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The Rule of Three #3
Will to Survive
Will to Survive is the gripping conclusion to the acclaimed Rule of Three trilogy from Eric Walters about one suburban neighborhood's existence after a global blackout. Teenager Adam Daley has killed again. It had to be done, part of him knows that, but murder changes a person. It can certainly change a kid who's already grown up too quickly, too harshly, in the wake of the catastrophic global shutdown four months ago. In the name of safety and survival, Adam and his neighbors have turned their middle American community into a fortress, defending against countless enemies. But what's lurking in the dark is a greater danger than ever somebody who wants to destroy the neighborhood and Adam at any cost. Soon, the hunted will have to become the hunter . . . and Adam hates himself for what he will have to do. Because sometimes even the dark is not cover enough for things that would never happen in the light.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2016
147 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
157 books909 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
February 14, 2024
5 star book, 5 star trilogy. A fun dystopian adventure from the start of book one to the end of book three! Even the ending was perfect… a happy for now with the tease of a possible happily ever after! Highly recommended! Fun series!
December 4, 2016
A perfect conclusion to a perfect trilogy. I loved all three books and have recommended them so many times recently. I would love to see this made into a movie, but they would probably change everything so that it became completely unrecognizable, so maybe I should just be happy knowing I read a terrific series. If you love YA post apocalyptic fiction, you definitely have to check this trilogy out.
February 15, 2024
5.0 stars ...
My second time through this trilogy ...
Feb 2024 ...
there will definitely be a third time.😁
My second time through this trilogy ...
Feb 2024 ...
there will definitely be a third time.😁
June 6, 2022
Realistically these books are mid but idc I enjoy reading them every time
November 17, 2018
Will to Survive is the last in Eric Walter's The Rule of 3 series. The story opens moments after the previous book, Fight for Power, ends. Adam is traumatized and filled with guilt because he just killed two men. I can see why he'd be traumatized. But feeling guilty? They would have killed him if he hadn't fought back. And why would his girlfriend, Lori, be angry with him for killing them to save his own life?
Anyway, Adam and Herb fly to an enemy compound to drop a bomb on it. Besides having a basement armory filled with firearms and plenty of ammo, Herb also just happens to have a stash of plastic explosives he uses to make the bomb. Very convenient, huh?
Like the Fight for Power, the Will to Survive doesn't demonstrate much will power. Things run along smoothly as Adam's community expands, meets other communities, and makes alliances and trades with them. They even discover a community centered around a World War II airplane museum whose planes still fly. That's fine. But the planes' machine guns still work and the museum appears to have plenty of .50-caliber ammo to expend. Working machine guns and an inexhaustible supply of ammo requires a huge suspension of belief, especially since no one explains how that came about.
The lead-up to the final confrontation lacks suspense and the confrontation itself is a "cake walk" that is over way too quickly with hardly any effort by Adam and his friends. The only major death was predictable.
Walters' theme has so much potential in a world that's so tightly connected digitally that civilization as we know it could come crashing down on our heads. It's too bad Walters couldn't have had a more grim plot and characters who really struggle under horrendous conditions that truly exhibit their will to survive.
Anyway, Adam and Herb fly to an enemy compound to drop a bomb on it. Besides having a basement armory filled with firearms and plenty of ammo, Herb also just happens to have a stash of plastic explosives he uses to make the bomb. Very convenient, huh?
Like the Fight for Power, the Will to Survive doesn't demonstrate much will power. Things run along smoothly as Adam's community expands, meets other communities, and makes alliances and trades with them. They even discover a community centered around a World War II airplane museum whose planes still fly. That's fine. But the planes' machine guns still work and the museum appears to have plenty of .50-caliber ammo to expend. Working machine guns and an inexhaustible supply of ammo requires a huge suspension of belief, especially since no one explains how that came about.
The lead-up to the final confrontation lacks suspense and the confrontation itself is a "cake walk" that is over way too quickly with hardly any effort by Adam and his friends. The only major death was predictable.
Walters' theme has so much potential in a world that's so tightly connected digitally that civilization as we know it could come crashing down on our heads. It's too bad Walters couldn't have had a more grim plot and characters who really struggle under horrendous conditions that truly exhibit their will to survive.
February 13, 2016
I devoured this book in one day... less than that, in fact. As a huge fan of the two prior entries, I am pleased to say that Will to Survive is, hands down, the best entry into this trilogy.
This is down to a variety of reasons. For one, the writing flows exceptionally smoothly, more so than the first or second, which were at times choppy. Secondly, in a pleasingly satisfying way, this story expands and concludes the Rule of Three trilogy, by giving us high stakes (Brett and his goons, who made chilling villains) and something I'd been aching to see - other communities' points of view (I will say no more for spoilers, but they made a triumphant impact on the book and had me continuously intrigued and interested when they were met. It was also a much more interesting take than just simply focusing on Adam's community once again.) Finally, things are always happening in this book - the situation is never stagnant, which was probably the first book's biggest fault; and while the second streamlined itself more, Will to Survive is by far the most dynamic story of the trilogy.
In case you're wondering, the gangs' all here - Todd and Lori are back in full force, and (in my opinion) used far better than in either preceding book. Other, more minor, characters you will recognise show up, but if I had to pick a flaw, it would be that a family we met in the 2nd book is not present; and ultimately I see this as a flaw because you cared about them some in the last book, but Will to Survive does nothing to expand on that. It broadly feels like a small bit of wasted potential.
That being said, this book pulled no punches in other departments. It had everything I loved about the previous books, and gave us a conclusion that suggests there may still be more to tell (YAY!).
All in all, this a fantastic conclusion to a great modern Sci-Fi/Dystopian trilogy that stands tall beside better-known relatives (Hunger Games, Divergent trilogy, Walking Dead, etc.) and is an unusually strong 3rd book (I find most closing chapters in trilogies, be it books or movies, disappoint. Thank you, Eric Walters, for breaking that trend.) 5/5 all the way along. Please, Mr. Walters - MORE!!! :D
This is down to a variety of reasons. For one, the writing flows exceptionally smoothly, more so than the first or second, which were at times choppy. Secondly, in a pleasingly satisfying way, this story expands and concludes the Rule of Three trilogy, by giving us high stakes (Brett and his goons, who made chilling villains) and something I'd been aching to see - other communities' points of view (I will say no more for spoilers, but they made a triumphant impact on the book and had me continuously intrigued and interested when they were met. It was also a much more interesting take than just simply focusing on Adam's community once again.) Finally, things are always happening in this book - the situation is never stagnant, which was probably the first book's biggest fault; and while the second streamlined itself more, Will to Survive is by far the most dynamic story of the trilogy.
In case you're wondering, the gangs' all here - Todd and Lori are back in full force, and (in my opinion) used far better than in either preceding book. Other, more minor, characters you will recognise show up, but if I had to pick a flaw, it would be that a family we met in the 2nd book is not present; and ultimately I see this as a flaw because you cared about them some in the last book, but Will to Survive does nothing to expand on that. It broadly feels like a small bit of wasted potential.
That being said, this book pulled no punches in other departments. It had everything I loved about the previous books, and gave us a conclusion that suggests there may still be more to tell (YAY!).
All in all, this a fantastic conclusion to a great modern Sci-Fi/Dystopian trilogy that stands tall beside better-known relatives (Hunger Games, Divergent trilogy, Walking Dead, etc.) and is an unusually strong 3rd book (I find most closing chapters in trilogies, be it books or movies, disappoint. Thank you, Eric Walters, for breaking that trend.) 5/5 all the way along. Please, Mr. Walters - MORE!!! :D
February 14, 2016
I have been waiting for this since the first book. It was a satisfying ending with a very likable hero in Adam and a trusty sidekick in Todd. This book seems like a throwback since it had a hero who didn't seem to need to express his thoughts with words beginning with the letter F, was respectful to his parents, and treated his girlfriend respectfully as well.
August 7, 2019
I read book number three with trepidation, wanting it to be as good as the first two, wanting Eric Walters to wrap up this amazing story in a satisfactory way. He did more than that. I liked number three very much. I became wrapped up in this sixteen-year-old Adam's world, one that he certainly had no wish for, but one where he stood up for good, remained true to his beliefs and fought hard for them, was hurt by them, yet did not waver. I don't know how a teacher could have students read all three, but know that they would bring discussions like no other. What would they do in these situations? How would they react? I taught middle school-aged kids for a long time and often felt helpless knowing they were so capable yet our world today does not often ask real tasks of them. I know they could do more if only given the challenge. It's a terrific trilogy that I enjoyed very much.
September 25, 2017
5 stars for me! I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is the first series I have ever completed! Will to Survive is my favorite out of the three. It had the most action and emotion. The author goes a great job with the dialogue and is an easy read, although the content is not easy. If you like Walking Dead and seeing how the characters develop during extenuous circumstances, I highly recommend the series. The book is clean, but again the content is a little hard to swallow at times. Read and enjoy!!
May 23, 2017
Will to Survive is a book where a high schooler named adam is thrown into a global blackout situation and creates an entire community with other neighborhoods. He eventually finds other communities and ends up deciding to help them after discovering they have a common enemy: The Division andtheir leader, Adam's old high school friend, Brett. Together, Adam and the other communities forms plans and strike together in order to stop Brett from destroying everything they worked so hard for.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had lots of plot twists and sad moments that make you feel for the main character and everyone else. I definatly think that this book is better than the other book, The Rule of Three. It has much more action and interesting moments that leave you wondering what will happen next. I would defiantly recommend this book to people who love to read on the edge of their seat and non-stop action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
This book fantastically wraps up the series, expanding on characters we've seen before and introducing both allies and enemies to Adam's neighborhood. The subdivision-civilization of Eden Mills is tested in many ways, and is ultimately able to take down their opponents in a time when technology as we know it has been rendered useless. A great read! I highly recommend it!
May 12, 2021
Almost completely predictable and again, more a map for how to survive a dystopian event than an exciting story. The end of both the villain and one of the heroes was foreseeable from space.
October 23, 2017
Although a series aimed at teen youth, I quite enjoyed it. This was a fitting finale to the story. Recommended.
April 22, 2019
Wrapped up the story nicely.
June 19, 2024
The series was excellent. Made you feel like there is hope for humanity. Refreshing to see a community come together and work together to survive!
October 22, 2022
Great, action-packed book, with heartfelt moments and a well written story.
October 16, 2017
Whew! What an adventure these three books were. I enjoyed this third and final book in the series. I feel like I grew up, along with the characters. I also feel an odd paranoia now that you will only "get" if you read this series.
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed the entire series and was really looking forward to reading this book, I definitely enjoyed the book and the ending was good. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of book, and anyone who has read and enjoye Eric Walter's books before. I also enjoyed that it was set in Erin Mills (which he changes to Eden Mills) in Mississauga, near to where I used to live and work, so I was familiar with all the major streets and highways, having driven them many times. I wish the book had actually been set in Canada, since he is Canadian and it was set in Mississauga, but I guess he needed to appeal to a wider (American) audience.
Spoilers after the break...
There was only one issue I had and it's driving me a bit crazy because it was at the very end of the book when Adam got the letter that Herb had giving the doctor TWO WEEKS before, and it said "I suspected that Brett was planning to attack the neighbourhood after distracting us with the food exchange" even when you add in the fact that three days passed between the attack and Adam getting the letter, the food exchange demand was only received eight days before, so when Herb gave the letter to the doctor he wouldn't have even known about it, and then it says "I was waiting for you to figure it out for yourself. And you did." Adam had only figured it out hours before the attack!!! There was no way Herb could have given this letter to the doctor two weeks before! Such a huge mistake that wasn't caught by Walters or his editors! All they had to do was have the doctor say that Herb gave it to him before the battle! Am I the only one who is bothered by this?
Spoilers after the break...
There was only one issue I had and it's driving me a bit crazy because it was at the very end of the book when Adam got the letter that Herb had giving the doctor TWO WEEKS before, and it said "I suspected that Brett was planning to attack the neighbourhood after distracting us with the food exchange" even when you add in the fact that three days passed between the attack and Adam getting the letter, the food exchange demand was only received eight days before, so when Herb gave the letter to the doctor he wouldn't have even known about it, and then it says "I was waiting for you to figure it out for yourself. And you did." Adam had only figured it out hours before the attack!!! There was no way Herb could have given this letter to the doctor two weeks before! Such a huge mistake that wasn't caught by Walters or his editors! All they had to do was have the doctor say that Herb gave it to him before the battle! Am I the only one who is bothered by this?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2022
No, you know what? I want a book 4, where the people of Mississauga and Toronto have to explain to the, um, American president I guess? Because somehow we’re American now? Anyway, we have to explain how we lose computers for six months and instead of remembering how we did things fifty years ago, when we indeed had things like travel and communications and laws and culture and entertainment and food distribution systems, we decide to establish a bunch of medieval fiefdoms and play soldier. Everyone else in the western world has been grumbling about living in the sixties and how rough manual typewriters are on the wrists, and you just know magazines, which will be enjoying a resurgence, will publish a bunch of thinkpieces on how this is an opportunity to reassess our relationship with technology, and meanwhile everything from Lake Ontario to Parry Sound is just a sea of little fortresses with scorched earth in between. Reminds me of the SNL skit where the teleprompter goes out for fifteen minutes and when it comes back the newscasters are eating each other. So yeah, I want the book where people have to explain why, and even though this series wearies me to my very soul, I would read the heck out of that, because I wouldn’t mind having those answers myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
I was so disappointed in this book. The previous 2 books in this series were easy 5 stars for me, so I was incredibly disappointed in this one.
I'm not quite sure what happened - this book just felt directionless and very much a filler to put in time until the final book comes out. There were not really any developments in this installment to make it a worthwhile addition to the series.
I genuinely do not have much to say about this book. It felt like filler and I can only hope the final installment is better.
I'm not quite sure what happened - this book just felt directionless and very much a filler to put in time until the final book comes out. There were not really any developments in this installment to make it a worthwhile addition to the series.
I genuinely do not have much to say about this book. It felt like filler and I can only hope the final installment is better.
January 20, 2018
Amazing best book in the series
Ok so with the lights flickering on then off at the end I think there probably is going to be another possible book. If there is not one scheduled I think there should be one and also I think he should make a book about what it was like for Adams dad walking home and a prequel about what happend etc. A
Ok so with the lights flickering on then off at the end I think there probably is going to be another possible book. If there is not one scheduled I think there should be one and also I think he should make a book about what it was like for Adams dad walking home and a prequel about what happend etc. A
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! so much to say that i can't say b/c it will spoil it for others!!! i just knew what happend was going to be what happend! i wish there was one book for after the aftermath. loved the characters, situations, and the take on human nature. very sad the series is over.
November 13, 2022
What makes an extraordinary book? Good, relatable, realistic main character who has weaknesses and strengths. Realistic villain that makes sense with the situation and readers can actually understand their side in a twisted way. Good storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout the entire book/ series. Now, what makes a good last book of a series? The ending. Obviously. So why was I so disappointed with the ending of the Will to Survive.
I don’t want to hate the book because it’s by a Canadian author and I have a special place for them in my heart, but I’m quite disappointed with the entire series. When I found the first book, the concept sounded cool and it was actually interesting, thus, I purchased the second and third book. I lost interest by the fourth chapter, but I had already bought the third book, so I was determined to complete the series and find out what happens. However, it was a waste of my time. It took me months to finish the book, which is something rare for me because I tend to complete a series in about a week. One, singular book took me about 5 months to finish because I constantly stopped reading it. Funny thing is, I totally forgot about the book, until I found it in my drawer after clearing it out, so I began reading it again.
I feel like the books were just duplicates of one another. I’ve written a review for the second book and said something similar. It was all about survival and the same issues occurred. I’m glad the book didn’t surround Adam and Lori’s relationship, one good factor, but everything else was just mid. Even when new issues arose, they resolved them in the matter of a few hours and they made new allies. The ending wasn’t even good. The entire series was leading up to this moment, but there was no dramatic showdown between Adam and Brett, not even a cliché battle. Nor did I get sentimental about Herb’s death: Adam had a mild reaction. Worst part was the execution of the lights flickering. All we got was: “A collective moan rose around me, but I felt like laughing instead. It was going to be okay. Somehow the lights had come back on for a few seconds. Someday the lights were going to come back on for good. There was always hope. Life would find a way.” Seriously?
I liked how the book took an alternate POV, rather than saving the world and figuring out what caused this, it was about survival, but now I hate the idea. There should’ve been a good mix of the two because we still don’t know what happened. I adore cliffhangers, giving readers the opportunity to create their own stories, but for a series like this, everything was leading up to this moment. It almost seems like Eric Walters doesn’t know how to end the series.
I found out there is a fourth book, but it is from a completely different POV with a similar approach: survival. I don’t want that. I want to know what caused this, especially because it’s a futuristic/ realistic issue that can occur in our world. There were several ways this story could’ve gone and I think Eric focused on the wrong path. But, it has encouraged/ inspired me to write my own story with this issue, but following the path I wished Eric would’ve gone down.
I think this would’ve been better as a movie, rather than a book because the book gave so many unnecessary details that I was scanning the pages, trying to get the finale. And I know for a fact that skimming the pages didn’t affect my attachment/ connection to the book; that was all Eric Walter’s fault for not making the book interesting. It sort of reminds me of The Knife of Never Letting Go, another book that I thought had a great concept, but took the wrong route and I lost interest multiple times, but was determined to complete it and was disappointed by the ending. It hurts more that this was the last book in the series because I was hoping this book would peak my interest at some point, but it really didn’t and now I’m hesitant to read any books by him. Maybe, I will give him a third chance.
In conclusion, I’d suggest not finishing the series. No point. I’ll tell you what happens and I bet you predicted it: Brett kills Herb. Adam kills Brett. Turns out that Herb was dying from cancer, so the Brett and Herb showdown was “suicide” because Dr. Morgan told Herb he couldn’t save him (probably the only shocking thing that happened, but I wasn’t really affected by it.) And then the lights flickered. The end. Thanks to the worst ending and dragging the book for no reason, it could've been one novel of 500 pages.
I don’t want to hate the book because it’s by a Canadian author and I have a special place for them in my heart, but I’m quite disappointed with the entire series. When I found the first book, the concept sounded cool and it was actually interesting, thus, I purchased the second and third book. I lost interest by the fourth chapter, but I had already bought the third book, so I was determined to complete the series and find out what happens. However, it was a waste of my time. It took me months to finish the book, which is something rare for me because I tend to complete a series in about a week. One, singular book took me about 5 months to finish because I constantly stopped reading it. Funny thing is, I totally forgot about the book, until I found it in my drawer after clearing it out, so I began reading it again.
I feel like the books were just duplicates of one another. I’ve written a review for the second book and said something similar. It was all about survival and the same issues occurred. I’m glad the book didn’t surround Adam and Lori’s relationship, one good factor, but everything else was just mid. Even when new issues arose, they resolved them in the matter of a few hours and they made new allies. The ending wasn’t even good. The entire series was leading up to this moment, but there was no dramatic showdown between Adam and Brett, not even a cliché battle. Nor did I get sentimental about Herb’s death: Adam had a mild reaction. Worst part was the execution of the lights flickering. All we got was: “A collective moan rose around me, but I felt like laughing instead. It was going to be okay. Somehow the lights had come back on for a few seconds. Someday the lights were going to come back on for good. There was always hope. Life would find a way.” Seriously?
I liked how the book took an alternate POV, rather than saving the world and figuring out what caused this, it was about survival, but now I hate the idea. There should’ve been a good mix of the two because we still don’t know what happened. I adore cliffhangers, giving readers the opportunity to create their own stories, but for a series like this, everything was leading up to this moment. It almost seems like Eric Walters doesn’t know how to end the series.
I found out there is a fourth book, but it is from a completely different POV with a similar approach: survival. I don’t want that. I want to know what caused this, especially because it’s a futuristic/ realistic issue that can occur in our world. There were several ways this story could’ve gone and I think Eric focused on the wrong path. But, it has encouraged/ inspired me to write my own story with this issue, but following the path I wished Eric would’ve gone down.
I think this would’ve been better as a movie, rather than a book because the book gave so many unnecessary details that I was scanning the pages, trying to get the finale. And I know for a fact that skimming the pages didn’t affect my attachment/ connection to the book; that was all Eric Walter’s fault for not making the book interesting. It sort of reminds me of The Knife of Never Letting Go, another book that I thought had a great concept, but took the wrong route and I lost interest multiple times, but was determined to complete it and was disappointed by the ending. It hurts more that this was the last book in the series because I was hoping this book would peak my interest at some point, but it really didn’t and now I’m hesitant to read any books by him. Maybe, I will give him a third chance.
In conclusion, I’d suggest not finishing the series. No point. I’ll tell you what happens and I bet you predicted it: Brett kills Herb. Adam kills Brett. Turns out that Herb was dying from cancer, so the Brett and Herb showdown was “suicide” because Dr. Morgan told Herb he couldn’t save him (probably the only shocking thing that happened, but I wasn’t really affected by it.) And then the lights flickered. The end. Thanks to the worst ending and dragging the book for no reason, it could've been one novel of 500 pages.
June 5, 2025
This had been a bittersweet book , I started off this series somewhat entertained but dnf around chapter 20 of book 1 than I’d pick it up and read so sporadically that I’d read the same parts over and over, finally i decided to sit down and read it and I’m glad I did this was an amazing series
Some critiques:
Lori making Alex put down the gun was the dumbest thing ever, I understand herb wanted to go but she didn’t know that and risked a life,
I want to see the dads story!! Please make a spin off of that it sounds so interesting!
I like the idea of the lights flickering on and off but I wished we found out what caused this , I’m guessing solar flare or something to do with magnetic poles
It feels like the ppl on the island were kinda thrown in there , I thought that because the captain ( or wtv his name was) was the same one frm the bad guys. Him randomly being killed off before knowing him was a weird move imo,
I wished there was some more world building!
Other states, traveling long distances finding out abt the mystery something🤷🏾♂️
Finally what happened to loris ex lol they reference him but it would’ve been cool to see him pop back into the story
Overall I liked the story and liked the characters ( prob except Lori for a couple of reasons, if you want to see them look below)
She didn’t know herb was dying yet held Alex from killing him ( I understand she didn’t want him to kill in cold blood but telling him not to shoot until he saw a gun prob could’ve worked , telling him to put the gun down completely was stupid since she knows how crazy Brett is )
She had a bf and in less than a week after the event she started flirting with Alex then she never officially broke it off with him before dating Alex, ik they had crushes on each other but still that’s alil slimy
She tries so hard to.seem like a soldier/ tough but when thinks happen she crumbles
She was LITERALLY A TARGET FOR BRETT TO ASSAULT AND YET SHE WENT ONTO THE FRONT LINES and dont give me that “ so was Alex blah blah blah” cus atleast Alex has killed before and is willing to do it again plus he had to have been or else things wouldn’t have worked out, all she did was get bonked on the head , needed to be saved and then distracted Alex enough to not kill Brett in time who ended up killing herb ( ik herb was dying and wanted that but once again she didn’t know so she deadass risked his life for no reason)
Ok rant over amazing book amazing characters
RIP HERB 😭😭😭😭
Some critiques:
Lori making Alex put down the gun was the dumbest thing ever, I understand herb wanted to go but she didn’t know that and risked a life,
I want to see the dads story!! Please make a spin off of that it sounds so interesting!
I like the idea of the lights flickering on and off but I wished we found out what caused this , I’m guessing solar flare or something to do with magnetic poles
It feels like the ppl on the island were kinda thrown in there , I thought that because the captain ( or wtv his name was) was the same one frm the bad guys. Him randomly being killed off before knowing him was a weird move imo,
I wished there was some more world building!
Other states, traveling long distances finding out abt the mystery something🤷🏾♂️
Finally what happened to loris ex lol they reference him but it would’ve been cool to see him pop back into the story
Overall I liked the story and liked the characters ( prob except Lori for a couple of reasons, if you want to see them look below)
She didn’t know herb was dying yet held Alex from killing him ( I understand she didn’t want him to kill in cold blood but telling him not to shoot until he saw a gun prob could’ve worked , telling him to put the gun down completely was stupid since she knows how crazy Brett is )
She had a bf and in less than a week after the event she started flirting with Alex then she never officially broke it off with him before dating Alex, ik they had crushes on each other but still that’s alil slimy
She tries so hard to.seem like a soldier/ tough but when thinks happen she crumbles
She was LITERALLY A TARGET FOR BRETT TO ASSAULT AND YET SHE WENT ONTO THE FRONT LINES and dont give me that “ so was Alex blah blah blah” cus atleast Alex has killed before and is willing to do it again plus he had to have been or else things wouldn’t have worked out, all she did was get bonked on the head , needed to be saved and then distracted Alex enough to not kill Brett in time who ended up killing herb ( ik herb was dying and wanted that but once again she didn’t know so she deadass risked his life for no reason)
Ok rant over amazing book amazing characters
RIP HERB 😭😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
A person can survive three minutes without air, three days without water, three weeks without food, but a community can start do die in 3 seconds. The Rule of Three: Will to Survive is a fantastic, compelling, unforgettable book that has a simple premise-what if all electricity in the world suddenly disappeared.
In this amazing book, our hero Adam and his neighbors experience something that has never been imagined before, a worldwide blackout. "Perfect for aspiring doomsday preppers and survivalists", Kirkus Reviews. This novel is unlike any other dystopian novel, its genius isn't its likable, reluctant hero, teenage pilot Adam. Or it's explosive, bullet-ridden, nail-biting scenes-its how believable it is. Walters captures perfectly the fragile nature of modern civilization, and how it can topple in a matter of seconds. It's the reality of the situation that I love, and how this could happen anytime, anywhere.
In this awesome dystopian novel, our hero Adam is living under constant stress and fear of being attacked, living with no electricity has gotten into everyone's souls, and everybody is trying hard to keep calm in this time of crisis. It takes place barely outside of the city of Chicago on the farms and towns along the highways. Adam and his neighbors have created temporary safe haven for themselves, living on vegetables and fruit grown in their makeshift farms. They are safe from the horrors of the outside world, for now.
Will to Survive has a plot with an amazing pace, easily connecting with the reader and instantly creating a movie in their mind. The quality of writing is amazing too, with tons of amazing literature and foreshadowing that will make you crave the next chapter until you finish the book.
Overall, I love the realism of this book, and the fear that it puts in you. The Rule of 3: Will to Survive is frightful, it makes The Walking Dead look like a stroll throught the park, because in Will to Survive, the monsters howling outside your walls might be your friends, fellow students, peers, and coworkers. It will leave you thinking who will still be your friend in an apocalyptic and who will instantly become your bitterest enemy. Combined with some humour, a carefully crafted love story, and some white-nuckle plane rides over growing chaos, Will to Survive is the novel you have to read before the events in the book might come true
10/10 would recommend to anyone who is a fan of "Divergent" or "Maze Runner" dystopian novels.
In this amazing book, our hero Adam and his neighbors experience something that has never been imagined before, a worldwide blackout. "Perfect for aspiring doomsday preppers and survivalists", Kirkus Reviews. This novel is unlike any other dystopian novel, its genius isn't its likable, reluctant hero, teenage pilot Adam. Or it's explosive, bullet-ridden, nail-biting scenes-its how believable it is. Walters captures perfectly the fragile nature of modern civilization, and how it can topple in a matter of seconds. It's the reality of the situation that I love, and how this could happen anytime, anywhere.
In this awesome dystopian novel, our hero Adam is living under constant stress and fear of being attacked, living with no electricity has gotten into everyone's souls, and everybody is trying hard to keep calm in this time of crisis. It takes place barely outside of the city of Chicago on the farms and towns along the highways. Adam and his neighbors have created temporary safe haven for themselves, living on vegetables and fruit grown in their makeshift farms. They are safe from the horrors of the outside world, for now.
Will to Survive has a plot with an amazing pace, easily connecting with the reader and instantly creating a movie in their mind. The quality of writing is amazing too, with tons of amazing literature and foreshadowing that will make you crave the next chapter until you finish the book.
Overall, I love the realism of this book, and the fear that it puts in you. The Rule of 3: Will to Survive is frightful, it makes The Walking Dead look like a stroll throught the park, because in Will to Survive, the monsters howling outside your walls might be your friends, fellow students, peers, and coworkers. It will leave you thinking who will still be your friend in an apocalyptic and who will instantly become your bitterest enemy. Combined with some humour, a carefully crafted love story, and some white-nuckle plane rides over growing chaos, Will to Survive is the novel you have to read before the events in the book might come true
10/10 would recommend to anyone who is a fan of "Divergent" or "Maze Runner" dystopian novels.
December 16, 2025
Will to Survive by Eric Walters is the best and most exciting book in the Rule of Three series. The plot of this book really makes the characters wonder how they should solve their problems. Adam, a sixteen year old boy with high morals has to live in a world that is the complete opposite of what he thinks. Adam's neighbor and retired CIA agent knows what it takes to survive, and it takes a while for Adam to get used to that kind of lifestyle. After a while, everyone gets used to living with no electricity. Then one of the town's most trusted soldiers named Brett turns on the town. After the soldier escapes captivity and kidnaps Adam, Adam is faced with a life or death decision that will haunt him the rest of his life. Now it is up to Adam, Herb, and the rest of the town to make sure the town is safe and does not get attacked by their old friend.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Out of all the books in the series this was the most suspenseful and thrilling by far. On every page there was either something thrilling happening, or there was a suspenseful moment of the characters talking about how to solve their problems. I think my favorite part and the most suspenseful part of the book is when Herb and Brett face off in the front of the town. The theme of never giving up and to keep persevering adds so much to the plot just because of the situation the characters are in and how hard their life has become. Brett's cruel and senseless ways really add to the story because all the characters have different thoughts on how to stop him. And it is really interesting to see how all the characters come together and make a compromise to help save the town from Brett. Going back to Brett's ways, the main character Adam has to really change his own ways to stop Brett and this gives the story some absolutely phenomenal character development. This book also has one of the greatest openings I have ever read. It starts off from the ending of the book right after Adam shot two of Brett's gang members. All the thought and things going through Adams head really add to the story. This is also the start to his character realizing that maybe there isn't always a safe way out and sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to survive. So, if you are looking for a great adventure and are over the age of ten, this is a great book for you.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Out of all the books in the series this was the most suspenseful and thrilling by far. On every page there was either something thrilling happening, or there was a suspenseful moment of the characters talking about how to solve their problems. I think my favorite part and the most suspenseful part of the book is when Herb and Brett face off in the front of the town. The theme of never giving up and to keep persevering adds so much to the plot just because of the situation the characters are in and how hard their life has become. Brett's cruel and senseless ways really add to the story because all the characters have different thoughts on how to stop him. And it is really interesting to see how all the characters come together and make a compromise to help save the town from Brett. Going back to Brett's ways, the main character Adam has to really change his own ways to stop Brett and this gives the story some absolutely phenomenal character development. This book also has one of the greatest openings I have ever read. It starts off from the ending of the book right after Adam shot two of Brett's gang members. All the thought and things going through Adams head really add to the story. This is also the start to his character realizing that maybe there isn't always a safe way out and sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to survive. So, if you are looking for a great adventure and are over the age of ten, this is a great book for you.
October 28, 2017
“Will to Survive” the conclusion to “The Rule of 3” is the fourth book in a thrilling series that began with a global blackout and a neighborhood banding together in the fortress they’ve built around their community to ensure their safety and survival.
Previously, sixteen-year-old Adam kidnapped by a sociopath was ordered to fly the community’s plane to the compound of the Colonel and his militia only to have to kill two hostiles before being freed. Fearing further attacks teams are sent out to bomb the compound hoping that Brett would suffer the Colonel’s fury, while Adam sought counselling to overcome his anxiety in killing two men.
In an atmosphere of uncertainty and dread as Brett vows vengeance on the community and Adam after killing the Colonel and taking over the Division of brutal bandits, the neighborhood is caught up in planning for the winter ahead. Adam’s mother, father and the other leaders reach out in friendship to other neighborhoods, making allies after shots are fired from a condo nearby. Everyone and especially Adam is aware that danger still lurks, itching to kill him and destroy the neighborhood.
Fast-paced and gripping the danger escalates as violence and death stalk Adam’s family and the community compelling the leaders to make critical decisions that will either bring their enemy to justice or destroy their safety and security in the fortress. Yet Eric Walters has a unique knack of diluting the intensity and mounting tension with Todd’s witty humor and Adam’s effort to be a normal boyfriend. And when you think that nothing more can happen, there’s an explosive confrontation near the end that can only have one outcome.
Realistic, daring but very human the characters bring this story to life as they face tough choices that can mean survival or death. Throughout the series Adam has matured beyond his years evolving into a brave, just and honourable leader. While Adam’s arrogant but good-natured friend Todd improves his mood with his humor, it’s the concern and support of his family and Lori that strengthen him in times of trouble.
I loved the series and especially “Will to Survive” and can’t wait to see what Eric Walters has instore for his fans next.
Previously, sixteen-year-old Adam kidnapped by a sociopath was ordered to fly the community’s plane to the compound of the Colonel and his militia only to have to kill two hostiles before being freed. Fearing further attacks teams are sent out to bomb the compound hoping that Brett would suffer the Colonel’s fury, while Adam sought counselling to overcome his anxiety in killing two men.
In an atmosphere of uncertainty and dread as Brett vows vengeance on the community and Adam after killing the Colonel and taking over the Division of brutal bandits, the neighborhood is caught up in planning for the winter ahead. Adam’s mother, father and the other leaders reach out in friendship to other neighborhoods, making allies after shots are fired from a condo nearby. Everyone and especially Adam is aware that danger still lurks, itching to kill him and destroy the neighborhood.
Fast-paced and gripping the danger escalates as violence and death stalk Adam’s family and the community compelling the leaders to make critical decisions that will either bring their enemy to justice or destroy their safety and security in the fortress. Yet Eric Walters has a unique knack of diluting the intensity and mounting tension with Todd’s witty humor and Adam’s effort to be a normal boyfriend. And when you think that nothing more can happen, there’s an explosive confrontation near the end that can only have one outcome.
Realistic, daring but very human the characters bring this story to life as they face tough choices that can mean survival or death. Throughout the series Adam has matured beyond his years evolving into a brave, just and honourable leader. While Adam’s arrogant but good-natured friend Todd improves his mood with his humor, it’s the concern and support of his family and Lori that strengthen him in times of trouble.
I loved the series and especially “Will to Survive” and can’t wait to see what Eric Walters has instore for his fans next.
November 16, 2018
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Imagine: Everything with a circuit board breaks. Thanos-snap instant. No warning.
Lights. Phones. Cars. Computers. Gas pumps. Semi Trucks. Airplanes--in mid-air.
Kids are stuck at school. Parents can't get home from work.
Fire departments can't respond. Police cars don't run. Garbage can't get picked up. Hospitals can't save lives.
No electricity. No water. No money.
No refrigerator. No microwave.
Everything.
How fast would the grocery stores run out of food? How would you get drinking water? How would you keep your kids warm?
How would you protect your family?
There are a lot of books about the de-evolution of society if it were to all shut down. The Rule of Three is the only one I've read that's accessible to young people.
Any story on the subject is terrifying.
Why?
Because it could happen.
The Rule of Three does a great job putting us in the middle of it. It’s the story of 16-year-old Adam and how he, his family, and his community respond to this scenario. Through team work and group cooperation, they accomplish great things—including defending themselves against those who want to do harm. Themes of ethics, friendship, problem solving, being prepared, family love, making hard decisions, society, and human rights are thoughtfully considered.
It’s age appropriate middle grade. Unlike most books on this topic, there is no language and no sex. There are violent situations, but no gore. Plenty of drama. It’s a great way for you and your young readers to ask, “What if?” and “How prepared am I?”
There is a right-wing slant on issues around the role of government and gun control, just in case that consideration is important for you.
Happy reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Imagine: Everything with a circuit board breaks. Thanos-snap instant. No warning.
Lights. Phones. Cars. Computers. Gas pumps. Semi Trucks. Airplanes--in mid-air.
Kids are stuck at school. Parents can't get home from work.
Fire departments can't respond. Police cars don't run. Garbage can't get picked up. Hospitals can't save lives.
No electricity. No water. No money.
No refrigerator. No microwave.
Everything.
How fast would the grocery stores run out of food? How would you get drinking water? How would you keep your kids warm?
How would you protect your family?
There are a lot of books about the de-evolution of society if it were to all shut down. The Rule of Three is the only one I've read that's accessible to young people.
Any story on the subject is terrifying.
Why?
Because it could happen.
The Rule of Three does a great job putting us in the middle of it. It’s the story of 16-year-old Adam and how he, his family, and his community respond to this scenario. Through team work and group cooperation, they accomplish great things—including defending themselves against those who want to do harm. Themes of ethics, friendship, problem solving, being prepared, family love, making hard decisions, society, and human rights are thoughtfully considered.
It’s age appropriate middle grade. Unlike most books on this topic, there is no language and no sex. There are violent situations, but no gore. Plenty of drama. It’s a great way for you and your young readers to ask, “What if?” and “How prepared am I?”
There is a right-wing slant on issues around the role of government and gun control, just in case that consideration is important for you.
Happy reading!
November 24, 2022
Rating: 4.6/5
This book continues right off from where the second book in this series finished off. While it does recap a few things, I found it best to read this book right after finishing the second book. This book does have violence in it, so if you don't like reading about that, then don't read this book.
The author continues with the humour, it's not as much as the previous books in this series, as this book is more serious.
“Drink your potatoes or you can’t have potatoes for dessert.”
“Cute makes me sound like a stuffed animal.”
“Keep in mind that I sleep with my stuffed animals.”
“Okay, cute it is, that’s definitely me, cute as a button.”
There are some great reminders that having a group as leaders, is better than just having one person. They all see and think differently.
“Keep on questioning my decisions,” Herb said. “Sometimes the people on the committee are uneasy about challenging me.”
“Well, you have been right most of the time.”
“Just keep on questioning what I’m saying, promise?”
Many discussions are had that reflect our planet currently.
Sometimes it helps to have the right person there, at the right time. As well as to gain friend and partnerships, as everyone should want to help each other.
“It’s good for all of us to have somebody to talk to. There have been things I’ve had to go through that have shaken me.”
I found myself wanting to keep reading, so please keep an eye on the time while reading, otherwise you may miss things, or stay up all night.
“I wasn’t asleep. I was watching out the front window. This must be important,” Herb said.
“It is. We have to talk. We have everything wrong.”
I'm not going to spoil how this ends, but it does finish off the series, but leaves it open if the author decides to continue writing.
"There was always hope. Life would find a way."
This book continues right off from where the second book in this series finished off. While it does recap a few things, I found it best to read this book right after finishing the second book. This book does have violence in it, so if you don't like reading about that, then don't read this book.
The author continues with the humour, it's not as much as the previous books in this series, as this book is more serious.
“Drink your potatoes or you can’t have potatoes for dessert.”
“Cute makes me sound like a stuffed animal.”
“Keep in mind that I sleep with my stuffed animals.”
“Okay, cute it is, that’s definitely me, cute as a button.”
There are some great reminders that having a group as leaders, is better than just having one person. They all see and think differently.
“Keep on questioning my decisions,” Herb said. “Sometimes the people on the committee are uneasy about challenging me.”
“Well, you have been right most of the time.”
“Just keep on questioning what I’m saying, promise?”
Many discussions are had that reflect our planet currently.
Sometimes it helps to have the right person there, at the right time. As well as to gain friend and partnerships, as everyone should want to help each other.
“It’s good for all of us to have somebody to talk to. There have been things I’ve had to go through that have shaken me.”
I found myself wanting to keep reading, so please keep an eye on the time while reading, otherwise you may miss things, or stay up all night.
“I wasn’t asleep. I was watching out the front window. This must be important,” Herb said.
“It is. We have to talk. We have everything wrong.”
I'm not going to spoil how this ends, but it does finish off the series, but leaves it open if the author decides to continue writing.
"There was always hope. Life would find a way."
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