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What's Left of My World #2
This We Will Defend
This We Will Defend is the long-awaited follow-up to indie post-apocalyptic / dystopian fiction author C.A.Rudolph's best-selling debut novel What's Left of My World.
"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks." - Samuel Adams
From the back cover:
For a brief period after the world changed forever, the self-reliant community of Trout Run Valley managed to avoid conflict. They practiced subsistence and found safety and security within their numbers. As the post-apocalyptic timeline moved forward, it began to spiral downward. Takers had made their presence known and their malevolent intentions clear, transforming the once benign community into a violent battleground.
In What’s Left of My World, a precarious surprise attack had left the community in a state of repair and reevaluation. Even now as the community rebuilds and continues their livelihood, a new, more sinister enemy is lying in wait—and it poses a threat more dangerous than anything the community has encountered before.
A fight is coming to Trout Run Valley, and every person living there knows it. Previous encounters with their new enemy had foretold the tale. Before the collapse, Lauren Russell had learned many skills necessary to fight and to survive. Her father had made certain that she’d been trained to be a warrior. In THIS WE WILL DEFEND, in order to preserve her way of life, along with the lives of everyone she knows and loves, she will have to become one.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2017
462 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 30, 2018
Lauren Russell and her family have established a close-knit community in Trout Run Valley of West Virginia. Life is hard in a post-apocalyptic world. While most everyone had prepared by stocking up on supplies they are having to barter with neighbors for garden vegetables and fresh meat from livestock. The clan wants nothing more than to be left alone to subsist with one another. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a roving hoard of Takers have other plans. The valley will be under siege. Do they have enough to defend their homesteads and families? More importantly, do they have what it takes to survive?
Rudolph’s second novel in the What’s Left of My World Series, This We Will Defend: The Continuing Story of a Family’s Survival, is very much like book one in its meandering pace. There again are several flashback chapters which break of the flow of the story. The most disappointing part of these books is that Lauren’s character is the only one that is really fleshed out. The subplot with Faith Gallo at the FEMA camp is much more cultivated. I can say that this novel was much better edited than the first.
The uniqueness of Lauren’s training instituted by her father from her very early years is what keeps me interested in these books. She is a very complex young woman. While she makes mistakes based on her impulsiveness and desire to know everything her instincts are almost primal.
3 out of 5 stars.
Rudolph’s second novel in the What’s Left of My World Series, This We Will Defend: The Continuing Story of a Family’s Survival, is very much like book one in its meandering pace. There again are several flashback chapters which break of the flow of the story. The most disappointing part of these books is that Lauren’s character is the only one that is really fleshed out. The subplot with Faith Gallo at the FEMA camp is much more cultivated. I can say that this novel was much better edited than the first.
The uniqueness of Lauren’s training instituted by her father from her very early years is what keeps me interested in these books. She is a very complex young woman. While she makes mistakes based on her impulsiveness and desire to know everything her instincts are almost primal.
3 out of 5 stars.
October 27, 2017
What will you do?
What kind of "bug out" scenario have you dreamed up? Is it the usual plan with a few weeks supply of food set aside with some bottled water? Maybe you've thought about buying a weapon and a few hundred rounds of ammo. Maybe you'd better think again. The world as we know it is teetering on the brink of some serious stuff and if you have not recognized the signs you might find yourself at the mercy of the government should a serious disaster, be it natural or otherwise, happen before you have time to prepare. Read this book and learn what your government can do for you. Or rather, what your government can and will do to you. You have a wealth of information before you in this well thought out and well written book. Take advantage of it and put it to work for you.
This exciting story continues with Lauren and the folks of Trout Run Valley putting together a plan to not just repel the attack that is coming but to eliminate the attackers so they never come back. Will their plan work? Will they be able to put things right and resume life in the valley? What about Lauren's grandmother inside the FEMA camp? What is her fate?
If you enjoyed the first volume of this hard-hitting, reality driven series, you will most certainly love this, the second volume.
As usual, happy reading and for certain, do something.
What kind of "bug out" scenario have you dreamed up? Is it the usual plan with a few weeks supply of food set aside with some bottled water? Maybe you've thought about buying a weapon and a few hundred rounds of ammo. Maybe you'd better think again. The world as we know it is teetering on the brink of some serious stuff and if you have not recognized the signs you might find yourself at the mercy of the government should a serious disaster, be it natural or otherwise, happen before you have time to prepare. Read this book and learn what your government can do for you. Or rather, what your government can and will do to you. You have a wealth of information before you in this well thought out and well written book. Take advantage of it and put it to work for you.
This exciting story continues with Lauren and the folks of Trout Run Valley putting together a plan to not just repel the attack that is coming but to eliminate the attackers so they never come back. Will their plan work? Will they be able to put things right and resume life in the valley? What about Lauren's grandmother inside the FEMA camp? What is her fate?
If you enjoyed the first volume of this hard-hitting, reality driven series, you will most certainly love this, the second volume.
As usual, happy reading and for certain, do something.
August 1, 2017
This I will not recommended
What's left of my world and This we will defend have the making of an epic story. There is so much unnecessary profanity, everybody uses it, the young women are the worse. I understand some, but too much ruined a good story.
What's left of my world and This we will defend have the making of an epic story. There is so much unnecessary profanity, everybody uses it, the young women are the worse. I understand some, but too much ruined a good story.
July 22, 2017
Excellent writing and story
This writer has an excellent story that is put together very well. I've many stories of this genre and this author is at the top of my "Great Stories" list. This second book is loaded with the same style as the first.
Great and unforgettable characters, characters that are each consistent, a story that never deviates from the beginning, characters that the reader would want to know in real life and a story-line that is also in line with disasters of this type. Very well done!
Any reader will get hooked on this author's stories. No zombies, werewolves, etc., just practical and real life predictable events!
This writer has an excellent story that is put together very well. I've many stories of this genre and this author is at the top of my "Great Stories" list. This second book is loaded with the same style as the first.
Great and unforgettable characters, characters that are each consistent, a story that never deviates from the beginning, characters that the reader would want to know in real life and a story-line that is also in line with disasters of this type. Very well done!
Any reader will get hooked on this author's stories. No zombies, werewolves, etc., just practical and real life predictable events!
August 18, 2017
Well crafted and thought provoking
Do you know the bad thing about preordering a book? You automatically get it the day it is released, you are so excited that you dive in and devour it, then.... Then you find yourself wishing for book three to hurry up and come out. Yeah, it's that good. I'm not going into the storyline, you can get that in the synopsis, what I am going to say is that this is an amazing series. The characters are well written and engaging, the action is exciting and villains are clearly defined with believable back stories. I highly recommend this series.
Do you know the bad thing about preordering a book? You automatically get it the day it is released, you are so excited that you dive in and devour it, then.... Then you find yourself wishing for book three to hurry up and come out. Yeah, it's that good. I'm not going into the storyline, you can get that in the synopsis, what I am going to say is that this is an amazing series. The characters are well written and engaging, the action is exciting and villains are clearly defined with believable back stories. I highly recommend this series.
February 6, 2019
Maybe those preppers aren't so crazy after all
How will out lives change post-EMP? Follow the adventures of folks who figured out ways to survive and even prosper (to some extent, at least) in a world without power, electronics, cellphones and most of the junk that defines modern life. These very real-feeling characters are trapped in a post-apocalyptic story that could begin to materialize at any time. At the very least, this book offers food for thought and cause for reflection on what is really important in our lives. Recommended
How will out lives change post-EMP? Follow the adventures of folks who figured out ways to survive and even prosper (to some extent, at least) in a world without power, electronics, cellphones and most of the junk that defines modern life. These very real-feeling characters are trapped in a post-apocalyptic story that could begin to materialize at any time. At the very least, this book offers food for thought and cause for reflection on what is really important in our lives. Recommended
March 15, 2019
Bad A%&ery
I can't tell you how much time I spent while reading book 1 going back to make sure I was in fact reading book 1 because of how the story is told. I'm still not convinced that I haven't missed something. It's only now that I can appreciate and follow somewhat seamlessly.
I like Lauren more and more as she develops into the bad a$# you know she's destined to be; all the while still maintaining an open heart to those around her. You never know if you'll find her getting the best of someone twice her size by blade to the brain or giving pep talks and hugs.
I can't tell you how much time I spent while reading book 1 going back to make sure I was in fact reading book 1 because of how the story is told. I'm still not convinced that I haven't missed something. It's only now that I can appreciate and follow somewhat seamlessly.
I like Lauren more and more as she develops into the bad a$# you know she's destined to be; all the while still maintaining an open heart to those around her. You never know if you'll find her getting the best of someone twice her size by blade to the brain or giving pep talks and hugs.
September 28, 2019
Lauren Russell and her family have made a self reliant community in Trout Run Valley. They still struggle but they are surviving. When those unprepared for the state of the world decide to take from Laurens group it throws the community into a tailspin. Worst still the takers aren't the only adversary that will be a threat to the group of survivors. This story pulls you in and keeps the pages turning with good writing and interesting characters. I highly recommend this for fans of the dystopian genre.
October 3, 2017
This book was as awesome as the first book of the series. Lauren continues to defend her family and her neighbors in her community along with her allies: Christian, John Grace N Megan. The "bikers" have discovered the hidden community and Lauren and her allies as well as all of the adults must do whatever they can to defend themselves from attack.
Can't wait to read book 3 when its out-sometime next year-hopefully the wiat won't be too long.
Can't wait to read book 3 when its out-sometime next year-hopefully the wiat won't be too long.
September 28, 2020
This book is action-packed and still goes back to show how Lauren’s Dad prepared her for the fall. Now DHS has hired a mean motorcycle club to keep people in their place, basically by killing them, taking their food, gas ammunitionS, guns and whatever they have. Also FEMA along with DHS have set up camps and if people don’t behave, them they are exterminated It just keeps getting more suspenseful. On to book 3.
July 24, 2017
What a Great Book!
Definitely one of the Best Dystopian Books I have ever read. Love the Characters, they
So we'll Developed they become like your own family. They all have their own flaws, and qualities that make them real. Approaches being a Patriot and Being Prepared in a Positive Light, without going Overboard.. Highly recommend Both Boojs!
Definitely one of the Best Dystopian Books I have ever read. Love the Characters, they
So we'll Developed they become like your own family. They all have their own flaws, and qualities that make them real. Approaches being a Patriot and Being Prepared in a Positive Light, without going Overboard.. Highly recommend Both Boojs!
July 27, 2017
Intense
This one was a little slow on the set up but once it got going, holy crap. This is a realistic portrayal of prepared families facing a post apocalyptic world. One of the best battle scenes between people of opposites ilks left me enthralled and unable to set it down after 60%. Nice job Mr Rudolph
This one was a little slow on the set up but once it got going, holy crap. This is a realistic portrayal of prepared families facing a post apocalyptic world. One of the best battle scenes between people of opposites ilks left me enthralled and unable to set it down after 60%. Nice job Mr Rudolph
August 19, 2017
C.A. Rudolph has done an excellent job in sharing a very accurate portrayal of what society would face in the aftermath of an EMP event. These characters, thrust from an ordinary existence reliant on technology, into a world of darkness and domination, are well developed and believable. I am certainly waiting for the next book in the series; can't wait.
August 22, 2017
Winchester! Hey, I've lived there awhile!
Growing up in Texas, with only two types of seasons (hot and hotter) Reading takes one to different places and climes.And this one was more relevant having lived in Winchester for a couple of years.Brought to mind some pleasant memories. can't wait to read more. With relatable characters, with especially strong female leads.Prep Hard!
Growing up in Texas, with only two types of seasons (hot and hotter) Reading takes one to different places and climes.And this one was more relevant having lived in Winchester for a couple of years.Brought to mind some pleasant memories. can't wait to read more. With relatable characters, with especially strong female leads.Prep Hard!
July 20, 2018
Continuing the fight for survival
I loved Book Two. This is a very intense story that does a good job developing the characters and showing how they fit into the story.As with the first book all the flashbacks and jumping around aren't my favorite part but I see why it's done and doesn't detract from a great continuation of book one. Excited to start part 3. Well done
I loved Book Two. This is a very intense story that does a good job developing the characters and showing how they fit into the story.As with the first book all the flashbacks and jumping around aren't my favorite part but I see why it's done and doesn't detract from a great continuation of book one. Excited to start part 3. Well done
December 22, 2018
So many storylines, so many tales!
The story is developing, and the heart thumping action kept me turning pages as quickly as I could read. Is Lauren’s grandpa ok? What about the people on the fence, which way will they jump? So many questions, I have to run off and read the next book!
The story is developing, and the heart thumping action kept me turning pages as quickly as I could read. Is Lauren’s grandpa ok? What about the people on the fence, which way will they jump? So many questions, I have to run off and read the next book!
January 5, 2019
Good book
This started out a bit awkwardly for me as it’s been quite a while since I read the previous one. As the characters were mentioned my memory became more clear and I began to really get into it. From about half way through to the end I could not set the book down. This is a great read and I’m off to the next one!!
This started out a bit awkwardly for me as it’s been quite a while since I read the previous one. As the characters were mentioned my memory became more clear and I began to really get into it. From about half way through to the end I could not set the book down. This is a great read and I’m off to the next one!!
December 22, 2020
Well written dystopia
Occasionally a bit didactic, but mostly this is a well written dystopia. The main characters are three dimensional, the plot is unfortunately plausible, and the story arc has remained intact from book one to book two. I liked this. I found it to be a decent, light read.
Occasionally a bit didactic, but mostly this is a well written dystopia. The main characters are three dimensional, the plot is unfortunately plausible, and the story arc has remained intact from book one to book two. I liked this. I found it to be a decent, light read.
July 23, 2017
Awesome read
Have to admit speed read through some of the biker scenes at the beginning. Wanted to jump right in with more about Lauren and the Valley. I was hoping Lauren's dad would show up so that was disappointing but understandable.
Have to admit speed read through some of the biker scenes at the beginning. Wanted to jump right in with more about Lauren and the Valley. I was hoping Lauren's dad would show up so that was disappointing but understandable.
September 15, 2017
Huh?
Disappointing end to what was a scary and exciting book. Mr. Rudolph I don't know why you chose to end this book this way but it feels so incomplete. Is there another book coming???
Disappointing end to what was a scary and exciting book. Mr. Rudolph I don't know why you chose to end this book this way but it feels so incomplete. Is there another book coming???
January 5, 2018
Have enjoyed this series.
The thought of a world unlike any I have imagined has astounded me. The first book was gripping and this book is even better. Characters are believable and well developed. Story line is exciting. Do yourself a favor and read this Series.h
The thought of a world unlike any I have imagined has astounded me. The first book was gripping and this book is even better. Characters are believable and well developed. Story line is exciting. Do yourself a favor and read this Series.h
January 24, 2018
Solid follow up
More good stuff from Rudolph. Enjoying the series so far and looking forward to book three and the continuing evolution of Lauren into the warrior queen of the apocalypse.
More good stuff from Rudolph. Enjoying the series so far and looking forward to book three and the continuing evolution of Lauren into the warrior queen of the apocalypse.
February 16, 2018
Neighborhood Militia
This book gives a new meaning to "Neighborhood Watch" or should I say Neighborhood Militia. I hope my neighbors are as bonded as Lauren's group.
Enjoyed the book and series. Definitely worth my time reading.
This book gives a new meaning to "Neighborhood Watch" or should I say Neighborhood Militia. I hope my neighbors are as bonded as Lauren's group.
Enjoyed the book and series. Definitely worth my time reading.
April 16, 2018
I am really enjoying this series. It is one of the most realistic apocalyptic series I've read. I'm going to start the last one tonight and I'm really looking forward to it. With the first two books I was hoping the dad would pop up but hopefully he'll show up in the final book.
October 5, 2018
Scary
It's a scary thought that a government could or would do this to their population but it is far too believable.
Good story, nice to get some more of what happened at the outset. Liked the shootouts too.
It's a scary thought that a government could or would do this to their population but it is far too believable.
Good story, nice to get some more of what happened at the outset. Liked the shootouts too.
December 14, 2018
Loved it
Such a brilliant story. Action packed from beginning to end!
I am excited to see what happens next in this series. Do the Russell family and neighbors survive DHS. After destroying the MC biker gang what is Lauren's next move. Can't wait to read more
Such a brilliant story. Action packed from beginning to end!
I am excited to see what happens next in this series. Do the Russell family and neighbors survive DHS. After destroying the MC biker gang what is Lauren's next move. Can't wait to read more
February 28, 2019
Its an OK read if you can get by the immaturity of the characters... most of the characters are whiny and always so offended by one another its annoying. I will continue the series just because I want to figure out what happened/happens with Alan, Lauren's father.
March 27, 2019
I am hooked on the story. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the writing style but it's readable. I just have to roll my eyes on occasion. But I am enjoying the story and will see it thru to the end of the series.
October 28, 2020
A fantastic edge of your seat read, a real explosive instalment with non stop action and intrigue as Lauren, her family and the valley face opposition from two sides. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2017
This we will defend
Another awesome book ,full of danger ,education, and learning the ways of survival. Not sure if it's the last one in this series, but hope not. Well done
Another awesome book ,full of danger ,education, and learning the ways of survival. Not sure if it's the last one in this series, but hope not. Well done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews