The Mushroom King: The Tale of Surviving a Nuclear Holocaust

by Roy Slade

Close your eyes and stop reading for a minute. Imagine you had just heard that a nuclear war has begun and ballistic missiles are inbound on the country. What would your first thought be? “How much time?” his voice filled the empty cab once again. He’d gone over this scenario in his head many times. His prepping at home had demanded it. Living this close in proximity to warheads, the possibility of a nuclear event was paramount. This far inland he preferred to believe the death-bringers had to travel a path across the north pole to reach them. Still in disbelief that any sane human would actually push the button. Would you think about your pets first? Trey looked in the rearview mirror to check the dog’s status. It appeared Zeke was taking the initial sprint of the metal monster in stride. Feet firmly planted, his body simply swayed back and forth with the ebb and flow of the steering. The dog’s mottled, bluish fir even looked more brindle as he weaved. “Hang on buddy, we’re almost there,” he spoke as if the animal could hear him. Trey could see their mailbox a hundred yards away. Or would you think about family members? “What the hell, Trey?” Kalie used her free hand to keep the baby’s head turned into her chest so she wouldn’t get a mouthful of dust. Kimber was only two-months old. “There’s no time, Kalie,” he brushed past her, past the mudroom, and then on into the house. “They launched the damn missiles, didn’t you see them go?” Would you believe that the government was coming to help you? “This is a message from the emergency broadcast system. All citizens are urged to tune to 105.7 FM for an important message from Homeland Security… This is a message from the emergency…” Trey spun the dial to 105.7. “… which will follow this message… Repeating, this is General Dwight Appleton, head of Homeland security. The United States of America is now under martial law. All citizens are advised to shelter in place where practical and take precautions pertaining to nuclear contamination a list of which will follow this message.” Would you believe you were safe in your shelter? “Clomp! Clomp! Clomp!” came a meaty pounding against the steel entrance door. A split second of shock stopped each in their position as an icy shutter of disbelief crept down their spines. Assuming that you are alone on an island, only lasts until you find a second life-preserver floating in the bay. What would you find when it was safe to go out? “This would be the planet’s first nuclear war, so nobody really can say for sure how this onion is gonna peel,” his redneck tone made her grin a bit. He continued on, explaining that the new world outside would be the same, but not. Follow this family and their new members as they prove that humanity can win out in the end, if you can keep a grip on it. As always, my stories contain a sprinkling of real language and a bit of the sexual. They are the salt and pepper of my works. I had a kick-ass time writing this one, folks! Hope you enjoy every page. Stay Frosty! Roy

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[Todd Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I believe it could have used some editing for punctuation, spelling, etc here and there but overall this was just a really nice and enjoyable read.

It moved along quickly, stayed on focus, and didn't get bogged down on minutiae.

Apocalyptical stories are among my favorite genres along with horror types (preferably Lovecraftian in nature). I finally found someone who doesn't have the main characters being idiots and just moving around place to place in endless bloody battles along the way (there were a few here and there but well placed and well used in that they fit into the storyline).

I found this one, about 200 pages, just the right length for this particular story and it kept me interested and turning pages.

Was it a perfect 5? No, but that is mainly due to my type of preferences in certain books. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre.

What I personally would have loved to have seen more of, and I find lacking in just about every single book that covers it, is more lead up to the event. But in the context of this one particular story I can see why it wasn't there. I only subtracted on star for editing reasons.

Nice job Mr. Slade, you wrote an enjoyable and fast read in a genre I enjoy.

[Katherine Pepper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me feel like a little unease.

Not high on my prepped books I normally read this was the ugly and shocking as it was not ability prepared it was not they the Authors had too include rape and other information never found in other prepper hop.

[Jim O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incomplete story. The author either never read his own work after typing it because there are dozens of typographical errors that take away from his decent writing. Good character development and the possibility of an interesting story cut short.

[Orhan Uner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised: Good Read

Took a chance and really enjoyed this book. Realistic, believable. Conversations were succinct and created vivid images. Quick read but leaves you fulfilled.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok

Good enough for a nuclear disaster book. Different approach to survival. Enjoyable characters. Hope we never see it!Safety first! Humanity always!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

The concept was interesting. The characters believable. The only problem I had was with the matriarch. The wife was a nutcase.

[Tab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Racist and the hero is kind of a jerk

Villians are a self-absorbed wife who runs away and a big Mexican guy. Hero is a prepper dude. Decently written.