knowledge and lists (Patriots) or just a ton of filler espousing Christian values or both (Founders), but I think with this book he’s found a good balance with the Christian values guiding the actions and still there, but not going off on a tangent to smack you in the face with it. There is still some times he gets lost in the weeds with his lists or over accurate items (I don’t care that he moved it 4 inches can’t you say that he just went back and made and adjustment?) but overall I found this to be a very enjoyable and entertaining book.
August 20, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: It was a big bag of propaganda masquerading as a novel. I hated it. I’ll give Rawles a single star because he did give me a few ideas for additions to my Go Bag (Yeah, I have one. Because Zombies.), but as a novel it lacked, well . . . let’s just say it lacked. The characters weren’t memorable, the plot wasn’t original, and though I’m all for disaster preparedness, it’s hard to take advice from characters who feel the need to add hipster labels to their lunches (oh no, these aren’t hard-boiled eggs, these are PASTURE-RAISED hard-boiled eggs).
Would I recommend it: Absolutely not.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/01/me...
Would I recommend it: Absolutely not.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2015/01/me...
March 1, 2016
I have read all of the books in this series and, for the most part, enjoyed them. They deal with a socio-economic collapse in the near future and are unique in that their stories run concurrently. The subject matter is extremely interesting as are the experiences of the many characters.
The books can be faulted in a number of areas, however:
~The characters are very one-dimensional and speak woodenly.
~There is an excess of extremely detailed technical information dealing with weapons and equipment which distracts from the narrative. [It's even too much for a Tom Clancy-loving, retired active-duty Infantryman such as me!]
~Unnatural bible-thumping and born-again Christian proselytizing is a recurring theme. [Even a believer like me found it inappropriate, condescending, and annoying.]
The books can be faulted in a number of areas, however:
~The characters are very one-dimensional and speak woodenly.
~There is an excess of extremely detailed technical information dealing with weapons and equipment which distracts from the narrative. [It's even too much for a Tom Clancy-loving, retired active-duty Infantryman such as me!]
~Unnatural bible-thumping and born-again Christian proselytizing is a recurring theme. [Even a believer like me found it inappropriate, condescending, and annoying.]
August 6, 2016
This book completely different than first book. Here we chronicle Joshua, Megan, and her sister Malory. The back cover summary mentions Afghanistan War vet Ray McGregor and his friend Phil Adams who make their way to Ray's parents cattle ranch in Bella Coola, British Columbia, in remote western Canada. It wasn't until chapter 20 that I heard a word of Ray or Phil. Their story picks up from there. After that it was the usual back and forth between teams Joshua/Megan and Ray/Phil. Interesting, slow paced at times, and there wasn't as much action as I would have liked. Epilog leaves it open ended so there must be another book coming tho I haven't seen it yet. I hope book three "does it better". Three.point.five for the characters.
March 16, 2015
2.8 stars. I liked the book, and it was a relatively quick read. But the author sometimes got bogged down in unnecessary details such as a couple of pages of discussion of different types of ammunition. It was interesting information but not needed for the storyline. I also think the author started to run out of steam - the majority of the book covered a couple of years, but the last 5 years of the story were covered much quicker in relation. Also, there were a couple of flashbacks that did not seem to have much to do with the storyline. Having said all that, I still liked the story and enjoyed the read.
January 25, 2016
This was another installment in Rawles' saga of a worldwide economic collapse that impacts the United States and countries around the world. This latest episode takes place largely in Canada where locals fight against the invasion of Canada by United Nations troops from France, then later more troops from China. A land invasion of Canada? By two different nations one after the other? And both under the UN flag? Really?
Rawles does a great job of sharing survival strategies on his blog and in some places in the descriptions within his novels, but the storyline of this series is getting stretched quite thin.
Rawles does a great job of sharing survival strategies on his blog and in some places in the descriptions within his novels, but the storyline of this series is getting stretched quite thin.
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