From the author of Breaking the Beast, the award-winning thriller, Erebus, and The New Homefront Series comes The Society Lost, Volume One, the first installment of the four-book Society Lost Series. The Shepherd is the first installment of the post-apocalyptic and dystopian thrill ride of the Society Lost Series! If you like SHTF, TEOTWAWKI, vigilante justice, prepper, dystopian, post-apocalyptic tales filled with action, adventure, tragedy, and triumph, join Jessie Townsend as he and his family struggle in a collapsing and uncertain world. The Society Lost, is an action-packed post-apocalyptic thrill ride detailing the struggles of former Sheriff Jessie Townsend as he and his family seek shelter from a crumbling world with a self-sufficient life on a homestead deep in the Rocky Mountains. Sanctuary soon becomes what he meant to escape, peaceful bliss slipping into desperation and despair in the aftermath of events that shook the foundations that shaped our world to the core. An unholy alliance of conspirators had sought the collapse of our civilization in order to rebuild and reclaim it as their own. Never truly intending to coexist, the unlikely allies found their courses diverging, leading to a struggle that dealt the final death blows to our society. In the absence of the order and structure of our modern civilization, evil, suffering, and chaos were unleashed throughout the world. As the post-collapse struggles of the outside world begin to threaten Jessie’s mountain hideaway, a return to the world he left behind becomes a chance for redemption and survival in—a society lost. For book two in the series, see Society Lost, Volume Two. Other works from this author The Last The New Homefront, Volume One The The New Homefront, Volume Two The Blue Ridge The New Homefront, Volume Three The The New Homefront, Volume Four Viking A New Homefront Novel Society Lost, Volume Two The Tree of Society Lost, Volume Three Society Lost, Volume Four Breaking the The Redemption of Joe Branch An Apocalyptic Thriller Dangerous Prey The Edge of Civility
Okay Book. Nothing here to look at. Turn around, turn around.
I had such high hopes for this book. When I read the blurb for it I thought that I would enjoy it. Boy was I wrong. Why, oh why? Do a lot of the authors of this type of book persist in god bothering and stupid, too convenient coincidences to form the story. A well written book that is totally let down by the same ole, same ole, plot.
I have not read any other books written by this author and I won't be busting a gut to read another one. This book also read like a how-to pamphlet. The explanation of set up and types of guns was just tedious. One thing I know for sure, I never want to face the apocalypse in America. If anything like this droll tome are to go by. At least in Australia we don't live by the gun and violence. Yes we have our wacko's but people who would just wantonly go around killing and assaulting others just for fun. I don't think so. Especially when people would have to work together to survive.
If you are thinking that I am not a fan of post apocalyptic fiction then think again. I am well versed and well read in many books of this type.
I suppose I should now say something positive. Here it is. If you want to read a book where the main character is a thanking and praising the god that caused the situation in the first place then I suppose this book is for you. If you want to read descriptions of every gun and knife out there including the colour and what type of stock is on it, then this book is for you. If you want coincidences to happen that are just so and right in the nick of time, go for it.
Jesse Townsend is a former sheriff who now lives up in the Rocky Mountains with his family. He sought refuge once he lost the election and saw what appeared to be the coming downfall of society. Raising sheep is the family’s main food source which has increasing been threatened by wolves. Now it seems that man may be an even more formidable predator.
Bird’s first novel in the Society Lost series, The Shepherd, follows JT as he tries to keep his family safe in a post-apocalyptic world. This new world was brought about by a greedy bunch who aligned themselves with the worst of society to reshape it into a one world society. JT thought his preparations and seclusion in the mountains would spare them from the effects of this unholy alliance.
This book had a twist in it that slapped my upside my head. I was totally unprepared for it and quite heartbroken over it. It is a darned good story and I highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
A former Sheriff moves his family off the grid to the mountains just before a major pandemic sweeps the world. Living a simple life raising sheep to sustain his family. Jessie has to deal with the environment and encroaching nature as well as other survivors who lack moral code.Well told story with very good characters that grab and hold your interest throughout the book. This is the first of Steven Birds work I have read and I highly recommend this to any post apocalypse fans.
This was a decent book but I never can quite see how society simply just collapses without a major trigger. Maybe we will go out with a whimper, but I just don't see it. I liked Jessie as a character. At first I was put off a bit by the mysticism, but came to see that might be an mechanism for him to keep going after such as horrific loss. A lot of the dialogue seemed odd and not realistic but I do want to know what happens to him.
Good book. I will admit I was ok with Jessie losing his family as I found the part of the story with them a bit annoying. Of course without that part he wouldn’t be on this journey. The beginning started out more of a how to book and many stories like this are. So I don’t mind that as I feel you should always learn something from any book you read.I’ve already started book 2.
What an enjoyable read. It is nice to read about a 'good man'. Loving his family, God, his life and most important loving others when everything around you is a mess. Jesse's moral and work ethics never falter. In some ways it mirrors the Book of Job. Adversity falls upon him yet his faith never wanes.
amazing story of a hero.. Jessie Townsend knows when it[s time to get out of dodge,but as this book shows, being prepared does not always mean you are safe, the trials and tribulations he goes through are stunning, and to be able to pull up his boot sraps and keep going shows true grit,, and helping others along the way shows great compassion..a great read
I really enjoyed it. Some parts ran a little long The story was well written. Character development was good. Not too much. Not too little. Technical was not perfect but I'd say 90% plus accurate. Thanks for the good read Steven Bird.
Steven Bird has rapidly become one of my favorite authors. His ability to spin a tale that grabs my interest and holds it throughout is fantastic. This is a great book, Grab it and enjoy.
I sat down at the dining room table with this book at 230 and as I'm finishing the last word I notice it's dark outside. Where did the time go? Good book. Enjoyed it a good deal.
Jessie’s torment is heartbreaking, but I love that he still has compassion and with it hope. Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Our hero and former sheriff Jessie Townsend with wife and children escape the chaos of our collapsing country and retreat to a cabin in the Rocky Mountains. Life is good until the expanding lawlessness catches up with them. Jessie is dealt a disastrous blow which leaves his life and mental state in ruin. A surviving father and daughter happen upon Jessie's homestead and their companionship brings Jessie out of his despair. Jessie decides there is nothing holding him at his present location and heads out to find a sister he hasn't seen in years. So we find ourselves following Jessie as he travels cross country facing danger from all corners both animal and human. Better than three; three.point.five
The Shepherd starts out with the perfect mountain setting,only to succumb to the harsh reality of a new and broken world. With a likable character in Jesse I found this a fast paced read and look forward to the next book.
I got as far as page 20 before I put this book down. The conversations between the characters are so contrived, so forced, so false sounding that I couldn't bare to read any further. Maybe I'll be missing out. I doubt it, but I'll never know for sure.
This book has a different twist from other SHTF books but it's really good. It's also scary because the storyline is very believable, it could happen. I pray it doesn't but we should prepare. Thanks Mr. Bird, good book.