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Scorched Earth
Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel
Brian Cartwright just wants to work and run his farm in peace. The police keep showing up as the HOA from the new neighborhood keeps filing nuisance complaints against him and his farm. What makes matters worse, his former boss George and his son built a big house overlooking the farm. His prepping lifestyle and following the news online is his only other hobby, other than church activities. George's son is the teenager responsible for causing the accident that killed Brian's wife. Every interaction with the power hungry father drives him insane. To make matters worse, George's son has been trespassing and gets injured on Brian's property causing him to build bigger and taller fences. The neighbors that once shunned Brian Cartwright now need him like never before. America has been attacked with an EMP and they find themselves requiring the help of the widowed farmer the same time he realizes he needs them as well. When things get dicey, can they mend the wall, or do good fences make good neighbors?
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First published September 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 29, 2015
Awesome book
I was spellbound from the beginning. This was the best book I have read in awhile. I love books that focus on prepping, it teaches me a lot that I may need to know someday. It was full of love and compassion the need to study and be prepared, what items are important, what you need to be educated about, tools and trades. The one thing that stood out to me in this book that is rarely mentioned in most prepping books and I read a lot of them were the games to occupy the children and the books for the adults especially the books teaching how to do necessary things once the grid is down. I myself am going to focus more on an established library of know how books, much thanks to the author for giving me hindsight to this prepping need in my supplies. You will not be disappointed with this book, it covers everything you could possibly want in a prepper fiction and then some. I gave the book 5 star rating because I personally learned from this book and to be honest I thought I had read and studied everything there was on prepping, just shows you we still need to keep on reading and keep on prepping.
I was spellbound from the beginning. This was the best book I have read in awhile. I love books that focus on prepping, it teaches me a lot that I may need to know someday. It was full of love and compassion the need to study and be prepared, what items are important, what you need to be educated about, tools and trades. The one thing that stood out to me in this book that is rarely mentioned in most prepping books and I read a lot of them were the games to occupy the children and the books for the adults especially the books teaching how to do necessary things once the grid is down. I myself am going to focus more on an established library of know how books, much thanks to the author for giving me hindsight to this prepping need in my supplies. You will not be disappointed with this book, it covers everything you could possibly want in a prepper fiction and then some. I gave the book 5 star rating because I personally learned from this book and to be honest I thought I had read and studied everything there was on prepping, just shows you we still need to keep on reading and keep on prepping.
June 2, 2019
Good Fences is a pretty decent novel about the immediate aftermath of an EMP attack on the United States as it specifically relates to one man, his farm and his neighbours.
Whilst it's nothing new for the genre containing the usual fare of I want to help the people around me, but if I help the people around me I'll be over run by hungry mouths and also has the roaming gangs that typically appear in the genre. As well as the miraculous buying of most of the items the character requires to survive just before disaster strikes. It is however written in a way that's engaging and has you rooting for the protagonist Brian Cartwright who has had a rather poor deck of cards dealt to him in life.
So whilst it doesn't really explore any new territory for the genre it is a light and entertaining book, so if what you're looking for is a prepping slash survival book that's entertaining this may be the book for you.
Whilst it's nothing new for the genre containing the usual fare of I want to help the people around me, but if I help the people around me I'll be over run by hungry mouths and also has the roaming gangs that typically appear in the genre. As well as the miraculous buying of most of the items the character requires to survive just before disaster strikes. It is however written in a way that's engaging and has you rooting for the protagonist Brian Cartwright who has had a rather poor deck of cards dealt to him in life.
So whilst it doesn't really explore any new territory for the genre it is a light and entertaining book, so if what you're looking for is a prepping slash survival book that's entertaining this may be the book for you.
March 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this engaging post EMP strike story. My rating 4.5.
Brian Cartwright was happy with his life until his car was hit by a drunk driver, killing Brian’s wife. The teen driver was the son of Brian’s boss who arranged to get all charges dropped while he also cut Brian’s insurance and terminated his position. Brian moved to his family’s closed up farm where he could try to heal. Brian is a prepper and he is glad to rebuild the farm and store up supplies for days of trouble.
But all is not quiet on the farm. His old boss, George, built an upscale subdivision on the adjacent land. George is repeatedly sending the cops to the farm to complain of animal smells, gun shots or any other excuse he can make. Brian decides to raise his fences and set up a large gate trying to keep his neighbors out.
Then an EMP strike changes everything. Brian and a handful of his closest friends set up on the farm. This group includes a young widow, Lucy, and her toddler son, Spencer, who met Brian while he was building the bigger fence. The neighbors aren’t prepared for loss of power, water and food. They resent the fact that Brian and his friends have survival supplies and they begin to grumble and threaten the farmsteaders. Brian has to make hard decisions and tensions quickly build. News comes of a more brutal outside threat that is headed towards their community. Can the neighbors find a common ground and plans to help each other to move forward and to stand against the outside threat?
I was drawn in by Brian’s character and the story became even more engaging with the inclusion of Lucy and Spencer. Brian’s other friends are reasonably developed characters too. The story portrays real-to-life issues and mostly realistic difficulties and conflicts that would arise from an EMP strike. There are prepper sites and resources shared through the dialogue in addition to aspects of prepper survival. The story moves at a steady pace, is a nice length and I found it completely engaging.
I like this post-apocalyptic genre and I am interested in reading/listening to more of Mr. Craven’s Scorched Earth series. I suggest this is a must to add to reading lists for readers who enjoy the genre. I also recommend it to those who enjoy strong social and family drama. Caution – there is some foul language, which I found a shame but I still enjoyed the overall package.
Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a wonderful job of narration. He captures the different character voices and moves the story along. I was wrapped up in the listen and had a hard time turning it off.
Brian Cartwright was happy with his life until his car was hit by a drunk driver, killing Brian’s wife. The teen driver was the son of Brian’s boss who arranged to get all charges dropped while he also cut Brian’s insurance and terminated his position. Brian moved to his family’s closed up farm where he could try to heal. Brian is a prepper and he is glad to rebuild the farm and store up supplies for days of trouble.
But all is not quiet on the farm. His old boss, George, built an upscale subdivision on the adjacent land. George is repeatedly sending the cops to the farm to complain of animal smells, gun shots or any other excuse he can make. Brian decides to raise his fences and set up a large gate trying to keep his neighbors out.
Then an EMP strike changes everything. Brian and a handful of his closest friends set up on the farm. This group includes a young widow, Lucy, and her toddler son, Spencer, who met Brian while he was building the bigger fence. The neighbors aren’t prepared for loss of power, water and food. They resent the fact that Brian and his friends have survival supplies and they begin to grumble and threaten the farmsteaders. Brian has to make hard decisions and tensions quickly build. News comes of a more brutal outside threat that is headed towards their community. Can the neighbors find a common ground and plans to help each other to move forward and to stand against the outside threat?
I was drawn in by Brian’s character and the story became even more engaging with the inclusion of Lucy and Spencer. Brian’s other friends are reasonably developed characters too. The story portrays real-to-life issues and mostly realistic difficulties and conflicts that would arise from an EMP strike. There are prepper sites and resources shared through the dialogue in addition to aspects of prepper survival. The story moves at a steady pace, is a nice length and I found it completely engaging.
I like this post-apocalyptic genre and I am interested in reading/listening to more of Mr. Craven’s Scorched Earth series. I suggest this is a must to add to reading lists for readers who enjoy the genre. I also recommend it to those who enjoy strong social and family drama. Caution – there is some foul language, which I found a shame but I still enjoyed the overall package.
Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a wonderful job of narration. He captures the different character voices and moves the story along. I was wrapped up in the listen and had a hard time turning it off.
February 22, 2023
You know, I can't believe I hadn't read this one before...and I gotta tell ya, I'm sorry I waited so long! Happy that I'm following the author's recommended reading list of his books (posted in my review for The World Burns 4, I believe)--this one does mention Rebel Radio, Blake & Sandra, so it was a nice tie-in.
I also can't believe how much dust got in my eyes while reading this one...while I love the author's series (The World Burns, Opus, and the Farm), none have brought me to the point of getting teary-eyed...dammit Boyd!
There are quite a few links to actual prepper sites (to buy bulk foods, equipment, etc) and other stuff (I checked them all out); very neat to be worked into the storyline!
There's a lot of action in this one, and getting close to the gang situation, I was on the edge of my seat by the time of the show-down. Casualties suffered on both sides, but this fire fight seemed more tense than the one with the group at the farm (not that that one wasn't a nail-biter!)
One thing that wasn't answered though--"the docs" were mentioned a couple of times in this one, but they never materialized, nor were we given more info...could they be part of the group from the Farm series?
Great story, highly recommend! Now, on to Rebel Radio...
I also can't believe how much dust got in my eyes while reading this one...while I love the author's series (The World Burns, Opus, and the Farm), none have brought me to the point of getting teary-eyed...dammit Boyd!
There are quite a few links to actual prepper sites (to buy bulk foods, equipment, etc) and other stuff (I checked them all out); very neat to be worked into the storyline!
There's a lot of action in this one, and getting close to the gang situation, I was on the edge of my seat by the time of the show-down. Casualties suffered on both sides, but this fire fight seemed more tense than the one with the group at the farm (not that that one wasn't a nail-biter!)
One thing that wasn't answered though--"the docs" were mentioned a couple of times in this one, but they never materialized, nor were we given more info...could they be part of the group from the Farm series?
Great story, highly recommend! Now, on to Rebel Radio...
April 29, 2019
This work by Craven was awesome. One of his best books, for sure.
After reading about the experiences with his having a farm next to the new McMansion development, developed and lived in by his asshole former boss and father of the kid who killed his wife, now makes me think about that dynamic every time I drive by such a place. I see them often in the outer parts of the cities around me. Large ranches and farms, bordered by tightly packed housing developments. I can only imagine the rediculous nonsense that some of these HOA's must enforcing on people.
Anyways, the book really does journey through a whole range of emotional experiences, as well as showcasing some of the better qualities of humanity in a disaster scenario. It's easy to fall back into the isolationist bunker mentality, especially when surrounded by people you don't like. This book shows that, yes, you have to take care of you and yours at first; but, there is a chance when reality hits hard and brings people back down to Earth, that others can be taught survival as well.
After reading about the experiences with his having a farm next to the new McMansion development, developed and lived in by his asshole former boss and father of the kid who killed his wife, now makes me think about that dynamic every time I drive by such a place. I see them often in the outer parts of the cities around me. Large ranches and farms, bordered by tightly packed housing developments. I can only imagine the rediculous nonsense that some of these HOA's must enforcing on people.
Anyways, the book really does journey through a whole range of emotional experiences, as well as showcasing some of the better qualities of humanity in a disaster scenario. It's easy to fall back into the isolationist bunker mentality, especially when surrounded by people you don't like. This book shows that, yes, you have to take care of you and yours at first; but, there is a chance when reality hits hard and brings people back down to Earth, that others can be taught survival as well.
April 14, 2016
"Good Fences Make Great Neighbors"
This is the first book I have purchased from Craven and nowhere near the last. Everything about the book is well done and I appreciated the humor that was mixed in as well.
I hate when romance is tossed into an action movie just to appease the wives and girlfriends who get dragged along to the movie they didnt want to see in the first place. So I worried when the first hints of a love story showed up in Good Fences.
However this is not romance, it is emotion. Emotion so well done that it had my constantly dry eyes misted up with empathy. The pain, healing and joy the main character Brian goes through as he discovers that surviving the apocalypse is not worth much if you're doing it alone really hit me hard. Live together or dont bother living at all.
In regards to the narrator: Freaking Fantastic! Simple as that. Just a great audiobook all around.
PS - Brenda is my favorite character.
This is the first book I have purchased from Craven and nowhere near the last. Everything about the book is well done and I appreciated the humor that was mixed in as well.
I hate when romance is tossed into an action movie just to appease the wives and girlfriends who get dragged along to the movie they didnt want to see in the first place. So I worried when the first hints of a love story showed up in Good Fences.
However this is not romance, it is emotion. Emotion so well done that it had my constantly dry eyes misted up with empathy. The pain, healing and joy the main character Brian goes through as he discovers that surviving the apocalypse is not worth much if you're doing it alone really hit me hard. Live together or dont bother living at all.
In regards to the narrator: Freaking Fantastic! Simple as that. Just a great audiobook all around.
PS - Brenda is my favorite character.
March 8, 2016
A fantastic story from Mr. Craven! His character development was so incredibly detailed and the story was very entertaining. With the main point of view from Brian, a new widower, the reader gets to embrace the full experience of trying to slowly work into a preparedness lifestyle while still dealing with the challenges of daily life. When the power fails, Brian is thrust into a new and somewhat dangerous environment.
It was nice to realize that this was the same 'world' as in 'The World Burns' series and although there was a difference of location from Blake, the reality remained the same. The vote of four stars was only due to a good bit of editing problems that were apparent in the book. But the overall story was engrossing and unbelievably captivating. I fully enjoyed this book and look forward to more of this grid-down world!
It was nice to realize that this was the same 'world' as in 'The World Burns' series and although there was a difference of location from Blake, the reality remained the same. The vote of four stars was only due to a good bit of editing problems that were apparent in the book. But the overall story was engrossing and unbelievably captivating. I fully enjoyed this book and look forward to more of this grid-down world!
March 27, 2018
This is a fairly standard story of a farmer with a tragic past, bad rich guys and an EMP. There is a lot of interesting "prepper" material in this book which was kind of cool. I liked Brian since he has a lot of flaws and indecision but tried to do the right thing. This could have used a better editor though and it seemed to wrap up in rainbows very quickly.
July 27, 2018
"I think the world's fast becoming a scary place. It's suddenly open season on Christians across the globe. Our Constitution doesn't mean much any more, and our money's in the toilet. I'm really scared of the Iran nuclear deal and how suddenly our state is getting flooded with Middle Eastern immigrants who want to change our culture." Any support in reality for such a statement? Not a shred.
Am I seriously going to learn anything of value from an author or a protagonist who fell hook, line, and sinker for Koch funded propaganda and is now shedding it like a zombie virus? I like prepper books, thought I'd like this one, but having the protagonist spout this line within the first few chapters, um, nope. Seriously, nope, nope, nope.
While the Koch brothers buy GOP politicians and have a manifesto to serve their profit motives that involves rewriting the Constitution, dummies like this park their wide butts in front of InfoWars and Fox News and swallow it all down like the illiterate suckers they are, mouthing the words fed to them by the same rich jerks they claim that they are fighting.
Guess what? SHTF has already happened. We have petulant moron as our president sucking up to Russia because he has accepted their bribes to demolish our nation. We have elected representatives who claim to be Christian, but live by anything but Christian values. We have the idiots who believe the sales pitch they get from Hannity, Beck, or the other paid mouthpieces of the ultra-rich, the truly stupid and fearful true believers who can't tell truth from lies, who celebrate their Great White Leader while he and his billionaire friends rob American children of their heritage, those are the zombies - the fearful, angry, brainless followers of nothing.
Am I seriously going to learn anything of value from an author or a protagonist who fell hook, line, and sinker for Koch funded propaganda and is now shedding it like a zombie virus? I like prepper books, thought I'd like this one, but having the protagonist spout this line within the first few chapters, um, nope. Seriously, nope, nope, nope.
While the Koch brothers buy GOP politicians and have a manifesto to serve their profit motives that involves rewriting the Constitution, dummies like this park their wide butts in front of InfoWars and Fox News and swallow it all down like the illiterate suckers they are, mouthing the words fed to them by the same rich jerks they claim that they are fighting.
Guess what? SHTF has already happened. We have petulant moron as our president sucking up to Russia because he has accepted their bribes to demolish our nation. We have elected representatives who claim to be Christian, but live by anything but Christian values. We have the idiots who believe the sales pitch they get from Hannity, Beck, or the other paid mouthpieces of the ultra-rich, the truly stupid and fearful true believers who can't tell truth from lies, who celebrate their Great White Leader while he and his billionaire friends rob American children of their heritage, those are the zombies - the fearful, angry, brainless followers of nothing.
May 31, 2017
Brian Cartwright is a widower trying to rebuild his life on his family’s farm. His former boss and the father of the young man that is responsible for Brian’s loss has built a subdivision next to the farm. To try and buy the farm out from under Brian, George Landry uses his connections within the city and the HOA to force Brian to stop his farming activities. Then an EMP hits the entire country and suddenly Brian has what everyone else wants.
Craven’s stand-alone novel in the Scorched Earth world, Good Fences, follows Brian and his friends as they come together to survive in a world without electricity. It is such a compelling story that I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are so real I felt the same emotions as they displayed.
The only thing about this book that bothered me was why George was such a jerk to Brian. Brian has worked for George for 15 years prior to George, Jr. crashing into Brian’s vehicle. I just didn’t get it.
4 out of 5 stars.
Craven’s stand-alone novel in the Scorched Earth world, Good Fences, follows Brian and his friends as they come together to survive in a world without electricity. It is such a compelling story that I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are so real I felt the same emotions as they displayed.
The only thing about this book that bothered me was why George was such a jerk to Brian. Brian has worked for George for 15 years prior to George, Jr. crashing into Brian’s vehicle. I just didn’t get it.
4 out of 5 stars.
April 7, 2018
An Excellent Story
Mr. Craven writes a tightly woven, realistic tale of post-emp survival. His sources in the story are excellent information trove and he uses his characters to lay out useful information with out a bunch of macho over 'acting'. His characters and the way they interact on a day to day basis are very believeable - though the rabbit in the hat he uses to end the tale are a bit out there - . Spend the money, spend the time - enjoy the read.
Mr. Craven writes a tightly woven, realistic tale of post-emp survival. His sources in the story are excellent information trove and he uses his characters to lay out useful information with out a bunch of macho over 'acting'. His characters and the way they interact on a day to day basis are very believeable - though the rabbit in the hat he uses to end the tale are a bit out there - . Spend the money, spend the time - enjoy the read.
April 30, 2018
Boyd Craven continues his literary excellence with Good Fences (Scorched Earth). Boyd's character development is excellent in every way. His portrayal of a HOA and the denizens who feed their power trip from that organization is spot on. Karma definitely plays a part in this book. A truely great read. If you haven't immersed yourself in Boyd Craven's works yet you are missing a real treat.
May 20, 2018
A great read
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the added humor, the great characters, and the interesting and exciting storyline. I also found it really impressive that it refrained from the normal political rantings that so many post apocalyptic books tend to be so heavily focused on. Two thumbs up!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the added humor, the great characters, and the interesting and exciting storyline. I also found it really impressive that it refrained from the normal political rantings that so many post apocalyptic books tend to be so heavily focused on. Two thumbs up!
April 3, 2019
Great read
Once again Boyd has amazed me with his writing! This novel gives you the idea of how surviving with a group is better than going it alone. Great plot line, excellent characters and a story of faith.
Once again Boyd has amazed me with his writing! This novel gives you the idea of how surviving with a group is better than going it alone. Great plot line, excellent characters and a story of faith.
August 6, 2019
A SHTF novel that is strong on plot and light on SHTF. Well developed characters and a great story. If I have any complaint it's the ending is somewhat anticlimactic, with a last minute appearance from previously unknown characters.
October 6, 2019
I've read his other books but enjoyed this one the most. While written as a novel, read like a prepper's handbook but with the real life issues; work, love, church, relationships, stress. Decent character development, lots of room to expand on the cast.
August 23, 2021
Great read
This book was by far the most informative book if you are looking for a little prepping info to go along with your fictional reading. Actual names of different long term prep and ideas of learning. Tied in with another series which I enjoyed.
This book was by far the most informative book if you are looking for a little prepping info to go along with your fictional reading. Actual names of different long term prep and ideas of learning. Tied in with another series which I enjoyed.
May 22, 2023
fences
At first I thought I had read this before, but as I got more into the book I realized it wasn't just like all the other survivors books, a different twist! And most enjoyable.
At first I thought I had read this before, but as I got more into the book I realized it wasn't just like all the other survivors books, a different twist! And most enjoyable.
January 16, 2025
A widower gathers friends & builds a family to survive the apocalypse
Very enjoyable, inspiring, motivating, deeply moving, hopeful.
The lead character is an emotional & generous man whom others can count on, & trust.
Very enjoyable, inspiring, motivating, deeply moving, hopeful.
The lead character is an emotional & generous man whom others can count on, & trust.
July 18, 2017
3.5 but really a two year old who talks in full sentences and plays board games?? I know it's trivial but.....
August 27, 2018
Page Turner
This was a great read. I have never read books so thought provoking that they make yiu you stay up long after you've finished wondering the what ifs.
This was a great read. I have never read books so thought provoking that they make yiu you stay up long after you've finished wondering the what ifs.
December 21, 2018
Good Fences
This is a really good action packed adventure that has all of the best examples of how much you could do when needed. The story is well written and presented.
This is a really good action packed adventure that has all of the best examples of how much you could do when needed. The story is well written and presented.
January 12, 2019
Great book!
I don't think Craven is capable of writing a book that doesn't draw you into his world be has created. Great story, I just wish he'd written a sequel to this story.
I don't think Craven is capable of writing a book that doesn't draw you into his world be has created. Great story, I just wish he'd written a sequel to this story.
June 5, 2019
OK
but not as good as his other books but still a good storyline. The characters are sketchy, not fully developed. But otherwise a decent read.
but not as good as his other books but still a good storyline. The characters are sketchy, not fully developed. But otherwise a decent read.
June 13, 2019
Survival
A great story about a regular guy who ends up having to lead the group in really hard circumstances. It was more than believable.
A great story about a regular guy who ends up having to lead the group in really hard circumstances. It was more than believable.
November 10, 2020
Great novel! I loved it.
November 14, 2020
Really enjoyed it.
May 9, 2021
Another Hit
Very well written stand alone novel. The characters are well developed. Bonus for me - the novel takes place in my home state!
Very well written stand alone novel. The characters are well developed. Bonus for me - the novel takes place in my home state!
June 15, 2021
Good fences make good neighbors
Great book believe able and interesting could very well happen in our society today! Would like another book in the series
Great book believe able and interesting could very well happen in our society today! Would like another book in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews