The Shining City

Rocheport Saga #2

by C.W. Hawes

Only a handful of survivors, yet the little community of Rocheport is torn by war, repeated attempts at reconciliation are rebuffed, and lack of cooperation threatens everyone’s survival as another winter approaches. There is even murder and then an old enemy returns.

Through it all, Bill Arthur, former bureaucrat, one-time scholar, student of survival, and armchair libertarian philosopher, tries to hold together the tiny community which is dependent on him and of which he is the reluctant leader. And in the process, make of it the city shining brightly on a hill for all who are in darkness to see.

The Shining City is a manifesto, showing how all can live together in peace and harmony if we only trust one another and live by the Golden Rule.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and have lived in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota for the past forty-five years, with occasional sojourns here and there. My interests range far and wide, but
I don't do windows and I'm not a good dancer. I do like to cook, though, and am especially fascinated by steam power, sailing ships, airships, streamlined locomotives and automobiles, and all things streamline moderne.

Reviews

[Terry Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series and downloaded the second straight away, which tells you much about the quality.

Bill Arthur, the reluctant leader of a group of survivors begins to face the next round of problems in the new world - how to actually LIVE again. Food is becoming harder to scavenge, desperate strangers need taking in, and the Christian fundamentalists in his neck of the woods are still causing problems.

Whereas the last book took place not long after That Day, this one contains much detail about the practicalities of how to feed and protect a large group, and deal with the social problems involved in doing so. CW Hawes' characters are well-defined as ever, and his writing flows so well; Bill Arthur is such a likeable proagonist; intelligent, far-thinking and reasonable, but never a pushover; I like this about him.

I very much liked how, in the last ten per cent of the book, we are given the feeling that danger is around the corner; this was skillfully executed, and made me eager to see what will happen next - yes, I've just bought Book 3!

[Mark Carnelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the end of civilisation comes the beginning of civilisation. Knowledge is power but others believe that their way is the only true way. Whether it’s “might is right” or those of a twisted religious bent who play true to the adage that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, Bill Arthur is still the reluctant leader of this ever growing band of survivors. This series is fast becoming one of my favourites in the post-apocalyptic genre. When I read the first page of this 2nd book, all the characters came flooding back like close friends who knock on your door at any time of the day. Always welcome.
Bill’s voice is the voice of reason that some wish to silence. The characters and the storylines are as realistic as it gets which can only mean another five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found volume 2 every bit as enthralling as the first book in the saga (The Morning Star) - if not more so.
Our main protagonist, Bill Arthur, has a real fight on his hands when Rev Powers declares war on the commune, thereby threatening it's destruction. To make matters worse, there is discord within the commune and our hero begins to doubt his ability to hold everything together. Would it be better if someone else took the helm? Would that someone have the leadership qualities to accomplish Bill's vision? A dilemma he wrestles with.
There is a lot happening in this 2nd book, guaranteed to keep you reading well into the night. Both volumes are well written, with superb attention to detail and a mine of information that says the author would fair better than most come the end of the world as we know it! This is definitely one for all dystopian fans.

[Richard Schwindt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently provided a five star review for the first book in this series and now five stars to the second. CW Hawes has written an excellent follow up to The Morning Star and maintains the high level of characterization, along with coherence of theme and thought. Society has disintegrated following some unknown plague that kills most on the first day. Bands of survivors, some civilized, some religious and others savage roam what’s left of the United States. Bill Arthur is determined to rebuild something better. This society building effort encounters every possible obstacle and, at times, is completely harrowing, to the characters and the reader too. This book was as hard to put down as the first. It is wonderful because I have never examined a fictional world with as much cause to reflect on the one I actually inhabit. Highly recommended with dandelion wine and rabbit stew.