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Best Laid Plans #5
Determination
The people of Aspen Hill have been forced to flee into the mountains. They've left their town to be occupied by the Gold Bloc forces, who've come to surround the remnants of the US military holed up in the Utah Rockies and end the war once and for all. Lewis Halsson leads the town's defenders as they struggle to keep the enemy from following them to their mountain refuge. And, if he can manage it, he aims to bring the war to those who've threatened his loved ones and stolen his home, in any way he can.
Trevor Smith and Matt Larson lead the volunteers sent down to fight alongside Sergeant Ethan Davis along Highway 31. Not so far from their loved ones back home, but an impossible distance to cover as they brace for the attacks heading their way.
The Gold Bloc forces have already shown they are without mercy, killing or capturing any US citizen they find. The US military, the people of Aspen Hill, and all the civilians who've gathered in the mountains for protection have nowhere left to run. They must hold their ground here and win, or fail and watch their country be taken by the enemy, with a horrible fate awaiting any who survive the fighting.
They must win.
Trevor Smith and Matt Larson lead the volunteers sent down to fight alongside Sergeant Ethan Davis along Highway 31. Not so far from their loved ones back home, but an impossible distance to cover as they brace for the attacks heading their way.
The Gold Bloc forces have already shown they are without mercy, killing or capturing any US citizen they find. The US military, the people of Aspen Hill, and all the civilians who've gathered in the mountains for protection have nowhere left to run. They must hold their ground here and win, or fail and watch their country be taken by the enemy, with a horrible fate awaiting any who survive the fighting.
They must win.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2016
77 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Jones
31 books31 followersMy name is Nathan Jones. I write mainly in the post-apocalyptic and science fiction genres. My most recently completed project is The Challenge, first book of the post-apocalyptic No More Content series, a collaboration with my brother Seth Jones. My next project is Mythas, first book of the fantasy adventure series Band of Outcasts.
I've been a longtime reader of post-apocalyptic fiction, and like to explore various scenarios in which disasters could occur. One interest has been observing just how fragile our modern life is, and how little it would take to send us back to a low tech existence that people in general no longer possess the knowledge or skills to survive in. That interest inspired me to write and publish my completed post-apocalyptic series Best Laid Plans, comprising the five books Fuel, Shortage, Invasion, Reclamation, and Determination, and to build on that story with the completed Nuclear Winter series, which begins shortly after Best Laid Plans ends and includes the four books First Winter, First Spring, Chain Breakers, and Going Home, as well as the standalone novel Fallen City.
Outside the Best Laid Plans world I've written the completed post-apocalyptic Mountain Man series, with the novels Badlands, Homecoming, Homeland, Mountain War, Final Stand, and Lone Valley. I also have the completed post-apocalyptic Isolation series with Shut In, Going Out, Starting Anew, and Holding On. My current post-apocalyptic series is No More Content, with the recently released first book The Challenge.
I've also been a longtime reader of Science Fiction and Fantasy, with an equally deep love of those two genres. This has inspired multiple projects, the most recently completed being my science fiction novel Caretakers, Book Two of the Stag Privateers series, sequel to Last Stand. My other science fiction story is Boralene, Book One of the Stellar Merger series.
The stories I've written in the Young Adult Fantasy genre have now been moved over from another pen name to be available alongside my other books. These books include the completed The Watchers trilogy with Undying Heights, Ithel's Library, and Deep Dwelling, the completed The Protectorate series with Corsairs, Revenants, Invaders, and Shipwrights, and the standalone children's fairy tale Firefly Girl.
I've been a longtime reader of post-apocalyptic fiction, and like to explore various scenarios in which disasters could occur. One interest has been observing just how fragile our modern life is, and how little it would take to send us back to a low tech existence that people in general no longer possess the knowledge or skills to survive in. That interest inspired me to write and publish my completed post-apocalyptic series Best Laid Plans, comprising the five books Fuel, Shortage, Invasion, Reclamation, and Determination, and to build on that story with the completed Nuclear Winter series, which begins shortly after Best Laid Plans ends and includes the four books First Winter, First Spring, Chain Breakers, and Going Home, as well as the standalone novel Fallen City.
Outside the Best Laid Plans world I've written the completed post-apocalyptic Mountain Man series, with the novels Badlands, Homecoming, Homeland, Mountain War, Final Stand, and Lone Valley. I also have the completed post-apocalyptic Isolation series with Shut In, Going Out, Starting Anew, and Holding On. My current post-apocalyptic series is No More Content, with the recently released first book The Challenge.
I've also been a longtime reader of Science Fiction and Fantasy, with an equally deep love of those two genres. This has inspired multiple projects, the most recently completed being my science fiction novel Caretakers, Book Two of the Stag Privateers series, sequel to Last Stand. My other science fiction story is Boralene, Book One of the Stellar Merger series.
The stories I've written in the Young Adult Fantasy genre have now been moved over from another pen name to be available alongside my other books. These books include the completed The Watchers trilogy with Undying Heights, Ithel's Library, and Deep Dwelling, the completed The Protectorate series with Corsairs, Revenants, Invaders, and Shipwrights, and the standalone children's fairy tale Firefly Girl.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 20, 2018
Being prepared
After reading this series I can now honestly say wow! It is a great eye-opener, as someone who reads a great deal about the apocalyptic type of Scenarios. This one was a refreshing change from the EMP, viruses and financial collapse as well as the Disasters from nature, man and the heavens. There is an uncountable amount of ways and unimaginable that could take place to end our way of life as we know it. not all of them will be world chaos or even disasters that affect anyone else but ourselves. And we can only pray that we have been blessed to be prepared with the tools and preparations surrounded by friends, neighbors and even a pet, that will be by your side holding steadfast throughout it all, that will protect you all the while crawling into the trenches with you. Like the community of “Aspen Hills” that even with the love & hate that is present in normal situations when SHTF you either come together or you find yourself alone fighting for the very survival. This series showed all of it, those who were prepared, those that had determination to do what needed to be done, to make it through all the while trying not to cause extra pain for others. The fighting with the enemy including the ones within. Great series really got me thinking as you can see. I do apologize for talking your eyes off, but I just wanted to share with this series did and does.
After reading this series I can now honestly say wow! It is a great eye-opener, as someone who reads a great deal about the apocalyptic type of Scenarios. This one was a refreshing change from the EMP, viruses and financial collapse as well as the Disasters from nature, man and the heavens. There is an uncountable amount of ways and unimaginable that could take place to end our way of life as we know it. not all of them will be world chaos or even disasters that affect anyone else but ourselves. And we can only pray that we have been blessed to be prepared with the tools and preparations surrounded by friends, neighbors and even a pet, that will be by your side holding steadfast throughout it all, that will protect you all the while crawling into the trenches with you. Like the community of “Aspen Hills” that even with the love & hate that is present in normal situations when SHTF you either come together or you find yourself alone fighting for the very survival. This series showed all of it, those who were prepared, those that had determination to do what needed to be done, to make it through all the while trying not to cause extra pain for others. The fighting with the enemy including the ones within. Great series really got me thinking as you can see. I do apologize for talking your eyes off, but I just wanted to share with this series did and does.
December 16, 2018
WW lll
I loved the series but just got tired of reading about never ending battles. Most of this last book is one battle after another. It’s realistic but maybe too much. I was amazed we had a chance against such overwhelming numbers but then being a student of history I saw the parallel between this war and the Revolutionary War. Even to having Canada take on the role of France although to a lesser degree than the French did back in the 1770’s. So a ragtag army with few supplies or men could defeat the most powerful nation on Earth in 1776 so why not again in the future? Now on to reading everything this author has written.
I loved the series but just got tired of reading about never ending battles. Most of this last book is one battle after another. It’s realistic but maybe too much. I was amazed we had a chance against such overwhelming numbers but then being a student of history I saw the parallel between this war and the Revolutionary War. Even to having Canada take on the role of France although to a lesser degree than the French did back in the 1770’s. So a ragtag army with few supplies or men could defeat the most powerful nation on Earth in 1776 so why not again in the future? Now on to reading everything this author has written.
May 29, 2017
Highly recommended
I gave this series five stars because I couldn't stop reading it. The character development was great, I loved the family dynamics. And for those of us interested in all things about prepping, this series had so many interesting ideas. I'm almost going to miss the characters.....we've been through so much together.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I gave this series five stars because I couldn't stop reading it. The character development was great, I loved the family dynamics. And for those of us interested in all things about prepping, this series had so many interesting ideas. I'm almost going to miss the characters.....we've been through so much together.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
October 31, 2018
WHAT A BOOK!
This is a review of the entire series. I hesitate to give a review of the early books as so many authors publish their work half or less finished. I have been an avid reader for over 60 years and the only book that tops this one in m opinion is Stephen King's book The Stand. And it doesn't top this one by much. Thank you very much for your fantastic effort Mr. Jones
This is a review of the entire series. I hesitate to give a review of the early books as so many authors publish their work half or less finished. I have been an avid reader for over 60 years and the only book that tops this one in m opinion is Stephen King's book The Stand. And it doesn't top this one by much. Thank you very much for your fantastic effort Mr. Jones
December 17, 2019
This book in particular is IMO the best of the series & the series has been very good.
I like the characters who made preparations & how they fought to keep them. The people who tried bullying and stealing ticked me off, but that is the realities of such situations.
The author has various view points & characters that were well fleshed out.
This is the end of the series & I'm a little bummed out.
I like the characters who made preparations & how they fought to keep them. The people who tried bullying and stealing ticked me off, but that is the realities of such situations.
The author has various view points & characters that were well fleshed out.
This is the end of the series & I'm a little bummed out.
October 3, 2021
Movie
It would be a great menu series .I think it would be a hit,I for one would watch it.the carrots were like they was real in my mind,I laughed either and cruel with them .I truly enjoyed this series.I think my favorite carrier was the mayor,she always was their for the town you don't see that kind of devotion now. Days.I loved them all but I think she was the back bone.ill have to give some thought to who could play that part.thanks for a great read.
It would be a great menu series .I think it would be a hit,I for one would watch it.the carrots were like they was real in my mind,I laughed either and cruel with them .I truly enjoyed this series.I think my favorite carrier was the mayor,she always was their for the town you don't see that kind of devotion now. Days.I loved them all but I think she was the back bone.ill have to give some thought to who could play that part.thanks for a great read.
November 13, 2022
Fun read
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It is long and somewhat complicated for my reading preferences with all the military references. I skimmed through those parts and potentially missed some important details, but the story of friends and family love and survival was great. I never did figure out how they came up with all the sand for sandbags, though. Great story. Oh, and I never review a book until its end. Sorry.....
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It is long and somewhat complicated for my reading preferences with all the military references. I skimmed through those parts and potentially missed some important details, but the story of friends and family love and survival was great. I never did figure out how they came up with all the sand for sandbags, though. Great story. Oh, and I never review a book until its end. Sorry.....
September 27, 2017
Great Series
Really loved the whole series the main characters weren’t perfect they had flaws and read like real people instead of superheroes. They had victories and losses and made mistakes and got things right. Loved the story. Looking forward to the sequel
Really loved the whole series the main characters weren’t perfect they had flaws and read like real people instead of superheroes. They had victories and losses and made mistakes and got things right. Loved the story. Looking forward to the sequel
October 18, 2018
Awesome!
Too many sleepless nights. Just could not put these books down!
This is the best series of this genre I have read. Can’t wait to read more from this author. Thank you Nathan!
Too many sleepless nights. Just could not put these books down!
This is the best series of this genre I have read. Can’t wait to read more from this author. Thank you Nathan!
December 1, 2018
Good ending
Ending stories can sometimes be awkward...
The ending for this story was well done. I enjoyed the books and especially appreciate the information about preparedness that is given throughout.
Ending stories can sometimes be awkward...
The ending for this story was well done. I enjoyed the books and especially appreciate the information about preparedness that is given throughout.
August 22, 2019
Enthralling
Loved the story line, characters were interesting and flipped the pages as fast as I could read. Will definitely check out the other series the author has written. BRAVO!!
Loved the story line, characters were interesting and flipped the pages as fast as I could read. Will definitely check out the other series the author has written. BRAVO!!
January 19, 2021
Nathan jones
One if not the best series I've ever read. No gangs was the best part. Lengthy Summariesabout the battles and escapes was least favorites . I would liked to have read more into towns people lives
One if not the best series I've ever read. No gangs was the best part. Lengthy Summariesabout the battles and escapes was least favorites . I would liked to have read more into towns people lives
October 6, 2018
Determination review
Determination is the fifth and final book in the post apocalyptic Best Laid Plans series written by author Nathan Jones.
Determination is the fifth and final book in the post apocalyptic Best Laid Plans series written by author Nathan Jones.
September 23, 2019
Loved this book
A great ending of a great series. Full of intense action and heartbreak. The characters are interesting and full of heart.
A great ending of a great series. Full of intense action and heartbreak. The characters are interesting and full of heart.
December 19, 2019
Great series
Very good characterization . Characters developed as the plot unfolded. For fans of survivalist stories it is a very good read.
Very good characterization . Characters developed as the plot unfolded. For fans of survivalist stories it is a very good read.
December 6, 2021
War on US soil
Realistic in some ways, scary and adventures of survival. Makes one appreciate what we have. Hope is never ever wasted.
Realistic in some ways, scary and adventures of survival. Makes one appreciate what we have. Hope is never ever wasted.
December 14, 2021
Great story
I can imagine this really happening in today's world. Good read. It's a modern day tale of a world war fought on our soil.
I can imagine this really happening in today's world. Good read. It's a modern day tale of a world war fought on our soil.
September 10, 2016
Movie
I loved the way you brought all the characters to life. This actually would make a GREAT movie! You're amazing
I loved the way you brought all the characters to life. This actually would make a GREAT movie! You're amazing
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews