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The Traveler #1
Home
HE THOUGHT HE WAS PREPARED. HE THOUGHT HIS FAMILY WAS SAFE. HE WAS WRONG.
Five years after a pneumonic plague killed two-thirds of the world’s population, army veteran Marcus Battle is isolated. He’s alone with his guns, his food, and the graves of his wife and child. Unaware of the chaos that’s befallen everything outside of his central Texas ranch land, Marcus lives a Spartan life. If anyone steps onto his property he shoots first and never ask questions. But when a woman in distress, chased by marauders, seeks asylum, Marcus has a decision to make. Does he throw her to the wolves to protect himself or does he help her and leave the shelter and protection of home?
Five years after a pneumonic plague killed two-thirds of the world’s population, army veteran Marcus Battle is isolated. He’s alone with his guns, his food, and the graves of his wife and child. Unaware of the chaos that’s befallen everything outside of his central Texas ranch land, Marcus lives a Spartan life. If anyone steps onto his property he shoots first and never ask questions. But when a woman in distress, chased by marauders, seeks asylum, Marcus has a decision to make. Does he throw her to the wolves to protect himself or does he help her and leave the shelter and protection of home?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
1442 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Tom Abrahams
71 books342 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
December 20, 2015
As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, I am always comparing books of this genre to others I have read of the same genre. Of course, our main character in this book is a prepper, someone who thought he and his family would be ready for any apocalypse to come. But as the description tells, prepping doesn't always ensure you and your family will be safe!
The main story is set about 5 years after the plague that killed about 2/3 of the world's population, but many chapters are flashbacks, to show our characters life before the event and to show us what happened, to show us how Battle became the man he is. I look forward to reading other books in this apparent series (since this is listed a book #1)
The main story is set about 5 years after the plague that killed about 2/3 of the world's population, but many chapters are flashbacks, to show our characters life before the event and to show us what happened, to show us how Battle became the man he is. I look forward to reading other books in this apparent series (since this is listed a book #1)
Read
May 9, 2021The protagonist in this book is Christian and undoubtedly Republican, which I only mention if you have different views and do not like reading characters of this sort. For me, it suits a character from Texas with a strong military background and I appreciate reading perspectives that vary from my own. The religion comes in as it suits the character’s dialogue and actions but is not preachy. Politics rarely show up at all, except for one character wearing a “Make America Great Again” shirt. All in all it was. A good and somewhat realistic post-pandemic story that may also hit some nerves in this time we live in. The author’s expertise when it come to military lingo and equipment seems authentic. I have the next two in the series and will continue on
January 31, 2016
Definitely not my style. Too much religion and military.
May 19, 2016
This is the first book by Tom Abrahams that I have read but I was very excited when I read the plot. I am a very big fan of post apocalyptic/dystopian stories and this book seemed very interesting. After reading it, I must say that I really enjoyed the writing style of the battles/fights/skirmishes. They were done in a very clear and creative way that didn't just feel like a play by play or directions for a movie. I liked the way that Battle's character was developed and his strengths and weaknesses gradually exposed throughout the book. The only criticism I have is the choice of the last name Battle. It didn't bother me at first, but it got distracting with the use of his name on what felt like every single page, sometimes repeated over and over again in a paragraph. Overall, a really wonderful book and I am excited to read more of in the series.
January 5, 2025
Faktisch an einem Tag gelesen, schaue ich direkt mal nach dem zweiten Teil
February 19, 2016
Not bad
Moved fast paced and actually has a story line and not just planning and carrying out engagements like so many of this genre do.
The characters develop as the story emerges and u get to know each and become invested n the story line.
Im not sure why he said he would never return to the house since he has all this food and weapons & other supplie there & could live n the barn until he built a cabin.
Also he still has the power & the garden.
When the story began it sounds like it was enclosed by a high fence that was hard to get past but then that seemed to just disappear for some reason.
He had to unlock it to get the woman to safety.
Then all of a sudden everyone could get n and get to the house, barn , everything.
I didn't like that it disappeared.
It pissed me off that the grunt he had went n2 the house as well as the boss and when the boss set the fire, the grunt coulda put it right back out as soon as he left. There had to b fire extinguishers around. A prepped would make sure. Why didn't he have a sprinkler system?
Why did the house have to burn?
I also don't like that he is leaving for good.
Maybe to make him a nomad but he didn't lose it all so to leave it sounds foolish to me.
He will need a base of operations and a place to send people he rescues.
So I am
A little mad about those two things & that grunt even gave his boss who shot him and left him for dead another shot also.
But it was a good read.
I will probably order the next installment although I am getting tired of paying for 200-300 pages of writing @ a time. I'm not getting my monies worth.
I should be getting at least 400-600 pages per installment.
That isn't against the author other than his agreement to this rip off to his readers.
He should b more loyal to his fans and demand an end to this installment crap and give his readers a full book each time.
I would respect and b more loyal to him then.
Moved fast paced and actually has a story line and not just planning and carrying out engagements like so many of this genre do.
The characters develop as the story emerges and u get to know each and become invested n the story line.
Im not sure why he said he would never return to the house since he has all this food and weapons & other supplie there & could live n the barn until he built a cabin.
Also he still has the power & the garden.
When the story began it sounds like it was enclosed by a high fence that was hard to get past but then that seemed to just disappear for some reason.
He had to unlock it to get the woman to safety.
Then all of a sudden everyone could get n and get to the house, barn , everything.
I didn't like that it disappeared.
It pissed me off that the grunt he had went n2 the house as well as the boss and when the boss set the fire, the grunt coulda put it right back out as soon as he left. There had to b fire extinguishers around. A prepped would make sure. Why didn't he have a sprinkler system?
Why did the house have to burn?
I also don't like that he is leaving for good.
Maybe to make him a nomad but he didn't lose it all so to leave it sounds foolish to me.
He will need a base of operations and a place to send people he rescues.
So I am
A little mad about those two things & that grunt even gave his boss who shot him and left him for dead another shot also.
But it was a good read.
I will probably order the next installment although I am getting tired of paying for 200-300 pages of writing @ a time. I'm not getting my monies worth.
I should be getting at least 400-600 pages per installment.
That isn't against the author other than his agreement to this rip off to his readers.
He should b more loyal to his fans and demand an end to this installment crap and give his readers a full book each time.
I would respect and b more loyal to him then.
December 19, 2015
I've enjoyed other books by Tom Abrahams, but this book was fantastic! I absolutely had to read it in one sitting. It follows Marcus Battle, a prepper and former Army who encounters the threat of a deadly world-wide virus with his wife and son. Home is the focal point...the place to be protected and defended, but will he be able to do all of that when the "end of the world" approaches?
This is an outstanding book with incredible detail and very 'human' characters. You can feel their anxiety, determination and resolution just by reading the book! I fully enjoyed this first book of what promises to be an amazing series. Awesome story and constant action! Well done.
This is an outstanding book with incredible detail and very 'human' characters. You can feel their anxiety, determination and resolution just by reading the book! I fully enjoyed this first book of what promises to be an amazing series. Awesome story and constant action! Well done.
February 9, 2016
I received this audio free in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly I loved it. This is my thing. Apocalyptic books, zombie books, prepper books, you name it & I'm in to it.
I loved Battle & Lola.... I can't wait for the next book. This is not like all of the other books I read & that's a good thing. I do hate it when books are just the same old things rehashed in yet another way. Sure there are common themes but so much originality. Also I will add that while there is a few mentions of religion & god I was not hit over the head with it at every turn.
Thank you Tom for giving me a new series to devour & love!
I also loved the narrator.
Honestly I loved it. This is my thing. Apocalyptic books, zombie books, prepper books, you name it & I'm in to it.
I loved Battle & Lola.... I can't wait for the next book. This is not like all of the other books I read & that's a good thing. I do hate it when books are just the same old things rehashed in yet another way. Sure there are common themes but so much originality. Also I will add that while there is a few mentions of religion & god I was not hit over the head with it at every turn.
Thank you Tom for giving me a new series to devour & love!
I also loved the narrator.
February 29, 2016
I liked that the author created a flawed main character,who struggles with the consequences of his choices.I really appreciate when a writer includes the cause of societies collapse.The characters were interesting and I found myself caring about their fates.It took me awhile to get used to the narrator.He has a gravely voice which I found distracting.Overall I enjoyed the book.I received a audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
A post apocalyptic modern western, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.The hero Battle fights for survival after "The Scourge." This is
advertised as the first in a series, hopefully there will be plenty more to come!!!
The narration was very well done.
A post apocalyptic modern western, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.The hero Battle fights for survival after "The Scourge." This is
advertised as the first in a series, hopefully there will be plenty more to come!!!
The narration was very well done.
August 30, 2016
Great book! It's tough to find a good post-apocalyptic book with out all the filth and profanity. Thank you to Tom Abrams for providing wholesome entertainment in a world of depravity.
December 21, 2017
Personal Response
I enjoyed the book, Home, by Tom Abrahams, because it showed true grit survival. That is what kept me wanting to read it. I often found myself reading the book and not wanting to put it down. I can relate to the character, Marcus Battle, because when it came to his survival instinct I would say I have many of the same attributes.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Marcus Battle went through a pandemic plague that wiped out one-third of the world’s population. Being an ex-marine, Marcus had always prepared for the worst. For example, he kept supplies that could keep three people alive for three years; this plan failed him because his wife and son died due to the plague. While keeping watch of his compound, he saw a girl fleeing from three men. The men turned out to be a part of the cartel. He then realized that he was not the only survivor from the Albany area. After Marcus discovered this, he killed two and the last one escaped; he did that to save the girl. The alive one went and told the cartel about Marcus, and then the cartel brought six men to attack the compound. Marcus was confronted with those men, but he battled them with ground mines and shock fences around the perimeter. After killing five of the cartel men, he took one hostage and made him confess where the cartel was. Marcus had become fully engulfed in battle and just barely escaped.
Characterization
Marcus Battle was the main character in the book. He had to evolve throughout the book to keep up with the cartel’s strategies. His whole outlook on life changed when he lost his wife and son; he went from having a certain preparation for survival to watching his plan fail right in front of his eyes. This made him realize that nothing comes easy in life.
The cartel is another character group that evolved in the story through battle. They had to take out Marcus, which was a huge obstacle for them. It should have been easy having six against one, but they found out Marcus would not go down easy, if at all.
Setting
The main setting is Albany, Texas. This is important because it is where all the action takes place, including the cartel’s and Marcus’s. The setting switches from five years before the plague to during the plague, and then switches again to five years after the plague. The book takes place in about the 2030’s. Home is told in third person narration.
Thematic Relations
The main theme was appearance vs. reality. In the beginning, Marcus’s preparation for the plague seemed unstoppable but failed within two weeks of the plague hitting. During Marcus’s battle with the cartel it seemed obvious the cartel was going to win, but Marcus was determined to win and he did.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to any middle schooler or older. The reading level was appropriate, so they could comprehend what was going on easily. I would also recommend this to either boy or girl, because I think both would be able to relate with the fact of survival. There was also boys and girls in the book, so they could relate to the characters. I would rate this a four out of five stars.
I enjoyed the book, Home, by Tom Abrahams, because it showed true grit survival. That is what kept me wanting to read it. I often found myself reading the book and not wanting to put it down. I can relate to the character, Marcus Battle, because when it came to his survival instinct I would say I have many of the same attributes.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Marcus Battle went through a pandemic plague that wiped out one-third of the world’s population. Being an ex-marine, Marcus had always prepared for the worst. For example, he kept supplies that could keep three people alive for three years; this plan failed him because his wife and son died due to the plague. While keeping watch of his compound, he saw a girl fleeing from three men. The men turned out to be a part of the cartel. He then realized that he was not the only survivor from the Albany area. After Marcus discovered this, he killed two and the last one escaped; he did that to save the girl. The alive one went and told the cartel about Marcus, and then the cartel brought six men to attack the compound. Marcus was confronted with those men, but he battled them with ground mines and shock fences around the perimeter. After killing five of the cartel men, he took one hostage and made him confess where the cartel was. Marcus had become fully engulfed in battle and just barely escaped.
Characterization
Marcus Battle was the main character in the book. He had to evolve throughout the book to keep up with the cartel’s strategies. His whole outlook on life changed when he lost his wife and son; he went from having a certain preparation for survival to watching his plan fail right in front of his eyes. This made him realize that nothing comes easy in life.
The cartel is another character group that evolved in the story through battle. They had to take out Marcus, which was a huge obstacle for them. It should have been easy having six against one, but they found out Marcus would not go down easy, if at all.
Setting
The main setting is Albany, Texas. This is important because it is where all the action takes place, including the cartel’s and Marcus’s. The setting switches from five years before the plague to during the plague, and then switches again to five years after the plague. The book takes place in about the 2030’s. Home is told in third person narration.
Thematic Relations
The main theme was appearance vs. reality. In the beginning, Marcus’s preparation for the plague seemed unstoppable but failed within two weeks of the plague hitting. During Marcus’s battle with the cartel it seemed obvious the cartel was going to win, but Marcus was determined to win and he did.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to any middle schooler or older. The reading level was appropriate, so they could comprehend what was going on easily. I would also recommend this to either boy or girl, because I think both would be able to relate with the fact of survival. There was also boys and girls in the book, so they could relate to the characters. I would rate this a four out of five stars.
February 24, 2016
Rambo would be proud
Its a apocalypse survivor series of books about what a man experiences as a plague strikes the human race.
The plague, airborne and transmitted by rats and fleas, quickly kills two thirds of the human population.
Fortunately the man is a prepper. He spent years stockpiling weapons and food.
Installing solar panels and tapping into natural gas, installing natural gas generators, all for heat and electricity, also a rain water collector.
A month into the survival lock down of the mans land, meaning, no one is welcome. Anyone intruding onto their 50 arce ranch will be dealt lethal force, no exceptions.
The mans Wife made a bad decision and exposed her Son and herself to the plague by a infected visiting friend. The Woman asked, begged, then insisted at gun point for food.
Knowing the woman and her family would die from the plague soon He gave her a bag of canned food and sent Her away.
The man, determined to survive at his self sustainable HOME, dug-in and killed anyone that trespass on his land.
He had enough food to last him well over a decade, but sh!+ happens and five years later a organized cartel that enslave what's left of the human population discovers his place.
This growing, wide reaching cartel is going to have a very bad day.
The mans last name really is Battle. He had been a hardened soldier in the US military.
He knows his sh!? and just the smell of it could kill.
He's a real living example of Rambo and Mad Max.
All he had left in remembrance is the ranch.
This cartels acts gave him a excuse to once again exercise the beast within.
He says - Hel| man! I might as well kill every last one of them and then some.
Its a apocalypse survivor series of books about what a man experiences as a plague strikes the human race.
The plague, airborne and transmitted by rats and fleas, quickly kills two thirds of the human population.
Fortunately the man is a prepper. He spent years stockpiling weapons and food.
Installing solar panels and tapping into natural gas, installing natural gas generators, all for heat and electricity, also a rain water collector.
A month into the survival lock down of the mans land, meaning, no one is welcome. Anyone intruding onto their 50 arce ranch will be dealt lethal force, no exceptions.
The mans Wife made a bad decision and exposed her Son and herself to the plague by a infected visiting friend. The Woman asked, begged, then insisted at gun point for food.
Knowing the woman and her family would die from the plague soon He gave her a bag of canned food and sent Her away.
The man, determined to survive at his self sustainable HOME, dug-in and killed anyone that trespass on his land.
He had enough food to last him well over a decade, but sh!+ happens and five years later a organized cartel that enslave what's left of the human population discovers his place.
This growing, wide reaching cartel is going to have a very bad day.
The mans last name really is Battle. He had been a hardened soldier in the US military.
He knows his sh!? and just the smell of it could kill.
He's a real living example of Rambo and Mad Max.
All he had left in remembrance is the ranch.
This cartels acts gave him a excuse to once again exercise the beast within.
He says - Hel| man! I might as well kill every last one of them and then some.
March 30, 2016
After reading Tom Abraham’s newest thriller, Home, I couldn’t help but feel a strange familiarity to the story. It’s post-apocalyptic (after a plague), so there were the usual themes of loss, bad people doing bad things, and a grand struggle for survival, all of which you would expect. Yet, Abraham’s newly created world and characters felt… comfortable. You know, like a well worn… Stetson. That’s when it hit me: this is a new take on an old Western.
Home reminds me of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, with an even better main character, although both Marcus Battle’s (Home) and William Munny’s (Unforgiven) morals are equally questionable. Home moves faster than Unforgiven, with its protagonist spending little time brooding or considering the results of his actions. But, these are only hints to the primary concept of why classic westerns—and any great story for that matter—are so popular: the main character is flawed and is seeking redemption.
Likewise, Home has that same wonderful build up to a climactic end that you’d hope for. After words you’ll feel satisfied, albeit ready for the next one. Be warned though, this is a serial, and so Home directly leads into the next installment (Canyon).
All and all, Home is a terrific post-apocalyptic take on old western themes that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. I strongly suggest you strap on your six-shooter and give this one a shot. It’s reasonably priced ($2.99), even though it is a best-seller. I give it FIVE STARS… or should I say FIVE SPURS!
Home reminds me of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, with an even better main character, although both Marcus Battle’s (Home) and William Munny’s (Unforgiven) morals are equally questionable. Home moves faster than Unforgiven, with its protagonist spending little time brooding or considering the results of his actions. But, these are only hints to the primary concept of why classic westerns—and any great story for that matter—are so popular: the main character is flawed and is seeking redemption.
Likewise, Home has that same wonderful build up to a climactic end that you’d hope for. After words you’ll feel satisfied, albeit ready for the next one. Be warned though, this is a serial, and so Home directly leads into the next installment (Canyon).
All and all, Home is a terrific post-apocalyptic take on old western themes that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. I strongly suggest you strap on your six-shooter and give this one a shot. It’s reasonably priced ($2.99), even though it is a best-seller. I give it FIVE STARS… or should I say FIVE SPURS!
February 15, 2023
I don’t want to hear about American bible beliefs. After reading another trilogy written by this author that was absolutely one of the best trilogies I’ve read in a long time, I was really surprised. There was so much religious guff in this book - actual quotes from the Middle Eastern Bronze Age mythology book (aka the Bible) that really left me gagging.
God-bothering nonsense really doesn’t go down well with Australians or normal people who live outside the US. Otherwise I would’ve given this five stars. I’m hoping that it’s part of a long-term character arc and this guy actually loses his religion. I will read on because again I like the author’s style, the action and the characters.
God-bothering nonsense really doesn’t go down well with Australians or normal people who live outside the US. Otherwise I would’ve given this five stars. I’m hoping that it’s part of a long-term character arc and this guy actually loses his religion. I will read on because again I like the author’s style, the action and the characters.
May 3, 2016
Mediocre At Best Post Apocalyptic Plague Saga
"The Traveler," Book 1 was an at best, mediocre read. It's kind of a depressing book too, not because of the post apocalyptic plague scenario (I like those dark storylines), but there was not one, not a single character that was "likeable." Both good and bad, all were pretty much one dimensional and boring. The writing itself was also bland and immature. In summary, consider this book as if it was airline food, not very satisfying and barely edible (readable).
"The Traveler," Book 1 was an at best, mediocre read. It's kind of a depressing book too, not because of the post apocalyptic plague scenario (I like those dark storylines), but there was not one, not a single character that was "likeable." Both good and bad, all were pretty much one dimensional and boring. The writing itself was also bland and immature. In summary, consider this book as if it was airline food, not very satisfying and barely edible (readable).
March 20, 2018
Nothing special in this dystopian story. A deadly pandemic, spread by the hordes of refugees from the middle east, has caused the death of two thirds of the world's population
The story centers around one 'prepper' from central Texas and his battle against the "Cartel" Ex military, so he has all of the skills necessary to make the story work. He really has no endearing characteristics. Nothing to make the reader hope he survives the current fight.
First of several in this series. Not going to bother with the others.
The story centers around one 'prepper' from central Texas and his battle against the "Cartel" Ex military, so he has all of the skills necessary to make the story work. He really has no endearing characteristics. Nothing to make the reader hope he survives the current fight.
First of several in this series. Not going to bother with the others.
July 23, 2019
I love dystopian fiction, so I downloaded this 3 book bundle on audible for a car trip. Listened to maybe an hour before I pulled over and returned it to get my credit back. I was afraid I’d wreck from rolling my eyes so much. I got to the part where Lola got on her knees and prayed for Battle (which is a very unsubtle name btw) to help her get her brother back. Anyway, if you get gun, god, and ‘prepper hero’ woodies you might enjoy. I did not.
December 16, 2015
YAYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book! Author Tom Abrahams is stepping into the apocalypse, and I think you PA fans are going to love this one! HOME is book one in Tom's new series, THE TRAVELER.
December 10, 2016
The story was mildly interesting, but this novel was badly in need of some editing. Dialogue went back and forth without attributing lines to characters, and quotation marks were not placed correctly to indicate the speaker. Many scenes seemed pulled directly from similar novels.
February 10, 2016
Great book!!!!!
Fantastic read. Couldn't put it down until I was done reading.... almost literally! Great characters, good storyline. Loved it! Off to see about Canyon.
Fantastic read. Couldn't put it down until I was done reading.... almost literally! Great characters, good storyline. Loved it! Off to see about Canyon.
February 10, 2016
Good
Easy read with a good plot. The writer is very good at developing the characters and draws the reader in. Waiting on the second book.
Easy read with a good plot. The writer is very good at developing the characters and draws the reader in. Waiting on the second book.
March 15, 2016
Loved the book. I only do audiobook so with Kevin Pierce as the narrator this was a great post apocalyptic series. I have over 300 Audible books and this is a definite read or listen
July 21, 2020
First, the story is awesome and the flashback that is done in the story from present to pre-virus days brings the story alive and tell you more about the main character who he was before the virus and his family, the death of his son and wife and what effects that had on his action and how he acts in the future toward himself and others. In addition you learn him who he is, was and why he place himself and his family so far off the grid and you live each and every day with him what he looking at, listening to and the most touching how he goes to the graves of his family and talks to them for help.
Later when things are going wrong for him and he feels the world has deserted him his family come to give advice, comfort and a kick in the butt. And finally you have a main character with many parts to his character and how they work together and sometime against each other to make him who he is.
You can feel the emotions in all the characters from the audible the narrator is able to bring each and every character alive and make you you feel, see them as if you are standing beside the character as the story is told.
Later when things are going wrong for him and he feels the world has deserted him his family come to give advice, comfort and a kick in the butt. And finally you have a main character with many parts to his character and how they work together and sometime against each other to make him who he is.
You can feel the emotions in all the characters from the audible the narrator is able to bring each and every character alive and make you you feel, see them as if you are standing beside the character as the story is told.
February 7, 2022
I really liked it, but this is my favorite kind of story!
August 12, 2022
Man, I REALLY enjoyed that! The chapters are short which always motivates me to read more and I can never say no to a post-apocalyptic story with a lot of drama and a former soldier who is - deep down - a good man. I'm excited for the next part.
July 8, 2020
Fantastic post-apocalyptic book! I will definitely be checking out more books from this author!
December 7, 2017
Personal response
What I liked about the book, Home, by Tom Abraham was how Battle survived against all odds and still tries to help another survivor instead of saving himself. He turned his home from a small ranch for raising a family into a small military base. Battle was also able to survive a post apocalyptic world by himself for five years without any help from anyone.
Plot
As the story starts, Battle is trying to survive an apocalyptic future where a disease has wiped out two thirds of the population of the world making management of every resources available a priority. While on his ranch five years after the scourge, as the survivors call it, Battle saves Lola from a group of marauders who are trying to enslave her. For weeks Battle helps Lola heal from twisted her ankle from running from the cartel. Later on, the Cartel tries to raid Battle’s ranch. Battle turns his house into a warzone using traps and a bolt action rifle. After the mini war on his property, Battle heads to the capital of the cartel to save Lola’s son. While in the capital, Battle plans on crippling the cartel’s power in Texas by setting off explosions.
Characterization
Battle is a marine veteran who lost his family to a plague that killed two thirds of the world’s population and has lived on his ranch that he turned into a fortress.
Lola is a mother who lost her son to the cartel that controls America in this apocalyptic age. Through the story Lola tries to help Battle let go that he couldn't protect his family even with all his careful preparation. Pico is a member of the cartel and the only survivor of the raid on Battle’s farm. Pico betrays the cartel after he learned he was going to die if he went back. Queho is one of the bosses of the cartel and is in charge of the raid on Battle’s fort. Skinner is the nickname of the main boss of the cartel in Texas. Queho seems like a stereotypical power hungry villain with his rapid change of mood towards his grunts and he always seems to try to gain more influence. Skinner is one of the main antagonists in the story because of his role in the story.
Impacts of setting
It was during a post apocalyptic era in Texas making resources even more scarce than anywhere. With the cartel in control, cell towers and other communication devices were cut off leaving little to no communication between survivors. With the rough terrain in Texas and a lack of skilled workers for oil refineries, the inhabitants travelled by horse while large cargoes were transported by truck.
Thematic connection
The themes that Tom Abraham explores in the book, Home, are heroism and displacement. Heroism is shown with Battle as he fights against the cartel to keep his promise to save Lola’s son. Displacement is shown with the scourge causing two thirds of the world's population to die and the remaining population to be slaves of the criminal cartel who took control.
Recommendation
I would recommend this to boys and girls ages ages 15 and older because of detailed brutality caused by the cartel and Battle’s traps. The reading level is middle school level. Girls would like this because of the family and heroic aspect in the book. Boys would like this because of the action and suspenseful moments.
What I liked about the book, Home, by Tom Abraham was how Battle survived against all odds and still tries to help another survivor instead of saving himself. He turned his home from a small ranch for raising a family into a small military base. Battle was also able to survive a post apocalyptic world by himself for five years without any help from anyone.
Plot
As the story starts, Battle is trying to survive an apocalyptic future where a disease has wiped out two thirds of the population of the world making management of every resources available a priority. While on his ranch five years after the scourge, as the survivors call it, Battle saves Lola from a group of marauders who are trying to enslave her. For weeks Battle helps Lola heal from twisted her ankle from running from the cartel. Later on, the Cartel tries to raid Battle’s ranch. Battle turns his house into a warzone using traps and a bolt action rifle. After the mini war on his property, Battle heads to the capital of the cartel to save Lola’s son. While in the capital, Battle plans on crippling the cartel’s power in Texas by setting off explosions.
Characterization
Battle is a marine veteran who lost his family to a plague that killed two thirds of the world’s population and has lived on his ranch that he turned into a fortress.
Lola is a mother who lost her son to the cartel that controls America in this apocalyptic age. Through the story Lola tries to help Battle let go that he couldn't protect his family even with all his careful preparation. Pico is a member of the cartel and the only survivor of the raid on Battle’s farm. Pico betrays the cartel after he learned he was going to die if he went back. Queho is one of the bosses of the cartel and is in charge of the raid on Battle’s fort. Skinner is the nickname of the main boss of the cartel in Texas. Queho seems like a stereotypical power hungry villain with his rapid change of mood towards his grunts and he always seems to try to gain more influence. Skinner is one of the main antagonists in the story because of his role in the story.
Impacts of setting
It was during a post apocalyptic era in Texas making resources even more scarce than anywhere. With the cartel in control, cell towers and other communication devices were cut off leaving little to no communication between survivors. With the rough terrain in Texas and a lack of skilled workers for oil refineries, the inhabitants travelled by horse while large cargoes were transported by truck.
Thematic connection
The themes that Tom Abraham explores in the book, Home, are heroism and displacement. Heroism is shown with Battle as he fights against the cartel to keep his promise to save Lola’s son. Displacement is shown with the scourge causing two thirds of the world's population to die and the remaining population to be slaves of the criminal cartel who took control.
Recommendation
I would recommend this to boys and girls ages ages 15 and older because of detailed brutality caused by the cartel and Battle’s traps. The reading level is middle school level. Girls would like this because of the family and heroic aspect in the book. Boys would like this because of the action and suspenseful moments.
February 8, 2023
Erst schießen, dann beten.
Gottesfürchtiger Waffennarr überlebt die Lungenpest und verteidigt Haus und Hof gegen das Kartell im postapokalyptischen Texas.
Muss man sich nicht antun….
Gottesfürchtiger Waffennarr überlebt die Lungenpest und verteidigt Haus und Hof gegen das Kartell im postapokalyptischen Texas.
Muss man sich nicht antun….
February 6, 2016
A significant beginning to Tom's new series.
The apocalyptic genre is basically loaded down with stories from many different authors, so one would think this new book from Tom Abrahams is just more of the same. This is not just another book to be just thrown in with the crowd of apocalyptic fiction. There is an exciting, action packed story here, with plenty of emotions contained with in the scenes of a world devastated by a virus that has wiped out most of the population. The location is the plains of the State of Texas where the drug cartels have run rampant in the absence of any law enforcement.
Marcus Battle was prepared, but not prepared to lose the most important things in his life, his wife and son. After their deaths Marcus' only goal is to remain alone and isolated from the rest of the world. His microcosm is severely thrown into disorder when disrupted by his action of saving the life of a woman, (Lola,) who is trying to escape the evil perpetuated by the local cartel. The cartel wants payback for Marcus having quelled their evil plans, which leads to Marcus becoming embroiled in a quest to find and rescue the son of the woman he whose life he has saved. So begins what is to become an awesome series. What happens when the cartel members return to seek vengeance. How will Marcus survive the attack with only Lola and his own expertise in weaponry?
I'm not into spoilers or rewriting the story after the author has done such a fine job, so I will just say that I liked the book and appreciate the time and effort the author has put into developing the characters. You will definitely love Marcus Battle, and hate the cartel scum of the earth. I can say, with absolute certainty, that I recommend this book to anyone who love a good heart-pounding action story.
As always, happy reading, and look for the positive.
The apocalyptic genre is basically loaded down with stories from many different authors, so one would think this new book from Tom Abrahams is just more of the same. This is not just another book to be just thrown in with the crowd of apocalyptic fiction. There is an exciting, action packed story here, with plenty of emotions contained with in the scenes of a world devastated by a virus that has wiped out most of the population. The location is the plains of the State of Texas where the drug cartels have run rampant in the absence of any law enforcement.
Marcus Battle was prepared, but not prepared to lose the most important things in his life, his wife and son. After their deaths Marcus' only goal is to remain alone and isolated from the rest of the world. His microcosm is severely thrown into disorder when disrupted by his action of saving the life of a woman, (Lola,) who is trying to escape the evil perpetuated by the local cartel. The cartel wants payback for Marcus having quelled their evil plans, which leads to Marcus becoming embroiled in a quest to find and rescue the son of the woman he whose life he has saved. So begins what is to become an awesome series. What happens when the cartel members return to seek vengeance. How will Marcus survive the attack with only Lola and his own expertise in weaponry?
I'm not into spoilers or rewriting the story after the author has done such a fine job, so I will just say that I liked the book and appreciate the time and effort the author has put into developing the characters. You will definitely love Marcus Battle, and hate the cartel scum of the earth. I can say, with absolute certainty, that I recommend this book to anyone who love a good heart-pounding action story.
As always, happy reading, and look for the positive.
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