The country has survived the Jakarta Pandemic, life's getting back to normal when the lights go out. David Campbell got through the virus by staying drunk, hidden away from most everyone. On his way to visit his sister in Kansas City he finds himself stranded in Montezuma Iowa. He wasn't there when his mother died as a result of the virus, he's not going to let his sister down, the only family he has now.
It's a long journey to Kansas City and David has to battle his inner demons all the way, temptation and fate will continue to intervene. When it seems the God's are testing man's limits, some men will rise to the challenge and some will fail. David's on the bubble.
David Campbell is a drunk. He spent the entire Jakarta Pandemic in a drunken stupor. Finding out his mother succumbed to the virus, he heads out to his sister’s in Kansas City. On his way there via Greyhound bus, China hits the US with an EMP. Finding himself stranded in Montezuma Iowa, David comes up with a plan to walk the rest of the way.
Not being a prepper or having much in the way of belongings, David starts from scratch finding supplies he will need for the long trek. Demon alcohol keeps taunting him and is hard to ignore. A fifth of Jack Daniels finds its way into his pack.
Ancient tractors and older pickups pass David by as he heads out of town. Confused at first, he realizes that they are without modern electronics. This gives him hope of finding a vehicle to speed up his trip.
The virus wiped out a large segment of the population. But, there are plenty of evil doers left to wreak havoc on those trying to survive this latest turn of events. The fly-over states are not densely populated and David has hope that he will be able to skirt any areas with potential conflict.
American’s novella addition to The Perseid Collapse Series in Kindle Worlds, Ramblin Man, is a quick, easy read. Even with an alcohol pickled brain, David is smart enough to be self-sufficient. This story is in sharp contrast to what is happening on the east coast where folks are jammed together. I’m not saying David had it easy, but he did have less to contend with.
These novellas always lend a different perspective to the main Kindle World in which they are written. I enjoyed this addition to Steven Konkoly’s Perseid Collapse Series.
Was a good book except.... the abrupt end and no indication that AA will continue this story. I agree with those reviewers who say that there's lots of good prepper information in the book. The book also has tidbits of the science behind what would happen if there is an EMP. I am personally in the camp that believes if there's an EMP. the main damage will be to the energy grid and not the non-connected electronics such as in cars, personal devices, etc. However, the grid damage will be such a horrible thing that we'll mostly be catapulted back to the 18th century.
This is a fairly short book and at times the writing is somewhat uneven and does not flow well. David is not very likable for the first part of the book, but eventually my interest in him increased. I liked that this story (with some similarities to the author's "Going Home" series) has the element of someone who is not at all prepared (e.g. David) and on the move and the element of meeting up with a very prepared group. This ends very abruptly with no indication that there is to be another book or that this is a series. That would be most disappointing.
I truly and honestly hope that this is the start of a new series. The start of the book was a little slow, not slow enough to stop reading but from about a third in the pace of the book picked up and the action soon followed. Definitely a book to buy.
How this on escaped me finding it, I'll never know. I have read everything that AA has wrote. With his books, you don't have to worry about them being boring. Another great book .
The story is interesting while it gives us another perspective on how things would pan out in the Midwest, in the event of an EMP attack on the USA. David is a guy whose whole existence revolves around a drink. That being his main focus David is on his way from somewhere in the Midwest to visit his sister in Kansas City. While on a bus riding through Iowa David and fellow passengers have to disembark in a small town to wait for repairs on the bus. Alcohol, being David's main focus, leads him to the local bar and there begins his journey. Waking up behind bars David has missed the event that has caused the power to go off and most vehicles to become useless. After the sheriff releases him, David decides to continue his trip to Kansas City on foot. Rambling Man is not a bad story at all. It just seems, to me, forced by the author in some parts of the story. I know this author can do a better job of writing for I have read some of his other books. This one gives me the impression that A. American didn't care enough to allow the story to easily flow and become exciting. That is only my personal opinion and if you disagree that's fine with me. After reading the four books by the founding author, Steve Konkoly, (all five star reviews from me,) and at least twelve others in this series, I was disappointed in this one. Maybe I'm overreacting. Did I tell you that the end of this book comes without warnings? It just stops.
I forgot for a moment while reading this book, that it was based upon the same premise as the other books in the series. It is an interesting concept, having other writers contribute parts to a continuing series, as in this case from across the k. The story is raw, innocent and accurately portraying how unprepared most Americans will be in the event of this ever happening.
When I bought this book I thought it had potential. Boy,was I right. It was very well done with good character development. If he writes a sequel I will definitely buy it.
I've read the Perseid series, but this addition was outstanding. A great read from an excellent storyteller! Of course, now I'm going to have to get more of his books! Another fantastic author for my personal list of "who to follow". Great read and a descriptive, yet flowing style. Well done!
I enjoyed the premise and action in the story. It was a bit difficult to really get in touch with the main character because of his drinking but in the end I enjoyed the book.
Down to earth story of everyday people who use common sense in a world which continues to roll down a path of madness. Recommended for those wanting more than the inane drivel presented by most outlets. Would love either a longer version or a couple more installments.
Well written, excellent character development, good pace. David, the main character, comes across as a bit damaged and very believable. His experiences on the road were exciting and kept my attention. I'm looking forward to the next book.