Since the EMP, Danny Walker’s compound has survived waves of violence and the death of many key members. When Danny gets an unexpected piece of news, he pledges to put an end to the persistent threat in Charlotte. He will kill Regent Schlusser and shut down his consortium of depravity, or he will die trying. With JC still missing, a lust for revenge has worked its way into the heart and mind of Chris Castell, JC’s eldest son. Will Chris function as part of the team, or will his hatred and need for vengeance derail the plan to end Schlusser’s reign of terror? In this, the final battle between freedom and tyranny, the victor will determine the course of America for decades to come. You absolutely do not want to miss this edge-of-your-seat epic thrill ride that promises to make your heart race and your hair stand on end! As with all books by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you’re offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
Mark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.
Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt is a 4 book EMC Survival set. I’ve read several EMC related books and, for the most part, enjoyed them all. These are not usually great or even very good “literature” but each book gives me lots of opportunities to evaluate my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual readiness to deal with a natural or unnatural disaster. I enjoyed each of the four books in this set but book four, “Vengeance” was my favorite. Filled with action, tension, drama, it was a great, fast read. I loved the scriptural preface to each chapter and the inner dialogue as the characters dealt with spiritual or ethical challenges.
That's what I'm talking about. This was Goodwin at his best right here. Not overly long or complex, this installment of the Seven Cows series was basically the final battle for stability in the Carolina region. Not as much prepping in this one, but a well crafted assault story with equally good character interaction. This series is turning into another great one like Holding Their Own, but with a more professorial twist added in.
This is my collective rating and review for this whole series.
What to say? Well, firstly, as non-practicing Christian (if there even is such a thing), I'm probably not the best target reader for this Christian literature. In my defence, before starting to read this author I didn't even know this kind of fiction even existed.
In short, I didn't like that Christian aspect of it. Because, for something that has its basic premise rooted in religion, it's surprisingly lacking in spirituality department. There's more spirituality in Justin Chronin's Passage, the book about vampire apocalypse, of all things.
So it happens that for a bunch of Christians anally adhering to the Scriptures (or Bible), including even such obsolete and even obviously stupid things like no premarital sex or "wife" complying with her "man" even when it's obvious he's wrong, they sure like their tortures, cutting, and weapons. I know it's apocalypse, but since they're having trouble taking person with them just because she's not believer, how come they're not more conflicted with "turn the other" cheek doctrine?
Anyway, I don't like my fiction acting as a secondary catechism. If you're a Christian writer, I would expect some updated take on the teachings. And for the sake of the Christianity itself, if you want. By refusing to revise some of its dogmas Christianity is only doing disservice to itself and to Christians.
Even Vatican did that. But of course, in this author's writing they're only part of conspiracy (I know that from the other series) and a problem. And so am I and those like me, who don't believe every word in a Bible is to be taken at a face value. We'll all burn in hell (yes, one other obsolete thing taken literal, as if there's no enough suffering for human beings in this world).
While we're at it, it's kind of strange, I mean, the author is inventing conspiracy whenever he needs it for the plot, but somehow isn't aware of the most obvious and well recognized ones. Which also has consequence of not getting basic prepper facts right. Because, everybody and everything in government and outside of Christian community is part of conspiracy. But somehow, health organizations and doctors got it right (with their widely known failed experiment in which they manage to make huge percentage of US population obscenely fat). "We're mostly eat carbs, but that's ok because most food pyramids recommend that". And didn't you know that "beans is great source of protein". Wuut.
So there's absolute shit ton of bullcrap, but the writing talent is definitely there. Too bad it's wasted on fiction with such limited parameters.
Well, these books in this series will capture your heart and mind. The characters become family, and you want them all to be safe. The EMP that disrupted their lives in Book One is a possibility for us as well. Think about being without power for a few hours after a storm or a few weeks after a hurricane. It isn't a pleasant experience, but having cars makes it somewhat bearable. However, an EMP destroys all computers that aren't protected. Now, no phones, no cars, no power. This series brings the horror to life, but because these people are Christians, they have a hope and reason to fight back against marauding villains bent on stealing and killing. I held my breath from one book to the next. This is the type of book series that you don't want to end. I guarantee you will be addicted to these books by Mark Goodwin as I was.
pretty good - wrap up to a series that'll make you think ... leans a lil' towards situational ethics... and has a tendency to consider one piece of Biblical narrative without considering the whole... when looking at the story of Rehab in order to justify dishonesty it may be worth considering the glory of the story of the Widow at Zarephath... Thankfully the glory of the Gift of Grace may cover some of Marks characters as they face moral dilemmas that I can only pray that no one reading his books or reading this review will ever face...
I truly enjoy and frequently recommend all of Marks writing and they are usually well thought out very good for further discussion within your church family.
I would highly HIGHLY recommend all of us to "LIVE READY" as the last days are approaching... pray, prep but most of all PRACTICE TRUST in the ONLY GOD that can truly save. sLr
Once again another great novel by Mark Goodwin! Looking forward to seeing what else comes along. The story line that Mark uses makes it feel like you're a part of it. My only complaint is the use of King James version at the beginning of each chapter. Some people may feel turned off because of their lack of understanding to antiquated terminology. My only suggestion for Mark is to use a newer translation for people who are new believers. Other than that great book! Would highly recommend any of Mark Goodwin's series.
I no longer recognize Amazon as a legitimate venue for sharing reviews of works of fiction. Amazon has placed itself prominently among those factions of our society that choose to CENSOR some while promoting others. If you enjoyed the “Seven Cows” series, I recommend you find a copy and read “The Day Of The Rope” BANNED by Amazon but available at www.blackpilled.com
I love this Mark Goodwin’s books! I’ve read some of his books and they’re awesome. He loves the Lord and stays faithful in his writings. His EMP stories really makes you think of the “what if’s” because it’s written as if it could happen anytime. He spreads the Lord’s words in subtle ways and I love that. He is definitely one of the best writers and his books are so worth the read.
Great story that kept me on the edge of my seat! Great tactical story, just ended too quickly for me. Goodwin writes great stories, and I am anxious to read more by him. And that he, Goidwin, loves the Lord as he does, makes new ant go read his books even more.
Finally a good ending to this series. Hope wins and I am always pleases with the Christian theme in your books. Good clean writing with strong biblical principles. Thanks for staying true.
These books are eye openers. The things written about could happen in our country. We must pray for our leaders and try to lead folks to Jesus. Only Jesus can help us when things get really bad.
This is a great conclusion to a great series. This is the second series of Goodwin's I have read and I really love his writing and his the real way he portrays what could be coming for our county.
This is an awesome series. It has been a while since I was so caught up with a book that I could not put it down, but this series filled that void. I am certainly a Mark Goodwin fan, having read the Days of Noah, followed by the Days of Elijah. I will start prepping soon.
It was almost as if Mark wrote this epic 4 book saga all at once seamless from book one to book 4. A master full tale that you must read alone or with a friend .
Loved this series. I have read several of Mark Goodwin's series of novels in the last couple of months. They are all very good. As someone said in another review, you get to know the characters as family and really just have to keep reading to learn their fate.
A refreshing read with the quotes from the Bible as they telate to situation at jand. Well developed characters that I readly identify with. A great way to spread the Gospel to a seeking reader!
Slow and methodical, yet riveting, this is the story of living for God in a crazy apocalyptic world. As the last book in this series, the book introduces us to revenge in its many forms, but shows us that it truly belongs to God.
Another great read from Mark Goodwin. I would recommend this series to anyone who is interested in Christian or dystopian fiction. The only disappointment in this series was reaching the end.
Vengeance is the fourth and final post apocalyptic book in the Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt series written by author Mark Goodwin. I highly recommend it.
A Great Series By Mark Goodwin... I've not been a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction before Mark Goodwin. Now I'm drawn to reading other books in the genre (especially by Goodwin) These books are inspirational while being realistic in terms of expectations when the world and everything in it go south. A thrilling and thought-provoking read and a pretty accurate description of the human condition.
I like stories based on bible principles and fallible characters, yet believers like I know in my life. This has love, hope, faith and a ton of real possible scenarios. This will make you choose what you truly believe.