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Dystopian War #1
The Last Marine: Book One
HISTORY IS OF THOSE WHO HAVE STRUGGLED TO BE FREE AND THOSE WHO HAVE STRUGGLED TO CONTROL THEM.In a future totalitarian America, government historian Joel Levine is assigned the task of reminding people of their nation's past sins in the Sino-American War. Complications arise when Levine is allowed to interview the last known Marine veteran, Sean Harris, currently serving a life-sentence in prison. When the unrepentant combat veteran's account of the Sino-American War, and its aftermath, differs from the official government history; Levine begins to question all he has accepted and believed his entire life. Thus leaving the historian to decipher between propaganda and history, and the consequences of acknowledging the difference.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2016
756 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Ransdell
6 books18 followersT.S. Ransdell was born and raised in Kansas. He served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, and is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After leaving the Marine Corps, Ransdell earned a B.A. in English Literature and an M.A. in History, as well as Secondary Education, and taught history for eleven years. Ransdell currently works as a full time writer and lives in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 5, 2022
STORY
While a bit difficult to get into at first, I could not put the book down after about page 50 or so. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this one.
My real rating would be about 4.5, docking half a star because I was confused for a good portion of the book regarding the actual timeframe. I wasn't sure what era we were in and the time-skips and scene breaks made me trip up. But these would be easy fixes for a smoother read, and I did figure out what was going on.
The story was believable. Gritty. Dark. And oh, so good. The plot was unique while remaining realistic. I can't list much without spoilers, but I really enjoyed the story.
THEMES
It definitely portrays a future I pray we never reach. But I do choose to believe that no matter how the world looks, there is still hope. There are many war novels that skim around this basic human need--hope. This novel faced the theme head on. I respect that.
And the theme of courage, bravery, and brotherhood were moving.
CHARACTERS
Harris is easily my favorite character. But that's no shocker. His tenacious spirit and view point of war was thought-provoking.
I definitely cheered the good guys on as I read, and if it hadn't been so late at night when a few favorite characters died , I probably would have thrown the book at the wall.
The antagonists, too, were well written, with strong motivations and such. They were sickening and the book didn't shy away from showing that. It was a good reminder.
OVERALL
I cannot wait for the next book. I really enjoyed this novel (the action scenes and the way the brothers and soldiers interacted were possibly my favorite parts) and am grateful for the reminders it gave me about life and God.
While a bit difficult to get into at first, I could not put the book down after about page 50 or so. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this one.
My real rating would be about 4.5, docking half a star because I was confused for a good portion of the book regarding the actual timeframe. I wasn't sure what era we were in and the time-skips and scene breaks made me trip up. But these would be easy fixes for a smoother read, and I did figure out what was going on.
The story was believable. Gritty. Dark. And oh, so good. The plot was unique while remaining realistic. I can't list much without spoilers, but I really enjoyed the story.
THEMES
It definitely portrays a future I pray we never reach. But I do choose to believe that no matter how the world looks, there is still hope. There are many war novels that skim around this basic human need--hope. This novel faced the theme head on. I respect that.
And the theme of courage, bravery, and brotherhood were moving.
CHARACTERS
Harris is easily my favorite character. But that's no shocker. His tenacious spirit and view point of war was thought-provoking.
I definitely cheered the good guys on as I read, and if it hadn't been so late at night when a few favorite characters died , I probably would have thrown the book at the wall.
The antagonists, too, were well written, with strong motivations and such. They were sickening and the book didn't shy away from showing that. It was a good reminder.
OVERALL
I cannot wait for the next book. I really enjoyed this novel (the action scenes and the way the brothers and soldiers interacted were possibly my favorite parts) and am grateful for the reminders it gave me about life and God.
October 1, 2019
Great read!
Ransdell does a great job of showing the horrors of war, the fighting spirit of the Marines, and the dissolution of these United States. The activities he shows happening here are frighteningly real. I’ll definitely read book 2.
Ransdell does a great job of showing the horrors of war, the fighting spirit of the Marines, and the dissolution of these United States. The activities he shows happening here are frighteningly real. I’ll definitely read book 2.
November 25, 2019
Surprising Story.
I did not think I would like this book the first two or 3 chapters then it took off and what a Great War story it turned out to be.
I did not think I would like this book the first two or 3 chapters then it took off and what a Great War story it turned out to be.
Read
April 21, 2025Dnf
November 18, 2019
Wow
Here's a book that tells it like it is. If we stay on our present political course this story with go down as prescient. Exciting realistic battle scenes. Behind the door political machinations this book has it all. A great read.
Here's a book that tells it like it is. If we stay on our present political course this story with go down as prescient. Exciting realistic battle scenes. Behind the door political machinations this book has it all. A great read.
December 26, 2019
Quislings..Other than Donald Trump.It is how you describe Western Leadership now.
This appears to be the direction the West has taken.We,ordinary citizens are in deep trouble...The modern left are the enemies of Western Civilization.
This appears to be the direction the West has taken.We,ordinary citizens are in deep trouble...The modern left are the enemies of Western Civilization.
November 24, 2019
A shade off of today
Reading this, I had to compare the current political climate to that presented in the book.... Sadly I could see it becoming reality.
Reading this, I had to compare the current political climate to that presented in the book.... Sadly I could see it becoming reality.
August 1, 2017
Although I could have done without reading a couple paragraphs, and a lot of the dialogue is not for the faint of heart, it is gripping and poignant...it is real...actually painfully real... I fear the ones most drawn to this book will be those that already "get it" and the ones that could use the enlightenment, will not come across it, or even if they do, I can see so many, still not understanding or appreciating the main points... Overall, I think it was well done, and addresses a very serious and important problem that has only continued to gain strength and adherents over the recent decades...Thank you for writing it. I appreciate your continued service to the country in trying to expose the danger of what is going on and look forward to Book Two.
November 19, 2020
Not just dystopia fiction... but apropos for the time
I loved this story. Although I have a son in basic training for the Army National Guard, he and I both know, we are seeing the last years of America as we know it. I can't put a time frame on it; I don't know when it will end... but our nation, because of leftist ideology and selfish evil leaders, will be just like the Marine Corps in this book series, and go the way of the dodo. The author tells this story well, and the old Marine protagonist, in his interviews, hits the nail on the head with what's wrong.
I loved this story. Although I have a son in basic training for the Army National Guard, he and I both know, we are seeing the last years of America as we know it. I can't put a time frame on it; I don't know when it will end... but our nation, because of leftist ideology and selfish evil leaders, will be just like the Marine Corps in this book series, and go the way of the dodo. The author tells this story well, and the old Marine protagonist, in his interviews, hits the nail on the head with what's wrong.
January 7, 2020
Great story within a story
A reporter researching the history of the now disbanded and disgraced Marine Corps meets a political dissident, the last remaining Marine. The story of this Marine's early life and what made him the man he is, interspersed with scenes from the war years is riveting. The battle scenes are portrayed so that you can almost hear the explosions and feel what the people were described as experiencing.
A reporter researching the history of the now disbanded and disgraced Marine Corps meets a political dissident, the last remaining Marine. The story of this Marine's early life and what made him the man he is, interspersed with scenes from the war years is riveting. The battle scenes are portrayed so that you can almost hear the explosions and feel what the people were described as experiencing.
January 27, 2020
Always Faithful!
The Marines will always be there for the United States, but will the government be there for them?
This book asks this question. It might mean even more in today's challenging time. We can read this book and maybe learn a thing or 3
The Marines will always be there for the United States, but will the government be there for them?
This book asks this question. It might mean even more in today's challenging time. We can read this book and maybe learn a thing or 3
April 30, 2020
This is an incomplete book without a real conclusion, more "Part One" than "Book One". This should have been made much clearer in advance. Also, the politics are incredibly heavy-handed, even for someone who is generally sympathetic to the author's views.
January 2, 2020
Last Marine
While the book started out as a very slow read, it peaked my attention. Turned out to be a great book about how the future may be for the USA.
While the book started out as a very slow read, it peaked my attention. Turned out to be a great book about how the future may be for the USA.
January 19, 2021
Great read!
If you love to read good stories about war, you will love this book. If you love America, you will love this book
If you love to read good stories about war, you will love this book. If you love America, you will love this book
February 12, 2021
Couldn’t Stop reading!
Very close to what could happen in our day. Felt like I was there with the characters in the story. Can’t wait to read the next one
Very close to what could happen in our day. Felt like I was there with the characters in the story. Can’t wait to read the next one
August 29, 2021
Last marune
Great story, lots of info about military
Love the history , great character, lots of action
Can’t wait to start next book
Great story, lots of info about military
Love the history , great character, lots of action
Can’t wait to start next book
February 16, 2023
Great read but frightening. Too easy to see this horror coming true. Author clearly encapsulates the Marine ethos and psyche. Would highly recommend. Maj. USMC (Ret.)
September 29, 2023
amazing
You can tell this was written by a Marine. Marines doing what Marines do even when being let down by command.
You can tell this was written by a Marine. Marines doing what Marines do even when being let down by command.
January 25, 2023
What a terrific book. As the writer described the dishonest and power hungry pols determined to gain power and prestige at the expense of their own country and the mass media , just dying to see America dishonored as much as possible, the reader knew that this is exactly what is happening now and has happened in the past and will happen in the future. A perfect exposure of the forces that have determined that while Americans must fight and die for their country, we are not allowed to win. WW2 ended with most of Europe enslaved to the soviets, Korea was never officially ended and the North Koreans threaten nuclear war on us, and Vietnam was the perfect example of the pols and the media denying us victory in a war that brought misery and shame to America. I salute this writer for having the guts to write this book and I will read the next one with great anticipation.
And for the reader who regretted that the book didnt have a happy ending, guess what Alice, there isnt a rainbow waiting for America if we keep electing these lefty progressives who really hate America and all that she stands for. SEMPER FI !!!!!!!
And for the reader who regretted that the book didnt have a happy ending, guess what Alice, there isnt a rainbow waiting for America if we keep electing these lefty progressives who really hate America and all that she stands for. SEMPER FI !!!!!!!
June 9, 2024
Fascinating book, currently reading Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen and it reminds me of this book. characters are not super developed but just enough to connect to their perspectives. These books always keep my thoughts in check as to what the future of our great nations looks like it is different, it will change and this will give you a pretty detailed view of what and how war would start. Definitely not out of the possibility. Some of the POV's are clearly left-leaning, and sadly you won't find an author who is able to look at this from a completely objective perspective so I doubt we'll ever get a real look at how things would turn out. Or perhaps it just gives us a window depending on who is in the office. Either way, it was a great quick read and definitely page-turning.
May 9, 2020
Not a satisfying ending
After I finished this book, I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not. Every portion of the book involving the marines was great. Unfortunately, unlike most novels where the hero's hard work eventually makes him victorious in this book, things go from bad to worse. I understand there are at least three books in this series but I don't really see this ending well. I would like to see this author write something with an uplifting conclusion. I don't see that with this series.
After I finished this book, I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not. Every portion of the book involving the marines was great. Unfortunately, unlike most novels where the hero's hard work eventually makes him victorious in this book, things go from bad to worse. I understand there are at least three books in this series but I don't really see this ending well. I would like to see this author write something with an uplifting conclusion. I don't see that with this series.
October 24, 2024
I started reading this assuming it was a dystopian novel. However the book was a disappointment. I have always felt that when an author allows his/her political biases influence their work too much, the result is always shoddy and an embarrassment. The plot and characters are lazy, clichéd and too obviously a product of right wing American fantasies. What's even more tiresome, especially for a non-American reader, is to expect a dystopian novel and end up with a pamphlet in the US culture wars. This book is cringe inducing and beyond ridiculous. Won't be reading the second book.
March 15, 2022
Last Hero vs Dystopian Government
I can't remember the last time I got this angry reading a book. Don't get me wrong, it's a great book. The last Marine (the USMC having been declared a machinery of hate and murder is disbanded) is confined for life in a federal supermax for an undisclosed act of treason. But it seems clear that the traitor may be the only honorable character in this tale.
I can't remember the last time I got this angry reading a book. Don't get me wrong, it's a great book. The last Marine (the USMC having been declared a machinery of hate and murder is disbanded) is confined for life in a federal supermax for an undisclosed act of treason. But it seems clear that the traitor may be the only honorable character in this tale.
January 30, 2023
Great book. Tells the story of Marines in the future are current times and shows their history
The author shows the Marines as they stand, they remember their history and they live their history. They will not retreat. It shows the complications of what happens when a country falls into decay by liberal socialist leaders. This is a good book and well worth reading the series. I look forward to the next book.
The author shows the Marines as they stand, they remember their history and they live their history. They will not retreat. It shows the complications of what happens when a country falls into decay by liberal socialist leaders. This is a good book and well worth reading the series. I look forward to the next book.
December 27, 2019
Wow and Excellent
When this book kicked into gear it went straight into high and never slowed down. This book has an awesome storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were strong and well developed.It was easy to identify with them and their story. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
When this book kicked into gear it went straight into high and never slowed down. This book has an awesome storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were strong and well developed.It was easy to identify with them and their story. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
December 13, 2020
Wow...is this book written from the perspective of the dictatorship of joe Biden? Most or the things that are in this book have already happened, or are well into the process of happening. I believe any one older than 16 needs to grab a copy and read it while looking at what is going on around them.
May 30, 2022
Sucks you in and it won't let go
The dystopian future this book paints at the beginning is while maybe a bit dramatic, also not too far out of the realm of the imagination. The transition however to the fighting in China brings back memories of watching movies such as We Were Soldiers, Hacksaw Ridge, Fury, and Saving Private Ryan for the first time.
The dystopian future this book paints at the beginning is while maybe a bit dramatic, also not too far out of the realm of the imagination. The transition however to the fighting in China brings back memories of watching movies such as We Were Soldiers, Hacksaw Ridge, Fury, and Saving Private Ryan for the first time.
October 9, 2023
Excellent military story
The books a fine read especially if you like military Type books Military sci-fi or accounts of old battles.
It is an exciting book. Well Worth the time!!!
The books a fine read especially if you like military Type books Military sci-fi or accounts of old battles.
It is an exciting book. Well Worth the time!!!
April 16, 2024
Just Wow is all I can say
This book was able to take you to the battle ground and feel everything that was going on. You get all the feels in this book. It may be in the future but to me it felt current with everything going on. Definitely a must read in my opinion.
This book was able to take you to the battle ground and feel everything that was going on. You get all the feels in this book. It may be in the future but to me it felt current with everything going on. Definitely a must read in my opinion.
May 24, 2024
sci fi war story
Good entertaining book. The author draws on his experiences from his service and he has written an interesting saga on a world at war. This book is not for everyone, but, if fiction is your favorite book, this book is for you. I recommend it at 4 stars
Good entertaining book. The author draws on his experiences from his service and he has written an interesting saga on a world at war. This book is not for everyone, but, if fiction is your favorite book, this book is for you. I recommend it at 4 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews