Rational Collapse

by Ken Benton

Homeland Security Agent Harlan Welk is a man used to responding to our nation’s most covert domestic threats. But even he must admit no one saw this one coming. When a new type of terrorist attack targets a growing psychological weakness among the American population, our enemies are revealed as becoming ever-more resourceful. Harlan is visiting his conspiracy-plagued cousin Avery in Houston during a heightened period of civil unrest. Just as the frazzled nerves of law enforcement and protesters come to a head, twelve African-American teenagers simultaneously commit “suicide by cop” in the twelve U.S. cities most vulnerable to racial tension. None of the victims are found to be in possession of a real weapon. As a result, mass rioting erupts across our once-great country, which intensifies until our society can no longer function. From information acquired in an unexpected romance, Harlan believes he can gather the evidence to fully expose the plot as having come from foreign-based terrorists—and by so doing, possibly reunite America under the cause of a common enemy. But he must get to Memphis so he can interrogate the lone surviving terrorist. Traveling is now difficult. He finds himself bugging out of the city with his cousin’s family, facing a treacherous and uncertain path. Avery’s outright distrust of all things government only adds to their plight. Harlan discovers he must not only survive the hazards of criminal opportunism on the road, but the contagion of civil strife within his own family. And time is not on his side… Ken Benton’s latest survival story will, as always, take you on a wild ride and have you wondering if the story is prophetic when you watch the nightly news.

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2017

About the author

Ken Benton appears to be your run-of-the-mill city slicker at first glance, blissfully playing with his iPhone at the bar of the local barbeque joint while sipping on craft-brewed IPA. But he has a secret passion: doomsday survival prepping. And if you ever snuck up behind him to see what he was reading, it would likely be one of those apocalyptic-survival stories set after the collapse of modern society. Yes, he’s one of those nuts. But someday soon, Ken believes, those nuts may become the new upper class in society. Until then, we’ll just have to make do with story-telling. And preparing. Cheers

Reviews

[Lisa Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old TEOTWAWKI yarn

Okay, this is just a great TEOTWAWKI & WROL yarn. Not quite apocalyptic, unless you're one of the poor folks on the wrong end of the stick.

And this one just screams for a sequel...but it would have to be quite a different tale, given how this one ended.

WHAT I LOVED: Clean language and no sex. Fast-moving plot.
Good editing and grammar. Better depth than most on various government workings. Great depiction of the dilemma law enforcement officers find themselves in WRT enforcing laws in modern society. Interesting take on "vigilantes' during WROL / TEOTWAWKI situations. Definitely a clear perspective on the folks who are quite proficient at undercutting the USA and it's leaders. No misguided misunderstanding of how the Islamist really just want to get along.

Not so much: Depicted most government agents and workers as less than effective. Only the "rebellious mavericks" save the day. Too short!! I loved the story, but it was really high-concept for the most part. Would have liked more words to flesh out the main and supporting characters.

Bottom line: Well worth the read!!!

[mary ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rational comments.

I enjoyed the story and writing style. Is a nice read . If it was fleshed out with rtf more detail and character development it would have been a great book read. I hope this author will continue to hone his craft and work on some longer more details stories. I look forward to seeing his new works in the future.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rational Collapse review

Rational Collapse is an exciting book written by author Ken Benton about the national degradation of society after a terrorist attack. It's a very thought provoking story.

[Roy Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last!

A book about prepping that makes good sense.

A. Very good read, with believable characters that respond to problems believably. I'll be checking the rest of the Ken Benton books available.

[Kathryn Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

As a reader of much post-apoc literature I loved this book. A couple of details had me doing more research. The characters were engaging plus I liked how other minor characters were brought into the story to add richness. Thank you for a great read!

[Stephanie Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for the sequel

I can see something like this happening. I want to know what happens next. I hope Harlan and Jo join Avery and co.

[john h irish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to read a good book on a snowy day, then try this book and enjoy the ride.. You'll wonder if it's just an fictional story.....