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The Patriot Protocol
The Tennessee Zone Year 2057 - It's been ten years since The Collapse. The survivors live off of what they can grow, find or steal. A man known as Ryker is among the survivors, a family man with a mysterious past. Is he a veteran hero or trained assassin? Only time will tell. But when his family's relative safety is taken, he's forced to join what's left of civilization to care for his wife and children. But will his newfound allegiance to the government of The Tennessee Zone save them or plunge them into darker peril, and will the powers-that-be use Ryker for their own nefarious needs?
- GenresScience FictionFiction
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
367 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books392 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 14, 2017
Okay, so by now, if you’ve read any of my other reviews of dystopian novels, you know that I like hero’s that rise above their pay grade and do awesome things. Well, I’ve discovered that I like the exact opposite too! All Ryker wants to do is to protect and provide for his wife and children after the collapse of society and he’s been successful at it for years.
But, after a surprise attack on his homestead, he starts to think that maybe there is safety in numbers, so reluctantly he packs up his family and moves into town. The funny thing about being around people, though, those who are watchful take notice and while Ryker wants to be seen as lowly private, dammit, he’s just like the cream in a pitcher he keeps rising to the top! He’s a General hiding in sheep’s clothing.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this genre, there is just so many different and exciting ways to tell the stories and C.G. Cooper does it well. This audiobook is non-stop action, suspense, and surprises. I won't talk about the serious daddy issues going on in this story, buy the book!
James Foster narrates this audiobook that’s just shy of 6 hours in length and while this is my second listen to him as a reader, I know I’ll be searching out more from him. The pacing of the story was perfect and the audio production was high quality.
This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!
But, after a surprise attack on his homestead, he starts to think that maybe there is safety in numbers, so reluctantly he packs up his family and moves into town. The funny thing about being around people, though, those who are watchful take notice and while Ryker wants to be seen as lowly private, dammit, he’s just like the cream in a pitcher he keeps rising to the top! He’s a General hiding in sheep’s clothing.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this genre, there is just so many different and exciting ways to tell the stories and C.G. Cooper does it well. This audiobook is non-stop action, suspense, and surprises. I won't talk about the serious daddy issues going on in this story, buy the book!
James Foster narrates this audiobook that’s just shy of 6 hours in length and while this is my second listen to him as a reader, I know I’ll be searching out more from him. The pacing of the story was perfect and the audio production was high quality.
This audiobook was gifted to me exchange for an unbiased review!
April 11, 2020
The Patriot Protocol. C. G. Cooper
In the future. 2050. The world as we know it now is in ruins. People are barely surviving. The United States is divided into sections, areas of power. Those that follow the rules, the protocols fair better. Technology caused the collaspe. Now it can rebuild the chaos. The question is......who do you trust? This is an excellent read!!!!
In the future. 2050. The world as we know it now is in ruins. People are barely surviving. The United States is divided into sections, areas of power. Those that follow the rules, the protocols fair better. Technology caused the collaspe. Now it can rebuild the chaos. The question is......who do you trust? This is an excellent read!!!!
February 21, 2017
Good Story
This book was great for the first two thirds of the read. Much like any post apocalypse novel, I got very involved with the survival of the characters and how they did this in a world so changed. However, the last third of the book, was very bizarre and didn't fit well with the prior story. The ending was disappointing as well.
This book was great for the first two thirds of the read. Much like any post apocalypse novel, I got very involved with the survival of the characters and how they did this in a world so changed. However, the last third of the book, was very bizarre and didn't fit well with the prior story. The ending was disappointing as well.
December 20, 2020
Predictable .
This effort was trite, shallow, poor character development, weak ending - it almost seems that the authors published one of his kids’ 1st literary efforts, loaning his name to it to establish circulation. I was very disappointed, and am likely to turn off further consumption of this author’s work.
This effort was trite, shallow, poor character development, weak ending - it almost seems that the authors published one of his kids’ 1st literary efforts, loaning his name to it to establish circulation. I was very disappointed, and am likely to turn off further consumption of this author’s work.
May 21, 2016
Hate no ending
To read and be involved in a story that has no ending is disgusting. Bring one story to a close, it can always pick it up in the sequel.
To read and be involved in a story that has no ending is disgusting. Bring one story to a close, it can always pick it up in the sequel.
July 3, 2016
Brilliant!
I liked the story a lot. It is well written, with only minor spelling and grammar mistakes. I ma about to look for sequel, which I hope is already complete.
I liked the story a lot. It is well written, with only minor spelling and grammar mistakes. I ma about to look for sequel, which I hope is already complete.
January 13, 2024
Feel a little bit ripped off that this book has no resolution and there seems to be no prospect of a sequel. I think it's only fair for potential readers to be aware of this before they pick up the book: don't expect a satisfying conclusion.
The premise is interesting enough:
Intriguing premise? Check. Mysterious backstory? Check. Payoff? Nope.
I was hooked, which made it all the more disappointing when, after a few juicy plot twists and a big reveal introducing the villain, the book literally ends with Ryker thinking about the momentous decision he has to make.
There was no meaningful action and certainly no payoff, so it just left me asking, "Why?"
Maybe the concept got too big and scared the author off. Or maybe he just ran out of time and thought "meh, it'll do".
Whatever the case, it was published prematurely. The whole thing reads very much like a second draft, e.g. meandering, disconnected incidents, lack of details during the "big moments" of rising action, unconsciousness used as a segue into the next scene, unlikely events/coincidences pushing the plot forward rather than character goals/choices, loose ends , and repeating the same plot device twice .)
Aside from my issues with the plot, let's talk about that ending - or lack thereof. It begs the question, is it justifiable to publish a standalone book which has no proper conclusion?
Books are allowed to leave the ending open if 1) there's a sequel; or if 2) an open ending delivers a thematic or emotional payoff more effectively than otherwise.
Anything else is an incomplete work which wastes the reader's time and money.
Reading The Patriot Protocol was like paying for a coffee and then the waitress coming over and giving you a mug with a teaspoon of coffee powder in the bottom.
The premise is interesting enough:
It's a post-apocalyptic setting and Ryker, who is supposedly an "average guy", has been keeping a low profile in an isolated cabin in Tennessee, alongside his wife Jane, protecting and providing for their kids to ensure their survival.
We don't get the details immediately – whether "the Collapse" was caused by biological warfare, climate catastrophe, AI takeover, or a pandemic – which adds to the mystery and tension.
When Jane narrowly escapes a nasty encounter with undesirables, Ryker sets out for revenge, only to have his plans busted by a military raid. Here he meets "the General", and whether he likes it or not, his circumstances are about to change.
Ryker, torn between loyalty to his family and the claims of his mysterious past, must venture back into the heart of the military organisation he left long ago.
Once he discovers the hidden threat about to plunge his country into another near-apocalyptic catastrophe, can he really walk away? Or is it worth risking his family's safety to overcome his old enemy once and for all?
Intriguing premise? Check. Mysterious backstory? Check. Payoff? Nope.
I was hooked, which made it all the more disappointing when, after a few juicy plot twists and a big reveal introducing the villain, the book literally ends with Ryker thinking about the momentous decision he has to make.
There was no meaningful action and certainly no payoff, so it just left me asking, "Why?"
Maybe the concept got too big and scared the author off. Or maybe he just ran out of time and thought "meh, it'll do".
Whatever the case, it was published prematurely. The whole thing reads very much like a second draft, e.g. meandering, disconnected incidents, lack of details during the "big moments" of rising action, unconsciousness used as a segue into the next scene, unlikely events/coincidences pushing the plot forward rather than character goals/choices, loose ends , and repeating the same plot device twice .)
Aside from my issues with the plot, let's talk about that ending - or lack thereof. It begs the question, is it justifiable to publish a standalone book which has no proper conclusion?
Books are allowed to leave the ending open if 1) there's a sequel; or if 2) an open ending delivers a thematic or emotional payoff more effectively than otherwise.
Anything else is an incomplete work which wastes the reader's time and money.
Reading The Patriot Protocol was like paying for a coffee and then the waitress coming over and giving you a mug with a teaspoon of coffee powder in the bottom.
July 1, 2024
I was really surprised I liked this book as I haven't read much in this genre before. But nonetheless, I absolutely enjoyed it! I listened to the audiobook - which I highly recommend if you're interested - and being emersed in that world was such a whirlwind. Every twist and turn left me wanting more. And the fact that I wanted more is why I gave it three stars instead of four (which I really wanted to give it!). The ending, unfortunately, (no spoilers!) will leave you wanting more in a good way. As soon as I finished it, I ran to find the sequel and to my shock there is no sequel. I couldn't believe it! So be warned the ending will only leave you wanting more. In my opinion, it was just the start to a much larger world that I wanted to keep exploring. Hopefully, one day we get a sequel but just know that going in.
May 15, 2023
I think this book was really good. I gave it 4 stars because I liked the topic and how it was written. I think that this subject doesn't have enough books about it. Sometimes it is hard to find an interesting book to keep my attention but this book had no problem. The reason I felt drawn to the book was probably because of my favorite genre always relating to war.
I didn't find a whole lot wrong with the book. I like that it isn't part of a seires and you get a conclusion. One thing I would change is adding a little more backstory. I do appreciate the fact that the action started pretty early on. It makes the book a lot easier to read. All in all I think that this was a really good book that deserves reconition.
I didn't find a whole lot wrong with the book. I like that it isn't part of a seires and you get a conclusion. One thing I would change is adding a little more backstory. I do appreciate the fact that the action started pretty early on. It makes the book a lot easier to read. All in all I think that this was a really good book that deserves reconition.
July 31, 2017
'The Patriot Protocol' was intriguing. Quite creative. The story line was well written and well played out. The thing I liked was that the story centered around Ryker and hid family during very harsh times. I think some, if not a lot, of people say things like 'this could never happen'. But I believe it could. Especially with the rapid increase of AI and how technology has taken over our lives to make things 'easier'. Ryker is definitely a bad-ass. He can hold his own and come out ahead while doing so. Gregor was funny. I liked his honesty. This book was an over all good read. A great add to your tbr list.
February 9, 2021
Outstanding reading
You can take the soldier out of the Army but you can not take the soldier out of the man. In a futuristic tale the world is almost completely annihilated with pockets of people scattered around and very little direction. The soldier has lived in the wilderness with his wife and kids before being dragged back to civilization and to get medical treatment for two of his children he joins the Army. Great reading
You can take the soldier out of the Army but you can not take the soldier out of the man. In a futuristic tale the world is almost completely annihilated with pockets of people scattered around and very little direction. The soldier has lived in the wilderness with his wife and kids before being dragged back to civilization and to get medical treatment for two of his children he joins the Army. Great reading
February 1, 2022
It's been ten years since The Collapse. The survivors live off what they can grow, find or steal. A man known as Ryker is among the survivors, a family man with a mysterious past. When his family's relative safety is taken, he's forced to join what's left of civilization to care for his wife and children. But will his newfound allegiance to the government of The Tennessee Zone save them or plunge them into darker peril, and will the powers-that-be use Ryker for their own nefarious needs?
May 3, 2018
What a Ride!
This was a great story and I couldn't put it down til the end. Ryker is a terrific hero and the collapse of civilization was realistic and not over done. I really hope there will be sequel. Cooper did his usual fine job with this book as he did with the Patriot series.
This was a great story and I couldn't put it down til the end. Ryker is a terrific hero and the collapse of civilization was realistic and not over done. I really hope there will be sequel. Cooper did his usual fine job with this book as he did with the Patriot series.
December 23, 2019
Good read
I liked the story but I didn’t like the ending. This book wasnt as good as his others that I loved. He is an awesome writer and I’ll continue to read whatever he writes. I love the Cal Stokes and all his buddies books much better. I’m already waiting to see what his next book will be about!
I liked the story but I didn’t like the ending. This book wasnt as good as his others that I loved. He is an awesome writer and I’ll continue to read whatever he writes. I love the Cal Stokes and all his buddies books much better. I’m already waiting to see what his next book will be about!
April 11, 2020
Overall a good read and I hope the series continues. The story line is compelling and has plenty of action thoughout. I was left wanting more and can see that there is plenty to work with.
The only slightly offputting narrative was the repeated point made ad nauseum on how much the wife and children were his most important thing in his life-3 times was more that enough to make the point.
The only slightly offputting narrative was the repeated point made ad nauseum on how much the wife and children were his most important thing in his life-3 times was more that enough to make the point.
May 12, 2020
This is a different kind of story from Cooper, very intriguing. I enjoyed it because I like stuff off the beaten path. The reader was kind of kept in the dark until well into the book and he added some very technical type Sci-Fi . The story was also engaging keeping you turning pages, what more could you want? 5
January 26, 2024
I love how we got to learn about the world with the MC instead of all at once. I really liked how he explained his understanding of the bomb.
There didn’t seem to be a motive to the MC, and we were just along for the ride with him. The action was great, and everything fell into place, but our MC felt rather passive with no end goal.
There didn’t seem to be a motive to the MC, and we were just along for the ride with him. The action was great, and everything fell into place, but our MC felt rather passive with no end goal.
June 5, 2017
"My past was coming back to haunt me"
4.25 out of 5 stars
This one has some tags that say it's a military book too, but it's really is a Post-Apocalyptic book at heart. Ryker has been surviving with his family after some unknown collapse until one day they cannot stay safely anymore. This leaves Ryker to have to go back to a life that he thought he left behind.
The narration of Patriot Protocol was done by James Foster, who does a great job voicing Ryker. It was one of those narrations that I didn't even notice because it just felt like Ryker was telling me his story.
The story was from a slightly different point of view. Most of the PA books I've read have a "been there, done that" feeling to them. This one had some of that, with some new sparks of life, too. The reorganization of the states was a little different, the way that the world was destroyed was super different from the average PA book (I will NOT ruin that for you, since it doesn't come until the book is almost over), and the outcome of the book was pretty different too (another spoiler I will not spoil).
Ryker was an incredibly likable main character. You could just tell that he always meant to do the best. He is the definition of a hero and won't let you call him that.
Overall, The Patriot Protocol was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely be curious where Cooper will take Ryker in the next book (that I didn't know existed when I started this book).
4.25 out of 5 stars
This one has some tags that say it's a military book too, but it's really is a Post-Apocalyptic book at heart. Ryker has been surviving with his family after some unknown collapse until one day they cannot stay safely anymore. This leaves Ryker to have to go back to a life that he thought he left behind.
The narration of Patriot Protocol was done by James Foster, who does a great job voicing Ryker. It was one of those narrations that I didn't even notice because it just felt like Ryker was telling me his story.
The story was from a slightly different point of view. Most of the PA books I've read have a "been there, done that" feeling to them. This one had some of that, with some new sparks of life, too. The reorganization of the states was a little different, the way that the world was destroyed was super different from the average PA book (I will NOT ruin that for you, since it doesn't come until the book is almost over), and the outcome of the book was pretty different too (another spoiler I will not spoil).
Ryker was an incredibly likable main character. You could just tell that he always meant to do the best. He is the definition of a hero and won't let you call him that.
Overall, The Patriot Protocol was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely be curious where Cooper will take Ryker in the next book (that I didn't know existed when I started this book).
October 28, 2017
Excellent, totally addictive!
Loved the characters and their struggle with being human.
Loved the questions about technology.
Loved the love story between husband, wife, and their children.
Loved the characters and their struggle with being human.
Loved the questions about technology.
Loved the love story between husband, wife, and their children.
April 25, 2018
A nice way to fill your down time.
You alternate excitement with characterizations and just enough Wi-Fi to build the story line, and enough suspense to keep one reading.C. G. Cooper has become a welcome addition to my list of favorite authors.
You alternate excitement with characterizations and just enough Wi-Fi to build the story line, and enough suspense to keep one reading.C. G. Cooper has become a welcome addition to my list of favorite authors.
July 4, 2018
OK read
In my opinion not one of the writers best offerings. It seems to plod along not really grabbing me into the story. Don't get me wrong this is a good story and I'm sure many will enjoy it.
In my opinion not one of the writers best offerings. It seems to plod along not really grabbing me into the story. Don't get me wrong this is a good story and I'm sure many will enjoy it.
May 3, 2019
Good opening...
Good story, good opening and it pulls you in... gets a little chaotic in the middle, but lands at the end well-placed for the follow-on stories... I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
Good story, good opening and it pulls you in... gets a little chaotic in the middle, but lands at the end well-placed for the follow-on stories... I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
November 17, 2019
Syfi at it's best.
The premise of this book was disturbing. The battle between good and evil is always with us. We are left to ponder when will put our creation become more powerful than our controls.
The premise of this book was disturbing. The battle between good and evil is always with us. We are left to ponder when will put our creation become more powerful than our controls.
December 12, 2019
A different kind of story than I usually read
That is not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. And C.G.Cooper came through with flying colors. You will enjoy, try it with an open mind.
That is not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did. And C.G.Cooper came through with flying colors. You will enjoy, try it with an open mind.
January 1, 2020
Awesome
Great read and what a surprise at the end I will not spoil it for you but this is a keeper to read again and again in a few years lol if kindle unlimited is still going lol
Great book thank you
Nigel
Great read and what a surprise at the end I will not spoil it for you but this is a keeper to read again and again in a few years lol if kindle unlimited is still going lol
Great book thank you
Nigel
February 13, 2020
Suspenseful and surprising
Parts were very Heinlein, others Azimov. I guess a tad of Verne also. That is the best compliment I can give. Why 4 and not 5? Because there should always be an incentive to do better. Looking forward to next installment.
Parts were very Heinlein, others Azimov. I guess a tad of Verne also. That is the best compliment I can give. Why 4 and not 5? Because there should always be an incentive to do better. Looking forward to next installment.
May 1, 2020
New different eclectic exciting awesome
When you begin reading you have no idea the ride you are going to be on to from beginning to end. Great read you will not put this book down once you begin this awesome story!!!
When you begin reading you have no idea the ride you are going to be on to from beginning to end. Great read you will not put this book down once you begin this awesome story!!!
May 17, 2020
Please read Mr. Cooper, you will be very pleased
Another well told story by a awesome writer. You know it’s a good book when it makes you feel you are in the story right next to to the main character.
Another well told story by a awesome writer. You know it’s a good book when it makes you feel you are in the story right next to to the main character.
September 15, 2020
Refreshing view on the Apocalypse
Even an old story can take a new direction. Similar to the Terminator Apocalypse, without the time travel aspect with a dash of IRobot. Will be interesting to see where Cooper takes this story.
Even an old story can take a new direction. Similar to the Terminator Apocalypse, without the time travel aspect with a dash of IRobot. Will be interesting to see where Cooper takes this story.
December 27, 2020
Excellent Opening
The premise is very, obviously, current in these covid days. I can see this story as being “our” story if the covid virus can’t be controlled, or if people panic and society implodes. I really like our hero, he radiates hope.
The premise is very, obviously, current in these covid days. I can see this story as being “our” story if the covid virus can’t be controlled, or if people panic and society implodes. I really like our hero, he radiates hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews