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Deconstruction #1
Dust to Dust
Previous cover edition of ASIN B01ES0LDYY
"The Earth has had enough of humans, and now it’s fighting back."
Tornadoes in New York. Earthquakes in Florida. Magnetic storms across the globe.
Randall is a wannabe prepper. A few small provisions and not much know-how, make up his bag of tricks. But when his family’s life is cast into a struggle for survival, he’s left with two choices, put up or shut up.
It all starts with a series of torrential storms and a power outage with unknown reach. Randall plays the waiting game, expecting society to quickly pick up the pieces and make everything right. When a quick jaunt to the grocery store turns into a fight for his life, Randall realizes he must take matters into his own hands.
In a world without answers or rules, where the costs of food and water are paid in blood, Randall must make an impossible decision. Does he risk the life of his young family and venture into the remnants of a ruined world or does he stay back and pray that help makes it before society crumbles?
This is the Deconstruction Series
"The Earth has had enough of humans, and now it’s fighting back."
Tornadoes in New York. Earthquakes in Florida. Magnetic storms across the globe.
Randall is a wannabe prepper. A few small provisions and not much know-how, make up his bag of tricks. But when his family’s life is cast into a struggle for survival, he’s left with two choices, put up or shut up.
It all starts with a series of torrential storms and a power outage with unknown reach. Randall plays the waiting game, expecting society to quickly pick up the pieces and make everything right. When a quick jaunt to the grocery store turns into a fight for his life, Randall realizes he must take matters into his own hands.
In a world without answers or rules, where the costs of food and water are paid in blood, Randall must make an impossible decision. Does he risk the life of his young family and venture into the remnants of a ruined world or does he stay back and pray that help makes it before society crumbles?
This is the Deconstruction Series
272 pages, ebook
First published September 24, 2016
About the author
Rashad Freeman
60 books95 followersThe date was October 31, 1979. The air was cool and a light fog blew in from the gulf, cloaking the Tampa area in an ominous, tight-fitting tunic. The annual Halloween festivities had just begun and a night of mischievous tomfoolery was afoot.
Scandalous and nefarious characters took flight. Doorbells were rung and ill-boding tricks were played regardless of the treats given. This was the dark reality of the bustling Florida metropolitan.
To the north, Grateful Dead crooned the night's theme music at the Nassau Coliseum. Within earshot of the concert, witnesses stated a UFO hovered over the grounds for thirty minutes before vanishing.
At the same time the Cromarty's were busy hosting their notorious Halloween party at 112 Ocean Ave., better known as the Amityville Horror House. Screams and cries for help were reported throughout the night, punctuated with the disappearance of the family next door. They were never heard from again.
Unknowingly altering the course of history, Kurt Vonnegut released "Jailbird" the same week KISS gained infamy on The Tomorrow Show. The aftermath of this collision would not be felt for decades until the emergence of Justin Bieber.
After a night filled with mayhem and destruction and the deaths of several prominent entertainers, politicians and a notorious bank robber, the Federal government was forced to loan $1.5 billion dollars to Chrysler. This spurred a series of violent protests, resulting in the Brunah Agate oil spill. Over 10.7 million gallons of oil were dumped into the Galveston Bay. This became the worst oil spill disaster in U.S. history.
A few hours later on November 1, 1979, Rashad Freeman was born. Feel free to draw your own conclusions.
Scandalous and nefarious characters took flight. Doorbells were rung and ill-boding tricks were played regardless of the treats given. This was the dark reality of the bustling Florida metropolitan.
To the north, Grateful Dead crooned the night's theme music at the Nassau Coliseum. Within earshot of the concert, witnesses stated a UFO hovered over the grounds for thirty minutes before vanishing.
At the same time the Cromarty's were busy hosting their notorious Halloween party at 112 Ocean Ave., better known as the Amityville Horror House. Screams and cries for help were reported throughout the night, punctuated with the disappearance of the family next door. They were never heard from again.
Unknowingly altering the course of history, Kurt Vonnegut released "Jailbird" the same week KISS gained infamy on The Tomorrow Show. The aftermath of this collision would not be felt for decades until the emergence of Justin Bieber.
After a night filled with mayhem and destruction and the deaths of several prominent entertainers, politicians and a notorious bank robber, the Federal government was forced to loan $1.5 billion dollars to Chrysler. This spurred a series of violent protests, resulting in the Brunah Agate oil spill. Over 10.7 million gallons of oil were dumped into the Galveston Bay. This became the worst oil spill disaster in U.S. history.
A few hours later on November 1, 1979, Rashad Freeman was born. Feel free to draw your own conclusions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 3, 2019
Never even started this book.
Why?
Well. I've started taking into account what other people want me to read, and so as an effect, it pressures me and when I see a free book, I cannot read it.
Because NO TIME.
Actually if I devoted all my spare time to reading, maybe time, but I don't.
I love reading tho. LOVE.
Who on here doesn't?
I guess there's like that whole "cult." Well, I call it a cult, it's not a spiritual/ religious group though. It's that whole 4th of Goodreads devoted to the chatters. You have the serious readers and the chatters.
Goodreads is there social media. How they text. ;-) ;-)
It's weird.
I don't know if they like to read though, or not.
If you've read this book comment here and say why it why not I should read it. Cause I could just put it on my reading list and then get around to it!!
Soo. Ya.
Why?
Well. I've started taking into account what other people want me to read, and so as an effect, it pressures me and when I see a free book, I cannot read it.
Because NO TIME.
Actually if I devoted all my spare time to reading, maybe time, but I don't.
I love reading tho. LOVE.
Who on here doesn't?
I guess there's like that whole "cult." Well, I call it a cult, it's not a spiritual/ religious group though. It's that whole 4th of Goodreads devoted to the chatters. You have the serious readers and the chatters.
Goodreads is there social media. How they text. ;-) ;-)
It's weird.
I don't know if they like to read though, or not.
If you've read this book comment here and say why it why not I should read it. Cause I could just put it on my reading list and then get around to it!!
Soo. Ya.
March 16, 2017
"It was disturbing how quickly people learned to tolerate, even accept oppression. It's little battles that are lost daily and you never even notice how far you've fallen, until you've lost everything."
"From behind those trees I saw the fall of humanity. I saw the end of the world and felt broken pieces of my own beliefs crumbling to sand. I saw the end of the world and felt broken pieces of my own beliefs crumbling to sand. I saw what we were truly capable of[;] I saw mankind's deconstruction."
Most post-apocalyptic novels follow a familiar formula. They begin pre-collapse with an everyday cast of characters living typical lives. Some sort of calamity occurs that throws the world into ruin and the once-ordinary people morph magically into one of three categories: the impossible, inexplicable hero, the cowering dead weight leech, and the plain vanilla I'm-just-along-for-the-ride followers.
What I enjoyed about Freeman's Dust to Dust was that it bucked that traditional convention by essentially maintaining the normality of his protagonists throughout the novel. While not a traditional prepper’s novel, per se, there is an underlying element of prepper mentality but again viewed through the lens of an average citizen.
The story’s pace was consistent as the protagonists perpetually faced new challenges, dangers, and obstacles along the way. The amount of time spent on each of these instances felt right and served to further the plot rather than detract from the overarching storyline. It’s a great entry point into the realm of apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic fiction and, presumably, Freeman’s other stories of a similar vein.
Overall, the thing the story reminded me most of was the first season and a half of Fear the Walking Dead just without the walkers/zombies. During that run the majority of the time is spent focusing on the main character’s attempts to cope with the rapidly changing world while keeping his family safe and together. In the show, Travis’ reactions are not those of the indomitable hero but rather those of an at-times capable but mostly simply coping individual; Randall reacts in much the same way and to the same ends.
This was a fast, really good read that I would recommend particularly if you’re a fan of Fear the Walking Dead.
"From behind those trees I saw the fall of humanity. I saw the end of the world and felt broken pieces of my own beliefs crumbling to sand. I saw the end of the world and felt broken pieces of my own beliefs crumbling to sand. I saw what we were truly capable of[;] I saw mankind's deconstruction."
Most post-apocalyptic novels follow a familiar formula. They begin pre-collapse with an everyday cast of characters living typical lives. Some sort of calamity occurs that throws the world into ruin and the once-ordinary people morph magically into one of three categories: the impossible, inexplicable hero, the cowering dead weight leech, and the plain vanilla I'm-just-along-for-the-ride followers.
What I enjoyed about Freeman's Dust to Dust was that it bucked that traditional convention by essentially maintaining the normality of his protagonists throughout the novel. While not a traditional prepper’s novel, per se, there is an underlying element of prepper mentality but again viewed through the lens of an average citizen.
The story’s pace was consistent as the protagonists perpetually faced new challenges, dangers, and obstacles along the way. The amount of time spent on each of these instances felt right and served to further the plot rather than detract from the overarching storyline. It’s a great entry point into the realm of apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic fiction and, presumably, Freeman’s other stories of a similar vein.
Overall, the thing the story reminded me most of was the first season and a half of Fear the Walking Dead just without the walkers/zombies. During that run the majority of the time is spent focusing on the main character’s attempts to cope with the rapidly changing world while keeping his family safe and together. In the show, Travis’ reactions are not those of the indomitable hero but rather those of an at-times capable but mostly simply coping individual; Randall reacts in much the same way and to the same ends.
This was a fast, really good read that I would recommend particularly if you’re a fan of Fear the Walking Dead.
March 10, 2017
Randall and his family are at home together when the wild weather begins and try to ride it out. But when the military and other gangs of armed men start coming to the neighbourhood it is time to run-but where is it going to be safe to run to?
Lets start with the good stuff. We meet Randall and his family briefly then get right into the disaster starting. I like to see the start of the events instead of going to it months or years later. The family are concerned by the rain and lightning and soon discover that electrical equipment and cars have ceased to work. I liked the family dynamic and the fact that even the younger kids were well behaved enough to follow instructions in keeping quiet when needed. Alistair was a good character-a sensible boy who pays attention to the world around him and is an asset in the crisis instead of a liabilty. I liked Randall's whole family and Greg. I found the characters to be normal and realistic, acting mostly the way people would with a lack of information.
The first part of the book was concerned with what was happening with the power and the ill fated trip to the grocery store, all of which was nicely written. We then had a bit of confusion for the characters when the military moved in as it wasn't clear who they were. Greg kept calling them a militia and Randall wouldn't trust them so that gives the impression they were might not be legitimate, especially when people from the neighbourhood were vanishing at random. Later we hear that troops had been trying to evacuate the coast because of weather issues coming-so I guess those guys were real military then. Then the really bad guys with guns arrive to raid the area and the family flee to the woods, trying to avoid a rape gang and linking up with Koran. Randall and Greg witness a gang rape and have to face he decision of helping her or running to keep the family safe. I liked this whole part of the book and there was enough happening to keep the plot going. However it was around this point when I got fed up with Randall!
Steve and the other guys at work talk to Randall about the weather and tease him about his bug out bag and the end of the world arriving. Randall admits to being part prepper. What I don't get is that if Randall was scared by something on TV and started a bug out bag, why is he the only person on the street who scoffs at the idea of an EMP causing the power to go out? Surely he would be accepting this BEFORE other random neighbours? And why does he have so few supplies that he has to go out for food so quickly? That seems a little confused. He doesn't seem to have any supplies that can be eaten without cooking it or an alternative cooking source. And if he is thinking about leaving, why is everything not packed ready to go just in case and WHY has he not checked his gun? I wouldn't call this guy much of a prepper at all. But that is the way he is and it was kind of amusing. It didn't make me dislike him.
I liked Randall at the start because he was ordinary-out of shape, no gun knowledge, making some mistakes on prepping, not a great swimmer or sailor, just a family man who wanted to protect them even when it led to bad choices. But by the second half of the book Randall himself is the main problem because he thinks he knows better than all others and if you disagree with him he thinks you are just an idiot. A FEMA worker says it is an EMP but of course Randall knows better than him and thinks he's talking rubbish. As we get further into the book the navy man swims better than Randall so Randall sulks about it. Koran can sail the boat and knows weather, being in the navy, but Randall thinks this storm is bad and Koran must be talking rubbish about being in better conditions than the other side of the island. He is planning to dump Koran's family as soon as he works out how to sail the boat despite Koran saving him from the five men who planned to torture and kill him and his kids and rape his wife. Without Koran he wouldn't even BE on the boat and his family would be dead. He sulks because Koran thinks the trip to the base is a waste of time-it was and it put the women and Alistair in grave danger being left alone! "I guess he forgot this was my show and he didn't have to be here." He really is a whiny, immature and ungrateful man at times!
The other issue for me is that there is way too much going on. I would have prefferred in depth coverage of one natural disaster instead of three at the same time. EMPS, random earthquakes, superstorms, the kidnapping of the President's daughter, military men hunting down Koran, were all a bit much in 177 pages and made for too many sub plots. To be honest the sudden addition of the kidnapping did not fit in the overall plot, wasn't given any depth and explanation, and there just seemed no point to it at all. I just don't get why it was there. It seemed to be to justify Randall's decision that Koran wasn't to be trusted. Maybe it becomes clear in later books.
There were also too many unanswered questions by the end of the book which is so abrupt that it's not really an ending at all. Why did the military try to force random people out of their homes like that instead of ordering a sensible evacuation and telling people about the coming storm surge? If they were only taking people with certain skills why not tell everyone else and give them a chance to save themselves? Why did they leave some behind? Why did Randall, who didn't trust these men, then decide to take the family to the military base for answers? How did the raiders from Randall's group know anything about him or who he had with him when they fled? They were there for supplies so why follow one man for his stuff instead of staying to raid the street? When they caught Randall they seemed to know all about his wife and kids but none of the family went outside when these guys arrived-they were indoors and the gang only saw Greg! Why did Koran kidnap Ashley? How did he do it? Why did nobody recognise Ashley? How did the soldiers know Koran was coming there? What happened to Alistair? What is Mayflower? Gah! To be fair, answers on some of it like Mayflower will come in other books though I'm not sure which other questions get answered. Maybe I'm just over curious and need to chill a bit...
None of this was answered by the end of the book and with book 2, 3 and 4 being different characters it looks like only the Mayflower question might be answered and that just isn't good enough for me as a reader. I want to see a proper ending with questions answered before we run off to totally new characters in the next book. But that's just me!
It might sound like a lot of negatives but there are plenty positives to take from this book as well. The writer can obviously write well and there is no complicated language or complex descriptions, just basic solid storytelling. There is no waffle, he just gets straight to the point and starts the disaster plot which is a good thing as I hate longwinded and slow starts. It is a decent book to read in spite of a few issues I had with plot and character, and at no point was I going to DNF as I did want to see what happened. His characters other than the MC were good. There was plenty of action in the book and there were only a few minor spelling and punctuation issues. There was a good basis to a story but for me it just got too involved in side plots that detracted from the main story. People with more patience over Randall's character will probably enjoy the book.
I wouldn't be reading on with the series personally but others might well enjoy it.
Lets start with the good stuff. We meet Randall and his family briefly then get right into the disaster starting. I like to see the start of the events instead of going to it months or years later. The family are concerned by the rain and lightning and soon discover that electrical equipment and cars have ceased to work. I liked the family dynamic and the fact that even the younger kids were well behaved enough to follow instructions in keeping quiet when needed. Alistair was a good character-a sensible boy who pays attention to the world around him and is an asset in the crisis instead of a liabilty. I liked Randall's whole family and Greg. I found the characters to be normal and realistic, acting mostly the way people would with a lack of information.
The first part of the book was concerned with what was happening with the power and the ill fated trip to the grocery store, all of which was nicely written. We then had a bit of confusion for the characters when the military moved in as it wasn't clear who they were. Greg kept calling them a militia and Randall wouldn't trust them so that gives the impression they were might not be legitimate, especially when people from the neighbourhood were vanishing at random. Later we hear that troops had been trying to evacuate the coast because of weather issues coming-so I guess those guys were real military then. Then the really bad guys with guns arrive to raid the area and the family flee to the woods, trying to avoid a rape gang and linking up with Koran. Randall and Greg witness a gang rape and have to face he decision of helping her or running to keep the family safe. I liked this whole part of the book and there was enough happening to keep the plot going. However it was around this point when I got fed up with Randall!
Steve and the other guys at work talk to Randall about the weather and tease him about his bug out bag and the end of the world arriving. Randall admits to being part prepper. What I don't get is that if Randall was scared by something on TV and started a bug out bag, why is he the only person on the street who scoffs at the idea of an EMP causing the power to go out? Surely he would be accepting this BEFORE other random neighbours? And why does he have so few supplies that he has to go out for food so quickly? That seems a little confused. He doesn't seem to have any supplies that can be eaten without cooking it or an alternative cooking source. And if he is thinking about leaving, why is everything not packed ready to go just in case and WHY has he not checked his gun? I wouldn't call this guy much of a prepper at all. But that is the way he is and it was kind of amusing. It didn't make me dislike him.
I liked Randall at the start because he was ordinary-out of shape, no gun knowledge, making some mistakes on prepping, not a great swimmer or sailor, just a family man who wanted to protect them even when it led to bad choices. But by the second half of the book Randall himself is the main problem because he thinks he knows better than all others and if you disagree with him he thinks you are just an idiot. A FEMA worker says it is an EMP but of course Randall knows better than him and thinks he's talking rubbish. As we get further into the book the navy man swims better than Randall so Randall sulks about it. Koran can sail the boat and knows weather, being in the navy, but Randall thinks this storm is bad and Koran must be talking rubbish about being in better conditions than the other side of the island. He is planning to dump Koran's family as soon as he works out how to sail the boat despite Koran saving him from the five men who planned to torture and kill him and his kids and rape his wife. Without Koran he wouldn't even BE on the boat and his family would be dead. He sulks because Koran thinks the trip to the base is a waste of time-it was and it put the women and Alistair in grave danger being left alone! "I guess he forgot this was my show and he didn't have to be here." He really is a whiny, immature and ungrateful man at times!
The other issue for me is that there is way too much going on. I would have prefferred in depth coverage of one natural disaster instead of three at the same time. EMPS, random earthquakes, superstorms, the kidnapping of the President's daughter, military men hunting down Koran, were all a bit much in 177 pages and made for too many sub plots. To be honest the sudden addition of the kidnapping did not fit in the overall plot, wasn't given any depth and explanation, and there just seemed no point to it at all. I just don't get why it was there. It seemed to be to justify Randall's decision that Koran wasn't to be trusted. Maybe it becomes clear in later books.
There were also too many unanswered questions by the end of the book which is so abrupt that it's not really an ending at all. Why did the military try to force random people out of their homes like that instead of ordering a sensible evacuation and telling people about the coming storm surge? If they were only taking people with certain skills why not tell everyone else and give them a chance to save themselves? Why did they leave some behind? Why did Randall, who didn't trust these men, then decide to take the family to the military base for answers? How did the raiders from Randall's group know anything about him or who he had with him when they fled? They were there for supplies so why follow one man for his stuff instead of staying to raid the street? When they caught Randall they seemed to know all about his wife and kids but none of the family went outside when these guys arrived-they were indoors and the gang only saw Greg! Why did Koran kidnap Ashley? How did he do it? Why did nobody recognise Ashley? How did the soldiers know Koran was coming there? What happened to Alistair? What is Mayflower? Gah! To be fair, answers on some of it like Mayflower will come in other books though I'm not sure which other questions get answered. Maybe I'm just over curious and need to chill a bit...
None of this was answered by the end of the book and with book 2, 3 and 4 being different characters it looks like only the Mayflower question might be answered and that just isn't good enough for me as a reader. I want to see a proper ending with questions answered before we run off to totally new characters in the next book. But that's just me!
It might sound like a lot of negatives but there are plenty positives to take from this book as well. The writer can obviously write well and there is no complicated language or complex descriptions, just basic solid storytelling. There is no waffle, he just gets straight to the point and starts the disaster plot which is a good thing as I hate longwinded and slow starts. It is a decent book to read in spite of a few issues I had with plot and character, and at no point was I going to DNF as I did want to see what happened. His characters other than the MC were good. There was plenty of action in the book and there were only a few minor spelling and punctuation issues. There was a good basis to a story but for me it just got too involved in side plots that detracted from the main story. People with more patience over Randall's character will probably enjoy the book.
I wouldn't be reading on with the series personally but others might well enjoy it.
June 15, 2019
Good story BADLY in need of a proofreader
e.g. clamoured is not at all the same as clambered
e.g. clamoured is not at all the same as clambered
November 12, 2016
50 Shades of Awesomeness!
"Maybe it's always the end of the world."
Four different stories, one terrible event...this is Deconstruction.
In the blink of an eye, Randall and his family are ripped from their life in the suburbs and cast into a struggle for survival. A series of torrential storms turn the roads into rivers and tears apart the power grid. Unexplainable earthquakes decimate the city, cutting them off from whatever civilization remains. And that's just the beginning....
Their isolated neighborhood can only protect them for so long. As society spirals into the depths, the worst of mankind lurch out of the darkness, to take what they can.
In a world without answers or rules, where the costs of food and water are paid in blood, Randall must make an impossible decision. Does he risk the life of his young family and venture into the remnants of a ruined world or does he stay back and pray that help makes it before the gates fall?
What a truly gritty, and hilariously funny novel! I couldn't imagine having my family pushed into what ever this new world is or has become and not having a shred of hope as to how to get out of it. I am a huge Ryan Casey and Bobby Adair fan and even without the zombies this novel was exciting. I'm eager to find out what the next book is all about!
"Maybe it's always the end of the world."
Four different stories, one terrible event...this is Deconstruction.
In the blink of an eye, Randall and his family are ripped from their life in the suburbs and cast into a struggle for survival. A series of torrential storms turn the roads into rivers and tears apart the power grid. Unexplainable earthquakes decimate the city, cutting them off from whatever civilization remains. And that's just the beginning....
Their isolated neighborhood can only protect them for so long. As society spirals into the depths, the worst of mankind lurch out of the darkness, to take what they can.
In a world without answers or rules, where the costs of food and water are paid in blood, Randall must make an impossible decision. Does he risk the life of his young family and venture into the remnants of a ruined world or does he stay back and pray that help makes it before the gates fall?
What a truly gritty, and hilariously funny novel! I couldn't imagine having my family pushed into what ever this new world is or has become and not having a shred of hope as to how to get out of it. I am a huge Ryan Casey and Bobby Adair fan and even without the zombies this novel was exciting. I'm eager to find out what the next book is all about!
January 5, 2018
This started out OK. I kind of liked that Randall, while thinking he had some preparation, was not prepared at all (which I think would be a reality for a lot of people). He eventually became a little erratic and quite annoying as well as inept. This ended up being an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink apocalypse-unusually bad storms, an EMP, some possible artificial cause, earthquakes, Florida going to become submerged. On top of that, odd military behavior in spiriting off some folks and leaving others to die, the kidnapping of the President's daughter (really?), Koran who is at times a crack military fighter and other times "doh" and some special, secret safe haven. It was just too convoluted. I managed to finish it but doubt that I will continue.
November 14, 2017
A typical day in the life of a family of five who lives in a gated community by the ocean far from near dwellers turns sour when something happens. From then on, their electronic connection to the world dissipates and in a short span of time, what once was becomes a distant memory of what was now their new reality.
Most of us, me excluded, have become too comfortable since our progression from the hunter and gatherer lifestyle. With that said, I think everyone could benefit from taking a survival class and while you’re at it, put together an “In case, bag,” you know, in case something happens! We’re too comfortable, have adapted to every new technology, and incorporated them into our everyday life.
Now that they’ve become a staple in our lives, what do we do the moment all of those luxuries fade away? We fall apart, myself included. I can live without power and just about every other device except for—dare I say, having access to a computer and the almighty Wi-Fi.
Simply put, I would—Lose. It! Although, I must admit that after my Wi-Fi meltdown, I would be fine. I am a former Girl Scout, for Pete’s sake, I got this! I have gone camping before and took part in the 4-H program, but more importantly, I survived Hurricane Hugo.
During that taxing time, like Randall and his family, doing things bushman style felt like learning to do an old task in a new way. We lived without power and many other things that we didn't realize that we took for granted until they became useless. Like them, we acclimated to our new circumstance, but I never quite got accustomed to seeing the blue tarp when I looked up at what was once our ceiling. It was the only thing shielding us from the elements, but the worst part was that the security of having a door after the hurricane meant nothing now that all the windows were broken. Afterward, those windows had become an easy entryway for anyone who meant us harm to come in.
So, I related to this story in a way that deeply affected me. For instance, one day on my way home, I removed my Kindle from my purse and began to read Dust to Dust in order to escape my surroundings, which at that time was a train filled with strangers.
Unexpectedly, the hour commute home detoured to Florida. The author, Rashad Freeman successfully reeled me in so much that not even loud conversations or the timely announcements over the intercom announcing the next stop distracted me. Then something happened. Halfway through the ride and after reading five chapters, I had to fight the urge to not ugly cry on the train.
Honestly, even if a reader hadn’t experienced what I have, Dust to Dust would affect them deeply too. I laughed, I nodded in agreement, and I fought back tears in a sea of strangers and as the story progressed, I became numb as most would if they encountered what Randall and his family did. That’s how you know when it’s a good book. It makes you feel things.
I’d say that makes it worth the time spent reading it, especially if you enjoy dystopian, mystery, and/or thrillers. It will tide you over until you find your next book.
Most of us, me excluded, have become too comfortable since our progression from the hunter and gatherer lifestyle. With that said, I think everyone could benefit from taking a survival class and while you’re at it, put together an “In case, bag,” you know, in case something happens! We’re too comfortable, have adapted to every new technology, and incorporated them into our everyday life.
Now that they’ve become a staple in our lives, what do we do the moment all of those luxuries fade away? We fall apart, myself included. I can live without power and just about every other device except for—dare I say, having access to a computer and the almighty Wi-Fi.
Simply put, I would—Lose. It! Although, I must admit that after my Wi-Fi meltdown, I would be fine. I am a former Girl Scout, for Pete’s sake, I got this! I have gone camping before and took part in the 4-H program, but more importantly, I survived Hurricane Hugo.
During that taxing time, like Randall and his family, doing things bushman style felt like learning to do an old task in a new way. We lived without power and many other things that we didn't realize that we took for granted until they became useless. Like them, we acclimated to our new circumstance, but I never quite got accustomed to seeing the blue tarp when I looked up at what was once our ceiling. It was the only thing shielding us from the elements, but the worst part was that the security of having a door after the hurricane meant nothing now that all the windows were broken. Afterward, those windows had become an easy entryway for anyone who meant us harm to come in.
So, I related to this story in a way that deeply affected me. For instance, one day on my way home, I removed my Kindle from my purse and began to read Dust to Dust in order to escape my surroundings, which at that time was a train filled with strangers.
Unexpectedly, the hour commute home detoured to Florida. The author, Rashad Freeman successfully reeled me in so much that not even loud conversations or the timely announcements over the intercom announcing the next stop distracted me. Then something happened. Halfway through the ride and after reading five chapters, I had to fight the urge to not ugly cry on the train.
Honestly, even if a reader hadn’t experienced what I have, Dust to Dust would affect them deeply too. I laughed, I nodded in agreement, and I fought back tears in a sea of strangers and as the story progressed, I became numb as most would if they encountered what Randall and his family did. That’s how you know when it’s a good book. It makes you feel things.
I’d say that makes it worth the time spent reading it, especially if you enjoy dystopian, mystery, and/or thrillers. It will tide you over until you find your next book.
February 3, 2019
Gripping and realistic “Dust to Dust” opens in Florida where Randal, his family and neighbourhood are suddenly faced with extreme storms, no running water, and a power outage. With few supplies, Randall quickly learns that his world has changed when he and a neighbour visit a local grocery store only to fight for their lives when they’re challenged by looters/bullies.
Only with the arrival of the military with their guns and tanks at their gated community does he and his family begin to breathe easier with the promise of order and peace only to become anxious when oppression follows. But the nightmare has only just begun when the military leaves and Randall, and his family are forced to run as a gang storms the community bringing fear and death.
Fast-paced and action-packed the story heats up as society crumbles and their survival depends on reaching a Navy base before they’re captured and killed by raiders who have lost any sense of morality. Intensity and suspense escalate after Randall and his family joining forces with the enigmatic Koran, his wife and the kidnapped daughter of the President race to find a way across the bay to a nearby Navy base struggling with hard choices, chased by a gang of rapists and facing an earthquake and storm. With twists that result in unanswered questions like the kidnapping of the President’s daughter, “Mayflower” and Koran’s part in what seems like a conspiracy, the plot progresses quickly and smoothly towards an exciting confrontation and a second book.
Adding to the well-written, straightforward and flowing plot are a host of compelling and complex characters like Randall, an IT Risk Manager and wannabe prepper who’s protective of his young family, resourceful, but inept at surviving without the help Koran. Sixteen-year-old Alastair is his eldest son, an old soul with a sense of humor who develops into a dependable and determined young man as the plot advances while Koran is the tough and uncompromising ex-Navy Colonel gifted with skills that can save their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed the post-apocalyptic survival thriller “Dust to Dust” and expect it will get better with every new book in the series.
Only with the arrival of the military with their guns and tanks at their gated community does he and his family begin to breathe easier with the promise of order and peace only to become anxious when oppression follows. But the nightmare has only just begun when the military leaves and Randall, and his family are forced to run as a gang storms the community bringing fear and death.
Fast-paced and action-packed the story heats up as society crumbles and their survival depends on reaching a Navy base before they’re captured and killed by raiders who have lost any sense of morality. Intensity and suspense escalate after Randall and his family joining forces with the enigmatic Koran, his wife and the kidnapped daughter of the President race to find a way across the bay to a nearby Navy base struggling with hard choices, chased by a gang of rapists and facing an earthquake and storm. With twists that result in unanswered questions like the kidnapping of the President’s daughter, “Mayflower” and Koran’s part in what seems like a conspiracy, the plot progresses quickly and smoothly towards an exciting confrontation and a second book.
Adding to the well-written, straightforward and flowing plot are a host of compelling and complex characters like Randall, an IT Risk Manager and wannabe prepper who’s protective of his young family, resourceful, but inept at surviving without the help Koran. Sixteen-year-old Alastair is his eldest son, an old soul with a sense of humor who develops into a dependable and determined young man as the plot advances while Koran is the tough and uncompromising ex-Navy Colonel gifted with skills that can save their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed the post-apocalyptic survival thriller “Dust to Dust” and expect it will get better with every new book in the series.
June 3, 2024
As a native Floridan I was excited to read this "what if" book about good old Florida but was shortly disappointed. At first the book was mediocre at most; it felt a little too dry and monotone. Everyone seems to be cookie cut and the same person in different fonts. Interactions with the characters felt forced and awkward also slight rant the jokes about men writing female characters is VERY painfully obvious in this book because all the women in this book seem to be this big eye, helpless creatures who need a strong man to protect them best described by the main character Randall on page 111 "And where are the men that were supposed to protect her?". Around page 140 or so that's when it really became painful to read as it felt emotionless and an empty shell, so I had to stop reading at chapter 18, I've never stopped reading a book even if I thought it was God awful, but this book was exception. It has the framework for a good plot, but it was not executed properly sadly, so I do not plan on picking this book up and keep reading from where I left off or any of the series (yes, this book is first of a 6-part series including a prequel series) looking at the author's other books rating this book is just maybe the bad egg of the group and he is a good writer who just needed a proofreader for this book and maybe an editor just for an extra safety net. But there's a reason why this book isn't a New York best seller and ever reader and non-reader know that award is slapped on every book but this one.
December 6, 2019
The End of Civilization With Koran and Randall. 4.6*****Spoiler Alert
As Randall and his family survived the EM Pulse that fried all electronic circuits in FL, the constraints placed on society, quickly frayed and lawlessness ran rampant. Man's inhumanity to man, like in Wiesel' s 'Night', showed its crooked fingers and its themes of 'inaction/consequences' came to fruition throughout the novel as Randall and Greg did nothing to stop the savage rape and murder of the woman on the FL highway by those three sociopaths. The trip to the base, the fiery apocalyptic destruction, the rescue of Ashley and Randall' s family, and the finally rescue to search for Mayflower made this novel gravity defying to its very end.
Great plot, but the female characters needed 'cojones', and the characters needed to be more complex instead of reactionary. Overall the plot held the reader's attention. Can't wait to read more about 'Mayflower' and Freeman' s 'End of Times'! A MUST-READ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2019
2.5-3. This is a quick and easy read. Started out pretty good but then the last half was rushed. Some spelling/typos present. Too much was happening, at times all at the same time. Everything happens, earthquakes, EMP, ground splitting open and fires raging, rapes, storms, kidnapping of a very high profile person (I cant even begin to think how that came together). They would get over one situation just to have 3 more things happen right after. Like I mentioned it felt really rushed the last half and then the story just ended. No, not a cliffhanger, like it just stops. I would have liked to see more character and story development. The premises is good, different, but believable. Kinda "Threat Level Midnight"-ish, which isn't necessarily bad thing! I may look into the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2020
This was recommended to me by Amazon based on my purchases, seems like their algorithm knows what it's doing :)
Fairly well written, interesting protagonist who changes throughout the book as the world around him is changing. Story is a standard apocalypse one so far however it is trying to come across as realistic. I didn't like a few parts of the novel as they seemed a little over the top and not adding much to the overall narrative. There are six books in the series and I assumed that we would be continuing on with Randall in book two however the start of the second book has a new protagonist, hope we get to hear from him again at some point as there was a decent twist towards the end!
Fairly well written, interesting protagonist who changes throughout the book as the world around him is changing. Story is a standard apocalypse one so far however it is trying to come across as realistic. I didn't like a few parts of the novel as they seemed a little over the top and not adding much to the overall narrative. There are six books in the series and I assumed that we would be continuing on with Randall in book two however the start of the second book has a new protagonist, hope we get to hear from him again at some point as there was a decent twist towards the end!
July 1, 2018
Randall and his family live in Florida. There's an earthquake and a really bad storm and from there in it's all downhill for them. An EMP from the storm has knocked out all power and rendered their cars useless. A military patrol proves of little help and a group of armed thugs proved a major danger.
On the run with the others he encounters rapists assaulting any woman they can, more thugs shooting at him, a mysterious guy that might be a friend but could also be a foe, a fight between two boats, a semi-abandoned military base, deaths among those fleeing and finally something called the Mayflower Project.
Very active, very dark and well-done story.
On the run with the others he encounters rapists assaulting any woman they can, more thugs shooting at him, a mysterious guy that might be a friend but could also be a foe, a fight between two boats, a semi-abandoned military base, deaths among those fleeing and finally something called the Mayflower Project.
Very active, very dark and well-done story.
October 2, 2018
Yikes!
Liberals have no business writing apocalypse books.....especially if guns are in the midst. But hey I needed a good laugh.
Classic quotes:
"What the hell is wrong with you?" "People..." he heaved a heavy sigh as he tried to catch his breath. "Guns, they...got... guns."
From what I could tell she was probably in her early thirties and had kept herself in good shape...up until now.
I stared back at him and wondered if my pistol was even loaded. Stupid mistakes were gonna be the death of me and the fact that I sucked at operating a firearm was at the top of the list.
Liberals have no business writing apocalypse books.....especially if guns are in the midst. But hey I needed a good laugh.
Classic quotes:
"What the hell is wrong with you?" "People..." he heaved a heavy sigh as he tried to catch his breath. "Guns, they...got... guns."
From what I could tell she was probably in her early thirties and had kept herself in good shape...up until now.
I stared back at him and wondered if my pistol was even loaded. Stupid mistakes were gonna be the death of me and the fact that I sucked at operating a firearm was at the top of the list.
July 12, 2017
Absolutely fantastic
Rashad Freeman writes my kind of post apocalyptic story. Like me he's clearly not deluded in thinking an apocalyptic event will unite everyone in a fuzzy way. Maybe that happened in the great depression, but people are greedier, selfish, and too reliant on others in this day and age. Don't expect a heart warming tale here. It's gritty, violent, and frantic. This is an ordinary man, and his family. The confusion, and terror makes characters that are relatable, facing no easy solutions.
Rashad Freeman writes my kind of post apocalyptic story. Like me he's clearly not deluded in thinking an apocalyptic event will unite everyone in a fuzzy way. Maybe that happened in the great depression, but people are greedier, selfish, and too reliant on others in this day and age. Don't expect a heart warming tale here. It's gritty, violent, and frantic. This is an ordinary man, and his family. The confusion, and terror makes characters that are relatable, facing no easy solutions.
October 10, 2017
Waste of print
I read many survival stories and this is the worst. The scenarios are half baked. The characters are never did developed and I stopped half way through as the alleged hero is a complete useless person. If average people are this stupid, not many would survive. Two people die for no reason the first day and the family can't figure out an EMP but have go bags with mre meals. This book is awful!
I read many survival stories and this is the worst. The scenarios are half baked. The characters are never did developed and I stopped half way through as the alleged hero is a complete useless person. If average people are this stupid, not many would survive. Two people die for no reason the first day and the family can't figure out an EMP but have go bags with mre meals. This book is awful!
October 13, 2018
A "one more chapter" book.
The first couple of chapters were not very exciting and I almost stopped reading. But....in just a few more chapters, I was hooked. I just kept saying to myself...one more chapter...until it was 2 in the morning and I'd read the same page 5 times. I still don't know what exactly is going on, but I can tell you that this is not your everyday apocalypse story. I'm immediately getting book 2.
The first couple of chapters were not very exciting and I almost stopped reading. But....in just a few more chapters, I was hooked. I just kept saying to myself...one more chapter...until it was 2 in the morning and I'd read the same page 5 times. I still don't know what exactly is going on, but I can tell you that this is not your everyday apocalypse story. I'm immediately getting book 2.
October 17, 2018
Closer than you think
Rashad Freeman's "Dust to Dust is a nightmare come true, for the stars of this story. Filled with breath catching moments and some breath holding moments. This book will keep your attention from start to finish. Initially I did not think this was something I would like to read but I have to say, once I started reading, I could not put it down. I have already ordered the 2nd book!!
Rashad Freeman's "Dust to Dust is a nightmare come true, for the stars of this story. Filled with breath catching moments and some breath holding moments. This book will keep your attention from start to finish. Initially I did not think this was something I would like to read but I have to say, once I started reading, I could not put it down. I have already ordered the 2nd book!!
January 31, 2019
An RF. PAT. - DBO. - 1/An EMP/Earthquakes in Florida/Fight for Life/Escape
RF. has. penned a post apocalyptic novel about climate change and so when time has run out. Mother Nature attacks the human beings. There is death, destruction, mayhem and murder, the military and rescue. This is the first novel if five in the series. If the other four are as good as this one it will be a nice find. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
RF. has. penned a post apocalyptic novel about climate change and so when time has run out. Mother Nature attacks the human beings. There is death, destruction, mayhem and murder, the military and rescue. This is the first novel if five in the series. If the other four are as good as this one it will be a nice find. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
November 14, 2019
A real page turner!
I liked the book and the characters. I am not sure the term " post - apocalyptic " is the correct one for this book as the apocalypse is continuing off and on throughout the book. Survival is the goal though and if seems as though each page is filled with danger and fear. The emotions and actions of the characters in the book were realistic and believable in as far as humanity behaves in a crisis.
I liked the book and the characters. I am not sure the term " post - apocalyptic " is the correct one for this book as the apocalypse is continuing off and on throughout the book. Survival is the goal though and if seems as though each page is filled with danger and fear. The emotions and actions of the characters in the book were realistic and believable in as far as humanity behaves in a crisis.
April 13, 2020
Great introduction, had me hooked. The middle was good but when they got to their destination information about what was going on should of been given. From there the book just lost it and disintegrated into an absolutely shockingly written book. I gave it two as the idea and introduction was good and could of been a really amazing series but I don't know what happened to the author three quarters of the way through they just rushed the story and abruptly finished the book.
May 25, 2020
This book was a bit overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. This book has every apocalyptic event that can happen, all that was missing was zombies. I was not really able to connect to any of the characters, the only one I kinda got a connection to was Alistar (sp), I needed a bit more from the characters. The book was very fast paced, with a lot of action but most of the time our main character survived out of pure luck, which I mean one time is good but all the time. There are a lot of unanswered questions that would have made me like the book more, had they been addressed. It is an ok read. Maybe the next part in the series answered the questions.
October 14, 2018
Over the top violence for what I usually want to read and needs some serious spell check and editing (there, their; and hitting the “floor” when falling down in the woods?). Typical narrow escapes and unlikely events. And still just enough plot to keep me reading. Perhaps I will look for book 2 of this series.
December 19, 2018
No idea how Randall managed to operate and live thru an average day. His preparation, luck, skills, etc all seem to not exist. I found it hard to follow the story in a few spots and had to re-read or go back and figure out what was happening. At times, the story was detailed and gave some insight and then was simply open and ambiguous. A bit more polish on the story and how the parts relate would up my review to a 3.
February 3, 2020
O.M.G. it only took, what? 2-3 days for people to go wild and evil. I can't credit that, I think we would last at least 2 weeks before becoming savages. Anyway, the characters were involving, there were plot twists aplenty, and it was over before I knew it, asking me to dive into the next in the series. But, don't think I will.
May 12, 2020
This was an interesting book from the perspective of a wimpy cowardly mc. I enjoyed the beginning of the book before it delved into a completely unrealistic rampage of every single person is a bad guy.
I won't be continuing the series because it looks like it is also going into more of a military plot, but the writing is good. So, overall 3 stars.
I won't be continuing the series because it looks like it is also going into more of a military plot, but the writing is good. So, overall 3 stars.
March 20, 2021
Wait! What? There's More Books?
This was a fun read. Took a little bit to get going, but once it launched, it flew! Good character development. Plot moved along. Action was believable. How good was the story ... well, I ordered the next book in the series. Let's see where Randall and Koran go next.
This was a fun read. Took a little bit to get going, but once it launched, it flew! Good character development. Plot moved along. Action was believable. How good was the story ... well, I ordered the next book in the series. Let's see where Randall and Koran go next.
April 18, 2021
End of times
This book is a whirlwind of activity, as are all post-apocalyptic books; however this one is different in that the characters are in a different situation of having more necessities initially and their hopes for survival seem possible. You are left wanting to know more, so the series promises to be a good one.
This book is a whirlwind of activity, as are all post-apocalyptic books; however this one is different in that the characters are in a different situation of having more necessities initially and their hopes for survival seem possible. You are left wanting to know more, so the series promises to be a good one.
March 7, 2023
🫣
Book was no bad.
Felt like the main character for himself into some pretty stupid situations that had catastrophic consequences for other people. I mean it was an apocalypse so maybe this first book was just a meaning experience for the main character? 🤔
I do have the second book so will see how it goes.
Book was no bad.
Felt like the main character for himself into some pretty stupid situations that had catastrophic consequences for other people. I mean it was an apocalypse so maybe this first book was just a meaning experience for the main character? 🤔
I do have the second book so will see how it goes.
October 9, 2017
This is an apocalypse book. The story takes place in
Florida, where there are hurricanes, earthquakes,
looting, raping, killing for food, etc. It is not fun
to read - at least not for me. The hurricanes now
are too real.
It's a short book and reads quickly, but I don't
recommend it.
Florida, where there are hurricanes, earthquakes,
looting, raping, killing for food, etc. It is not fun
to read - at least not for me. The hurricanes now
are too real.
It's a short book and reads quickly, but I don't
recommend it.
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