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Rat Run
When extreme austerity drove everyone but the super wealthy into poverty, Matt fought in the revolution against the government. The previous monuments to the United Kingdom's government rule were toppled, and London was reduced to rubble.
Ten years later, Matt's desperate for one last roll of the dice. He's promised his twelve year old daughter a new life in a fairer world.
Together they roam the streets living off bugs, pigeons, and foxes while avoiding the drones controlled by The Elite.
If they can make it through and find the other revolutionaries, maybe they can win this war...
Rat Run is a dark post-apocalyptic novella.
Ten years later, Matt's desperate for one last roll of the dice. He's promised his twelve year old daughter a new life in a fairer world.
Together they roam the streets living off bugs, pigeons, and foxes while avoiding the drones controlled by The Elite.
If they can make it through and find the other revolutionaries, maybe they can win this war...
Rat Run is a dark post-apocalyptic novella.
- GenresScience Fiction
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2015
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
98 books206 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 18, 2015
A Master class in Writing.
Austerity has destroyed society in the UK and the revolution soon followed. The tale start's off with a father called Matt and his daughter Louise, Matt is still suffering from the guilt of having lost his wife years earlier. The usual grittiness are on show in this tale and works perfectly well as always, Drone's,Giants all come together to make the run ongoing throughout. Great tale that i really enjoyed, and a warning what could soon come to pass.
Austerity has destroyed society in the UK and the revolution soon followed. The tale start's off with a father called Matt and his daughter Louise, Matt is still suffering from the guilt of having lost his wife years earlier. The usual grittiness are on show in this tale and works perfectly well as always, Drone's,Giants all come together to make the run ongoing throughout. Great tale that i really enjoyed, and a warning what could soon come to pass.
April 25, 2020
Title: Rat Run
Author: Michael Robertson, Narrated by Phillip J. Mather
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B011HU7TUU
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
When extreme austerity drove everyone but the super wealthy into poverty, Matt fought in the revolution against the government. The previous monuments to the United Kingdom's government rule were toppled, and London was reduced to rubble.
Ten years later, Matt's desperate for one last roll of the dice. He's promised his twelve year old daughter a new life in a fairer world.
Together they roam the streets living off bugs, pigeons, and foxes while avoiding the drones controlled by The Elite.
If they can make it through and find the other revolutionaries, maybe they can win this war...
Rat Run is a dark post-apocalyptic novella.
Total Score: 4/5
Summary:
If anyone ever wondered how bad thing could turn out this gives the reader one possible option. In a world of the haves and have nots, society has an option to take care of others or just look out for yourself. Ten years ago, one county took a stand leaving most of society without the means of supporting themselves. Matt’s family stood up for the impoverished and have been on the run ever since.
Now as a warning this story contains some graphically violent situations. While they fit in with the story line, this is not for the faint of heart. This audio-book brought the story to life as it unfolded.
Author: Michael Robertson, Narrated by Phillip J. Mather
Publisher: Michael Robertson
ISBN: B011HU7TUU
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
When extreme austerity drove everyone but the super wealthy into poverty, Matt fought in the revolution against the government. The previous monuments to the United Kingdom's government rule were toppled, and London was reduced to rubble.
Ten years later, Matt's desperate for one last roll of the dice. He's promised his twelve year old daughter a new life in a fairer world.
Together they roam the streets living off bugs, pigeons, and foxes while avoiding the drones controlled by The Elite.
If they can make it through and find the other revolutionaries, maybe they can win this war...
Rat Run is a dark post-apocalyptic novella.
Total Score: 4/5
Summary:
If anyone ever wondered how bad thing could turn out this gives the reader one possible option. In a world of the haves and have nots, society has an option to take care of others or just look out for yourself. Ten years ago, one county took a stand leaving most of society without the means of supporting themselves. Matt’s family stood up for the impoverished and have been on the run ever since.
Now as a warning this story contains some graphically violent situations. While they fit in with the story line, this is not for the faint of heart. This audio-book brought the story to life as it unfolded.
September 30, 2017
As always Robertson carries the reader with him from the first line to the end and this book does just this once again. It is full of the horrors of a post apocalyptic city gone crazy even more so as the revolution seems to have been crushed and the government is killing off all who are left, using all means possible to do so. We see the tragedy through the eyes of a father and his daughter who he tries his utmost to spare from all the horrors but they are running around in circles or along the rat run!! This is so scary as it all sounds so feasible, like something we are living in at the moment, the recession, the austerity measures, the elite getting richer at the expense of everyone else, the suffering of poverty and it's all happening in London! And the ending is so unexpected it is the cherry on the cake or the roach as the case might be!! A definite book not to be missed. Phew, i think i will breathe now!
October 2, 2021
I really, really enjoyed this book. So much happened that it didn't feel like a short novel at all. I thought the plot was strikingly realistic and something I could envision happening - especially here in the States as divided as we are now. I really like the dystopian landscapes Michael Robertson creates. I had just finished "Divided," which is book 11 of his Beyond These Walls series. Divided also had a "Rat Run" so I thought they might be similar. They really were not similar except in the very broadest sense of characters on the run in a dystopian world. However, it was interesting to see the "roots" of what later happened in Divided. Mr. Robertson writes dark fiction and I wish people who don't like that genre would quit trying to read his books and leaving unnecessary reviews. His books contain violence, people in hopeless situations who use foul language as would anyone in such situations, and characters - sometimes important characters - die. If you think that would bother you then move on. But if you like well edited, creative, dark thrillers then I highly recommend his books.
July 16, 2015
I do not know where to start. This book left me with my mouth hanging open at the end and in tears. As a parent, it hit me hard, hence, the tears. Imagine you are a family, Mom, Dad and child. An apocalyptic event makes your existence a hard scrabble one. The government has taken over and put anyone poor or middle class as non humans. And then imagine that this government has drones and a huge monster to take out any life they feel is beneath them. Which is most everyone. And imagine that you have to eat anything you can find, like rats and ROACHES. ICK, I say that as I live where roaches are the norm. And your only hope is making it to the resistance. This is the premise for the story. You are along on the ride. It is claustrophobic at times with danger at every turn. I recommend this to all. Michael Robertson will scare you and make you cry. He just gets better and better with each new book. Grab a drink, some Kleenex and leave a nite light on. You're welcome. See you on the other side.
July 24, 2015
I want to be up front with potential readers - I am a huge fan of Michael Robertson. I have read almost everything he has written and I am trying to remedy that. This author is a fan of the British Horror Genre championed by the 28 day books and movies. He lives in England which is the center of those stories.
Rat Run is a novella and fits that format well. It is a post apocalyptic story of the apparent futility of life in that era. The main characters are a father and daughter as they struggle over a ten year period to survive the horrors of their environment. If you are a parent you will really feel for them.
The writing style is what keeps me coming back for more. The author does not disappoint in this regard. The story is crisp and fast paced while maintaining the humanity of the characters. The story follows a logical line but the ending was unexpected and a surprise. You simply need to give this fine author your time and read this novella and his other works.
Rat Run is a novella and fits that format well. It is a post apocalyptic story of the apparent futility of life in that era. The main characters are a father and daughter as they struggle over a ten year period to survive the horrors of their environment. If you are a parent you will really feel for them.
The writing style is what keeps me coming back for more. The author does not disappoint in this regard. The story is crisp and fast paced while maintaining the humanity of the characters. The story follows a logical line but the ending was unexpected and a surprise. You simply need to give this fine author your time and read this novella and his other works.
October 26, 2016
This was a fast paced post apocalyptic short story with an amazing twist at the end that you will never see coming.
This is the story of Matt and his daughter, Louise, trying to survive in a post apocalyptic London after the death of Matt's wife. There is hardly any food, drones patrol the city and what people are left are not friendly. It's a desire to stay alive and a hope for something better that keeps them going.
The narrator had a very deep voice that took a bit of getting used but after a little bit it started to suit the story.
I was generously provided with a copy of this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher. This is an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the story of Matt and his daughter, Louise, trying to survive in a post apocalyptic London after the death of Matt's wife. There is hardly any food, drones patrol the city and what people are left are not friendly. It's a desire to stay alive and a hope for something better that keeps them going.
The narrator had a very deep voice that took a bit of getting used but after a little bit it started to suit the story.
I was generously provided with a copy of this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher. This is an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2017
I tried to like this book more than I actually did. Post-apocalyptic 'rat run' set in England, the seemingly king of dystopian reads these days. A father-and-daughter duo seek to escape a totalitarian government. A two-page opening sequence of eating a cockroach.
Score!, thought I.
Mistakenly.
I plodded along until about 30%, then had to turn off my tablet. Unfortunately, I had no connection to the main characters, and I really couldn't figure out what the revolution was all about. I guess I was waiting for Che Guevara. That would have been cool.
I hate to DNF a book, but that is exactly what I did.
Score!, thought I.
Mistakenly.
I plodded along until about 30%, then had to turn off my tablet. Unfortunately, I had no connection to the main characters, and I really couldn't figure out what the revolution was all about. I guess I was waiting for Che Guevara. That would have been cool.
I hate to DNF a book, but that is exactly what I did.
December 31, 2019
This is the last book which I read in 2019 and what a way to end the year. I really loved reading this book. Feeling the way I feel about the situation in the U.K. at the moment, this book hit the nail on the head and although it wasn’t written recently, it really rings true of today. A scary view into a post apocalyptic world in London in the near future.
I love the way it is easy to become involved with the characters and the emotions they are experiencing. Such vivid story telling.Great story and I throughly recommend this book.
I love the way it is easy to become involved with the characters and the emotions they are experiencing. Such vivid story telling.Great story and I throughly recommend this book.
November 22, 2018
I generally love dystopian/apocalyptic tales and I usually think a novella is not long enough for me to get emotionally invested. This horrific story was too intense and too emotionally involving for me. I was horrified, not just by the story but by the fact that something similar could or would probably happen in this caring world of ours. Michael Robertson is one intense author.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
January 4, 2021
was given this story for review and though it was well-written, it was certainly disturbing because it highlighted our scary world. The rich rule and care nothing for the rest. Politicians are the puppets of the rich and will do anything for power. Ugh.
This tale was sad and awful though did show signs of decency and love from a family unit and yet...
Worth a look but be warned.
This tale was sad and awful though did show signs of decency and love from a family unit and yet...
Worth a look but be warned.
February 8, 2020
This is a new author for me so I don't know what I was expecting but this wasn't it.
January 14, 2022
Good Story
I enjoyed the book but it ended too quickly, I would like a longer version of the revolution or maybe a series ..
I enjoyed the book but it ended too quickly, I would like a longer version of the revolution or maybe a series ..
January 10, 2023
Loved it
This is a good book so intense that I was running for my life along with the characters keep up it up
This is a good book so intense that I was running for my life along with the characters keep up it up
June 17, 2023
Fast paced full of tension great short story
October 25, 2023
Great little novella this. Really good read.
January 2, 2024
Good dystopian SF novel in London after the fall of British civilization.
July 30, 2016
(Audio version)
The Path of Least Resistance
I received a complementary copy of this book from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review. I had expected a fast paced post apocalyptic tale of survival and, indeed, this book is all of that and it incorporates very atmospheric descriptions of a London laid waste by revolution. Instead of an alien invasion, our two main protagonists have to also avoid government forces as they travel through the remains
What I had not expected was the overt political diatribe contained in the conversation and, even if agreeing with it in principle, found it too trite to have inspired the actions related. I also found myself doubting other story aspects - where were the people? How had Matt managed to feed and hide himself and his tiny daughter for the ten years since devastation? It didn't feel right, somehow and even the unexpected ending did not resolve these for me.
The narrator, Phillip Mather has an unexpectedly deep voice, pleasant to hear, and his reading was very good, especially his dialogue. However, I was disconcerted by his strange pronunciation at times, such as tur instead of tear and ay-ur for our, all of which combined seemed to indicated an accent I could not identify and which was distracting. These oddities did not occur when he was reading dialogue, only the intervening text.
Despite all of the above, I found the story enjoyable with imaginative ideas and different from the usual dystopian adventure. But be prepared to seriously suspend disbelief
The Path of Least Resistance
I received a complementary copy of this book from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review. I had expected a fast paced post apocalyptic tale of survival and, indeed, this book is all of that and it incorporates very atmospheric descriptions of a London laid waste by revolution. Instead of an alien invasion, our two main protagonists have to also avoid government forces as they travel through the remains
What I had not expected was the overt political diatribe contained in the conversation and, even if agreeing with it in principle, found it too trite to have inspired the actions related. I also found myself doubting other story aspects - where were the people? How had Matt managed to feed and hide himself and his tiny daughter for the ten years since devastation? It didn't feel right, somehow and even the unexpected ending did not resolve these for me.
The narrator, Phillip Mather has an unexpectedly deep voice, pleasant to hear, and his reading was very good, especially his dialogue. However, I was disconcerted by his strange pronunciation at times, such as tur instead of tear and ay-ur for our, all of which combined seemed to indicated an accent I could not identify and which was distracting. These oddities did not occur when he was reading dialogue, only the intervening text.
Despite all of the above, I found the story enjoyable with imaginative ideas and different from the usual dystopian adventure. But be prepared to seriously suspend disbelief
August 14, 2016
I listened to the Audible audio version of this book, narrated by Philip J. Mather. The narrator has an incredibly low voice, which is really pleasant to listen to, but a little hard for me to hear (I think I may be losing lower tones in my hearing range). I have listened to another book narrated by him ("Mysterium I: Rome"), but I was able to understand this book a little better than the other. I really had to pay attention to get every word. And I think if you can hear the lower tones clearly, you will really enjoy the narration. The story itself was pretty interesting. It pulled at my heartstrings to see a father and daughter fight for survival. I loved the descriptions - especially that of eating whatever they could find - especially cockroaches. I was really able to put myself in the story and "feel" what was happening around me. If you like dystopian sci-fi, you'll want to give this short story (about 2.5 hours) of survival and hope a chance.
August 10, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
Rat Run is a short little read or listen. It keeps you interested all the way through. It develops the relationship of a father and daughter through out the book. He finally sees that his daughter is now a grown woman and can take care of herself.
Narrator was great. Kept you hanging on every syllable he spoke. Without him, I think my interpretation would be a lot different. Good job. I gave it about 3.5 stars.
Rat Run is a short little read or listen. It keeps you interested all the way through. It develops the relationship of a father and daughter through out the book. He finally sees that his daughter is now a grown woman and can take care of herself.
Narrator was great. Kept you hanging on every syllable he spoke. Without him, I think my interpretation would be a lot different. Good job. I gave it about 3.5 stars.
August 8, 2016
It might have been good had it not been for the liberal use of profanity, which is NEVER necessary to a story. I found the language offensive and off-putting and will absolutely NOT be listening to any follow-ups to this story.
Its only redeeming quality was the narration of Phillip J. Mather, whom I just love to listen to. He is the only reason I finished listening to this short book. I could listen to him read the phone book. I just love his deep base voice and wonderful accent.
I received a copy of this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Its only redeeming quality was the narration of Phillip J. Mather, whom I just love to listen to. He is the only reason I finished listening to this short book. I could listen to him read the phone book. I just love his deep base voice and wonderful accent.
I received a copy of this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2016
This was an interesting take on a frightening future world.The book centers around a father and his young daughter trying to flee the government.The book portrays their struggles to survive and the love the father has for his child.The book concludes with an unexpected twist.I had a little trouble acclimating to the narrators voice and at first thought I had my speed setting wrong.But once I started to to get into the story I had no problem listening to him.I received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2017
OMG. This was a great read. I couldn't put it down. Good storyline heart warming and at the same time heart stopping. I felt the author had a mean steak in him while writing this story. A must read but watch out your emotions will be all over the place.
January 1, 2018
This was a short read but wow!, how much can you stuff in a short story? This book will not leave you hanging, but it will leave you wanting more. Do yourself a favor and check this out. If everything I read in 2018 can come close to being this good. I am in for a really great year.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews