The Company Store

by H.D. Gordon

Thanks to the greed of man, Earth is dying. Climate change and human greed has wrought mass destruction over the planet, and a fraction of the population remains.

The Company Store controls the last civilization, known as the Single Nation Circle. Those outside the Circle are Outliers, outcasts and gangsters who do whatever it takes to survive.

Samuel Poe is the 18-year-old leader of the Poe Boys, the Northern Outlier gang. With resources ever dwindling, Sam knows he must be the toughest of the dogs fighting over the scraps if he hopes to keep himself and his people alive.

When Sam meets Anna Rose, daughter of Mr. Company, the most powerful man in the dying world, he finds himself in a deadly race toward resources and a new life.

Much like those of their ancestors, the choices of the two star-crossed teenagers will echo through the ages, the fate of the human race resting on their shoulders.

Genres: Dystopia, Apocalyptic

Unknown Binding

First published August 1, 2015

About the author

H. D. Gordon is the author of several fantasy series with strong female leads. 

She is the mother of two amazing daughters, and a lover of nature.
She believes our actions have ripple effects, and in the interconnectedness of all things.


H. D. spends her time with family, eating desserts, and taking strolls through the forests of New Jersey.


Please visit hdgordonbooks.com for more details.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Seriously

There are some things that are scarier than the mythical beast under the bed that will - and i truly mean this - take you into some parallel world if you leave your feet hanging off the bed - yeah good luck sleeping tonight ;) kay sorry being serious. The real fear is what will happen in the generations to come with the world.
H. D. Gordon paints a pretty scary sight for us. But its also a warning. A beautifully woven warning within an fantastic book.

Alright so the book :D

First thoughts: I had never been so scared to keep reading a book, a mixture of what will happen not only to the characters but the world too. I was entranced and in awe over Samuel Poe. What a wonderful character. And such an easily, flawed man to fall in love with *.* It is rare to see a book mostly written in the man's pov, and ever rarer in my experience to find a YA that is. BUT THIS....this was freaking fantastic! Seriously holy crap.... kay sorry i will get over the gushing - haha no i wont

Plot: This was wonderfully unique in the world of dystopian novels. For once it felt separate from classic ideas that we usually see. It felt like unique book in general. The outside world from the "structured world" was dirty, nasty and really, really, real. All and all this book wasn't quite what i was suspecting. I am not sure what i was suspecting really but this exceeded all expectations and then some. My heart was racing out of my chest, while I was sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I think i might have potentially injured myself swooning as much as I did because - wow. I think half my e-book was just highlights. What beautiful writing, and wonderful sweet scenes between all the characters.

Speaking of Characters...

I think I have mentioned the star of this book - Samuel Poe - OMG im in love. if it wasn't sort of creepy but im going to pretend he is my age and i can love him without it being super creepy ;) okay, ill stop being weird for a moment. He truly had the soul of poet and I think that he was an astounding character. He had flaws and he was quite aware of the fact he was not the hero of the end of the story. But to me he was the greatest human being in this entire book besides perhaps, Liem and Anna Rose.

All these characters were quite amazing with their own ticks and traits that made them all come alive on the pages. I found that these characters worked well together and I loved all ranges of them. Anna Rose was quite a sweet, truly kind hearted person. She saw the beauty in saving the world, and knew the power that she could hold.

The ending:

This will keep you reading up until the very last word and scared of the outcome. Trust me keep with it! I understand the utter fear you will face but it will all good promise

or will it .....

In the end this was a masterpiece, and another winner by the very talented HD Gordon in my opinion.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of H D Gordon’s work and The Company Store is another fabulous tale with rich characters and a storyline that will stick with me for a long, long time. The Company Store reads as if it could be a history of the world. The greed that corrupts and taints everything it touches. The destruction of the forest and oceans. The death and extinction of the amazing animals that inhabit it. The people, good and bad. Some will sacrifice everything to have what they believe is theirs (the 1%). Some will sacrifice everything to save the ones they love, the weak and poor. Does any of this sound familiar to you? I thought I knew how this would go…and I did, to a point. The surprise ending put a smile on my face and gave me hope.

To see more visit fundinmental

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

When I saw H.D. Gordon had a new book coming out I was very excited. I knew I would want to read it no matter what it was about. She is one of those authors that I will read anything she writes. Climate change destroys world and what happens after? Sure sign me up. Thankfully this book was as good as I had hoped it would be.

The Company story is about the earth after we haven't done anything to fix climate change. There is not enough food or water or anything. There are rules and restrictions for what resources you can use. Things are bad. There is a central city, run by the Company, where you are provided for if you sign up to work for them forever. If you don't choose to work for them then you are relegated to the Outliers, the areas around the city. Of course the company is not very good. They have lots of rules and regulations that only the people working for them must follow. The whole idea is human greed has ruined the earth, but it never really goes away. Of course there are still greedy people trying to gain power and control everything. Hopefully the good people will be able to take over and change things for the better.

The Outliers are ruled by a few different groups. Different areas are different groups turf. Sam is a warrior, but he doesn't like it. He doesn't like hurting people, but he will to protect his loved ones. He is an amazing character. He is so kind to those most would have disregard. He cares for the people most in need of protection. He lives in the cold north, in the forrest and mountains that are always freezing. He has a loyal following since he is so kind to his people. He never wanted this, but he will do what he can to protect them. I loved him.

Anna Rose is the daughter of the head Company man. She is beautiful and when Sam finds her in a tricky situation in the Outliers he steps in and helps her out. He keeps getting put into situations where she is involved, and their destinies seem to be aligned. She liked him and he likes her and maybe they can try and start over. Maybe they can make the world a better place once again.

Sam does not have an easy go of it. The are plenty of Company guards who are not good people and think nothing of beating up the Outliers. There are people who don't like that he is friendly with Anna Rose. There are just plenty of people after him and he gets into some pretty bad situations. He is a survivor though and he is strong. He was great to read.

Anna Rose and Sam kind of have to work together to try and save humanity. I loved all the talk of what happened to get to the point they are at today. How greed and corruption lead to the downfall of the planet. I do feel like I see that right now and it is sad. We need to work together if we want a future here on earth. Books like this just make me think about what else I could be doing to try and help, to try and fix things before they are too late.

This book was a fun read even if it does have a more serious message woven into it. It is an adventure story with Sam trying to keep his people safe. I will say when I found out about halfway through what the plan was, what Anna Rose was going to do, I was a bit disappointed at first. I just thought this is not going to play out very well, but I went with it. Of course I should have just know this author would do a great job with the story and I would love it regardless. Really I got to the end and was just like oh my goodness! That was awesome! It was fantastic. I loved it. Another great read by this amazing author

[Ari Ovalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A complimentary ecopy was given in exchange for my honest review.*

So this story is one big allegory for what we, as in our future generations, will face if something is not done, NOW. Climate change, our water being controlled, our crops as well. This book really makes one think about what it is we're doing to our home, planet Earth. It's sobering. Imagine a world without animals, no life in the sea, or not even being able to look outside at the end of the day and see a beautiful sunset? Would that not make you mad if your daughter or son could not, or even had the chance to see a beautiful sunset? Wouldn't you want them to see how the oceans paint the sky blue? You see where I'm going with this? And what I really loved was how the author even gave the young readers advice and tips on little things that you can do that can go a long way in helping our planet heal. I am so glad I read this book!! The messages are THAT strong that it NEEDS to be shared with EVERYONE. There was also another message in between the lines of this story. It's Love. Not hate. It's just common sense, I guess. And only time will prove that.
While there are messages, we couldn't have them without this awesome story. This is the first book from the author I have read & she has a different way with words than most. It truly captivated me in reading more each time I would read. The story held it's own pace, a steady one. I fell in love with more than a few characters. Sam Poe, my favorite one of all. That young man is an Alpha!! He's a stone cold killer but man...when it comes to Anna Rose, he's putty in her hands. *Sighs* I love his brothers. Liem & his twin, Charlie. Of course there were people I had a very strong dislike for and they got their comeuppance. With their comeuppance a sacrifice had to be made. I loved the plot this story held, and the unexpected turns it took, especially there at the end. Crazy but I, the reader, am pretty stoked about it. I cannot say enough how much I loved this story. I only hope that future readers love it as well and understand that through love and change, however small it may be, we can save and help our planet for our children's children.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this as an e-book for an honest review.

Out of the many YA dystopian novels out there, The Company Store was actually one of the few that I actually believed could (would) happen. Greed of men (ALL men) was what killed us and our planet and it continued to die during this novel. The whole premise scared the heck out of me.

Samuel Poe was an amazing character. If I were younger (and he were real..) oh my <3...
He would not be a dude I'd like to meet in a dark alley at first. But beneath his hard-won badass reputation lay a good person. The way he takes cares of his 'family' shows that he truly does care.

Gordon's story was just so well written that I couldn't stop reading it. I kept hoping for a longer transit ride to and from work JUST so I could keep reading.
Gordon's writing sucks you into the story, to the point where everything felt real: the dying planet, the tough young man with a good heart... everything was just right.

I'd have to say that this novel ranks as one of my favourite YA books. Of all time. I loved it that much.
And it would be safe to say that I may be buying this as a gift to some people who also like YA dystopian books (and if you're reading this, just ignore it! haha!)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
H.D. Gordon sure does give her reader food for thought in her latest offering. As the synopsis tells us – Earth is dying. Every resource is controlled by fat cat corporations – namely The Company Store – led by Mr Company. What remains of the population have formed groups; those within the Single Nation Circle are ran by Mr Company and everyone contributes to a big pot in some way so that they can receive allotments of food, water etc. but the downside is that you are forever beholden to the ‘The Company Store’. Those people who aren’t born there and live outside of its walls are called Outliers and they also have groups that are ran by cunning gangster like leaders giving their existence an organised crime syndicate kind of feel, where they will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of their ‘families’. Things are very dire for everyone but none more so than the Outliers. Samuel Poe is the leader of the Poe Boys and he runs the Northern region, surviving in caves and the last remaining forest area. Sam may be young at 18 but he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as leader, he views each and every one of those in his care as his family and has done some terrible things to ensure all of their safety. He is an intelligent young man considering he hasn’t had much of an education, but street smarts are always worth a lot more in a savage world. One day, Sam stops a girl from being hurt and escorts her to the walls of the circle, they are both drawn to each other but the trouble that will come from their relationship has danger written all over it and when each side is threatened by the others – how will they stop the inevitable? Can they save everyone? Or will they all keep up hostilities and kill whatever is left of a dying Earth and its inhabitants? I really loved this book, the author could write the phone book and still reel us into her world. I’m not a massive fan of dystopian novels but I love this author and I love a story with a message. Sam’s character is very complex and multi layered, he has the persona of a hard man, he is a brute, an enforcer, a leader – someone who gets things done at any cost but we are also privy to his thoughts and motivations which gives us another layer to him. Through that we get a grasp of his intelligence, how he views the world, the people, his surroundings and his responsibilities so that you’re left without a doubt that he is more than capable of his burdens. When Anna Rose comes along, we see a softer side to him, his coldness melts for this girl, he would risk anything for something so sweet in his harsh life because Anna had an innocence about her that beckoned him. Their moments together were incredibly sweet, they gave an air of forbidden romance too with her being from the SNC and him being an Outlier and I loved how it offset the harshness of their world. The storyline was great, I can’t go into it as much as I would have liked but it really grips you and takes you on a race against time kinda journey. It was rather slow going in the beginning as the world is built up, you could really get a sense of desolation for the Outliers and to live there is to face a survival struggle every single day where not only are food and water fought over but everything! People would sooner kill you than have you in their territory and the more savage you are, the more likely you will survive. It gives a long glimpse into the breakdown of civilisation and what will become of the people. The Outliers aren’t the only savages though because those with power in the SNC are not afraid of abusing theirs either, especially when it comes to the Outliers and what people think of them. The story steadily introduces problems between all of the leaders and you can really feel the mountain of tension that will come crashing down. There is a mutual goal that Sam & Anna Rose much strive for, we feel the imperativeness of it throughout the story and it’s easy to route for them but always thinking what will happen to everyone else at the same time. Then the chaos builds and we are shown the true face of a lot of characters that leads to an epic showdown of their own making. The story is bleak, it is violent, it shows humanity at its worst…. But also at its best and what some people will do for the greater good – even forsaking their own selves. It has a message of love and hope but it also is a stark warning that this could come to pass, if we don’t wise up about our world, treat her with care, stop the pollutants, chemicals, nuclear waste even everyday rubbish plays a part – we will lose her, she won’t be able to sustain us anymore… and that to me is scary and also a tragedy. So please, while you enjoy this story, also be mindful to its message and pass it on… or this could very well be a glimpse into our future.

[Mo Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. And honestly I liked it.
The intended reader was definitely not my age, which is old, but I still enjoyed the story and the dialog between the characters. My only complaint was I didn't know where the story took place. That part seemed a bit far fetched that one company held most of the world's resources and we were all in one place. It would be hard to maintain all the world's resources let alone keep them in one place or easily accessible from one place. Otherwise it was good. The characters were developed well, if a bit cliched. You had your alpha male in Sam Poe. Our dreamy naive young girl, Ana Rose, who plays Sam's love interest.. but for an post apocalypse story for a younger age group I enjoyed it and accepted the plot and message. And the ending was definitely laugh out loud HA..

[M. A. Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review***

ok...WOW! First let me say I honestly didn't think I was really going to like this book. just from the blurb I like the concept for a story but was concerned the author might use it as a soap box for global warming. While there was evidence of global warming it was fully in the context of the story and did not feel like it was an agenda being jammed down your throat. I don't really think I need to say that I loved this book, since I finished the entire thing in 48 hours, but I LOVED THIS BOOK. it was funny in parts, intense, I fell in love with the characters. there where times I wanted to smack some characters...OH such a great job. We'll done. I would recommend this to everyone in a heartbeat.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the three main street gangs and the "inside" people, there was a lot going on. Who to trust? This book does contain a lot of abuse and death but there is also a hidden love story in all the gore and hope where there should be none. There were a lot of expected surprises in this well written story. The characters felt real to me and enemies become friends. The author also ends with a message for her readers about the book and tips on ways we can save the planet now so we don't end up killing it later.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is official, H.D. Gordon is brilliant. I honestly finished this book (after much yelling at the screen (ebook)) and just sat there with my mouth open. She captured what so many people have tried to put into words and has put the entire idea of a green movement into a book, and one that I will read again and again. This book left me thinking long and hard about our world and how it has been treated and how the people in it have been treated and how we can change that. I'm not going hippie on you, but honestly, you need to read this book and understand what we could eventually end up doing to our planet.

Anyways, the book itself as a story was just as good and page turning as the concept. Once I had the time, I couldn't put it down. The characters were captivating, and I even found myself falling for the one Samuel Poe (you can swoon over fictional characters, don't judge!), while admiring Anna Rose's strength and wit. The entire idea of what the Poe Boys do for people was inspiring in it of itself, and I found myself smiling but feeling sad at the same time, seeing how society once again left them out. I'm not going to lie though, I was scared that this was going to be another Romeo and Juliet thing (which has been officially killed again and again....please stop...), and though there were touches of that (ok, quite a bit of that) it somehow sat alright with me.

You know the writing is wonderful when it elicits such strong emotions from its readers. I immediately texted a friend and told him he needed to read this book ASAP because it was brilliant and inspiring. I will stand by those words. I want to add that the letter that H.D. Gordon wrote to her young readers at the end was something that she didn't need to do but I am very glad that she did. Brushing this off as simply a fiction story would not do it justice, it is in fact so much more and does what books are meant to do: it inspires. I give this book five beans and will recommend it to anyone who will listen. Well done!

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of H.D. Gordon’s books and was so excited that she chose this topic to write about.

We’ve done it. Destroyed our planet. No one acknowledged the dangers of global warming. It was easier to ignore it than to face it and try to change it.

Now, there’s no life in our oceans, no flora or fauna to feed us. Earth is dying and there’s no healing it.

What could be scarier than knowing this could be our children’s future.

The scenario isn’t new. There are groups of survivors. The Haves and Have Nots. Those looking to take what you have. The pocket of good people, trying to live and keep each other safe.

Yet, this is where the author breathes life into the story, giving you in depth characters. Ones you’ll come to care about, ones you’ll wish didn’t exist, and ones you hope won’t make it.

You’ll get to understand the motives of all of them. See why they do what they do. Why they are the way they are. And even get confused about some of them, as you begin to truly see how fear changes them.

As with most of this author’s books, you think you know what’s coming, but you don’t, not really. Not until you get to the conclusion.

The ending. It was perfect! I couldn’t have asked for more. I could almost see it.

A wake up call to those who don’t want to listen, this could be the legacy we leave behind. Our future.

There’s an interesting note from the author at the end and some helpful ideas on how you can make a difference.

I received this book as a gift. What a wonderful one it was.

[Amanda Lindsey Bursting Bookshelf Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Company Store by H.d. Gordon. I highly recommended if your into Dystopian books. Well written, developed characters, action/adventure, humanity at its best and worse. Overall a great read! I couldn't wait to finish it. My heart ached for some of the Outliers. While I was on the fence with others.

I was given the book for an honest review for free.

On a dying planet Earth, factions fight amongst themselves while those with smarts and money live in the SNC. One doesn't have a choice other than to fight to survive as an Outlier. Don't worry though Sam Poe from The Poe Boys is up for the challenge. And Mr. Company has big plans for the future and his youngest daughter Anna Rose.

[Tanecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yass!

[☆Joycedale☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb intrigued me but I honestly thought it would be like a documentary about what's going to happen if we don't start treating the Earth better. It wasn't at all.
While this book was placed into the future of a ravished Earth the story didn't center around that. The world building was incredible but the story of people trying to survive was better.
Most of the population lives in SNC but there is those who didn't want to confirm to the government rules and they're known as Outliers. There's 3 main gangs and our mc is Sam Poe the leader of one such group. Although Sam is someone I don't think I'd want to run into on a dark street deep down he was the most compassionate of these leaders, which is something not everyone knows.
A chance encounter with Anna Rose, the daughter of the most powerful man on the planet, will turn his world upside down. Giving him a chance for the one thing he wants most, for his "family" to be safe.
This story was just amazing and so much better than I had expected. The events and twists I never saw coming had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It also gave me the hope that my daughter finds her own Sam Poe (as he's too young for me lol).

I was given an ecopy from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.

This review can also be found on my page The Fiction Fanatics.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Reading this book reminded me why I love HD Gordon so much, this is another wonderful story by her that captured me right away and held on tight. The genius of this book lies in the realism of the catastrophe and the moral that it brings along with it and I'm actually very worried that this is the future that we have set for the generations to follow, but on the plus side this book gave me food for thought and has changed the way I view the planet and how I treat it.
I loved the characters, Sam Poe being my favorite (duh?) he is the strong, silent knight in shinning armor that wanted a better world for everyone even if he would never admit it out loud, I was jealous of the beautiful Anna Rose and the attention she received from Sam but I was also rooting for her and her pure heart.
I don't want to give anything away about this amazing tale so I will keep it short cause I may end up gushing and spoiling things. This book is not only fascinating, exciting and amazing it also comes with a very fabulous moral and I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
Thank you HD Gordon for this wonderful read that not only entertained me but also made me think about bigger things and the footprint I wish to leave on our planet.

[S.F. Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.D. Gordon’s “The Company Store” was a well-written, thought provoking post-apocalyptic tale. It conveyed a serious, relevant message along with an intriguing plot.

Gordon’s world-building was phenomenal. I got a clear, vivid picture of the desolate space inhabited by Sam Poe and the few survivors on planet Earth. The idea that man would be responsible for the demise of the planet has been pondered by many scientists. Gordon laid out the facts in an engaging way and even offered suggestions at the end of the book for ‘young readers’ to do their part.

I loved the characters in “The Company Store”. They were well-developed and believable. My favorite was Sam Poe. He had an impossible existence, caring for an entire community of misfits at a young age, and overcame the odds. The kid was brave, strong, caring, and handsome. His level of charisma just added to the mystique of Sam Poe.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gordon’s “The Company Store”. It was the first time I read a book by H.D. Gordon. I especially enjoyed how she handled dialogue and description. I highly recommend her book.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sam is the 18 year old leader of the Poe Boys. In this new World where nature was destroyed by human hands and only the strong survive. You have two groups the people living under the rules of the Company Store of the Outlier who live free.

When Sam meets Anna Rose he can’t seem to get her out off his head.
Anne Rose is a dreamer an artist and daughter of notorious Mr Company.
Can a gang leader and a dreamer together save the World?

I liked Sam he is hard when needed and inside still softy. Anne Rose I don’t know what to think of her. I liked the plot twist.
What I didn’t like: it was mentioned on every other page that the greed of man ruined the planet it was unnecessary after the 10th time . The love building was instant and based on one meeting.

This was a good read I will be looking forward to reading the sequel.

[Linda Romer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Company Store A Novel By H. D. Gordon

I loved this book ♡ This is a Novel about how greed and carelessness of our earth's resources could destroy our planet. An exciting imaginative interpretation of a world that has experienced this.
The characters and the way the Author tells her story is captivating. I felt I was right there living it.
Sam Poe and Anna Rose are two exceptional teenagers that bring this story to life. You will meet some unsavory characters as well, the worst being Lieutenant Augustus Gable. I would also like to mention the way the characters spoke drew me in and made the story that much more likable.

The Company Store is a Diamond ◆ Please read, you will not be disappointed.
I give The Company Store 5 stars for it's great characters good and bad.
I would recommend this book to everyone!

[Melissa (Asarelah) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book! A great story to really illustrate the horrors of what some humans can do and the wonderful possibility of the beautiful things that others will do. I was honestly surprised by some of the plot developments in the story and that was refreshing. Samuel Poe was a beautifully developed character and easy to relate to. While he was ruthless at times he more than made up for it in his capacity for love and care for other humans. I appreciated the lesson the author is giving readers about what humans are doing to our planet, and this novel was a gripping vision of what could come to pass if we don't change our ways.

[Karina Díaz Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, so, this is my honest review:

I’ve think this book is amazing, the final message that all is possible with love and disposition to do things in a good way is an excellent recommendation to the young people in order to present this kind of dystopic reality.

Love story is really interesting, pretty cute and brave.

Samuel Poe teach us that even in the worse situation that you have, if you have the good disposition an do things with better intentions for all, you could find a solution for everything.

I love it, and I really recommend this book

[Alfred F Horn Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

I'd recommend this book for teens, young adults, middle .aged adults and seniors like me. I love reading about dystopian societies, and this was one of the better ones I've read. Great tension and ending.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st - I received this book in return for my review - 2nd - interesting book. Well written and the characters are well developed. The story is well developed too but I think it is a bit rushed towards the end. Overall a scary look at what could happen. I kinda feel this could have been better served if there was an epilogue

[Stefani Milan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining, fast-paced novel that sheds light on heavy issues that plague our environment and society today.

[Kat]

*To Read*

Thoughts:
I adore this author's previous novels and I am hoping for all hope that this one is just as good!