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Tyrant: The Rise
- Expanded Second Edition with an additional 25K words and topping over four hundred pages. -The flame of liberty has been extinguished.
In the span of forty-two hours and with the stroke of a pen, tyranny was ushered into the United States. Some embraced the conversion while many opposed it in silence, too scared to speak up. The few who did voice opposition were quickly squashed and scattered across the new darkened American landscape.
For patriots, Nathan, Jess, and Denny, they find sanctuary on a homestead in southern Illinois. There they hope to ride out the chaos, but quickly find there is no place that is sacred or untouchable. They will come to know that the tree of liberty, as Thomas Jefferson wrote, must certainly be nourished with the blood of tyrants and patriots if freedom is ever to reign supreme again.
In the span of forty-two hours and with the stroke of a pen, tyranny was ushered into the United States. Some embraced the conversion while many opposed it in silence, too scared to speak up. The few who did voice opposition were quickly squashed and scattered across the new darkened American landscape.
For patriots, Nathan, Jess, and Denny, they find sanctuary on a homestead in southern Illinois. There they hope to ride out the chaos, but quickly find there is no place that is sacred or untouchable. They will come to know that the tree of liberty, as Thomas Jefferson wrote, must certainly be nourished with the blood of tyrants and patriots if freedom is ever to reign supreme again.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
133 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
L. Douglas Hogan
32 books33 followersL. Douglas Hogan is a U.S.M.C. veteran with over twenty years in public service. Among these are three years as an anti-tank infantryman, one year as a Marine Corps Marksmanship Instructor, ten years as a part-time police officer, and eighteen years working in state government doing security work and supervision. He has been married over twenty years, has two children, and is faithful to his church, where he resides in southern Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2020
All telling, no showing
In a refreshing twist, the rating is NOT because of poor grammar, spelling, editing or typos. The actual writing structure was nice, I didn't have to all but arm wrestle my way through paragraphs like most indie (and even many traditional) published novels.
I gave 3 stars because characters are not developed, they're cardboard cutouts. There were some big ideas in the book, but they weren't fleshed out enough for my liking. The plot was a straight line. It didn't have hills or valleys, peaks and crescendos, no suspense. It was mainly a rote telling of an idea the author was trying to share, but didn't, quite.
I do want to give props to the author, because he's done way, way more than most people with an idea they'd to share, do. He put pen to paper (fingertips to keyboard), and WROTE.
Sadly characters are tragically stupid. One might say, terminally so. By 45% through the book, I had yet to run into one good decision, either survival or tactical. I would have settled for an accidentally reached good decision. Even rock, paper, scissors should have elicited at least one good outcome.
I don't think I've ever cheered when an opening "good guy, patriot" character has been killed due to his own tragic stupidity. But, if Steven lived beyond the opening chapters and was somehow a main character, this book would have been irredeemable. As it was, I was slightly hopeful that the story and characters would get better. They didn't.
The main problem was the zero thought shown to be put into ANY decisions. No logic, nothing, by anyone. The "patriots" are caricatures of non-thinking inaction, especially among the cowardice-laden higher governmental and military officer ranks, whose "fear" kept them silent and frozen, allowing tyranny such a choke hold. Because everyone knows tyranny is easier and less dangerous to root out the tighter and longer the hold it is allowed.
There was no survival based methodology by what passes as a prepping community, Southern Illinois Home Guard. I assume they basically had some meetings for a few years, agreed the country was hell and heading worse, and SOMEDAY, when worse inevitably were to arrive, they all wanted to do, well, something. Like, maybe make plans.
Until then, well, I'm not exactly sure what they did or planned or even discussed, because the author never deigns to show us.
That's the main theme, he tells us a recitation of the barest details of both plot and characters. He does it with refreshingly few actual writing/editing errors, compared to this genre as a whole. Or, I was too mad at terminally stupid decision making to note many errors. Regardless, telling and not showing is the main flaw of this novel.
One last note, whether it is real life America in 2020 or this author's vision of near to medium term America, the downfall of liberty is not strictly educational failure. It's laziness. It's excess that has led to laziness, which has led to turning a blind eye to the dumbing down of at least 3 generations. Each less literate in the things that really matter.
The author posits that taking cursive out of schools led to Americans in his novel not being able to read the Constitution, since it was written in cursive (and King's English, but let's forget that, for now).
The Constitution has been available in mass publication, printed form for an extremely long time. If the author had claimed a tyrannical government burned all books and only the original Constitution remained in hiding somewhere, he'd maybe have a case for why his version of America was the government's fault and not the people's. I doubt it, though.
In fact, in real life 2020's and this novel's Americas, the people ARE to blame. They got lazy and have willfully denied history and wish to blame anyone and anything else for why America needs to be either restored or reinvented, depending on the party.
This was always inevitable, because we, the people, allowed comfort to trounce liberty. Tyranny always follows, when citizens abdicate responsibility to government.
In a refreshing twist, the rating is NOT because of poor grammar, spelling, editing or typos. The actual writing structure was nice, I didn't have to all but arm wrestle my way through paragraphs like most indie (and even many traditional) published novels.
I gave 3 stars because characters are not developed, they're cardboard cutouts. There were some big ideas in the book, but they weren't fleshed out enough for my liking. The plot was a straight line. It didn't have hills or valleys, peaks and crescendos, no suspense. It was mainly a rote telling of an idea the author was trying to share, but didn't, quite.
I do want to give props to the author, because he's done way, way more than most people with an idea they'd to share, do. He put pen to paper (fingertips to keyboard), and WROTE.
Sadly characters are tragically stupid. One might say, terminally so. By 45% through the book, I had yet to run into one good decision, either survival or tactical. I would have settled for an accidentally reached good decision. Even rock, paper, scissors should have elicited at least one good outcome.
I don't think I've ever cheered when an opening "good guy, patriot" character has been killed due to his own tragic stupidity. But, if Steven lived beyond the opening chapters and was somehow a main character, this book would have been irredeemable. As it was, I was slightly hopeful that the story and characters would get better. They didn't.
The main problem was the zero thought shown to be put into ANY decisions. No logic, nothing, by anyone. The "patriots" are caricatures of non-thinking inaction, especially among the cowardice-laden higher governmental and military officer ranks, whose "fear" kept them silent and frozen, allowing tyranny such a choke hold. Because everyone knows tyranny is easier and less dangerous to root out the tighter and longer the hold it is allowed.
There was no survival based methodology by what passes as a prepping community, Southern Illinois Home Guard. I assume they basically had some meetings for a few years, agreed the country was hell and heading worse, and SOMEDAY, when worse inevitably were to arrive, they all wanted to do, well, something. Like, maybe make plans.
Until then, well, I'm not exactly sure what they did or planned or even discussed, because the author never deigns to show us.
That's the main theme, he tells us a recitation of the barest details of both plot and characters. He does it with refreshingly few actual writing/editing errors, compared to this genre as a whole. Or, I was too mad at terminally stupid decision making to note many errors. Regardless, telling and not showing is the main flaw of this novel.
One last note, whether it is real life America in 2020 or this author's vision of near to medium term America, the downfall of liberty is not strictly educational failure. It's laziness. It's excess that has led to laziness, which has led to turning a blind eye to the dumbing down of at least 3 generations. Each less literate in the things that really matter.
The author posits that taking cursive out of schools led to Americans in his novel not being able to read the Constitution, since it was written in cursive (and King's English, but let's forget that, for now).
The Constitution has been available in mass publication, printed form for an extremely long time. If the author had claimed a tyrannical government burned all books and only the original Constitution remained in hiding somewhere, he'd maybe have a case for why his version of America was the government's fault and not the people's. I doubt it, though.
In fact, in real life 2020's and this novel's Americas, the people ARE to blame. They got lazy and have willfully denied history and wish to blame anyone and anything else for why America needs to be either restored or reinvented, depending on the party.
This was always inevitable, because we, the people, allowed comfort to trounce liberty. Tyranny always follows, when citizens abdicate responsibility to government.
March 10, 2017
A huge eye opener, it is a written account of what can TRULY TAKE PLACE when the Constitution & Bill of rights are superseded by one persons pen & power. Or when WE become comfortable in letting the powers that be take charge & hand our own accountability for how we live freely to them. When we don't stand up & hold our electors responsible! I am not saying with violence & prejudice, but with caring, smarts, hard work as well as a memory of the past so we don't repeat it & a dream for a better world for our children. We cannot hand the financial status that keeps a country running over to those who have no desire to better themselves & the Country they live in for the kids they bring into it. To move out of the system, to do what needs to be done so we all can be successful in living a comfortable life, not just a few. The more we are doing our part/everyone's part to feed into society not bleed it. The better it becomes for all, less debt for the country means more for the masses. Then when times come for those elderly & disabled, the veterans that fight to keep us safe ( foreign & domestic) they too can live in comfort instead of squalor, day to day.
Read the EOs put into place by our leaders ( listed end of book ) and tell me anything comforting for the masses come from them? A must read to maybe allow the sand to be cleared for those that hide their heads...sure,sure it's just a book, but everything comes from just a thought, anything from FACT to fiction or maybe fiction to FACT.
Read the EOs put into place by our leaders ( listed end of book ) and tell me anything comforting for the masses come from them? A must read to maybe allow the sand to be cleared for those that hide their heads...sure,sure it's just a book, but everything comes from just a thought, anything from FACT to fiction or maybe fiction to FACT.
July 22, 2018
This book explores the interesting concept of what might happen in the US if a totalitarian takeover occurred. "The Rise" is a little misleading since we don't really see when rights were suspended but start a few years after the "flip." This is a good-sized book which I appreciate instead of the very small few-chapter-sized books that seem to be more common in this genre now. The writing style was fine with not a lot of errors and flowed well. However, for some reason, I struggled to connect with the story and the characters. There are a lot of characters in different places but don't get a lot of time to develop. There is a lot of specifics on the type of weapons etc which I more or less rush through. I will likely read the next one to see what happens.
May 1, 2018
What an Agenda
What a coincidence. I learned about Agenda 21 at a Survivalist retreat last weekend. Then I met the author. Then I started reading his books. Agenda 21 is the central theme of this book! That said......
This 'story' is so unbelievable...but, it may soon be true if we don't wake up. I started reading and couldn't stop. No spoilers from me...but read some of the Executive Orders from JFK to Clinton to one Obama wrote in 2012. (It is all in the book). The book was mesmerizing. Enjoy.
What a coincidence. I learned about Agenda 21 at a Survivalist retreat last weekend. Then I met the author. Then I started reading his books. Agenda 21 is the central theme of this book! That said......
This 'story' is so unbelievable...but, it may soon be true if we don't wake up. I started reading and couldn't stop. No spoilers from me...but read some of the Executive Orders from JFK to Clinton to one Obama wrote in 2012. (It is all in the book). The book was mesmerizing. Enjoy.
May 23, 2018
Somewhat typical apocalyptic story
The main problem with the apocalyptic genre is keeping the story fresh and challenging the reader to keep reading. Mr.Hogan has met and exceeded that challenge. I enjoy the characters and the storyline never bogs down. If you enjoy this genre and the military approach, I believe this is a series for you. After reading this ebook, I now own the entire series.
The main problem with the apocalyptic genre is keeping the story fresh and challenging the reader to keep reading. Mr.Hogan has met and exceeded that challenge. I enjoy the characters and the storyline never bogs down. If you enjoy this genre and the military approach, I believe this is a series for you. After reading this ebook, I now own the entire series.
July 13, 2018
I enjoyed his but I felt it needed something more. Maybe more character building or fewer plot lines. I don’t know. I wasn’t completely drawn in with the ‘I can’t put this down feeling’ or the ‘oh wow I wonder what will happen next’ feeling either. I have already started book 2 and everything is coming together better so that is why I gave the book at higher rating.
Narration is good.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
Narration is good.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
July 18, 2017
Interesting
This book held my interest. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. I was astonished how easily our government fell apart. And sad to know we're headed that direction! I am excited to read the next book in this series!
This book held my interest. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. I was astonished how easily our government fell apart. And sad to know we're headed that direction! I am excited to read the next book in this series!
November 1, 2020
Failure
This book id's GREAT. It gives a picture true of what is befall ing our country. Take what it says as a warning before we find ourselves fighting for our freedom and our country.
This book id's GREAT. It gives a picture true of what is befall ing our country. Take what it says as a warning before we find ourselves fighting for our freedom and our country.
May 10, 2018
Exciting
Excellent start to a new series. Action packed from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Excellent start to a new series. Action packed from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
May 16, 2018
Excellent Read
I bought this series because L. Douglas Hogan is a DD12 author. Knowledgeable about tactics, equipment and jargon. The appendix has great information.
I bought this series because L. Douglas Hogan is a DD12 author. Knowledgeable about tactics, equipment and jargon. The appendix has great information.
August 19, 2018
very interesting take on an apocalypse, what happens when our leader(s) think they know
what is best for Americans.
what is best for Americans.
August 20, 2018
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
November 25, 2018
The Rise review
The Rise is the first fast paced post apocalyptic book in The Tyrant series written by author L. Douglas Hogan.
The Rise is the first fast paced post apocalyptic book in The Tyrant series written by author L. Douglas Hogan.
December 31, 2018
I almost gave up on this books in the beginning. Glad I stayed with it.
November 5, 2020
Scary times
Another great read by a well educated author.
It is eye opening to where America could easily find it's self.
Another great read by a well educated author.
It is eye opening to where America could easily find it's self.
July 29, 2018
L Douglas Hogan does a great job or telling the stories on Nathan, Jess, and Denny. It's very well written. Albeit I'm new to this genre, Hogan does a great job of giving preppers a new thing to be afraid of. The UN.
March 14, 2017
The characters in this story aren't well developed. They seem to be stereotypes of the role they play in the story. The story itself is way over the top and entirely unrealistic. It's not particularly engaging, so its awkward, unfinished ending isn't too frustrating. I'm just glad I reached it.
C. J. McAllister's performance is competent. He makes an effort to give distinctive voices to the characters, although some of them are too similar to one another.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
C. J. McAllister's performance is competent. He makes an effort to give distinctive voices to the characters, although some of them are too similar to one another.
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.
May 31, 2020
“Tyranny isn’t a political party and a tyrant isn’t a bureaucrat. Rather, tyranny is the use of power to subjugate and a tyrant is the man with a heart evil enough to do it.” The United States is in a world of hurt. The U.S. has been invaded by the U.N., the President is in cahoots with the U.N., and the Patriots within the Armed Forces are trying to separate the good from the bad. This book highlights the concept and realism of Oath Keepers [a far-right, anti-government American organization associated with the patriot movement and militia movement. It encourages members—some of whom are current and former U.S. military and law enforcement officers—not to obey orders which they believe would violate the United States Constitution. i.e. Wikipedia] The President has been on a mission to take Americans guns, ammunition, transportation, fuel and rights under the guise of martial law. The U.N. leaders, evidently Middle Eastern, are tired of the slow moving American President and begin to accelerate the takeover via brutality. Great beginning to a very interesting series. There is a prequel available, but I’m already beyond that. I’ll wait for Audible to get the second and third books of the series.
June 5, 2015
can't put it down! Love it! Can't wait until the next book!!
June 5, 2015
What a great read. Exciting from the start to finish. I found it fresh and new, not the same rehashed apocalyptic stuff that's out there.
September 10, 2019
Great
Great book but kind of scary, I see this happen today. I hope we have a lot of true oath keepers out there. Me I will fight to keep us free
Great book but kind of scary, I see this happen today. I hope we have a lot of true oath keepers out there. Me I will fight to keep us free
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews