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As the district manager for a sporting goods store, Nelson, knows what it takes to survive off the grid. Michelle is a nurse, a mom, and fully capable. Nelson and Michelle are hardworking Americans with a secret: they are part of a circle of individuals who are prepared for the worst. They know that the worst is coming; it's just a matter of time. When the stock markets in Asia crash, the family knows that it is time to pull together with their circle of friends and get to their safe zone. But nothing worth doing is ever easy. Not content to just seize the assets of Americans, the United States government paints a target on the backs of survivalists and preppers, demanding that all Americans turn in their guns, ammunition, and food, and placing restrictions on travel. With the family in the cross-hairs, will they make it safely to their farm? Or will they fall victim to the machinations of a government who no longer believes in the Land of the Free?

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2015

233 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Thomas A. Watson

54 books208 followers
Thomas A Watson was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, in 1970, and grew up in Doyline, Louisiana and Grenada, Mississippi. He was the assistant manager of W.C. Plastics in Grenada Mississippi for several years before joining the U.S Army, he was stationed at Bad Hersfeld, Germany. After serving fours years in the Army, he returned to W.C. Plastics where he was the acting manager for four years.

He attended Holmes Community College in the evenings while working at W.C Plastics, taking core classes. He moved back to Bossier City area to be closer to his and his wife's family and attended Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working 10 years as an emergency room nurse in and around Shreveport, he and his wife and two children, moved to Missoula, Montana.

Watson, meet his wife Tina in Grenada, Mississippi, they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2015. They have three children, Nicholas, Khristian and Phillip. Watson, penned his first book in January of 2012, after moving to Missoula, Montana. His parents, Larry Watson and Kay Boykin, instilled the love of reading at a very early age. He has read and enjoyed most genres. His first published book Blue Plague: The Fall was released on Amazon and Createspace in August 2012.

Watson, signed a publishing contract with Winlock Press a division of Permuted Press in December of 2014. His Blue Plague series and Dark Titan series will be re-released in 2015 under Winlock Press.

Also in 2015 from Amazon self-publishing, his newest Thanos: Dawn of Man, a fantasy series.

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5 stars
453 (55%)
4 stars
209 (25%)
3 stars
97 (11%)
2 stars
32 (3%)
1 star
20 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Denise Keef.
516 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2015
I had heard about this book in a book group I belong to and thought it sounded good. I had never read anything by this author before so I wasn’t really sure on what to expect but decided to give it a read based on the number of people saying how fantastic it was. I have to say…they were all spot on!
From the first chapter I was so engrossed in what was in the world that was developed in Mr. Watson’s brilliant mind. The characters had a very real feel to them and were very likeable. I found myself cheering for them the further I got into the book. As one who isn’t a prepper myself, I related to a few of the characters and hope I have friends like some in the story who are willing to help those out who aren’t prepared.
What scared me the most with this book is that the way the economy goes up and down in the world today…I could see the events in this story taking place. This book has made me really think about the future in the event something like this does take place.
I was very impressed with knowledge and research that the author put into not only the preparedness of the preppers but also the weapons that were explained in complete detail that they had collected. Thank you Mr. Watson for a book that kept me highly entertained, totally engrossed until the end and a definite fan.
This may have been my first book by this talented author but it for sure will not be my last and I encourage anyone looking for a great book to read to get a copy of this book!
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,955 reviews65 followers
June 4, 2019
I found this to be fairly disappointing. The premise of the plot was fine but the execution was not. There are a lot of typos, writing errors etc that could really use an editor. The constant risque banter between Nelson and Michelle was very annoying and rather than being "cute" was positively sophomoric. People just don't call each other "baby" virtually every sentence. If this was to try to get the reader to connect and like them, it was not effective. Just after they arrive at the farm after a harrowing trip to get there, Michelle suddenly goes ballistic about events that happened years ago, so much so that Nellie (one of the two sane people) chastises her. And this is the same Michelle that has a problem with people saying the word "hell"? In the middle of all this, the Princess Leia costume was just not believable. Equally puzzling is that not 24 hours after the President's announcement, Nelson decides to using his sniper skills to simply kill 4 federal agents. I get that at some point you might have to take drastic action to protect yourself and your associates, but he went dark very fast. I just don't buy it.
3 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2015
Solid

I very much appreciated this book. It gets the head working and thinking. I am looking forward to the next book.
32 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2017
Nutty prepper story featuring sociopathic main character and a plot without original ideas.
Profile Image for Brandon.
556 reviews35 followers
August 3, 2022
After reading this, my third Watson book, I am officially a fan. His work now sits toward the top of my list for favorite SHTF/prepper novels. Honestly, the part in the story where he's "securing" his store's inventory to "keep it safe from looters" is probably every prepper's wet dream. It was like shop-till-u-drop for outdoorsmen (or women).

I almost feel like I need to step my game up on my own story, so similar were ours in spirit. This is one of the few I really felt like I had some competition with someone with varied life experience. Watson writes his characters, dialogue and plots as though they were pulled from stories of real people's lives. The flow is seamless from scene to scene, and the interactions between characters is refreshingly realistic; unlike many authors who write as if they're composing a dramatic stage play, rather real people.

Looking forward to part 2, and now hoping that he comes out with something new by the time I finish book 4. I always hate having to drop a series and wait for the next one, always pulls you back from the emotional involvement and immersion of the storyline.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
452 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2017
A family with a cautious eye toward their future....and a wariness to the climate of the country. As events push closer to an extreme, Nelson and his family close ranks to ensure their survival. Like-minded friends are crucial and Nelson's family is joined by true friends...and patriots.

When the current condition of the United States becomes rather unAmerican, the family and friends will attempt to "bug out" to a more defensible location. But with the federal government targeting "prepper groups" and people who can live without dependence, will Nelson's group survive this transition? Will they be caught up in the political posturing and threats at hand?

A well-written and exciting story that not only entertains, but divulges valuable lessons for any reader aware of his/hers surroundings. Basic life tips seamlessly woven into an impressive and believable tale. Very well done!
Profile Image for Larry.
25 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2016
An astounding book that actually scared me.

I started reading this book as a random choice out of my library. Was I in for a shock. The events in the setup are ripped right from today's headlines and will make you listen to the news with a new ear. I actually had a few "Holy $h!t" moments while reading this. My only real complaint is, I wanted to be longer.I NEED MORE! WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
I can't wait for the installment to come out. You won't regret getting this. Mister Watson you have a new fan.
Profile Image for Kristie hunter.
94 reviews
December 22, 2016
Love Watson's Series

I am in love with Thomas A Watson's series, even though they scare you that they could become a reality. His characters are all fantastic and relatable. You can't go wrong with any of his books.
Profile Image for Stephen.
1,240 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2021
Interesting book with a lot of moral questions. Good action, good talks on prepping, and securing your area after arriving. It takes a good look at supplies and projects that need to be done post event.
25 reviews
March 16, 2016
A possible future for us all!

As our debt continues to climb and lawmakers unwilling to face reality, this may indeed be our future as Americans.
20 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2019
Characters make the series a favorite

I'm doing a reread of the series, since Sin Eaters has been (finally!) released.
This first book in the series of five, so far, moves along well. Tommy Watson does a great job of letting his characters and plot develop without the forced pacing that trips many authors up when they introduce a new book/series.
I like all the characters, though I would like to have seen a bit more development of Ashley. Other than a figurehead POTUS and a prissy bank manager, there's no real "bad guy".
The first time I read this, in 2015, it took me a while to go back to it. Watson will be the first to say his writing and grammar aren't perfect and in book one, it is enough to jar a conscientious reader. Thankfully, it's not really a problem from book 2 onward to the newest release. It worked out for me, because when I finally worked my way back to this series, I didn't have to stop and wait for more after book 3 and it wasn't that long.
The same thing happened with Dark Titan series. Now I'm waiting on book 5 for that series.
I will be back for each of the round robin installments of almost all Watson's series'. Thanos being the exception, only because it's pretty dang far out of my genre preferences.
I won't say never, because I really enjoy the way this author can draw characters and plots. Mainly the characters. I am not really a zombie fan, but I loved Watson's Blue Plague series. Only 2 other authors have the ability to pull me into their zombie/monster lane and stay for the whole journey. They are Anthony J. Mechliorri (Tide series) and Nicholas Sansbury Smith (Extinction Cycle series).

Thomas Watson has definitely evolved into not just a great storyteller, but also an amazing author. If the grammar and editing bumps in this book one have you question whether or not to continue the series, just go for it. I have abandoned books and series if those two things are too jarring. I'm Soooooo glad I circled back around and continued reading the series. Those get smoothed out in book two and you won't care anyway, because his characters are freaking awesome. Keep going through book five, then join me in very impatiently waiting for book six.
Fair warning, the cursing gets more prevalent and imaginative as the books and series continues and there is all kinds of gratuitous violence, as well as mentions of rape, which ends with the bad guys caught getting pretty promptly killed. In both conventional and more imaginative, gratuitous ways. The violence is pretty realistic, in the fact that when SHTF, people who have illusions of "civilized society" now and don't immediately adjust will be more likely to fall victim to the evil and/or watch as their loved ones do. Nelson's group holds no illusions by the time their convoy starts their "bug out" drive.
Recommend the series, along with the author's others.
Profile Image for Chris Sherwood.
Author 3 books5 followers
June 2, 2018
I wanted to like this book, I really did. But I couldn't finish it.

Much like "The Dark Titan" series ( which was okay enough to get through it ) the dialogue needs a lot of work. In "Dark Titan", it's bad in places. In this one, it's plain awful beginning to end:

- The main characters, Nelson and Michelle, are god awful annoying. Every other sentence they address each other as "baby" or "babe". I counted 5 "babys" in one page. And they constant sexual innuendo is cute the first time, completely unneccesarry in what seems like every three pages. We get it, they love each other and are happy. For Pete's sake, have them go off in the bushes, get it over with and move on with the story.

- Nelson is a bad ass. You know how you'll know? He'll tell anyone who will listen in short paragraphs. The tough guy talk is annoying and tiresome.

- Over 50% of the book is the group getting ready to leave for their hideout. The story doesn't move along nearly fast enough.

I hate to rip apart someone's work. Maybe this was Watson's first writing attempt, I don't know. But it's one of the very few in the genre I couldn't over look the flaws and finish.
213 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2019
Boring and exposition heavy

This reads like a teenage fantasy. Very heavy in exposition. Goes deeply into unneeded detail to the point that it is an annoying read. Very little interesting characterization. None of the characters have internal conflicts, they're all perfectly sure of what they do. There are no conflicts between characters, they all agree with each other instantly. Even whenbit comes to killing cops and giving up their entire lives. None of the characters have any real flaws. None of the characters face any challenges - everything is prepared for so thoroughly that no one ever has anything to fear. Everything is literally perfect for the characters, which is pretty boring to read. Their preparations are also not realistic and rely fantasy scenarios.

Avoid unless you're a giant fan of the genre.
2 reviews
February 26, 2019
Realism

10 or 15 years ago I would have read this book and enjoyed it, but probably considered it to be in the room of fantasy. Reading it now, it seems more like something that could happen in the very near future. I would have probably done the same things that Nelson did if I had been in his position as a general manager of a sporting goods chain of stores. I served 28 years in the Army, and can appreciate some of the things that Nelson thought I did. Also Gerald and his sister.
Profile Image for Gary Smith.
100 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2020
Wow, I seriously couldn't stop reading this, I lost sleep at times reading this book and even dreamed up some of the scenarios lol. It was a great read, I wont give anything away AT ALL. This is well worth anybody's time to read. It isn't super long, I just started it one day and then before I knew it I was done. I got so lost in it I didn't order the next book until the end lol. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow so I can start it. I highly recommend this one for any American or Patriot of their country. Thomas Watson is the man!
1 review
October 2, 2015
Unbelievable

This book is unbelievable...but not in a good way. The main characters just don't seem real in that they are middle class but have amassed an unrealistic amount of wealth. The author describes their assets, guns and gold, in mind-numbing detail. The plot, such as it is, meanders along to the end of the book, and reaches no real conclusion. The author just seems to stop writing. I will not be buying the sequel.
3 reviews
May 18, 2019
Book 1 to 5 you will not regret it

Picking it up and not putting it down until it's finished then diving into the next 4 books in the series shows that it deserves no less than 5 full stars. Who needs sleep anyway?! Just like dark titan series, I love the interaction to all the variety of characters that keep me giggling and gasping out in shock with them. I know but 5 was just out this month.. but when is the next?! THANK YOU!
21 reviews
March 14, 2020
Eye opening touch of reality

Scary because it is so close to the truth. The story is so very plausible and all of the activities are very real. Well written, very believable characters and having worked in intelligence field in the military, I am convinced the author, Thomas A. Watson has an inside track on the very real possibilities of our futures.
Well worth the read and I am chomping at the button dive into the 2nd installment of this trilogy.
7 reviews
September 17, 2015
I'll just mumble a few thoughts here...

Not a terrible try, worth doing some mumbling about, I guess. While I'm mumbling, one of the things this book could have used is a better editor, preferably one that doesn't mumble too much. On yet another note, this one also low and mumbling, the dialog was a bit hard to take. Possibly because everyone was mumbling....
14 reviews
June 21, 2016
Extremely simplistic, written for a man with all the technical gun information that went on +on. His continual sexual references and lack of a real plot were disappointing.

It seemed like an overview not a book that set itself apart. Too vague....details missing. An idea that was not developed.
65 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2017
Great read

Wow. To think that this could be possible one day is frightening. This story seems so realistic it gives me chills. Once I started reading this and seeing just how close to reality this could actually be.....wow. Just wow! I would recommend this book and this author to everyone. It's time people wake up and really see the world.
Profile Image for Lucy.
2 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2016
Considering the state of our society, I am compelled to believe this could happen. Interesting read. Anti-climatic end.
Profile Image for Wade.
39 reviews
February 22, 2022
Pretty disappointed in this book which I hoped might follow in the footsteps of James Wesley Rawles. No such luck. While the plot was ok, the characters and story line were awful. Spoilers here: As soon as things start to go south, the preppers go into action, collect an ungodly amount of firearms from a sporting goods store that the main character runs and along with their friends and relatives form up a convoy to go the their retreat on a farm. Meanwhile the President has invoked serious martial law and seizes savings and bank accounts and orders everyone to not hoard, not travel with weapons, etc. So the first night, our main guy goes out and murders 4 Feds as they enter their hotel. Along the way to the retreat, they kill state troopers and a local deputies. These are all ambush killings not a firefight.
The characters seem not to have an ounce of compassion or remorse and killing for them is like stepping on a bug. Then the main character shrugs it off, and goes back to constantly ogling his wife and they trade suggestive talk all through the book. It's juvenile. Then there's the writing style. The author goes into such detail of every day life right down to who is holding the baby, how and the exact time they eat, their workout routines, the clothes they wear, etc. etc. There is constant sarcasm, teasing, and arguing with no consequences. Everybody is just hunky dory after spending 5 pages arguing. All the characters are overdone in some ways but very shallow. I finished the book just because it was like watching a car wreck and I couldn't take my eyes off it. But I won't read the next book even though this one ended without any real conclusion. It just sort of stopped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diana Fletcher.
111 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2025
Rise of Tyranny is an intense, fast-paced survival thriller that feels a little too real for comfort. Thomas A. Watson does an incredible job of blending action with social commentary, showing how quickly society can unravel when fear and control take over. Nelson and Michelle are relatable, everyday people forced into extraordinary circumstances, and their determination to protect their family kept me hooked. The tension never lets up from the government crackdowns to the race for survival, every chapter had me on edge. It’s a gripping, thought provoking read that makes you question just how prepared you really are when the world starts to fall apart.
49 reviews
February 7, 2019
Hard hitting action

Forgotten Forbidden America: Rise of Tyranny is an outstanding read that leaves the reader wanting more. The characters and situations are interesting and the tension fast and hard hitting. I strongly encourage anyone that finds government invasive to take a look at this series.
Profile Image for Michael Annis.
182 reviews
June 6, 2019
Good Read but....

Storyline is believable and good group of character. Action sequences well described but the novel has one major flaw. The author spends far too long on minor detail, in fact describing every action if tiny detail. It’s like you could be sharing every mouthful of breakfast. After a while it becomes tiresome and is a distraction.
18 reviews
Read
November 24, 2021
Excellent story line! Very well written!

The growing unrest portrayed in this book is not to far from reality. Preparing for the worst possible outcome, the group bonds together like a large family. The story stirs the feelings of patriotism and hope and the desire to read more to find out what happens!
Profile Image for Hayden.
79 reviews
February 3, 2018
These books are amazing.

Although this is my third time reading this series and I am sure I have reviewed them before the trials and tribulations of this family are a very good read.
15 reviews
March 12, 2018
Scary

This is a very good book for people to decide to be preppers. I have done a little myself since we live in big earthquake territory. However this is a very good story of how fast things can go wrong and the necessity to be ready. I like it.
29 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2020
A good read.

Thomas Watson has penned an engaging, thought-provoking tale set in a not so future America where the government becomes tyranny. The book raises questions of what is right and what is wrong when it comes to fighting for freedom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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