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The Traveler #5
Battle
All he wants is peace. All he finds is war.
Marcus Battle is a wanted man. No matter where he goes or what he does, he can't escape those who aim to kill him.
But as he fights off one would-be vigilante after another, a new threat emerges. It's a threat worse than the viral Scourge which plunged his world into a dystopian nightmare and it could give rise to second apocalypse.
Can Marcus fend off the coming attacks or will he finally fall prey to an enemy he won't see coming?
Marcus Battle is a wanted man. No matter where he goes or what he does, he can't escape those who aim to kill him.
But as he fights off one would-be vigilante after another, a new threat emerges. It's a threat worse than the viral Scourge which plunged his world into a dystopian nightmare and it could give rise to second apocalypse.
Can Marcus fend off the coming attacks or will he finally fall prey to an enemy he won't see coming?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2017
430 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Tom Abrahams
71 books342 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 2, 2020
ALL eight novels are approximately a 70 hour listen - a post-apocalyptic world. A flea born pathogen, highly contagious, wipes out over two-thirds of the world population. There is no cure, but there is natural immunity. If you want the full experience, in sequence: Home, Canyon, Wall, Rising, Battle, Legacy, Hero, and finally Harbor.
Plot. Marcus Battle, a PTSD victim, returns to Texas and loses his son and wife to the plague; he speaks to them and hears them speak to him. Marcus also lives as a hermit on his land, defending it with shoot-first, so you don't need to ask questions. After months of solitude, Marcus rescues a woman being chased by a cult of marauders. The marauders have her son. They successfully burn Marcus's house down. Under a facade of revenge, Marcus and the woman set out to rescue her son and rid Texas of these thugs. The story has a considerable slice of flashbacks to Marcus' time in service - when he nearly dies to rescue his badly injured friend. Will Marcus conquer his own demons, rescue the boy of a stranger? Stay alive? Will he have a second family?
The story moves to Battle's father-daughter friendship with an orphaned, snarky, broken girl. Smart as they come, fiercely independent, able to sling a knife with lightning speed - Louise (Lou), is as damaged as Battle, having lost loved ones to the virulent infection and possies of opportunistic thugs. Lou and Battle's adventures traverse the years and the miles in search of a life without violence.
Liked. Good character development, easy to visualize action, well-organized plot over eight novels. No sex, no explicit language. Decent narration and production.
Not so hot. There are some holes in an apocalyptic world, in my opinion. Not much mention of shortages of essentials like gasoline, medicine, etc., all that would surely be horrific. No mention of tampons - hey, they will run out! Just sayin'. By the time the series ends, a span of 21 years since the plague, there is also a plethora of ammunition - who's making all this stuff? Lots and lots of double-tap gun violence. A bit slow tempo, but just pump the speed up a tad on your iPhone.
This is a long series, cliffhangers throughout - but, comes to a satisfactory conclusion with the final novel, Harbor.
Written by By Tom Abrahams, narrated by Kevin Pierce in unabridged audiobook format, released in March 2016-19 by Piton Press LLC.
Recommended - don't have to stretch the imagination much. This stuff could really happen, as we all now know with COVID19.
Plot. Marcus Battle, a PTSD victim, returns to Texas and loses his son and wife to the plague; he speaks to them and hears them speak to him. Marcus also lives as a hermit on his land, defending it with shoot-first, so you don't need to ask questions. After months of solitude, Marcus rescues a woman being chased by a cult of marauders. The marauders have her son. They successfully burn Marcus's house down. Under a facade of revenge, Marcus and the woman set out to rescue her son and rid Texas of these thugs. The story has a considerable slice of flashbacks to Marcus' time in service - when he nearly dies to rescue his badly injured friend. Will Marcus conquer his own demons, rescue the boy of a stranger? Stay alive? Will he have a second family?
The story moves to Battle's father-daughter friendship with an orphaned, snarky, broken girl. Smart as they come, fiercely independent, able to sling a knife with lightning speed - Louise (Lou), is as damaged as Battle, having lost loved ones to the virulent infection and possies of opportunistic thugs. Lou and Battle's adventures traverse the years and the miles in search of a life without violence.
Liked. Good character development, easy to visualize action, well-organized plot over eight novels. No sex, no explicit language. Decent narration and production.
Not so hot. There are some holes in an apocalyptic world, in my opinion. Not much mention of shortages of essentials like gasoline, medicine, etc., all that would surely be horrific. No mention of tampons - hey, they will run out! Just sayin'. By the time the series ends, a span of 21 years since the plague, there is also a plethora of ammunition - who's making all this stuff? Lots and lots of double-tap gun violence. A bit slow tempo, but just pump the speed up a tad on your iPhone.
This is a long series, cliffhangers throughout - but, comes to a satisfactory conclusion with the final novel, Harbor.
Written by By Tom Abrahams, narrated by Kevin Pierce in unabridged audiobook format, released in March 2016-19 by Piton Press LLC.
Recommended - don't have to stretch the imagination much. This stuff could really happen, as we all now know with COVID19.
October 22, 2017
Marcus Battle had hoped that residing in what was left of the small town of Baird, Texas as their sheriff would lead to a peaceful coexistence with the post-apocalyptic world south of the wall. His past decided otherwise. It followed him with a larger than life profile of the man who wanted only to be left alone. Some called him ‘Mad Max’ and a legend was born. They came from far and wide, alone or in small groups, to challenge Battle in a duel. They seek fame and fortune in hopes of being the one that bested Marcus. Many tried and all failed.
Meanwhile, something is brewing north of the wall in the area reclaimed by the government. A storm is coming. A storm worse than the Scourge. A storm that could bring a second apocalypse. And, it’s headed towards Texas.
Marcus is growing weary. He’s older now. His body reminds him of all his past transgressions. Death seems to follow him wherever he goes. All he wants is to live a quiet life away from his past. Will this new threat finally be his downfall or will he walk away from it and everything else forever?
Abrahams’ fifth novel in The Traveler series, Battle: A Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure, follows Marcus in the waning years of his life. He has loved and lost it all twice. Twice as many as any man should have to bear. He lives on the edge of insanity. He is reckless and cunning. But, is his time running out?
Life appears to be back to normal north of the wall. There is electricity, clean water, and jobs. But, looks can be deceiving. What is the price one must pay to enjoy all those things? And, who decides? Is life really any different north of the wall?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever read. “Marcus, however, was not the skilled thrower that Lou was, and the handle hit the guard instead of the blade. It bounced harmlessly to the ground.” I found that to be hilarious especially since the scene itself was so intense. You’ll have to read the book to fully appreciate how funny that really is.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Meanwhile, something is brewing north of the wall in the area reclaimed by the government. A storm is coming. A storm worse than the Scourge. A storm that could bring a second apocalypse. And, it’s headed towards Texas.
Marcus is growing weary. He’s older now. His body reminds him of all his past transgressions. Death seems to follow him wherever he goes. All he wants is to live a quiet life away from his past. Will this new threat finally be his downfall or will he walk away from it and everything else forever?
Abrahams’ fifth novel in The Traveler series, Battle: A Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure, follows Marcus in the waning years of his life. He has loved and lost it all twice. Twice as many as any man should have to bear. He lives on the edge of insanity. He is reckless and cunning. But, is his time running out?
Life appears to be back to normal north of the wall. There is electricity, clean water, and jobs. But, looks can be deceiving. What is the price one must pay to enjoy all those things? And, who decides? Is life really any different north of the wall?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever read. “Marcus, however, was not the skilled thrower that Lou was, and the handle hit the guard instead of the blade. It bounced harmlessly to the ground.” I found that to be hilarious especially since the scene itself was so intense. You’ll have to read the book to fully appreciate how funny that really is.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 26, 2024
not as good as the earlier ones
I’ve enjoyed this series but this might be the last one I read. This one felt forced. I thought the characters weren’t consistent with what had been established. Also, the characters do this thing when they want to stay awake or stay calm or endure pain and that’s that they bite the inside of their cheek..does anyone do that? In these novels, they bite their cheeks until they draw blood and then swallow it. I can take that, I guess, as an occasional thing but they seem to do it a lot.
There’s also an awful lot of discussion of snot and phlegm. The characters hock up loogies and spit all over the place. Again, I can take that as an occassional thing, I guess, but it’s so disgusting and it’s overly prevalent. I found it distracting
I also found the description of the symptoms of the scourge to be needlessly gross. It seemed to wallow in blood and snot and other bodily fluids.
I also found the plot about the cdc trying to “improve” on the scourge to be unconvincing. Why are they doing it? To kill people in Texas because they’re too violent? Really? And for them being scientists, they don’t seem concerned with keeping the scourge only in Texas. I mean, the whole world was trashed by this virus and they’re going to soup it up and let it loose in Texas. Don’t they know how diseases spread? I found that whole plot unrealistic and unconvincing. It’s like the author couldn’t think of anything else to do.
As I said, I liked the series but this installment did not live up to the previous ones. I don’t think I’ll be reading these further.
I’ve enjoyed this series but this might be the last one I read. This one felt forced. I thought the characters weren’t consistent with what had been established. Also, the characters do this thing when they want to stay awake or stay calm or endure pain and that’s that they bite the inside of their cheek..does anyone do that? In these novels, they bite their cheeks until they draw blood and then swallow it. I can take that, I guess, as an occasional thing but they seem to do it a lot.
There’s also an awful lot of discussion of snot and phlegm. The characters hock up loogies and spit all over the place. Again, I can take that as an occassional thing, I guess, but it’s so disgusting and it’s overly prevalent. I found it distracting
I also found the description of the symptoms of the scourge to be needlessly gross. It seemed to wallow in blood and snot and other bodily fluids.
I also found the plot about the cdc trying to “improve” on the scourge to be unconvincing. Why are they doing it? To kill people in Texas because they’re too violent? Really? And for them being scientists, they don’t seem concerned with keeping the scourge only in Texas. I mean, the whole world was trashed by this virus and they’re going to soup it up and let it loose in Texas. Don’t they know how diseases spread? I found that whole plot unrealistic and unconvincing. It’s like the author couldn’t think of anything else to do.
As I said, I liked the series but this installment did not live up to the previous ones. I don’t think I’ll be reading these further.
July 20, 2018
I Couldn't Put It Down
All he wants is peace. All he finds is war. This might be one of the best opening lines I've read for a synopsis ever - and it fits this book and story so well.
I'm unsure if this is the last book in The Traveler Series (at least for Battle), but it was a great way to clean up some of the loose ends. I want to write more - but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who's gotten 5 books deep in the series so far.
As with the last book, I loved Battle and Lou's stories, connection, and interaction. Lou is such a great character I'm glad that Abrahams is giving her, her own book for book 6 of the series. I finished Battle and instantly jumped into Legacy because I wanted to know exactly what he was going to write for/about her.
As with all reviews - I don't want to give much up, but their interaction, especially in the middle (sheriff) and the end were intimate and real. I love Abrahams for it. It's just nice to feel like you're reading about real people and not just characters.
Also, the inclusion of more about the Scourge had me perked up. I want to know more and more about it and I was given a slight taste in this book. It just makes me wonder what a bio-thriller book by Abrahams would look like (though this is borderline in some of the stories).
Overall, I thought that Battle was a great book with great stories in it. I loved every minute of it and literally finished it in an afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
All he wants is peace. All he finds is war. This might be one of the best opening lines I've read for a synopsis ever - and it fits this book and story so well.
I'm unsure if this is the last book in The Traveler Series (at least for Battle), but it was a great way to clean up some of the loose ends. I want to write more - but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who's gotten 5 books deep in the series so far.
As with the last book, I loved Battle and Lou's stories, connection, and interaction. Lou is such a great character I'm glad that Abrahams is giving her, her own book for book 6 of the series. I finished Battle and instantly jumped into Legacy because I wanted to know exactly what he was going to write for/about her.
As with all reviews - I don't want to give much up, but their interaction, especially in the middle (sheriff) and the end were intimate and real. I love Abrahams for it. It's just nice to feel like you're reading about real people and not just characters.
Also, the inclusion of more about the Scourge had me perked up. I want to know more and more about it and I was given a slight taste in this book. It just makes me wonder what a bio-thriller book by Abrahams would look like (though this is borderline in some of the stories).
Overall, I thought that Battle was a great book with great stories in it. I loved every minute of it and literally finished it in an afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
August 30, 2020
When Lou, Rudy, Normaand Marcus make it back to Baird, they make Marcus the sheriff. But as the word spreads several different individuals decide to come there and be the one who kills Mad Max, but it never works, Battle kills them. Meanwhile Tasker is still transporting people over the wall. He then gets asked to come to Atlanta and transport someone south of the wall. They will pay him five thousand dollars. When he gets to the address in Atlanta it is the CDC. The woman doctor Sharp wants him to take a patient that has a virus worse than the Scouge to south of the wall so the patient can infect lots of people. Tasker doesn’t want to do it but she tells him they will kill him if they don’t, so he and one of Dr. Sharp’s security guards in hazmat suits head out in the hearse heading to south of the wall. Then a man tries to round up a big enough posse to go to Baird to kill Battle. There is a lot of action and lots of surprises in this book. It might be my favorite so far. Now to book six.
March 17, 2019
After the Cartel conflict Battle was tired and yearned to settle down. Unfortunately, Battle had amassed quite a reputation during the fighting with both the Cartel and then the LRC Gang. Folks looking for some form of glory or a reputation of their own would not let Battle settle down. As sheriff in the town of Beard Battle was a highly visible target. Revenge toward the people that slaughtered his family set him against the LRC Gang. The three that left him for dead in his barn were from that gang and it was only a matter of time until he and his friends tracked them down. Payback was sudden and brutal, as only revenge can be. Ultimately, Battle must consider his options, confront all the killing, and deal with the danger he and his friends are constantly faced with. How Battle will resolve these issues is something you must find out for yourself. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
September 23, 2019
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Extreme and the undefeated in your own home with the undefeated in this article are permitted worldwide in the undefeated in
February 19, 2018
There is a lot of good action in this book and it does not have many writing errors. However, I find Marcus to be very one dimensional as a character. I also didn't need so much repetition of how broken he felt he was...I got it. I also found it hard to believe 2 guys could successful assault and infiltrate a government headquarters where hidden and nefarious activities to start a new strain of the virus was being developed. The method of virus delivered seemed to also be rather cumbersome and inefficient. But then at least some of the bad guys on all fronts were effectively dealt with Marcus-style.
November 24, 2017
Battle. Tom Abrahams
Marcus Battle is the Sheriff of Baird. A small Texas town. Or rather what's left of it following the scourge, the cartels. The endless violence. He's the town protector, the Lone sentinel. Violence and death seem to follow him everywhere. The town senses it too. Only Lou, or Louise understands him. Revenge is on its way to Baird. Another battle. Will it be his last? This is an extremely well written tale of hard times, the will to survive. My highest recommendation.
Marcus Battle is the Sheriff of Baird. A small Texas town. Or rather what's left of it following the scourge, the cartels. The endless violence. He's the town protector, the Lone sentinel. Violence and death seem to follow him everywhere. The town senses it too. Only Lou, or Louise understands him. Revenge is on its way to Baird. Another battle. Will it be his last? This is an extremely well written tale of hard times, the will to survive. My highest recommendation.
October 8, 2020
I really enjoy these books. I love apocalypse books are probably my favorite genre. I love that Tom Abrams keeps them clean so that I can listen to them while working from home on my home business. I am listening to these books in the heart of 2020 and these are probably some of the most terrifying apocalypse books I have read or listen to because it’s totally plausible with what is going on right now. I’m not afraid of zombies but what’s going on in these books could really happen. Still I am enjoying them
August 4, 2020
Good but again very disappointing it was short, rushed and some ways boring with no action to keep you interested. The narrator did a good job with the story but even he could not bring it alive. The characters were flat, no life or having feeling. As in book four it was rushed and more killing and flat lifeless characters.
It is ashame Tom could not keep the story flowing with characters who you could feel you knew and you was friends and wanted to wish them the best.
It is ashame Tom could not keep the story flowing with characters who you could feel you knew and you was friends and wanted to wish them the best.
December 15, 2020
Not bad (3 stars), but I enjoyed the other books a little more than this one. I honestly didn’t have much interest in the secondary story and found it to be a bit more unbelievable than some of the others. I don’t want to ruin it for other readers, but Battle’s ability to easily disarm people who are trained in security, was comical at best.
With that said, I will likely check out the next book in the series.
With that said, I will likely check out the next book in the series.
January 1, 2018
A Gripping End to a Well Told Series
I strongly recommend this series to anyone interested in dystopian novels. Abrahams tells solid and realistic stories. Once you have read the first book in the series, you will not be able to resist the others. This is the story you have been waiting for.
I strongly recommend this series to anyone interested in dystopian novels. Abrahams tells solid and realistic stories. Once you have read the first book in the series, you will not be able to resist the others. This is the story you have been waiting for.
February 2, 2018
Battle
What a man.
Is that enough for a book review?
Battle is the center of everyone's world. What an impact he had on lives. Especially those who preyed on the downtrodden. It is very nice to see an author embrace God, the Bible and prayers in his book. I know there will be a book 5.
Enjoyed the book immensely.
What a man.
Is that enough for a book review?
Battle is the center of everyone's world. What an impact he had on lives. Especially those who preyed on the downtrodden. It is very nice to see an author embrace God, the Bible and prayers in his book. I know there will be a book 5.
Enjoyed the book immensely.
June 14, 2018
Loved it
This is the last of this series. This one was a wild ride with several situations for the indestructible Marcus Battle to overcome. The writing is superb, the plots fascinating and the characters complex. I loved it am sorry to see it end.
This is the last of this series. This one was a wild ride with several situations for the indestructible Marcus Battle to overcome. The writing is superb, the plots fascinating and the characters complex. I loved it am sorry to see it end.
July 4, 2018
Book 5.
Follow the saga of Marcus Battle as he strives to survive after a virus wipes out over 3/4 of the world’s population. Incredible characters and plot line. Go back and start book one. Must read!
Follow the saga of Marcus Battle as he strives to survive after a virus wipes out over 3/4 of the world’s population. Incredible characters and plot line. Go back and start book one. Must read!
July 25, 2018
Another Great Addition to the Saga of Marcus Battle,
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The ups and downs in Marcus Battles story are exciting and the addition of interesting characters keep you wanting more!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The ups and downs in Marcus Battles story are exciting and the addition of interesting characters keep you wanting more!
August 8, 2018
Brain candy plain and simple. This is a post apocalyptic western series which reminds me quite a bit of the game Fallout. Likeable characters make the rather thin western plot lines work and the action is fast and entertaining.
November 21, 2017
I really enjoy this series. The author describes a bleak future and it's effect on the great characters. Battle (book 5) added a great twist which compels me to continue with the series.
June 7, 2018
Battle is the fifth post apocalyptic book in The Traveler series written by author Tom Abrahams.
July 26, 2018
Good
Good to great read like the 4 th books before it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series , I hopping that it will be just as good as the others.
Good to great read like the 4 th books before it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series , I hopping that it will be just as good as the others.
August 20, 2018
Just finished Battle (The Traveler #5) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is an outstanding series, grab it today and find yourself immersed in the action.
October 9, 2018
Excellent Series
These books follow Marcus Battle, a former soldier and prepper as he tries to live his life following a world wide plague.
These books follow Marcus Battle, a former soldier and prepper as he tries to live his life following a world wide plague.
October 9, 2018
Worth it i guess
I was compelled to finish this series but I cannot say that it was a good ending. I was hoping for rest for the main character but alas.
I was compelled to finish this series but I cannot say that it was a good ending. I was hoping for rest for the main character but alas.
March 1, 2019
Fast-paced, action-packed, and suspenseful
Tom Abrahams weaves his story to keep your attention and interest to see what will happen next. It is very difficult to put down this book. His characters are well thought out and very likeable. This is a great book in the saga of Marcus Battle. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Tom Abrahams weaves his story to keep your attention and interest to see what will happen next. It is very difficult to put down this book. His characters are well thought out and very likeable. This is a great book in the saga of Marcus Battle. I cannot wait to read the next book.
March 12, 2019
Marcus rides again.
If you have made it this far in the series, you love the action, adventure and story line as much as I do. Well written, action packed and faced paced.
If you have made it this far in the series, you love the action, adventure and story line as much as I do. Well written, action packed and faced paced.
March 26, 2019
Great addition to the series
I like to leave stars but don't Like being forced to write more. This is a good book in a good series. Well worth the read. There you go.
I like to leave stars but don't Like being forced to write more. This is a good book in a good series. Well worth the read. There you go.
April 30, 2019
So loved this book ! So glad I gave it a shot bc I still just as drawn in as I was from the start of Book 1 !
May 24, 2019
Settling Down
Enemies abound following the scourge. Some come looking for him, others he goes after to prevent massive loss of life.
Enemies abound following the scourge. Some come looking for him, others he goes after to prevent massive loss of life.
July 23, 2019
Engaging characters, had to work to suspend my disbelief at the lack of protection at the CDC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews