What do you think?
Rate this book
The Borrowed World #3
Legion of Despair
"An ELECTRIFYING story of survival . . . "
In his bestselling novels, The Borrowed World and Ashes Of The Unspeakable, Franklin Horton showed us a nation facing societal collapse from a coordinated ISIS attack on the American infrastructure. Most of the country is without power, communication, and fuel. As a result of the attack, a group of business travelers in Virginia found themselves among the millions stranded on the highways with no idea how they would be getting home.
In this third installment, Legion of Despair, the country is teetering on the brink of anarchy. While one of the stranded travelers, Jim Powell, made it home and is working to establish a safe, sustainable enclave for his family, his co-workers Gary and Alice are not faring as well.
After spending hundreds of painful miles dreaming of his reunion with his family, Gary arrives home to find them in danger. Now he must face the painful decision as to whether his family might need greater numbers and a better location to survive the collapse.
While Gary’s homecoming is bittersweet, he at least found his way into the arms of his family. His co-worker Alice has awakened on the cold concrete floor of a basement, bound and at the mercy of a madman. She doesn’t know if she will ever see her son or husband again. All she knows for certain is that the man in front of her has already brutally killed her friend, Rebecca, and unless she escapes, he'll kill her, too.
In his bestselling novels, The Borrowed World and Ashes Of The Unspeakable, Franklin Horton showed us a nation facing societal collapse from a coordinated ISIS attack on the American infrastructure. Most of the country is without power, communication, and fuel. As a result of the attack, a group of business travelers in Virginia found themselves among the millions stranded on the highways with no idea how they would be getting home.
In this third installment, Legion of Despair, the country is teetering on the brink of anarchy. While one of the stranded travelers, Jim Powell, made it home and is working to establish a safe, sustainable enclave for his family, his co-workers Gary and Alice are not faring as well.
After spending hundreds of painful miles dreaming of his reunion with his family, Gary arrives home to find them in danger. Now he must face the painful decision as to whether his family might need greater numbers and a better location to survive the collapse.
While Gary’s homecoming is bittersweet, he at least found his way into the arms of his family. His co-worker Alice has awakened on the cold concrete floor of a basement, bound and at the mercy of a madman. She doesn’t know if she will ever see her son or husband again. All she knows for certain is that the man in front of her has already brutally killed her friend, Rebecca, and unless she escapes, he'll kill her, too.
278 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2016
513 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
57 books369 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 24, 2024
“Modern conveniences have made all my children weak in the body and mind.”
Leave it to a grandma to spout truths.
This story is primarily Gary’s with a dash of Alice.
Post apocalyptic America
Nonstop action
Violence/gore
Not a standalone
Alice becomes such a badass in this one! Talk about character growth, she’s a completely unrecognizable from book one Alice. Unfortunately, her journey is not necessarily the easiest path.
“I just want to know where all the good people are. Why is it that the bad people are driving everyone’s decisions? Why are we all at the mercy of bad people? I’ve about had enough of it.”
MUCH more violent than the last book, so go in prepared!
Leave it to a grandma to spout truths.
This story is primarily Gary’s with a dash of Alice.
Post apocalyptic America
Nonstop action
Violence/gore
Not a standalone
Alice becomes such a badass in this one! Talk about character growth, she’s a completely unrecognizable from book one Alice. Unfortunately, her journey is not necessarily the easiest path.
“I just want to know where all the good people are. Why is it that the bad people are driving everyone’s decisions? Why are we all at the mercy of bad people? I’ve about had enough of it.”
MUCH more violent than the last book, so go in prepared!
October 8, 2016
This is the third book of a mini-series I’ve listened to back to back. Terrorists have attacked key infrastructure targets in America and the lights have gone out – literally. The country has quickly regressed to a time reminiscent of the old westerns I used to watch as a boy. Familys group together and shoot-outs are a regular occurrence. Protection of the family is all and what you have (food in particular) is guarded with a ‘shoot now and ask questions later’ state of mind.
In what amounts to one continuous story, this series has tracked the plight of a group of colleagues stranded a long way from home when the attacks took place. Their aim, from the outset, has been to get home, check on and protect their family and then ‘bug-in’, a term new to me but which essentially means to use essential survival supplies and equipment you’d previously stored to stay in situ and see out the crisis.
In this third episodes we’re re-acquainted with the surviving characters and continue to observe their efforts. I’d become invested in each of them by this point and found myself rooting strongly for all of them. They’re decent folk but seem to be surrounded by idiots, lowlifes and outright sociopaths. Something I’ve pondered on throughout this series is voiced by one of the characters: where have all the decent people gone? The answer, it seems, is that they’re all in their houses, bugging-in. Which means the roads and towns are full of the rest of the people who aren’t and they’re the ones our group keep coming into contact with.
There continues to be a focus on guns and ammunition and it seems that the author must be something of an expert as there is a lot of detail regarding not only the base hardware but also the many options open to discerning buyers. It’s all a bit over my head but everyone in this story has at least one gun – some have dozens of ‘em! I think if you’d read this series and took the message seriously (and there’s certainly good reason to at least contemplate this) then you’d have a house filled to the rafters with canned foods and the rest of your space would be filled with handguns, assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition. In fact, if you could get hold of it, you’d have enough stuff to start a full-scale war! You’d also live close to a natural water supply and not too close to a town – too many people to come snooping after your stuff.
It may all be a bit OTT, but I’ve really enjoyed this tale and I’m saddened that I’ve come to its end. Or have I… there’s enough loose ends to suggest there may be more to come. And even as I’ve derided elements of the plot I’d be happy to see more of this; if there is to be another episode I’ll grab it as soon as I catch sight of it. That’s if I’m not already hunkered down somewhere in bug-in central, eating cold tinned soup and sharing sentry duties with the rest of my family.
In what amounts to one continuous story, this series has tracked the plight of a group of colleagues stranded a long way from home when the attacks took place. Their aim, from the outset, has been to get home, check on and protect their family and then ‘bug-in’, a term new to me but which essentially means to use essential survival supplies and equipment you’d previously stored to stay in situ and see out the crisis.
In this third episodes we’re re-acquainted with the surviving characters and continue to observe their efforts. I’d become invested in each of them by this point and found myself rooting strongly for all of them. They’re decent folk but seem to be surrounded by idiots, lowlifes and outright sociopaths. Something I’ve pondered on throughout this series is voiced by one of the characters: where have all the decent people gone? The answer, it seems, is that they’re all in their houses, bugging-in. Which means the roads and towns are full of the rest of the people who aren’t and they’re the ones our group keep coming into contact with.
There continues to be a focus on guns and ammunition and it seems that the author must be something of an expert as there is a lot of detail regarding not only the base hardware but also the many options open to discerning buyers. It’s all a bit over my head but everyone in this story has at least one gun – some have dozens of ‘em! I think if you’d read this series and took the message seriously (and there’s certainly good reason to at least contemplate this) then you’d have a house filled to the rafters with canned foods and the rest of your space would be filled with handguns, assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition. In fact, if you could get hold of it, you’d have enough stuff to start a full-scale war! You’d also live close to a natural water supply and not too close to a town – too many people to come snooping after your stuff.
It may all be a bit OTT, but I’ve really enjoyed this tale and I’m saddened that I’ve come to its end. Or have I… there’s enough loose ends to suggest there may be more to come. And even as I’ve derided elements of the plot I’d be happy to see more of this; if there is to be another episode I’ll grab it as soon as I catch sight of it. That’s if I’m not already hunkered down somewhere in bug-in central, eating cold tinned soup and sharing sentry duties with the rest of my family.
July 7, 2017
4 Stars
As society continues to disintegrate rapidly and the hope of aid continues to dwindle, it truly comes down to fending for yourself by any means possible, because a hesitation can cost you your life or your loved ones. These are hard lessons to learn as Jim and his friends struggle daily to survive just like everyone else. Though they’re finally home with their families, the true fight to exist, and not just survive, begins. Strength in numbers are needed and they rally together to brave what’s sure to be just the beginning of an even harsher future. Full of action, suspense, and hard lessons learned, I’m looking forward to the next harrowing installment!
As society continues to disintegrate rapidly and the hope of aid continues to dwindle, it truly comes down to fending for yourself by any means possible, because a hesitation can cost you your life or your loved ones. These are hard lessons to learn as Jim and his friends struggle daily to survive just like everyone else. Though they’re finally home with their families, the true fight to exist, and not just survive, begins. Strength in numbers are needed and they rally together to brave what’s sure to be just the beginning of an even harsher future. Full of action, suspense, and hard lessons learned, I’m looking forward to the next harrowing installment!
May 13, 2019
Unlike the first two books that predominantly follow Jim as the main character, this one spends a good deal of time with Gary and his family. The 2nd most followed is Alice. We have a decent section covering a new character, too. Jim comes into the picture over halfway through. I like this approach because it helps keep the characters from becoming stale. Especially since Gary is haunted with ethical decisions more so than Jim with his shoot first, ask questions later mentality. As with the first two books, this one was a page turner. Never got boring and always keep my interest. Love this series!!
June 16, 2021
Home is family
Even with all the violence and theft. What really matters is being with family. Another great book and showing what it could cost you to stay alive.
Even with all the violence and theft. What really matters is being with family. Another great book and showing what it could cost you to stay alive.
July 8, 2019
Really enjoy the characters in this series. Highly thought provoking and creepy.
January 2, 2024
This is an extremely well written entry to the Borrowed World series. This book is darker than the other ones. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I will give no details. Just that it is darker and very realistic. I thought it might be the end of the series, but I was wrong. I've just finished rereading it so now I can start the latest book in the series.
March 20, 2016
YAYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book!
November 9, 2022
Despair is RIGHT. Good grief.
This is the first 5-star entry of the series and I imagine it won't be the last. The action. The threat levels. The violence (good grief, the violence). The emotional drama. The shocking moments. It's all just absolute madness in this treacherous new world and I honestly don't know how it's all gonna work out. Not even the OTHER apocalyptic stories I've read can give me enough clues to guess the trajectory of this one. The title of this story is just as fitting for the events as its predecessor was for its own story. The despair is not only present and accounted for, but it's also going out of its way to punch you in the face. And in your gut. Things are legit MISERABLE in this book, and I'm glad to say I'm at a point now that I'm connected enough with characters that I feel emotions for them. Well done, Franklin Horton.
This story thankfully picks up where it left off, though it does so by reversing course just a bit to show us Gary's side of things after parting ways with Jim and Randi at the end of book two. Despite a happy reunion for Gary and his family, things aren't quite as peachy as he hoped, and he now has to face an entirely new threat level on his own turf. We also reunite with Alice since her shocking abduction in the previous book. Her situation is by far the most precarious, considering that she's facing her battle alone. We also meet newcomer Buddy, an older man hellbent on revenge against those responsible for the death of a family member. We do still get some Jim action, but this story is mostly dominated by Gary and Alice this time around.
If I had to complain about anything, it's the lack of certain familial interactions, which too often took a back seat to more narrative, survival talk. For example, when Gary arrives home, he doesn't share in much intimate conversation with his family (beyond strategy and tactics) to more magnify how much he missed them. I know the world is dangerous now, but some bit of extra moments showing me characters loving on one another in heartfelt conversations wouldn't hurt. Another problem I had was with a certain decision made by the character Alice that royally pissed. Me. OFF. Not gonna spoil, but....ooph. It made me nearly turn on her in an instant. Feel free to read my commentary (link below) if you're curious to know of her wrongdoing, though of course, beware of spoilers.
All in all, I still enjoyed the hella outta this thing and I'm still all the way in, ready and waiting for the next one.
Click here for commentary!
This is the first 5-star entry of the series and I imagine it won't be the last. The action. The threat levels. The violence (good grief, the violence). The emotional drama. The shocking moments. It's all just absolute madness in this treacherous new world and I honestly don't know how it's all gonna work out. Not even the OTHER apocalyptic stories I've read can give me enough clues to guess the trajectory of this one. The title of this story is just as fitting for the events as its predecessor was for its own story. The despair is not only present and accounted for, but it's also going out of its way to punch you in the face. And in your gut. Things are legit MISERABLE in this book, and I'm glad to say I'm at a point now that I'm connected enough with characters that I feel emotions for them. Well done, Franklin Horton.
This story thankfully picks up where it left off, though it does so by reversing course just a bit to show us Gary's side of things after parting ways with Jim and Randi at the end of book two. Despite a happy reunion for Gary and his family, things aren't quite as peachy as he hoped, and he now has to face an entirely new threat level on his own turf. We also reunite with Alice since her shocking abduction in the previous book. Her situation is by far the most precarious, considering that she's facing her battle alone. We also meet newcomer Buddy, an older man hellbent on revenge against those responsible for the death of a family member. We do still get some Jim action, but this story is mostly dominated by Gary and Alice this time around.
If I had to complain about anything, it's the lack of certain familial interactions, which too often took a back seat to more narrative, survival talk. For example, when Gary arrives home, he doesn't share in much intimate conversation with his family (beyond strategy and tactics) to more magnify how much he missed them. I know the world is dangerous now, but some bit of extra moments showing me characters loving on one another in heartfelt conversations wouldn't hurt. Another problem I had was with a certain decision made by the character Alice that royally pissed. Me. OFF. Not gonna spoil, but....ooph. It made me nearly turn on her in an instant. Feel free to read my commentary (link below) if you're curious to know of her wrongdoing, though of course, beware of spoilers.
All in all, I still enjoyed the hella outta this thing and I'm still all the way in, ready and waiting for the next one.
Click here for commentary!
May 19, 2017
In the 3rd installment of The Borrowed World series, we focus more on a couple of Jim's coworkers named Gary and Alice. At this point Jim is home and as is Gary. All is not well with Gary though. His family is under attack from the local populace. Now Gary has to decide whether to bug in or bug out.
Alice isn't as lucky as Gary. She has not made it home yet. Matter of matter, she may not. Alice awakens on the floor of a crazy man's house. A man that she knows killed one of her other coworkers. The man is starting to display signs of Dissociative Identity Disorder.
In addition to all the struggles that they are facing, a new threat begins to emerge. A man who has resources and the knowledge how to use them wants to take over the valley.
How will our good guys going to fare??
Horton again delivers with this amazing sequel! He continues to develop his characters in a way you can see them evolving to what is going on around them. I have read several books and the character(s) may be well developed but even after a tragic event, he or she is still the same as before the event. As most of us know that is definitely not how things work. I can even relate to the "BAD" guys in some parts of the book. I highly recommend this book and related series. If nothing else, you will want to be like Jim!
Alice isn't as lucky as Gary. She has not made it home yet. Matter of matter, she may not. Alice awakens on the floor of a crazy man's house. A man that she knows killed one of her other coworkers. The man is starting to display signs of Dissociative Identity Disorder.
In addition to all the struggles that they are facing, a new threat begins to emerge. A man who has resources and the knowledge how to use them wants to take over the valley.
How will our good guys going to fare??
Horton again delivers with this amazing sequel! He continues to develop his characters in a way you can see them evolving to what is going on around them. I have read several books and the character(s) may be well developed but even after a tragic event, he or she is still the same as before the event. As most of us know that is definitely not how things work. I can even relate to the "BAD" guys in some parts of the book. I highly recommend this book and related series. If nothing else, you will want to be like Jim!
November 1, 2021
These books seem to be getting better with each one, I've been reading them in a day and can't wait to get to the next one!
The characters seem to be getting more depth and showing more emotion, real emotion, not like the first books where it was "oh someone died or I killed someone, I'll be okay in an hour!". The characters are also showing more personality.
Even the plot is getting less predictable. I feel like the author is getting better with each one he wrote.
I absolutely love Buddy, both his relationship with Lloyd and with Ariel. He's my favorite character so far.
The author seems a little out of touch though, talking about groups of "hippies" everywhere and thinking young people listen to AC/DC. Lmao
Now for my favorite part of these reviews, the knives! The second book was mentioning them by brand and model, the third is just by brand.
Alice found a Gerber boot knife, Jim has an Esee tactical knife, Buddy has his old Ka-Bar from the war. One that's mentioned by model is Gary's Kershaw Cryo pocket knife, a great knife, I'm a big Kershaw fan and have carried them my whole life.
Overall I highly enjoyed this book, I'm enjoying each one more than the last. I think even non-preppers would enjoy this one. Preppers even more so!
The characters seem to be getting more depth and showing more emotion, real emotion, not like the first books where it was "oh someone died or I killed someone, I'll be okay in an hour!". The characters are also showing more personality.
Even the plot is getting less predictable. I feel like the author is getting better with each one he wrote.
I absolutely love Buddy, both his relationship with Lloyd and with Ariel. He's my favorite character so far.
The author seems a little out of touch though, talking about groups of "hippies" everywhere and thinking young people listen to AC/DC. Lmao
Now for my favorite part of these reviews, the knives! The second book was mentioning them by brand and model, the third is just by brand.
Alice found a Gerber boot knife, Jim has an Esee tactical knife, Buddy has his old Ka-Bar from the war. One that's mentioned by model is Gary's Kershaw Cryo pocket knife, a great knife, I'm a big Kershaw fan and have carried them my whole life.
Overall I highly enjoyed this book, I'm enjoying each one more than the last. I think even non-preppers would enjoy this one. Preppers even more so!
May 27, 2025
Another gritty thrill ride!
Legion Of Despair, Book 3 of the Borrowed World series, focuses more on the struggles of Gary ANF his family that Jim's, but he and a new, vengeful character named Buddy on a quest to avenge the overdose death of his daughter before he comes across Lloyd, the two becoming fast friends. Gary thought his main struggle was in getting home, but I won't spoil the details for you. Alice, A character from Book 1 also returns after escaping the FEMA camp, having her own brushes with death, but I won't spoil that for you either. With things going from bad to worse, heartbreaking choices must be made. Like the first 2 books, the writing is clearly written, gritty and intense, in the best possible way. This series has really made me grow an appreciation for the no-punches-pulled way Horton writes and has made me a fast fan! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of survival thrillers who can handle graphic violence!
Legion Of Despair, Book 3 of the Borrowed World series, focuses more on the struggles of Gary ANF his family that Jim's, but he and a new, vengeful character named Buddy on a quest to avenge the overdose death of his daughter before he comes across Lloyd, the two becoming fast friends. Gary thought his main struggle was in getting home, but I won't spoil the details for you. Alice, A character from Book 1 also returns after escaping the FEMA camp, having her own brushes with death, but I won't spoil that for you either. With things going from bad to worse, heartbreaking choices must be made. Like the first 2 books, the writing is clearly written, gritty and intense, in the best possible way. This series has really made me grow an appreciation for the no-punches-pulled way Horton writes and has made me a fast fan! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of survival thrillers who can handle graphic violence!
September 1, 2022
I am really amazed that Franklin Horton can keep these series going and be riveting in each book. This was the third book in this series and where a lot of people would have had them go through hell then say they lived happily ever after he goes into very creative detail in how things can go wrong no matter how well you think you are prepared. This one was yet another fantastic book in this series and I can not wait to read no time for mourning. After the Way of the Dan series I just bought all of his books so I have a pile yet to read and I am not looking forward to the day I have finished reading them all because then I have to wait on news ones to be written.
#postapocalypse
#franklinhorton
#prepperfiction
#postapocalypse
#franklinhorton
#prepperfiction
July 10, 2024
I finished “Legion of Despair” by Franklin Horton (2016), book #3 in the “Borrowed World” series. This is the first of the books in the series that I’m 100% sure that I never read even an excerpt from. Like the prequels, this one is very well written and exciting to read. There is a character that’s introduced early on and, once his story is told, I immediately thought I knew what role he’d play in the story. As it turned out, this character didn’t end up doing what I’d assumed he would, so props to Horton for not being too predictable.
Horton isn’t afraid to kill off characters, which seems appropriate in the world that he’s created. It also keeps the reader guessing and builds suspense. I’m really liking the series so far and I plan to keep reading it.
Horton isn’t afraid to kill off characters, which seems appropriate in the world that he’s created. It also keeps the reader guessing and builds suspense. I’m really liking the series so far and I plan to keep reading it.
May 24, 2025
The most realistic depiction of life in the apocalypse
I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia, and have traveled the length and breath of this state many times. The authors attention to detail it's so precise. I have enjoyed tracking the movements of the characters in the story on Google Earth; for instance, zooming in on the location of the intersection, where Gary and Alice were ambushed at the redneck road block in Richland. The brutal environment of the apocalypse creates constant moral dilemmas for the characters, and the authors, skillful narrative draws the reader into the constant tension and despair of the story.
I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia, and have traveled the length and breath of this state many times. The authors attention to detail it's so precise. I have enjoyed tracking the movements of the characters in the story on Google Earth; for instance, zooming in on the location of the intersection, where Gary and Alice were ambushed at the redneck road block in Richland. The brutal environment of the apocalypse creates constant moral dilemmas for the characters, and the authors, skillful narrative draws the reader into the constant tension and despair of the story.
November 24, 2019
"Harden The Fuck Up"! Love this series!
I've been pissed, shocked and even shed some tears reading this book! I love how Mr. Horton makes you feel, like you're there with these characters experiencing the traumatic events this new world is throwing their way, because you've become so invested in them. I'm starting the next installment and I know that I'll love it just as much or more than this one. Highly recommend this series and anything he publishes. "Harden the Fuck Up" otherwise you cannot handle his work! Lol
I've been pissed, shocked and even shed some tears reading this book! I love how Mr. Horton makes you feel, like you're there with these characters experiencing the traumatic events this new world is throwing their way, because you've become so invested in them. I'm starting the next installment and I know that I'll love it just as much or more than this one. Highly recommend this series and anything he publishes. "Harden the Fuck Up" otherwise you cannot handle his work! Lol
May 14, 2022
Just when you think youre ready , you realize just how not ready you are
When the fan was hit Jim and Gary imagined that arriving at their respective homes would be the end of their journey . Instead the journey home almost ended both of their lives and now that they are home despair is all there is to look forward to.
Once again Franklin. Horton puts on a survival clinic on just how more we all have to learn and along the way we fall.in love with His characters and their families
When the fan was hit Jim and Gary imagined that arriving at their respective homes would be the end of their journey . Instead the journey home almost ended both of their lives and now that they are home despair is all there is to look forward to.
Once again Franklin. Horton puts on a survival clinic on just how more we all have to learn and along the way we fall.in love with His characters and their families
June 20, 2023
Terrific Action-Thriller
The series picked up speed in book two, and kept accelerating in book three. From the get go the story is frightening because of the simplicity yet reality of the plot: When faced with extreme and lengthy deprivation, much of society's masses can be expected to sink to their lowest level of depravity in order to survive. This is a story of good people trapped within a society declining into total anarchy, and the impacts to their morality by the actions they are forced to make to survive.👏👏
The series picked up speed in book two, and kept accelerating in book three. From the get go the story is frightening because of the simplicity yet reality of the plot: When faced with extreme and lengthy deprivation, much of society's masses can be expected to sink to their lowest level of depravity in order to survive. This is a story of good people trapped within a society declining into total anarchy, and the impacts to their morality by the actions they are forced to make to survive.👏👏
July 20, 2024
slipping quality
No real plot arc to this one, and some major errors. You do NOT close bite wounds primarily, especially in the field. With rare exceptions they should be initially treated open with delayed closure when no infection, unless you’re in a well equipped OR and can place suction drains and administer IV antibiotics with close expert follow up. Please do a little research or consult an orthopedic trauma surgeon before you have your characters treat orthopedic trauma. In this case in real life Our Hero probably would have killed the poor guy.
No real plot arc to this one, and some major errors. You do NOT close bite wounds primarily, especially in the field. With rare exceptions they should be initially treated open with delayed closure when no infection, unless you’re in a well equipped OR and can place suction drains and administer IV antibiotics with close expert follow up. Please do a little research or consult an orthopedic trauma surgeon before you have your characters treat orthopedic trauma. In this case in real life Our Hero probably would have killed the poor guy.
July 21, 2019
Perils of Pauline but great characters & storyline
The books close with a cliffhanger but the episodic storyline is fascinating (apocalyptic with emphasis on preppier mentality) with solid character development. As a former scoutmaster who knows what the scout motto means, I can attest that the information regarding survival and the prerequisite mind set are spot on. Get yourself a get-home-bag and BE PREPARED!
The books close with a cliffhanger but the episodic storyline is fascinating (apocalyptic with emphasis on preppier mentality) with solid character development. As a former scoutmaster who knows what the scout motto means, I can attest that the information regarding survival and the prerequisite mind set are spot on. Get yourself a get-home-bag and BE PREPARED!
May 12, 2024
This third volume is a continuation of a somewhat interesting (though often over the top) scenario/story, but like the first two volumes this one is also seriously marred by excessive testosterone, misogyny, vicious stereotyping, fatalism, and unnecessarily violent behavior excused by self-interest. Like the other two, this one is also told in a self righteous, self laudatory, ‘everyone’s a dumbshit except me’ tone.
November 30, 2025
The best told stories
The narrative flow is perfect and real enough to give the reader lessons for survival. In the earlier books of the series, we learn of the characters strengths and failings. But now, 3 books into series, it’s hard to keep track of the many family members of the two clans. But there’s more to come and I need to know how the remaining woman of the original tale will find her family.
The narrative flow is perfect and real enough to give the reader lessons for survival. In the earlier books of the series, we learn of the characters strengths and failings. But now, 3 books into series, it’s hard to keep track of the many family members of the two clans. But there’s more to come and I need to know how the remaining woman of the original tale will find her family.
December 25, 2025
Just when I think nothing more horrible can happen to these people, I'm again reminded that people are horrible to each other when they lose their humanity.
When I had children, I prepped to protect them, but now, much older now, I know I would never survive in a world such as this.
It's sad that what Franklin Horton writes is probably even less horrible than what our world would actually become in such a crisis.
When I had children, I prepped to protect them, but now, much older now, I know I would never survive in a world such as this.
It's sad that what Franklin Horton writes is probably even less horrible than what our world would actually become in such a crisis.
July 6, 2017
I was very happy to see this third ( and two more books) out in this series. The writing has really improved and the characters a lot more developed. The issues confronted, even by preppers, when there are no more stores, water department or law enforcement is very sobering. I look forward to continuing this series.
January 21, 2018
Book #3
Picked up where book #2 finished. I am so entwined in their lives. I helped Buddy fight the coyote. I was with Alice in the basement dying of thirst. I could smell the stench of their unwashed body.
Best quote: Just because he’d prepared didn’t mean he really expected or wanted anything like this to happen.
Enjoyed the book big time!
Picked up where book #2 finished. I am so entwined in their lives. I helped Buddy fight the coyote. I was with Alice in the basement dying of thirst. I could smell the stench of their unwashed body.
Best quote: Just because he’d prepared didn’t mean he really expected or wanted anything like this to happen.
Enjoyed the book big time!
November 23, 2019
Great story!
Throughout this book I kept asking myself “ are you prepared to defend what is yours?” And also thinking about what is truly important, my family, not the stuff we have accumulated.
This is an excellent 3rd installment in the series. I love when I read a book, enjoy the story, and think about how to apply it to my life.
Throughout this book I kept asking myself “ are you prepared to defend what is yours?” And also thinking about what is truly important, my family, not the stuff we have accumulated.
This is an excellent 3rd installment in the series. I love when I read a book, enjoy the story, and think about how to apply it to my life.
September 9, 2020
Heart comes in types of packages
We our families have survived many a foe. However, they have lost loved one in some of the most gruesome way. This new world does not give you time to grieve. Continue reading as more trials and tribulations come to light for the surviving family members.
We our families have survived many a foe. However, they have lost loved one in some of the most gruesome way. This new world does not give you time to grieve. Continue reading as more trials and tribulations come to light for the surviving family members.
January 3, 2022
Danger Everywhere
Hope is something that people must have to survive. But it’s not always available when you’re living in the apocalypse. That’s where community comes in to play. Others can help you get past the terror and see the light again. I hope to have such friends in the coming days.
Hope is something that people must have to survive. But it’s not always available when you’re living in the apocalypse. That’s where community comes in to play. Others can help you get past the terror and see the light again. I hope to have such friends in the coming days.
June 2, 2022
Good: The writing style got better. This book focuses m0re on side characters. I liked that some people´s characters seem to evolve and even prepared people can make mistakes and have to react.
Not so good: again a lot of page filling. I didn´t quite buy the story behind Gary´s aggressors.. The people in the valley drive around way too much..
Not so good: again a lot of page filling. I didn´t quite buy the story behind Gary´s aggressors.. The people in the valley drive around way too much..
November 8, 2022
Great series
I liked everything about this book! It was written in such a way that you feel like you know all of the characters and everything that happened both good and bad could have truly happened. It got so intense a few times I actually had to out the book down!! I can't wait to start the next book in the series!!
I liked everything about this book! It was written in such a way that you feel like you know all of the characters and everything that happened both good and bad could have truly happened. It got so intense a few times I actually had to out the book down!! I can't wait to start the next book in the series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews