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The Legacy #1
The Ranch: Jack Sterlings Legacy
Jason Sterling had a simple life by all accounts. He had worked the same job his entire adult life, he had never married and he had no children. He was used to doing things on his own. His comfortable life was shaken to the core the day he learned of his fathers death. It was a mysterious meeting that set life altering events in motion and the allure of a new life was too great to walk away from. When an Electromagnetic Pulse brings the modern world to its knees, Jason's choice proves to be the right one.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
April 14, 2024
I was shocked at just how fast things had gone crazy in the world. A month had gone by and civilization had already reverted to this. I also had no doubt that the day would come when we would have to defend the ranch. The question was, how dearly would it cost us?
Set outside of Elko, Nevada.
The story opens on July 9, 2015. Jason Sterling, 38, is a supply chain manager for a warehouse in Reno, Nevada. When his estranged father passes away, Jason receives quite the inheritance.
Jason grew up in Kansas; a very solitary man. He’s 6’2” and 195 pounds of muscle that he works very hard to maintain—especially after being bullied in high school for being a scrawny nerd. Loves working on cars and trucks…and loves guns.
Refreshing to read an author with a distinctive and unapologetically masculine narrative voice.
Jason’s father built The Ranch, an amazingly self-sufficient compound, with the help of his closest and most-trusted friends.
Jill Butler, 26, soon becomes a right hand to Jason. Jason teaches Jill high-speed driving; Jill teaches Jason armed and unarmed combat techniques.
So much forethought put into the compound.
Jason’s improvements revitalize The Ranch and expand their squad. His vision and leadership take The Ranch to the next level. Strong, focused, and uncompromising.
Around 38%, everything hits the fan: four major United States cities are destroyed by nuclear bombs. An EMP bomb is detonated as well.
Operations, missions, rescues, tactics, and strategies. Gun fights and shoot-outs. Strong fight and battle choreography. Everyone’s teamwork and roles on the ranch—super cool that they all have their specialties. The skills and training are fascinating.
Could use some fine-tuning with the editing.
It’s a nice touch that Susan becomes the de factor counselor. They’ve all had a boatload of trauma; additional realism here is welcome.
Jason’s views are plainly stated. Commendable by the author to go there.
When President Wilcox “surfaces” at 66%, the novel takes a turn—and goes from very good to great. It’s a huge turning point, both in the style and the narrative. Almost as if the writer had been holding back…then feels free to let his voice out though the characters and the plot. He’s much stronger as an author when he’s untethered.
Good representation, particularly with female fighters. Sean is always extremely inclusive.
The Red gang in town…lots of guns 🙌
The journals…the decoding. Secret messages. A father who was forced to love his sons from afar…
Calvert and the alliance. The shack, security measures, the caves…defense…and attack. The Ranch team grows.
Jill and Jason make an outstanding team.
Awesome ending. Definitely coming back for book two.
What the politicians didn’t realize was that a new age was upon us and had they studied their history, they would have known that we would right the ship.
Set outside of Elko, Nevada.
The story opens on July 9, 2015. Jason Sterling, 38, is a supply chain manager for a warehouse in Reno, Nevada. When his estranged father passes away, Jason receives quite the inheritance.
Jason grew up in Kansas; a very solitary man. He’s 6’2” and 195 pounds of muscle that he works very hard to maintain—especially after being bullied in high school for being a scrawny nerd. Loves working on cars and trucks…and loves guns.
Refreshing to read an author with a distinctive and unapologetically masculine narrative voice.
Jason’s father built The Ranch, an amazingly self-sufficient compound, with the help of his closest and most-trusted friends.
Jill Butler, 26, soon becomes a right hand to Jason. Jason teaches Jill high-speed driving; Jill teaches Jason armed and unarmed combat techniques.
So much forethought put into the compound.
Jason’s improvements revitalize The Ranch and expand their squad. His vision and leadership take The Ranch to the next level. Strong, focused, and uncompromising.
Around 38%, everything hits the fan: four major United States cities are destroyed by nuclear bombs. An EMP bomb is detonated as well.
Operations, missions, rescues, tactics, and strategies. Gun fights and shoot-outs. Strong fight and battle choreography. Everyone’s teamwork and roles on the ranch—super cool that they all have their specialties. The skills and training are fascinating.
Could use some fine-tuning with the editing.
It’s a nice touch that Susan becomes the de factor counselor. They’ve all had a boatload of trauma; additional realism here is welcome.
Jason’s views are plainly stated. Commendable by the author to go there.
When President Wilcox “surfaces” at 66%, the novel takes a turn—and goes from very good to great. It’s a huge turning point, both in the style and the narrative. Almost as if the writer had been holding back…then feels free to let his voice out though the characters and the plot. He’s much stronger as an author when he’s untethered.
Good representation, particularly with female fighters. Sean is always extremely inclusive.
The Red gang in town…lots of guns 🙌
The journals…the decoding. Secret messages. A father who was forced to love his sons from afar…
Calvert and the alliance. The shack, security measures, the caves…defense…and attack. The Ranch team grows.
Jill and Jason make an outstanding team.
Awesome ending. Definitely coming back for book two.
What the politicians didn’t realize was that a new age was upon us and had they studied their history, they would have known that we would right the ship.
September 5, 2025
This book was such a fun ride! The set-up is every prepper’s dream, fortified ranch, stockpiled resources, and a crew ready to defend it when the world collapses.
There were two types of survivors after the EMP. There were those like us, the ones who did what they could to help others. Then there were those who did what they could to exploit others.
The story starts small but really takes off with the last stretch being packed with an intense battle scene. Definitely ott at times, but I enjoyed it all the same. Suuuuper violent, so know that going in.
Issues:
There are a few rough edges, some plot holes, and WAY too many characters to track in the second half. I kept wondering why they didn’t have any dogs? They’re such a crucial part of first-line security. I also would have loved more details about the everyday side of survival, farming, canning, gardening, those aspects were barely discussed.
I’m still wondering who set all of this in motion, but maybe that will come out in the next book.
Tropes/themes:
EMP apocalypse
Collapse of modern society
Prepper’s paradise/survivalist fantasy
Mysterious inheritance
Found family
Military strategy
Badass woman co-leader
Overwhelming odds
So many side characters
Tiny romance, but it worked here
HFN...
Overall, this story is fast-paced, is action/violence-heavy, and balanced with a badass woman co-leading. Despite the issues, I was totally entertained.
Side note. *I get why some readers may be irritated by a character’s political leanings, but I don’t need every character to reflect my own worldview. For me, this is military fiction at its best. What stood out most was that this author created one of the BEST female characters I’ve come across in the genre, she’s fierce, capable, and absolutely kicks ass. In fact, she’s the one training the hero. There’s also a small love story here, which made my romantic heart happy.
Thanks for the recommendation, Dan. I really should have read this one sooner!
There were two types of survivors after the EMP. There were those like us, the ones who did what they could to help others. Then there were those who did what they could to exploit others.
The story starts small but really takes off with the last stretch being packed with an intense battle scene. Definitely ott at times, but I enjoyed it all the same. Suuuuper violent, so know that going in.
Issues:
There are a few rough edges, some plot holes, and WAY too many characters to track in the second half. I kept wondering why they didn’t have any dogs? They’re such a crucial part of first-line security. I also would have loved more details about the everyday side of survival, farming, canning, gardening, those aspects were barely discussed.
I’m still wondering who set all of this in motion, but maybe that will come out in the next book.
Tropes/themes:
EMP apocalypse
Collapse of modern society
Prepper’s paradise/survivalist fantasy
Mysterious inheritance
Found family
Military strategy
Badass woman co-leader
Overwhelming odds
So many side characters
Tiny romance, but it worked here
HFN...
Overall, this story is fast-paced, is action/violence-heavy, and balanced with a badass woman co-leading. Despite the issues, I was totally entertained.
Side note. *I get why some readers may be irritated by a character’s political leanings, but I don’t need every character to reflect my own worldview. For me, this is military fiction at its best. What stood out most was that this author created one of the BEST female characters I’ve come across in the genre, she’s fierce, capable, and absolutely kicks ass. In fact, she’s the one training the hero. There’s also a small love story here, which made my romantic heart happy.
Thanks for the recommendation, Dan. I really should have read this one sooner!
October 4, 2026
DON'T PUT OFF READING THIS SERIES LIKE I DID. IT'S WELL WORTH READING!
10/04/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ranch: Jack Sterling's Legacy (The Legacy Series Book 1) by Sean Liscom is a well-written, action-packed apocalyptic thriller that will hold your interest from the first page to the last with characters that are are well developed to the point where you will feel like you truly know them and understand their triumphs and struggles. This is only the start of the second series in which I have read written by Sean Liscom and I can easily tell you that at the start of the first book of his Whisper Ridge series I was hooked.
The characters are wonderfully developed to the point that you feel like you truly know them. Jill for example, is a strong woman, the girl next door look and attitude, and down to earth, a person that is easy to relate to. Jason is a rock. He's new to the ranch but fits in like a well worn hat. The relationships between the members of the ranch is that of lifetime friends and family. Jason and Jill, along with the rest of the group at the Sterling Ranch place their lives on the line to not only defend themselves and the ranch they call their home but the neighboring town of Elko, Nevada where they have to deal with a murderous gang of thugs that have laid siege to the town murdering, raping, robbing, and torturing the citizens for their own control and gain.
With the assets that Jason's father and the original members of the Sterling Ranch put together prior to Jason taking the reins and stepping into the leader of the ranch with Jill at his side, he's got a huge step up but at the same time there's a lot to accomplish if they are going to be prepared for the worse when the SHTF whether it's next week, next month, or in the years to come. As it turns out, the worst case scenario happens sooner than later and Jason, Jill, and the Sterling Ranch members have their hands full when the U.S. is hit with multiple nukes and EMPs that take out the government, the infrastructure, power, and putting the U.S. back into the pre industrial age. Our allies can't come to our aid, they too have been hit hard too. The world as we know it no longer exists.
I am sorry to say that I have been looking to read this book and series for a long time, and for one reason or another, I have put it off. My advice is DON'T. If you think you might be interested in reading this book or series, jump right into doing so. It's that good and you will not be disappointed. I have really enjoyed this first book in Sean Liscom's The Ranch series and plan to continue to read the remaining seven books in this series starting right after I post my review.
10/04/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ranch: Jack Sterling's Legacy (The Legacy Series Book 1) by Sean Liscom is a well-written, action-packed apocalyptic thriller that will hold your interest from the first page to the last with characters that are are well developed to the point where you will feel like you truly know them and understand their triumphs and struggles. This is only the start of the second series in which I have read written by Sean Liscom and I can easily tell you that at the start of the first book of his Whisper Ridge series I was hooked.
The characters are wonderfully developed to the point that you feel like you truly know them. Jill for example, is a strong woman, the girl next door look and attitude, and down to earth, a person that is easy to relate to. Jason is a rock. He's new to the ranch but fits in like a well worn hat. The relationships between the members of the ranch is that of lifetime friends and family. Jason and Jill, along with the rest of the group at the Sterling Ranch place their lives on the line to not only defend themselves and the ranch they call their home but the neighboring town of Elko, Nevada where they have to deal with a murderous gang of thugs that have laid siege to the town murdering, raping, robbing, and torturing the citizens for their own control and gain.
With the assets that Jason's father and the original members of the Sterling Ranch put together prior to Jason taking the reins and stepping into the leader of the ranch with Jill at his side, he's got a huge step up but at the same time there's a lot to accomplish if they are going to be prepared for the worse when the SHTF whether it's next week, next month, or in the years to come. As it turns out, the worst case scenario happens sooner than later and Jason, Jill, and the Sterling Ranch members have their hands full when the U.S. is hit with multiple nukes and EMPs that take out the government, the infrastructure, power, and putting the U.S. back into the pre industrial age. Our allies can't come to our aid, they too have been hit hard too. The world as we know it no longer exists.
I am sorry to say that I have been looking to read this book and series for a long time, and for one reason or another, I have put it off. My advice is DON'T. If you think you might be interested in reading this book or series, jump right into doing so. It's that good and you will not be disappointed. I have really enjoyed this first book in Sean Liscom's The Ranch series and plan to continue to read the remaining seven books in this series starting right after I post my review.
March 4, 2019
This story had potential as the overall plot and some of the characters were decent (Jason and Jill and the Major), but there were some issues that kept me from really enjoying it. First, the amount of effort over many years that it took to set up the compound and they didn't see that they did not have enough people to sustain it going forward? It took an unaware neophyte to get them on track? Second, the dialog needed a lot of work. For one thing, it was awkward and not at all like most people talk and there was too much run-on dialog, back and forth to the extent it was often a challenge as to who was saying what. Third, there is way, way too much detail on the weapons and equipment. It did nothing to enhance the story and everything to slow it down. Fourth, the extreme right wing bias was just BS. Really, "liberal pansy", "TSA goons", describing liberalism as a mental disorder? Those sentiments are ridiculous and no more valid than calling conservatives uneducated, right-wing nuts. That alone will keep me from reading the next book. If I want lame insults towards liberals, I will watch FOX news.
December 24, 2017
Couldn’t even get halfway though through this. Unbelievable macho crap. This “liberal pansy” doesn’t recommend.
February 17, 2020
Non stop action
Well written story with a lot of action and characters. Normally a lot of characters in a book becomes confusing, but this author took the time and words to flesh them out so that they become real to the reader. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Well written story with a lot of action and characters. Normally a lot of characters in a book becomes confusing, but this author took the time and words to flesh them out so that they become real to the reader. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
April 16, 2020
Excellent!!! I hardly ever ever give 5 stars to any books that i read but I had to for this one. I have read probably over 100 EMP books and this was excellent. It kept me glued to the book and thinking about it all day long until I could get back to it. I was so enthralled as to this Ranch and its set up. And i loved all the detail of this Ranch too. And I appreciated the mild language and some bad but used in understandable circumstances. And I appreciated the decency of the couple Jason and Jill and not having all that "most authors" seem to like to put in. We all know what goes on behind closed doors. I am going to re-read this book before I think about the second book because I just can't believe book two could be better than this first book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was also pleased that it had an ending that satisfied me. GOOD BOOK.
April 17, 2020
Good story
A real interesting view of, "what If." You were so excited that you couldn't slowdown to put all of your words on the screen. I really can relate. I am in my seventies and reading is the only activity that I can enjoy without raising my pain level. I am not complaining because I have had a very active life and had a lot of fun busting myself up so I don't want any pitty. Now I get my excitement from reading three or four books a week. I think that this is number 90 so far this year.It
A real interesting view of, "what If." You were so excited that you couldn't slowdown to put all of your words on the screen. I really can relate. I am in my seventies and reading is the only activity that I can enjoy without raising my pain level. I am not complaining because I have had a very active life and had a lot of fun busting myself up so I don't want any pitty. Now I get my excitement from reading three or four books a week. I think that this is number 90 so far this year.It
March 6, 2020
A storyline unlike any others. Characters you will either hate, love or shoot! Menta!ly! Non stop excitement, a story telling and wearing together that is I my exceeded by Native tellers. You are going to love this if you love post apocalyptic stories..so real you will live and breathe it with them. I love the Ranch. I only have one complaint. I can't read fast enough! Buy it, own it, keep it. You will be a part of the Ranch family forever!
October 5, 2021
In response to a major catastrophe, a group of people come to live in a socialist commune where everyone does what they can to help the group survive and prosper. They take care of their own regardless of how much they can contribute, making accommodations for those who may be sick injured or otherwise indisposed. Somehow, this story takes a hard right-wing turn as the main character disparages the very type of society they built and used to survive.
March 31, 2020
WOW!
How do you rate a book. There will be people that won't read the whole book. I really did enjoyed the book. Stuck in the house because of convid19 lock down. Not an EMP, but sure change everything.
How do you rate a book. There will be people that won't read the whole book. I really did enjoyed the book. Stuck in the house because of convid19 lock down. Not an EMP, but sure change everything.
September 27, 2025
A right wing prepper's fantasy. A guy inherits a "secret" ranch with unlimited hard core military capabilities, medical, houses, barracks, security surveillance, food stores and kitchens, underground water aquifers, hundreds of cattle, security gates, guard houses, fuel etc... All redundant and duplicated.
Of course, there is an expert team living at this ranch that understands, medicine and surgery, military training, ranching, farming, mechanical, electrical, plumbing etc..
Of course there is a college educated, combat trained beautiful blonde woman just waiting at the ranch for the protagonist to show up. Shades of Louis L'Amour. Arrrrgh!!
As I read this, I felt my IQ dropping page by page. I gave it two stars only because the shootout portion with the bad guys towards the end was semi interesting.
I'm going to stop writing now and go dig a fox hole in my backyard.
Of course, there is an expert team living at this ranch that understands, medicine and surgery, military training, ranching, farming, mechanical, electrical, plumbing etc..
Of course there is a college educated, combat trained beautiful blonde woman just waiting at the ranch for the protagonist to show up. Shades of Louis L'Amour. Arrrrgh!!
As I read this, I felt my IQ dropping page by page. I gave it two stars only because the shootout portion with the bad guys towards the end was semi interesting.
I'm going to stop writing now and go dig a fox hole in my backyard.
March 21, 2022
Except for language, I would have given this book a 5. I know, I know, realistically there would be language in these circumstances, but ummmm.... maybe not quite so much? A great story, and I've started the 2nd book in the series. Not only entertaining, but informative as well.
November 29, 2025
The Ranch. Book 1
Well, I thought it was a pretty well thought out introduction to a plot that has been used more than a few times.
Moving on to book 2.
Well, I thought it was a pretty well thought out introduction to a plot that has been used more than a few times.
Moving on to book 2.
April 24, 2020
Halfway in, not sure I will finish.
I'm about halfway thru the book and I'm not sure I will finish. The characters are without flaw, perfect bodies, perfect abilities, perfect tastes, sun shine and roses for everybody.
Perfect daddy leaving perfect son a perfect ranch.
Running 500 head of cattle on 3000 acres. In northern NV...
Plus farming on that, with no mention of where the water is coming from.
Apparently, it takes these wonderful people with great taste in whiskey 8 hours to ride around a little less than 5 square miles.
Editing errors always annoy me, since one person proofreading should've caught a bunch of them.
Donned / dawned or reins / reigns
Grammar errors, missing commas.
Now, I'm at the part, where the super folks at the Ranch rescued the sheriffs department of Elko county. And the deputies just happily go to riding those strenuous security shifts there, with never a thought or regret about abandoning the 10,000 residents of the county.
I'm about halfway thru the book and I'm not sure I will finish. The characters are without flaw, perfect bodies, perfect abilities, perfect tastes, sun shine and roses for everybody.
Perfect daddy leaving perfect son a perfect ranch.
Running 500 head of cattle on 3000 acres. In northern NV...
Plus farming on that, with no mention of where the water is coming from.
Apparently, it takes these wonderful people with great taste in whiskey 8 hours to ride around a little less than 5 square miles.
Editing errors always annoy me, since one person proofreading should've caught a bunch of them.
Donned / dawned or reins / reigns
Grammar errors, missing commas.
Now, I'm at the part, where the super folks at the Ranch rescued the sheriffs department of Elko county. And the deputies just happily go to riding those strenuous security shifts there, with never a thought or regret about abandoning the 10,000 residents of the county.
April 12, 2020
I made the mistake of buying the three books in this series, and book one was very disappointing. The last thing I want to read is someone who pats himself on the back for being a conservative and putting down Liberals. It is sad that he would use this book series to promote racism.
Shame on you.
Shame on you.
August 27, 2025
The Ranch was an exciting and thrilling start to this series. I was hooked from the very beginning and all the way to the end. Great storyline and great characters. Definitely recommend and will definitely be continuing on with the rest of the books. Great work Mr Liscom.
December 14, 2019
Old fashioned
Lots of old fashioned ideas about women .Ugh .Militaristic .Just didn't like the style of writing .Not for me .
Lots of old fashioned ideas about women .Ugh .Militaristic .Just didn't like the style of writing .Not for me .
November 28, 2021
Excellent non-woke action thriller. Ignore the libtard femenazi reviews. This story and characters were created perfectly.
August 6, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. OK, so it missed a few commas, misused a few words and some sentences may have been awkwardly constructed. It is the story that counts though and this is supposed to be an action-adventure, survivalist, post-apocalyptic novel, not literature 101.
I realize that there are three books in this series, but this could well have been a good stand alone novel. I enjoy books like this and have read many and avoided many other of them. Do I like the character/characters? Is the situation the characters find themselves in even half-way believable? If yes, I will read on; if not, on to another book.
Remember the 10-book 299-Days series by Glen Tate? The first nine are old friends. I never read the tenth one. Remember the 10-book Going Home series by A. American? Again, the first nine are old friends and I never read the tenth one. Remember The Clash-of-Civilizations trilogy by Lee Boyland? Never read the 1st book, but the second and third one are old friends. What I am trying to say is that I may or may not read books two and three of this series. But this book -- book 1 -- is going to be an old friend.
You've heard of the peanut gallery. In the old days of vaudeville, most of the heckling and booing came from here. Most of the reviews both here and on Amazon seem to be honest reviews. You like it or you don't like it and that is your privilege. But there are also the "political" reviews from those folks in the peanut gallery. One reviewer on Amazon ranted on and on about the right-wing Christian beliefs on display. I don't think Sean Liscom mentioned religion, not even once. Even when Jason and Jill were married, it was major Jackson, a combat army officer who officiated. These peanut gallery folks are recognizable by the mean-spirited 1 or 2 star reviews they give and by the myriad snide comments about "extreme right-wing bias," and "describing liberalism as a mental disorder." etc. etc. We get enough of this from our news media and our politicians. I have to wonder why people on the left bother to read survivalist/distopian books like this if they get so much indigestion from doing so.
Anyway, this was a good read. It was suspenseful, action packed, and imaginative, and nowhere near as filled with military terminology as some survivalists books are. Ok, so it mentioned a M249 light machine gun or a 5-ton truck. You had only to google the terms to find their meaning. Another reviewer grumbled about "macho crap." Funny, many of the characters in this story cried, or were bewildered, or were hurt, or were killed in this book. All of the inhabitants of the Ranch were good people, and were willing to go out of their way to help their fellow man. None of them were supermen or superwomen. Macho? Even the bad guys weren't "macho."
One thing I did wonder about, though. With only 3 or 4 people on the ranch, who did all the cleaning, cooking, and washing? Not to mention, who shovelled the stalls clean in the horse barn? Oh, well -- mysteries keep life interesting and it's still a very good book. :-D
I realize that there are three books in this series, but this could well have been a good stand alone novel. I enjoy books like this and have read many and avoided many other of them. Do I like the character/characters? Is the situation the characters find themselves in even half-way believable? If yes, I will read on; if not, on to another book.
Remember the 10-book 299-Days series by Glen Tate? The first nine are old friends. I never read the tenth one. Remember the 10-book Going Home series by A. American? Again, the first nine are old friends and I never read the tenth one. Remember The Clash-of-Civilizations trilogy by Lee Boyland? Never read the 1st book, but the second and third one are old friends. What I am trying to say is that I may or may not read books two and three of this series. But this book -- book 1 -- is going to be an old friend.
You've heard of the peanut gallery. In the old days of vaudeville, most of the heckling and booing came from here. Most of the reviews both here and on Amazon seem to be honest reviews. You like it or you don't like it and that is your privilege. But there are also the "political" reviews from those folks in the peanut gallery. One reviewer on Amazon ranted on and on about the right-wing Christian beliefs on display. I don't think Sean Liscom mentioned religion, not even once. Even when Jason and Jill were married, it was major Jackson, a combat army officer who officiated. These peanut gallery folks are recognizable by the mean-spirited 1 or 2 star reviews they give and by the myriad snide comments about "extreme right-wing bias," and "describing liberalism as a mental disorder." etc. etc. We get enough of this from our news media and our politicians. I have to wonder why people on the left bother to read survivalist/distopian books like this if they get so much indigestion from doing so.
Anyway, this was a good read. It was suspenseful, action packed, and imaginative, and nowhere near as filled with military terminology as some survivalists books are. Ok, so it mentioned a M249 light machine gun or a 5-ton truck. You had only to google the terms to find their meaning. Another reviewer grumbled about "macho crap." Funny, many of the characters in this story cried, or were bewildered, or were hurt, or were killed in this book. All of the inhabitants of the Ranch were good people, and were willing to go out of their way to help their fellow man. None of them were supermen or superwomen. Macho? Even the bad guys weren't "macho."
One thing I did wonder about, though. With only 3 or 4 people on the ranch, who did all the cleaning, cooking, and washing? Not to mention, who shovelled the stalls clean in the horse barn? Oh, well -- mysteries keep life interesting and it's still a very good book. :-D
April 18, 2020
I took some notes while reading and while I didn’t even made it through the first chapter, the notes list grew longer...
I really struggled through “The meeting” and “The ride” part of the first chapter.
It started out intriguing but the combination of growing up with an absent father and now facing his mysterious inheritance didn’t keep me hooked for long.
I found it frustrating to read and there weren’t much hooks to counteract the annoying preferred way the author used to keep it a total mystery by Bill and his “I would have to kill you” attitude.
Which turned out in “The Ranch” part of chapter 1 to be totally unnecessary as they didn’t keep it really a secret in the county around. There weren’t just any incentives for me to go along with it like our main character.
I was glad we finally arrived at the Ranch after this unnecessary cloak and dagger operation and I was finally looking forward that the curtain would be lifted but it turned out, “The Ranch” part reads more like an inventory list than an imaginary adventure to discover the place and the reasons behind all this. All this listing of interior design, the supplies and materials used forced me to scroll through the whole shebang. This should have been integrated into the story and not like this...And again with the unnecessary secrecy and the reasons given for starting to build this place are not really believable and justified to have abandoned your children.
I am not sure I will last much longer.
It is very tedious to read.
I really struggled through “The meeting” and “The ride” part of the first chapter.
It started out intriguing but the combination of growing up with an absent father and now facing his mysterious inheritance didn’t keep me hooked for long.
I found it frustrating to read and there weren’t much hooks to counteract the annoying preferred way the author used to keep it a total mystery by Bill and his “I would have to kill you” attitude.
Which turned out in “The Ranch” part of chapter 1 to be totally unnecessary as they didn’t keep it really a secret in the county around. There weren’t just any incentives for me to go along with it like our main character.
I was glad we finally arrived at the Ranch after this unnecessary cloak and dagger operation and I was finally looking forward that the curtain would be lifted but it turned out, “The Ranch” part reads more like an inventory list than an imaginary adventure to discover the place and the reasons behind all this. All this listing of interior design, the supplies and materials used forced me to scroll through the whole shebang. This should have been integrated into the story and not like this...And again with the unnecessary secrecy and the reasons given for starting to build this place are not really believable and justified to have abandoned your children.
I am not sure I will last much longer.
It is very tedious to read.
December 15, 2021
Dnf- 57% Not the worst of the genre, just can't go on. Life is too short. Bunch of things bugged me.
Like why are they spending full days in the security shack and patrolling before anything has happened ? There are only 2 of them living there. Seriously! Stop complaining there is no one to plant crops, stop patrolling for no reason and do it!
Also, Jill and Mark( I think) were watching Jason. But they both have other jobs! And how was Jill watching him if she was living at the ranch being trained by Walter and attending schools for 5 years.
Right after the EMP Susan is going to start manning the infirmary full time. Why? There are only around 15 people and no one is hurt!?
Regular guy, warehouse manager, kills a bunch of guys and thinks nothing of it.
So weird and unrealistic! The meeting to debrief ("debrief!" Who says that?) after Jill was shot. Everyone had notepads and pens. Please! The author is writing this like it is the military when none of the characters, except Jake, were in the military. " Since Mark was the executive officer on this mission..." seriously reads like a bunch of boys playing they are in the military.
Can't go on.
Like why are they spending full days in the security shack and patrolling before anything has happened ? There are only 2 of them living there. Seriously! Stop complaining there is no one to plant crops, stop patrolling for no reason and do it!
Also, Jill and Mark( I think) were watching Jason. But they both have other jobs! And how was Jill watching him if she was living at the ranch being trained by Walter and attending schools for 5 years.
Right after the EMP Susan is going to start manning the infirmary full time. Why? There are only around 15 people and no one is hurt!?
Regular guy, warehouse manager, kills a bunch of guys and thinks nothing of it.
So weird and unrealistic! The meeting to debrief ("debrief!" Who says that?) after Jill was shot. Everyone had notepads and pens. Please! The author is writing this like it is the military when none of the characters, except Jake, were in the military. " Since Mark was the executive officer on this mission..." seriously reads like a bunch of boys playing they are in the military.
Can't go on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2023
Almost unbelievably impossible
Shew! What a great book! I got totally wrapped up in it! It was almost unbelievably impossible! Yet the author made it seem real! I really enjoyed The Legacy Series Book 1. I am excited to read the other six already available.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the focus on community. On ALL communities. And on the future. I absolutely abhor books that go on and on about the ugly side of things. There is a great deal of ugly portrayed in this book but the goodness wins!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. There is some language but no on page intimacy. I do want to warn you that there are brief references to bad guys doing bad things, inducing intimate violence. MOST of the details are not included and none of it happens on the pages. The only reference to anything on scene is when a bunch of prisoners are saved from the bad guys and some of the things found are mentioning but not in detail.
Shew! What a great book! I got totally wrapped up in it! It was almost unbelievably impossible! Yet the author made it seem real! I really enjoyed The Legacy Series Book 1. I am excited to read the other six already available.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the focus on community. On ALL communities. And on the future. I absolutely abhor books that go on and on about the ugly side of things. There is a great deal of ugly portrayed in this book but the goodness wins!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. There is some language but no on page intimacy. I do want to warn you that there are brief references to bad guys doing bad things, inducing intimate violence. MOST of the details are not included and none of it happens on the pages. The only reference to anything on scene is when a bunch of prisoners are saved from the bad guys and some of the things found are mentioning but not in detail.
April 2, 2024
Eerily possible scenario!
I’ve read several post-apocalyptic genre stories over the last ten years, ranging from those that were laughably implausible to scarily realistic. The Ranch falls heavily on the realistic side. This first book in the Legacy Series does an excellent job of developing the main characters from their backgrounds to their current abilities and personal frailties. Along with presenting a story built around an EMP attack and the rapid degradation of societal norms, there is the element of violent action that one can only assume to be a result of the loss of society’s structure and norms. While there were several predictable scenes, there were just as many things occurring that were unexpected, giving the reader a high level of entertainment. I believe as time permits, I’ll be using my Kindle Unlimited account to read the rest of this series.
I’ve read several post-apocalyptic genre stories over the last ten years, ranging from those that were laughably implausible to scarily realistic. The Ranch falls heavily on the realistic side. This first book in the Legacy Series does an excellent job of developing the main characters from their backgrounds to their current abilities and personal frailties. Along with presenting a story built around an EMP attack and the rapid degradation of societal norms, there is the element of violent action that one can only assume to be a result of the loss of society’s structure and norms. While there were several predictable scenes, there were just as many things occurring that were unexpected, giving the reader a high level of entertainment. I believe as time permits, I’ll be using my Kindle Unlimited account to read the rest of this series.
March 25, 2023
I love a good EMP, and what started out as a semi-interesting plot pretty quickly devolved into a terrible book. The macho shit and going to the gym every morning at 3 am is ridiculous and annoying but forgivable. I agree that the right-wing bent is a deal-breaker though. And the dialog is abysmal. You have these down-home, beer-chugging militia men speaking the queen's English, like a contraction (of the grammatical kind) might turn them into a liberal pansy (like the cocaine-snorting lefties they run off the compound.) It looks like it's all been said before, but I also have to add how inconsistent Jill is. The scene where she goes over to the other military troop that's taking refuge at the ranch for a few days and flirts and shows her cleavage to get intel is just trashy and out of character. I'm trying to finish it to see if anything interesting happens, but I sincerely doubt I'll be reading any more in this series.
March 19, 2022
Where to start with this first of a 6-book series... It is a very interesting premise, for sure. Inheriting a prepper's dream would suit about anyone interested in survival things. But the writing is so terrible, the typos so numerous, and the character development so weak, it all just falls apart too quickly, and this story becomes mired in its severe disability as to be taken seriously as a work of fiction. How many times must the author tell us the main character is taking a shower? How many times must the author tell us the main character is drinking coffee? And for the love of God, how many times must the reader be subject to this author's dire need of editing software as a bare minimum? At least, Mr. Liscom, educate yourself on the usage of the apostrophe! It was mind boggling to see so many grammatical errors in a finished book, but a 6th grader could have figured out how the usage of the apostrophe affects the flow of sentences. All in all, a wonderful story in and of itself, but the sheer number of typographical errors just destroy this book. Editing your work should not be such a bother.
May 27, 2024
Great book with intrigue, suspense and survival
This book has a whole lot of intrigue and spunk to it. It pulled a mid level manager to an isolated ranch his father he didn't know well had set up. Then learning this ranch was set up for various end time survival and being self sufficient to actually having to go through those end time scenarios it was one that was hard to put down. While I think some of it is maybe a little bit far out for what could happen in the US, it is a good thing to think of for planning and what if scenarios and making sure that the good guys should always stay prepared and work to help others.
This book has a whole lot of intrigue and spunk to it. It pulled a mid level manager to an isolated ranch his father he didn't know well had set up. Then learning this ranch was set up for various end time survival and being self sufficient to actually having to go through those end time scenarios it was one that was hard to put down. While I think some of it is maybe a little bit far out for what could happen in the US, it is a good thing to think of for planning and what if scenarios and making sure that the good guys should always stay prepared and work to help others.
June 10, 2024
I have read a number of books in the apocalypse category this novel falls under. This book is better than most.
This work was a very enjoyable read. The plot was interesting but there are a few problems with it. There was a limited amount of swearing in some action scenes. All this being said, it did keep me up later than I expected as I would tell myself, one more chapter, read just one more chapter then go to sleep.
I would like to tell the author that there are far more weapons than the AR-15 and AK-47s with 1911 model pistols. Even with more weapons and different configurations, they were still poor choices for the fighting being done.
This work was a very enjoyable read. The plot was interesting but there are a few problems with it. There was a limited amount of swearing in some action scenes. All this being said, it did keep me up later than I expected as I would tell myself, one more chapter, read just one more chapter then go to sleep.
I would like to tell the author that there are far more weapons than the AR-15 and AK-47s with 1911 model pistols. Even with more weapons and different configurations, they were still poor choices for the fighting being done.
July 24, 2024
Unexpected Pleasure
You never know what to expect when reading an apocalyptic thriller. This book was excellent in that it had engaging characters, good and realistic plotline, and just some good old ordinary heroes. It was fun and engaging for me as a reader and caused some self examination. It's hard to think of the lawlessness that would rear its ugly head in desperate times. The main recurring theme was history repeats itself and the next disaster is around the corner, am I prepared? I read this post Covid and I remember the empty store shelves! This a recommended read in my opinion.
You never know what to expect when reading an apocalyptic thriller. This book was excellent in that it had engaging characters, good and realistic plotline, and just some good old ordinary heroes. It was fun and engaging for me as a reader and caused some self examination. It's hard to think of the lawlessness that would rear its ugly head in desperate times. The main recurring theme was history repeats itself and the next disaster is around the corner, am I prepared? I read this post Covid and I remember the empty store shelves! This a recommended read in my opinion.
April 13, 2020
Better than I expected
I have read many post apocalyptic style books and most fall on their face pretty quick. Usually someone tries to write about preppers, weapons, what is going to be needed or not but generally misses because they have no real firsthand knowledge.
This book starts quick with only a minor suspension of belief needed to follow along and enjoy the ride. Yes there are parts you just have to smile and say, yeah whatever, but overall a good read and setup for future books. Extra half star for not once calling a magazine a clip.
I have read many post apocalyptic style books and most fall on their face pretty quick. Usually someone tries to write about preppers, weapons, what is going to be needed or not but generally misses because they have no real firsthand knowledge.
This book starts quick with only a minor suspension of belief needed to follow along and enjoy the ride. Yes there are parts you just have to smile and say, yeah whatever, but overall a good read and setup for future books. Extra half star for not once calling a magazine a clip.
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