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Tomorrow War #2

Serpent Road

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A riveting, ultra-realistic example of “dystopian fiction at its best” (Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author) from the acclaimed author of the Day By Day Armageddon novels!

During an unacknowledged mission inside the Syrian border, a government operative had unwittingly triggered an incredible worldwide event that irrevocably shaped the future of the United States. In the aftermath of the crisis, families have struggled to survive in a world short on food, water, and electricity. Hyperinflation cripples the United States economy and post-war armored military vehicles are patrolling the streets. One man has now stepped forward and continues to push back the dark wave of tyranny brought on by martial law in the streets of America, and may be the only hope of saving liberty for the country’s future.

308 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

65 people are currently reading
523 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Bourne

11 books1,113 followers
Welcome to the Official J.L. Bourne Goodreads page.

J.L. Bourne is a retired military officer and national best selling author of the horror series, DAY BY DAY ARMAGEDDON, and dystopian thriller, TOMORROW WAR.

With twenty years of active military and intelligence community service behind him, J.L. brands a realistic and unique style of fiction.

J.L. lives on the Gulf Coast but is sometimes spotted toting a rifle and a knife in the rural hills of Arkansas where he grew up.

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5 stars
300 (42%)
4 stars
275 (39%)
3 stars
99 (14%)
2 stars
24 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
5 reviews
February 22, 2018
This is a great follow on story for the dystopian future that was created in the first book. it is quite is to imagine the world transforming into something so bad if our economic and digital infrastructure collapsed. The story is very compelling making you want to turn the next page. The end of the story was a little disappointing and felt a little rushed. I hope however this leaves room for a 3rd book to make this a trilogy!. There are all the favourite characters good and bad introduced in the first book reunited in this second story at some point or another. a great read.
Profile Image for Brian Layman.
451 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2018
A concluding novel for the 2 part Tomorrow War aka The Chronicles of Max [REDACTED] not quite as shockingly violent as the last novel and not as educational, it does a good job of telling the conclusion of Max's story and of the fate if a land formerly known as the United States of America.
Profile Image for Tim  PM.
5 reviews
January 22, 2020
Not as compelling as Book #1 I'm afraid. Still a fun read if you enjoyed the first one.
14 reviews
August 14, 2024
The perfect literary accompaniment to your canned chicken soup and water
Profile Image for Mark Kroger.
26 reviews
December 12, 2017
---SPOILER ALERT, plot details and ending revealed in my review!!!---

I would do 3.5 stars, but I don't think halves are an option.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Tomorrow War, and had high hopes for this one. While I love the picture that the author paints of post-apocalyptic/dystopian US landscape, I felt really disappointed by what I consider 2 of the major parts of this book - the rescue of Rich and the ultimate confrontation with the government(and the subsequent ending).

First - the rescue of Rich, this just went too easily. I think the whole rescue was less than a half dozen pages. It's hard to believe this was so simple and went out without a hitch.

Second - the confrontation with the government. After Max and Maggie spend a large portion of the book getting to the east coast, she just knocks him out, grabs a suitcase nuke and takes everyone out? What a letdown!

Subsequent ending. While I was happy to see they were able to get rid of the corrupt government that was seated, I find it hard to believe the 10% or so of Americans left in this country were able to chase out the Chinese and Russian military's just because there are so many firearms in the US. Also, and maybe it will be another book, but what all occurred between when the the removal(nuking) of the US government and the "nuclear/emp exchange" that is mentioned in the last pages? Again, that might be another book to come.

Bottom line, I enjoyed this book, but I think it could have been much stronger. I hope there will be another Max book and maybe we'll get to hear a bit more about the events that were summarized so briefly at this end of this one. I will certainly pick it up if it's written.
715 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2021
I'd already bought this along with the 1st book otherwise I wouldnt have bothered reading it as the first one seemed to be written exclusively for right wing anti-government survivalist gun nuts. This was no different and there are so many contradictions and utter stupidity in it that it made me unintentionally laugh at the ridiculousness.
J.L Bourne certainly knows his military tactics and hardware but the human condition and how governments work I think will always elude him.
26 reviews
August 10, 2023
Pretty cool book series. Different from many end of the world or civilization as we know it type novels. Seems to have more of a grasp on the real and less fantasy but still has that hero complex character that fights against the power group.
Profile Image for Jameson M..
24 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2022
Tomorrow War: The Chronicles of Max [Redacted], this book's predecessor, is one of my favorite collapse/prepper books. I re-read it from time to time. This sequel unfortunately flops, and I will explain my opinion as to why...

First off, full disclosure, I am a leftist. Consuming prepper/doomsday fiction is one of my guilty pleasures - I say "guilty" because unfortunately, most prepper fiction is fairly right-wing. There are myriad reasons for this, too many to go into here, but at the heart of the matter it is mainly because those on the right are motivated by fear, and hold a pessimistic view of human nature, and believe that should the status quo be altered, humans will immediately fall back upon their beastly nature. Some prepper fiction, like this book's predecessor, offer a more balanced story with very little political ramblings to divert from the story; Tomorrow War was fun and engaging and didn't require too much suspension of disbelief. I would place it on the higher rung of prepper fiction. Conversely, I would consider the lowest rung of prepper fiction to be the books of James Wesley Rawles, whose horrible writing and flimsy characters will rant for entire pages about Christianity, libertarian philosophy, and who inserts shameless plugs for real-life companies into his plots ("he did his weapons training at Front Site Academy in Nevada, and bought seeds from survivalseeds.com")

Many prepper fiction authors' first books will be quite good, and then the subsequent sequels will invariably become more and more cutout in terms of plot, with lots of filler. William Forstchen's One Second After books are a great example. The first book has an edge of your seat, believable plot about an EMP attack, with some conservative garbage here and there (a longing for a small-town America that no longer exists, the only useful characters are military veterans, etc.) but by the 3rd novel in the series, the plot is a simplistic "freedom-loving man versus tyrannical government" story and the characters go on long rants about socialism as filler. This trend is demonstrative of authors who are out of fresh ideas and just writing to capitalize on the success of their one good story.

This sequel fails to live up to its predecessor, and I feel it is yet another example of this trend. The plot is so meandering, tired, and predictable. After leading a successful insurgent campaign at the climactic end of the previous novel, the main character decides to go solo again and live in a cabin and hunt, for no apparent reason. There are UN peacekeepers on US soil, because of course there are - that John Birch Society nonsense is only the plot of every single right-wing dystopian novel (later on they are just said to be Chinese soldiers, and any mention of UN markings is gone). The provisional US government is subservient to foreign countries and seems to have no driving purpose whatsoever besides confiscating guns from Americans. And just like his previous novel, roving biker gangs are back and doing the government's dirty work. There really are a lot of biker gangs in Bourne's imagination. And while Bourne probably doesn't realize it, the books anticlimactic ending is very similar to the infamous neo-nazi book The Turner Diaries.

There is a lot of filler, mainly about guns (tons and tons of lines like, "I grabbed my suppressed MP5 loaded with 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition") and descriptions of the various meals the characters eat. This wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't noticeable on every other page - then it becomes obvious that it's filler. Conservative rants abound, and at one point he even uses the term "beta male" (I laughed out loud when I read it). 

All in all, a dismally disappointing sequel to a solid novel. Reads like any other run-of-the-mill prepper fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
39 reviews
July 30, 2021
Realistic View of Where We May Soon Find Ourselves

The author, J.L. Bourne, seems to have a pretty sound understanding of where the mess we find ourselves in today could lead.

One possible scenario of what could trigger a global apocalyptic planet and the demise of America as a nation.

The military understanding is sound and appears realistic probably because of the author’s 22 years in the Navy. Don’t know what he did but he seems to have an authentic understanding of the intelligence side of our military as well.

Character wise, after a bit of a slow start, as the background is built, the books pick up quickly. Written from a first person point of view, Max’s experiences keep you engaged from after the trigger event to the end of the second book.

Human nature takes over quickly which is what I would anticipate. It ain’t pretty and it seems like that is what one could expect. Humanity is pretty much eliminated by the time the book ends with a new beginning- 90% down, again what I would expect.

The only thing missing for me was practically no Biblical reference to end times. Kind of neutral on the topic as a whole.

From a Christian perspective this is akin to the period called the time of Jacob’s trouble or in more common expression, “the tribulation period”.

No sex scenes and some, but not much, obscenity which did not detract from the story at all.

Overall an excellent read and scary wake up call that should shake one out of the normalcy bias that causes one to assume something like this could never happen in the U.S.

It can, and probably will, sooner than any of us could expect.

Great read. I found myself completing the two books in about 2 days, give or take some interruptions in time due to other events.

If this post-apocalyptic genre is of interest this is a read you will enjoy and profit from. Suitable for Christians with the exception of a bit of obscenity and one GD, along with a few grisly but quite possible scenarios.

After all, whose power reigns most strongly during the trib? This is the kind of world one could expect as a consequence. Read it. I don’t think it will disappoint.

And if you are not familiar with this genre, read it anyway. This would be a good introduction to it and may wake you up enough to save your butt along the way.
Profile Image for Darren Dilnott.
296 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2017
When Book 1 of The Chronicle Of Max was released i reviewed it as one of the best apocalyptic books id ever read. The author considered its general reception as not so enthusiastic, and was not looking to continue the series.
I was ecstatic to find out that JL Bourne had decided to follow up the immense book 1 with a sequel.
I had massive hopes for this book, and i was not disappointed.
Absolutely brilliant read, that i enjoyed from beginning to end.
You'll find violence and swearing in this book, which ensures you are getting a realistic book, and not the Hallmark rubbish too many other US post apocalyptic writers vomit on us, with the self righteous promise of a bad language free book.
This is the reason why JL Bourne is so highly rated and respected in the field, and their forgettable garbage is quickly forgotten.
Profile Image for Paula.
112 reviews
September 4, 2017
I feel like standing on the roof of an abandoned car and yelling "Wolverines!" to the fleeing Chinese soldiers.

Wow, what a great ending to a terrifying story. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 star is some of the situations our hero Max gets himself out of are just too outlandish. Yes, I know he's a special type of government spook, but he's still just a dude in a post-apocalyptic world. Putting yourself in the situations Max puts himself in, no way he escapes unscathed or even alive.

Reading this book as the stories of the Houston flooding pour over my facebook feed has put a fear in my heart that what began with an internet worm in The Chronicles of Max will begin with martial law/new world order in Houston. I feel like I should run to Costco and buy large bags of dry foods. :) :(
Profile Image for Kris.
67 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2018
I'm a J.L. Bourne fan. I loved is Day-by-Day Armageddon series about the zombie apocalypse. This story is about Max, what he did to end the world and how he sets things right again. Yes, he has the luxury of M4's and night vision scopes and isn't forced to make due with a rubber band and chewing gum. But Max isn't the usual post-apocalyptic guy. After all, he started it. This is a scary and seemingly possible story of how and why we ought to fear our government. Now, I'm not the crazy patriotic prepper type but if you fear to go into the DMV because of how bureaucracy works, wait until the apocalypse. Great read, looking forward to more about Max. JL is one of those authors you go back to between more complex authors because the writing is comfortable and interesting.
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
324 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2018
A surrealistic look at a possible future

This is a well written work. Like a piece of art, it held me captive inside of it. The great ones bring you into the book. You become a character in its pages as you live next to the others. Bourne brought me inside from the first few pages. As a boy I swung on the vines in Tarzan’s jungles and jumped across the red dirt with Carson of Venus. As a man now I walked alongside of a hero in the burned out shell of America hoping that he would be able to see the journey through to it’s conclusion. I closed the book with hope.
Profile Image for Warren Thoms.
530 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2018
Just a hair under 4 stars. If you liked the first in this series, you will like this one as well. I would have liked it to be longer. The story follows Max as he moves away from the ruckus that he started in the first book as he thinks that they are going to target his friends to get to them. This does last too long and he gets back into the fight. If you have not read the first in the series, go read it first as so much of the story from the second book is information for what happens in the second book.
Profile Image for Mitch McNeill.
2 reviews
April 7, 2019
The first book was solid and this one started out well too. However, about halfway through this book you get the feel the author is just trying to conclude the story. What would seem like major events in the story come and go with out much development or character.

The ending of the book just seems to happen within a few paragraphs.

And then Max walks home.

There was more excitement and detail in the first few pages regarding Max's encounter with a mountain lion, which had no bearing on the story, than the actual major storylines.
1 review
August 6, 2017
Great

A fellow "zombie prepped" first handed me a copy of Day by Day Armageddon a few years ago, and I haven't been able to stop reading and re-reading Mr. Bourne's work ever since. The Tomorrow War series is even more frightening than the zombies, as the author uses his extensive knowledge of government policies and procedures to paint a horrifying picture of what could, and just may, happen in the near future. Keep it up, sir.
-Oathkeeper
Profile Image for Chris Hansen.
128 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2021
Dystopia? Or prophesy?

Following the fall of the US Electric Grid and the cessation of the Bill of Rights by a despotic federal government, we see Max attempt to rescue his friend, now a political prisoner. Later, he joins up with his former CIA partner as she seeks to set right the horrors she initiated as an agent. There are numerous encounters with UN and Chinese forces along the way. This is a quite possible future. If you mistrust big government this is a must read!
Profile Image for Larry Klemens.
18 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2017
Tomorrow War is one of my Top 5 favorite books and J L Bourne is one of my favorite authors. When I found out he was writing a sequel to Tomorrow War and updating us on Max's adventures I was excited to say the least. Serpent Road definitely delivers. I found I was trying to find time to read it so I can find out what happens next. It is a well done and good read.
1,004 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2017
Serpent Road by J.L. Bourne is the second book of The Chronicles of Max. It is the follow up to Tomorrow War. it does fine as a stand alone but reading the first book will give you a better understanding but is not required. It is a post-apocalyptic international thriller. It is fast paced. It keeps your interest.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway
Profile Image for Matthew.
17 reviews
July 28, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wasn't sure what to expect as the first book of this series was amazing. I took a different path which kept me wanting to continue reading. I find that I power through J.L.'s books faster than any other author. I highly recommend this and the original book.
Profile Image for Rich Porter.
18 reviews
August 7, 2017
Great send off for an awesome protagonist!

Great send off for an awesome protagonist! Took us deeper into the timeline of what happened post meltdown. Excellent read! Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Chris Sherwood.
Author 3 books5 followers
September 16, 2017
It was okay.

It started out pretty decent. Then for some reason in this book I couldn't connect to Max as much as the first. I also think the plot devices were cliche: Chinese/ UN takeover, everyone has their M4 and night vision, etc.

It wasn't bad, but it wasnt a great read either.
87 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2017
Very, very good read! Fast paced, quickly moving through a plot that keeps you looking forward eagerly to the next chapter, and well rounded characters make this a good book for anyone who like international thrillers.
Profile Image for A.J..
Author 4 books46 followers
December 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this follow up to Tomorrow War. It had a different flavor from the first book, but not in a bad way. Book 1 was so much about setting things up, and book 2 was carrying those things out. A great book by a great author.
Profile Image for Steve Lowe.
71 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2023
A damn good scarey book and possible out come of the ways things are going. Love it, you should read all his works. The zombie books got better with each volume and the the tomorrow series were just the icing on the cake.
Profile Image for George.
1,740 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2025
A concluding novel for the 2 part series. Author brings back characters from book 1 -- basically, this book has two plots that run in serial...conclusion brings both together. Good series, like the author but won't go zombie with him.
Profile Image for William Fow.
6 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2017
Could not put it down

I read this books so fast it surprised me. It grabs the reader with the thrilling prose. Bourne delivers on another great adventure
Profile Image for Mattster.
83 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2017
Perfect follow on to book one. Does have a few "coincidental" things come up in it, but it doesn't change the message.
2 reviews
September 2, 2017
I love these books, a good twist at the end leaving you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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