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The Defending Home #1
Defiance
A month has passed since a deadly virus swept the country killing millions and leaving chaos in its wake.
Dale Hardy has managed to weather the storm by hunkering down on his homestead in Arizona. He grows his own crops, generates his own power and draws fresh water from his own deep aquifer.
But when a nearby town's water supply dwindles in the searing Arizona heat, Dale's peaceful existence is threatened.
The new mayor and sheriff want what he has and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
With a crooked local government conspiring against him, Dale will need to stand in defiance or risk losing everything.
Dale Hardy has managed to weather the storm by hunkering down on his homestead in Arizona. He grows his own crops, generates his own power and draws fresh water from his own deep aquifer.
But when a nearby town's water supply dwindles in the searing Arizona heat, Dale's peaceful existence is threatened.
The new mayor and sheriff want what he has and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
With a crooked local government conspiring against him, Dale will need to stand in defiance or risk losing everything.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2016
157 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 14, 2019
This is the story of one man protecting what he worked hard for when others want to just take it from him. The fued starts when a new mayor and police chief take over the nearby town and want to use all of Dale's resources which starts a conflict. The story itself was ok as apocalypse tales go, with plenty action, betrayal and violence going on as you would expect. It was well enough written but my main issue was with the characters.
Dale is a bit too much of a smart arse for me. He likes to brag about how prepared he is, bragging to Sandy about being clever enough to install his solar panels, bragging to a trained retired sniper about how good his own shooting skills are. He knows better than everyone and orders them about all the time and his attitude does get annoying at times. his daughter Brooke is 22 but of course is a female with no common sense or grasp of the danger they are facing. Dale's brother is a lazy lump who thinks he deserves a share of the family ranch despite getting non stop handouts from his parents while Dale worked for everything and his whiny wife Nicole is annoying. Dale's nephew Colton lives with them, but he is a hotheaded moron who loves starting fights and causing trouble for the family. His father Zach gets out of jail and starts a killing spree as he makes his way home yet the author then tries to set him up as a hero. The man killed an old couple just to steal clothes from their house so how is he a hero? I didn't much like the good guys in this book which made it pretty hard for me to really care what happened to them.
I much preferred the Last Stand series that I read by the author as I at least liked the MCs in it. I plan to continue reading that series but I won't read on with this series.
Dale is a bit too much of a smart arse for me. He likes to brag about how prepared he is, bragging to Sandy about being clever enough to install his solar panels, bragging to a trained retired sniper about how good his own shooting skills are. He knows better than everyone and orders them about all the time and his attitude does get annoying at times. his daughter Brooke is 22 but of course is a female with no common sense or grasp of the danger they are facing. Dale's brother is a lazy lump who thinks he deserves a share of the family ranch despite getting non stop handouts from his parents while Dale worked for everything and his whiny wife Nicole is annoying. Dale's nephew Colton lives with them, but he is a hotheaded moron who loves starting fights and causing trouble for the family. His father Zach gets out of jail and starts a killing spree as he makes his way home yet the author then tries to set him up as a hero. The man killed an old couple just to steal clothes from their house so how is he a hero? I didn't much like the good guys in this book which made it pretty hard for me to really care what happened to them.
I much preferred the Last Stand series that I read by the author as I at least liked the MCs in it. I plan to continue reading that series but I won't read on with this series.
September 27, 2016
There is nowhere like home
4.5 out of 5 stars
Defiance is a story about defending the homefront. Making sure that what’s yours stays yours and no one can take it from you as long as you are still alive. Unfortunately, a new local government is in charge and they are as corrupt as they come.
Kevin Pierce provides the narration for Defiance and, as always does a perfect job. As I’ve said time and time again in my reviews of his, he has the perfect “prepper” voice that allows these post-apocalyptic/prepper tales to perfectly fly off of his tongue.
William H. Weber tells a different story. There isn’t much back-story here and there honestly isn’t much need for it. All the reader understands is that Dale Hardy is a stubborn survivor and he wants to continue that way. He was a pretty one-dimensional character and I believe that he was written that way. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with it because Weber wrote the other characters around him to be much more multi-dimensional and able to help Hardy in any way possible.
The story was a little different than some of the post-apocalyptic/prepper books I’ve read in that it wasn’t really about the disease. There was barely any mention of it at all (except for it killing some people close to the main characters, and that if you survive what happens to your eyes). The story was about Dale and his homestead. And for a story about that, it was pretty darn enjoyable.
The action was there, and it was perfectly pirouetted with stories about what else was going on (both the side that was against him and the others around him).
Overall, Defiance was an enjoyable story, but when the story just started getting good — it came to a quick and sudden halt. I understand wanting to write a series, but this really had a full stop before it was “finished”.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Defiance is a story about defending the homefront. Making sure that what’s yours stays yours and no one can take it from you as long as you are still alive. Unfortunately, a new local government is in charge and they are as corrupt as they come.
Kevin Pierce provides the narration for Defiance and, as always does a perfect job. As I’ve said time and time again in my reviews of his, he has the perfect “prepper” voice that allows these post-apocalyptic/prepper tales to perfectly fly off of his tongue.
William H. Weber tells a different story. There isn’t much back-story here and there honestly isn’t much need for it. All the reader understands is that Dale Hardy is a stubborn survivor and he wants to continue that way. He was a pretty one-dimensional character and I believe that he was written that way. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with it because Weber wrote the other characters around him to be much more multi-dimensional and able to help Hardy in any way possible.
The story was a little different than some of the post-apocalyptic/prepper books I’ve read in that it wasn’t really about the disease. There was barely any mention of it at all (except for it killing some people close to the main characters, and that if you survive what happens to your eyes). The story was about Dale and his homestead. And for a story about that, it was pretty darn enjoyable.
The action was there, and it was perfectly pirouetted with stories about what else was going on (both the side that was against him and the others around him).
Overall, Defiance was an enjoyable story, but when the story just started getting good — it came to a quick and sudden halt. I understand wanting to write a series, but this really had a full stop before it was “finished”.
September 3, 2016
You know how some shows are so good that it kind of pisses you off when they end the season with a big cliff hanger??? Well this book is just like that!
I am really in to SHTF books, post apocalyptic or zombie books. Weber does an excellent job creating worlds where everything is going to crap. These characters are like able & intelligently written.
I've read &/or listened to a few books by W.H. Weber & they are always excellent. This one I listened to. I may have read it except that Kevin Pierce narrated it & he is by far my favorite narrator. I love his voice and his style of reading. He could/should teach a class on narrating for audio books!
I want to know more about Sandy. Duke is one of the best characters and that leads me to believe that Weber is a dog lover. Also having a WWII vet in the story added a little extra to it. I will definitely recommend this book & I will be getting the next one! Hopefully Kevin will narrate it as well.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
I am really in to SHTF books, post apocalyptic or zombie books. Weber does an excellent job creating worlds where everything is going to crap. These characters are like able & intelligently written.
I've read &/or listened to a few books by W.H. Weber & they are always excellent. This one I listened to. I may have read it except that Kevin Pierce narrated it & he is by far my favorite narrator. I love his voice and his style of reading. He could/should teach a class on narrating for audio books!
I want to know more about Sandy. Duke is one of the best characters and that leads me to believe that Weber is a dog lover. Also having a WWII vet in the story added a little extra to it. I will definitely recommend this book & I will be getting the next one! Hopefully Kevin will narrate it as well.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom.
August 5, 2017
I would imagine this is a first attempt.... character development and dialogue are both a bit stilted. The story has great bones but I wasn't tempted to read any more of the series.
February 16, 2019
This was an okay homesteading battle but not compelling post-apocalyptic. My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; 3.75 Story, 4.25 Narration.
Dale Hardy had tried to prepare for trouble. He has learned to grow his own crops, generate power and draw fresh water from the aquifer on his land which has been in his family for generations. A deadly virus has killed many people throughout the country, leaving behind chaos and lack of power during a time of severe draught. Dale hunkered in and drew his family together to help protect them from the virus and the violence that has begun to break out as resources, particularly food and water, become scarce.
Dale’s water trouble started when neighbors began demanding water, then armed strangers tried to sneak in and steal water. But now a newly self-appointed mayor and sheriff are trying to take away his water and they are willing to send in cutthroats to accomplish their goal.
Dale isn’t backing down. He may be willing to trade water for other commodities but if he isn’t willing to just give a cup of water to neighbors, he sure isn’t going to stand by while corrupt officials try to take his water.
There are personal issues to add to the tension. Dale was dating a female deputy until he became concerned that his young daughter would hear the false rumors that he had been seeing the deputy before his wife died. One of the relatives is a young man whose father was sent to prison. The prisoner has broken out and is intent on getting to his son, even as he leaves a trail of death behind him.
I generally like post-apocalyptic books. This one was centered on water shortage more than the plague crisis. There wasn’t a lot of prepper detail but there was private, defensive (initially) action. I didn’t feel there was a lot of character depth and, although I could side with Dale, I wasn’t impassioned by the story or characters. I listened all the way through, expecting a confrontation but just as that arrives, this book ends. It was okay but I am likely to try other series before continuing this one.
Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a good job with this genre. He presents the story with a direct flow and the characters with appropriate emotion. I think it was easier for me to listen to this on audio than it would have been for me to read in text.
Dale Hardy had tried to prepare for trouble. He has learned to grow his own crops, generate power and draw fresh water from the aquifer on his land which has been in his family for generations. A deadly virus has killed many people throughout the country, leaving behind chaos and lack of power during a time of severe draught. Dale hunkered in and drew his family together to help protect them from the virus and the violence that has begun to break out as resources, particularly food and water, become scarce.
Dale’s water trouble started when neighbors began demanding water, then armed strangers tried to sneak in and steal water. But now a newly self-appointed mayor and sheriff are trying to take away his water and they are willing to send in cutthroats to accomplish their goal.
Dale isn’t backing down. He may be willing to trade water for other commodities but if he isn’t willing to just give a cup of water to neighbors, he sure isn’t going to stand by while corrupt officials try to take his water.
There are personal issues to add to the tension. Dale was dating a female deputy until he became concerned that his young daughter would hear the false rumors that he had been seeing the deputy before his wife died. One of the relatives is a young man whose father was sent to prison. The prisoner has broken out and is intent on getting to his son, even as he leaves a trail of death behind him.
I generally like post-apocalyptic books. This one was centered on water shortage more than the plague crisis. There wasn’t a lot of prepper detail but there was private, defensive (initially) action. I didn’t feel there was a lot of character depth and, although I could side with Dale, I wasn’t impassioned by the story or characters. I listened all the way through, expecting a confrontation but just as that arrives, this book ends. It was okay but I am likely to try other series before continuing this one.
Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a good job with this genre. He presents the story with a direct flow and the characters with appropriate emotion. I think it was easier for me to listen to this on audio than it would have been for me to read in text.
March 2, 2023
I really enjoy all books that William H. Weber puts out and this one is no different. Dale Hardy lives in a small town in Arizona and his property is blessed with a deep water aquifer. The entire country is hit with a brutal form of swine flu with an 80% mortality rate. Power grids are down, grocery stores are closed, and an especially large problem in Arizona; the water supply is extremely limited. Corrupted politicians are attacking Hardy's family for the water supply and Hardy is doing everything in his power to fortify his property, protect his family, and survive. I would really love to see a book from Weber that really digs deep into the characters and adds some length to the stories. I'm on to the next book in the series already!
May 30, 2018
‘Defiance’ is a typical post-apocalyptic tale which has been repeated a number of times. The story doesn’t really have a plot, for the most part the characters are just on their property getting it ready to defend. The writing I a bit plain without much description so you’re not able imagine the setting in your mind’s eye. Finally, the ending is a cliffhanger which bothers me. The book was short enough where it could have been extended instead of leaving the reader to move on to the next book to complete the story, which is one of my pet peves.
October 3, 2018
This is a fairly typical plot: many die of disease, wicked authorities try to force a family from their lands and resources. I can't imagine a more inhospitable place to be post-disaster, than Arizona without a good, reliable water source. The action was somewhat predictable and the characters very one-dimensional. This did wrap in an abrupt cliff hanging and I may read the next book just to see what happens (especially to the dog, Duke) and see it if improves.
July 20, 2017
Good dystopia, can't wait to read the next book in the series.
January 16, 2018
Good book
It was hard to put down and you really got into the characters. Ready for the next book in the series!
It was hard to put down and you really got into the characters. Ready for the next book in the series!
April 18, 2022
It's OK, mostly basic and has a bit of hard time decided that kind of book it wants to be. Ends up on cliffhanger which forces you to read the next book so it's something that I won't be doing.
August 30, 2016
Very scary and believable post apocalyptic story. Especially in a desert environment. In a post apocalyptic world any and all resources will be fought over sooner or later.
Very enjoyable and entertaining listen that moves along at a pretty fast pace. There's a lot of action and suspense packed into this short story as well. It does end in a cliffhanger.
Dale is pretty much a self sufficient person all he wants is to be left alone to live his life on his ranch. After a flu devastates the country, life has changed for everyone. With the towns resources dwindling fast and a new corrupt government in place, Dales dreams for a peaceful life are no longer possible Dale will protect his family by any means necessary. They have already faced some pretty scary situations and it's about to get worse
I will definitely be continuing with the next installment as soon as it's on Audible.
Kevin Pierce does the narration. Fantastic job once again. He has the perfect voice for this type of story. His narration pulls you into the story and brings it to life. Great character voices. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. He enhances the enjoyment of any book he narrates. He could read phone book and make it sound amazing.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom.com
Very enjoyable and entertaining listen that moves along at a pretty fast pace. There's a lot of action and suspense packed into this short story as well. It does end in a cliffhanger.
Dale is pretty much a self sufficient person all he wants is to be left alone to live his life on his ranch. After a flu devastates the country, life has changed for everyone. With the towns resources dwindling fast and a new corrupt government in place, Dales dreams for a peaceful life are no longer possible Dale will protect his family by any means necessary. They have already faced some pretty scary situations and it's about to get worse
I will definitely be continuing with the next installment as soon as it's on Audible.
Kevin Pierce does the narration. Fantastic job once again. He has the perfect voice for this type of story. His narration pulls you into the story and brings it to life. Great character voices. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. He enhances the enjoyment of any book he narrates. He could read phone book and make it sound amazing.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom.com
August 16, 2016
Our protagonist Dale Hardy has been laid back in his Arizona home in the midst of a pandemic that has killed millions. Dale wants only to live in peace, mind his own business, grow his own food, generate enough wind power to get by, and drink water from an aquifer on his land. Pretty much self-sufficient if folks would only leave him be. But this was not to happen. The nearby town’s water supply has dried up. Unfortunately, people being people, they now wanted what Dale had and weren’t too concerned about how to get it. So begins another examination of people treating people badly. The tale is fairly interesting, light on character development, having an average plot, deserving of an average rating. Three.point.five for the effort. Kevin Pierce deserves a save here for his excellent narration. There is a second book “A House Divided”, but it is not available yet on Audible. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
February 15, 2018
"Great New Series from William Weber"
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes I would Highly recommend this audio book to a friend. It is written by a great post apocalyptic author, set after a flu pandemic in Arizona, and narrated by the amazing Kevin Pierce.
What other book might you compare Defiance to and why?
This book has more of a western feel than traditional post apocalyptic books do due to the setting and the core values of the main characters. I would compare it to any of the Sackett books.
Which scene was your favorite?
My favorite scene was Dale going to the rescue at the sheriffs station and then on to the TV plant. It was well done with plenty of tension and action.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I laugh to myself several times at how slow some of the characters were to adapt to the reality of the situation.
Any additional comments?
“This audio book was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
June 16, 2016
Fast moving post-apocalyptic novel (after a killer virus wipes out most of the country). While the story of this self-sufficient rancher in Arizona is good, it is also very predictable. Descriptive world building is good, character development is lacking. Chapters were short and at times ended without seeming to make sense. The book ends abruptly and on a cliff-hanger. I was very disappointed in the lack of character development, lack of story refinement as well as the abrupt ending and the cliff-hanger. For those reasons I rated the book overall at 3. The next book is scheduled for release in August which suggests it is already completed or almost completed. Not sure if I want to read "more of the same".
May 8, 2016
Great read love to read more of this series. Great action packed story about a farmer who finds himself the target of a crooked bussiness man turned mayor. In a time where most people have died from a disease we find water to be of more value than gold. When this farmer possesses the only working water facility in the area the guns are being aimed at him and his family. This first in a series is a nice start and sets up several events to be explored in future installments. Loved it
May 27, 2016
THIS IS A SHORT BOOK ! The author creates a very good story with strong characters. The plot is very good and the action keeps moving. I really liked the story. The ending is very sudden and unfulfilling. It's like having incomplete sex.
The next book won't be out before August, some three months away. I'll probably forget the story line by then.
The next book won't be out before August, some three months away. I'll probably forget the story line by then.
June 26, 2016
Short book, ends with cliffhanger, but it does say from the start this is just book 1 in a series. I liked it, not as much as the apocalypse ones, but it's off to a good start and by the end of this book you have the back story and the action has started so I can see where it will be a great series.
July 27, 2016
Enjoyable Read
This was an enjoyable read as it described some of the problems that we would face with high altitude emp burst as well as chemical warfair and just some of societies pitfalls.
This was an enjoyable read as it described some of the problems that we would face with high altitude emp burst as well as chemical warfair and just some of societies pitfalls.
October 31, 2016
Another page turner by one of the best PA authors out there
How we all desire to be if the shtf without the training. The hope to have a group of abled people around that willing to listen to reason.
How we all desire to be if the shtf without the training. The hope to have a group of abled people around that willing to listen to reason.
December 12, 2016
William h Weber is an amazing writer. The stories he writes are filled with, suspence, intrigue, and plausible believabilty. Im new to this series, but all of his other works are just as good as this first book in series
May 12, 2016
Still worth 5 stars!
It was a slow start with a cliff hanger, but once it got moving, it is an exciting ride that raises some tough issues. I just the second book was out NOW!!!
It was a slow start with a cliff hanger, but once it got moving, it is an exciting ride that raises some tough issues. I just the second book was out NOW!!!
June 23, 2016
More like a 1.5. Just couldn't get into it, so I skipped to the last chapter to see if it was worth continuing. It wasn't.
July 16, 2016
Defiance review
Defiance is the first post apocalyptic book in The Defending Home series written by author William H. Weber. Looking forward to the sequel.
Defiance is the first post apocalyptic book in The Defending Home series written by author William H. Weber. Looking forward to the sequel.
August 19, 2016
Great read
While certainly not the best literature, I got what I was looking for. A lot of action along with some great conservative, American views.
While certainly not the best literature, I got what I was looking for. A lot of action along with some great conservative, American views.
August 21, 2016
Awesome book!! Had me on my feet! Going to read the 2nd part NOW! :D
September 16, 2016
Great start for the series!
William H. Weber has written a great start for this series. Found it to be a enjoyable read recommended fall reading.
William H. Weber has written a great start for this series. Found it to be a enjoyable read recommended fall reading.
April 17, 2017
If you like your books to read like a movie, grab it. The pace is very fast, with little exposition or description of characters, places, or motives. Otherwise, there are better pieces of post-apocalyptic fiction. At least I didn't spot too may typographical errors....
December 19, 2017
Good storyline but basic
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