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SHTF: Survive Adapt Defend

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SURVIVE, ADAPT, AND DEFEND.

John Ashford saw it coming. For two years, he’s been preparing. And then it happens.

When the world begins to fall apart, Ash heads into the wilderness to his second home. There, he plans to wait out the chaos. A loner by nature, all he wants to do is carry on in peace. The country has come unraveled, but it’s not his problem.

Ash is prepared for everything—except an unexpected partner. Kelsey is a graduate student who just saw her friends murdered. She’s lived through hell and is determined to come out on the other side stronger—or die trying.

When society collapses and law and order becomes a memory, the wicked shall inherit the Earth. Ash is not a wicked man, but he is capable of wicked things if it means defending what is his, and those he cares for.

“ Survive Adapt Defend” is the first installment in a new post-apocalyptic series from the writer of “The Purge of Babylon.” This time, man’s worst enemy isn’t creatures hiding in the darkness, but an even more dangerous The loss of hope.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

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About the author

Sam Sisavath

324 books498 followers
Writer of stuff, and things, and whatnot.

Website: http://www.roadtobabylon.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerofstuff

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5 stars
187 (63%)
4 stars
73 (24%)
3 stars
26 (8%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
50 reviews
March 29, 2026
SHTF

Not your usual ….. kinda dry. It is taking a while to make a plot. Since you’re starting from the ground up, I went ahead and finished it. Hopefully the next one will be better.
Profile Image for Mia.
53 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2026
I haven't even gotten deep into the pages yet, but the description stopped me cold. Most post-apocalyptic books lead with the threat, the collapse, the violence, the enemy. This one leads with something quieter and far more unsettling: the loss of hope. That reframe tells you everything about the kind of writer Sam Sisavath is.
The cover matches that energy too, stark, no-nonsense, almost military in its simplicity. It doesn't try to sell you spectacle. It just stands there and dares you to open it. That confidence in the packaging, paired with a blurb that sets up two characters who couldn't be more different, a methodical loner prepper and a grad student who just survived something horrific and you already feel the tension before chapter one.
Ash being "prepared for everything except an unexpected partner" is the kind of setup that promises real character work, not just survival mechanics. I'm here for it. First impressions: strong. Expectations: high.
Profile Image for Maggie Deaton.
791 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2026
The title is very apropos!

As the book begins, the world situation is very akin to what it stands at now with enemies on all sides....with even "frenenies" hidden in plain sight. When an EMP renders the USA almost helpless in its aftermath, people quickly settle into two groups, predators and prey... and the games begin!.... Very immersive book that pulls you into both the characters and the action. Enjoyable and a.strong 4.75 stars! Quick read!
32 reviews
May 9, 2026
just another dooms days book?

Ok it is but I have read quite a few dooms day books from zombies to EMP to aliens. This book is different as it focuses on a single person and his small group of survivors and it’s all about ash. I love the character and it’s well written and keeps your attention. No slow parts.
Profile Image for Scott Shjefte.
2,569 reviews77 followers
June 13, 2026
EOTWAWKI. A man of few words and ruthlessly willing to kill instantly when he believes it is need. He builds a small family unit despite his interversions.

Unfortunately a fascist is building an army in the nearby town.

Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, read with Alexa using the audio application.
200 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2026
Really good survivor story

Good characters and storyline. Sisavath put together a really good story. Lots of action and thrills. Easy to get invested in these characters and their lives.
Profile Image for Jan Martindale.
205 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2026
PAW, but also fun reading

I like the taciturn lead character John, how he kept to himself-until he couldn’t.
How, slowly, he begins to accept others into his life, starts to feel responsible for them, makes decisions based on keeping them fed, safe.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews