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Trackers #4
The Damned
The deadly hunt ends in the fourth and final installment of the bestselling Trackers saga...
The mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado is scrambling to recover from the betrayal of two of their police officers, and prepare for threats outside their borders. But with Chief of Police Marcus Colton imprisoned by rival Sheriff Mike Thompson, the job to protect the isolated town is left to Sam 'Raven' Spears and newly promoted Captain Lindsey Plymouth. They will do everything they can to bring Colton home, and save their citizens, but one thing is certain: a war is coming to Estes Park, and no one will be spared from the horrors.
Across the country, Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery continues to lead recovery efforts in the wake of the arriving Chinese workers and soldiers. But the threat of foreign soldiers on American soil isn't the only problem--the Sons of Liberty and other domestic terrorist groups continue to rise to power, enacting a wave of violence, and chaos that threatens to derail the recovery efforts.
Will Raven, Colton, and Charlize save the United States from collapse? One thing is certain--they won't be able to save everyone. Not with their humanity still intact.
From former Homeland Security Disaster Mitigation Officer and USA Today bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith, comes another harrowing story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world that readers and critics are hailing as one of the best post-apocalyptic books of 2017.
The mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado is scrambling to recover from the betrayal of two of their police officers, and prepare for threats outside their borders. But with Chief of Police Marcus Colton imprisoned by rival Sheriff Mike Thompson, the job to protect the isolated town is left to Sam 'Raven' Spears and newly promoted Captain Lindsey Plymouth. They will do everything they can to bring Colton home, and save their citizens, but one thing is certain: a war is coming to Estes Park, and no one will be spared from the horrors.
Across the country, Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery continues to lead recovery efforts in the wake of the arriving Chinese workers and soldiers. But the threat of foreign soldiers on American soil isn't the only problem--the Sons of Liberty and other domestic terrorist groups continue to rise to power, enacting a wave of violence, and chaos that threatens to derail the recovery efforts.
Will Raven, Colton, and Charlize save the United States from collapse? One thing is certain--they won't be able to save everyone. Not with their humanity still intact.
From former Homeland Security Disaster Mitigation Officer and USA Today bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith, comes another harrowing story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world that readers and critics are hailing as one of the best post-apocalyptic books of 2017.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2018
295 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,383 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 8, 2025
The first book in this series remains the strongest. In this final in the series, the number of characters, factions, and shifting POVs make it ridiculously difficult to keep track of everyone. The story is packed with multiple gangs, Nazis, raiders, and intense graphic depictions of violence and torture.
As my friend Alisa said in her review, “It’s a guns, bombs, violence wank fest.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
To top it all off, a favorite character from the series meets their end in this one, making the ending a bummer.
As my friend Alisa said in her review, “It’s a guns, bombs, violence wank fest.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
To top it all off, a favorite character from the series meets their end in this one, making the ending a bummer.
April 12, 2025
WHAT A TERRIFYING LOOK INTO WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF NORTH KOREA HIT THE U.S. WITH A EMP & TOOK OUT D.C.
☆☆☆☆☆
Trackers 4: The Damned (A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller) by Nicholas Sansbury Smith is a well written tell of what could happen in rhe event of an EMP and nuclear missile attack on the U.S. by the North Koreans. He has fashioned together a cast of characters that are not just believable but are inspired inspiring when it comes to their determination to protect their family, friends, community, and their country from both external and interior threats.
If you are into action-packed thrillers with heroes who are willing to place their lives on the line for others and take the fight to their ruthless enemies, this book and series is one you might went to put on your to read list. I know I enjoyed reading this and the previous books and hope you will too.
☆☆☆☆☆
Trackers 4: The Damned (A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller) by Nicholas Sansbury Smith is a well written tell of what could happen in rhe event of an EMP and nuclear missile attack on the U.S. by the North Koreans. He has fashioned together a cast of characters that are not just believable but are inspired inspiring when it comes to their determination to protect their family, friends, community, and their country from both external and interior threats.
If you are into action-packed thrillers with heroes who are willing to place their lives on the line for others and take the fight to their ruthless enemies, this book and series is one you might went to put on your to read list. I know I enjoyed reading this and the previous books and hope you will too.
January 31, 2018
The Peoples Republic of China have offered assistance to the United States of America in the form of soldiers, workers and supplies. The president has no choice but to accept because the US is in big trouble. The sons of Liberty and other domestic threats are crippling recovery efforts and the President and Secretary Montgomery know they need the help badly, but is this a mistake for the freedom of the US?
Meanwhile, Estes park is rocked when two of their own police officers betray them. Raven and Lindsey are in the crosshairs of the traitors and Colton is held captive by Sheriff Thompson, who seems to be even worse than General Fenix!!
Being book 4 in the series and being the last book in the series too, you would think that things would start winding down and the action wouldn't be as tense, but oh my word, that's not the case here!! The plot of this is a mile and minute and you barely have time to breathe. When things seem to be going OK, something else seems to happen to make you gasp out loud!! There were quite a few times while I was reading this, when I hit my husbands arm and said, "you won't believe what happened!!" or "Noooooo" or the one I most used was "You have to read this". By the end of the book he said "thank god"!! Lol. I think he was fed up of all the emotions that was running through me. The sign of a good book is one that you are drawn into and can't stop thinking about, but the sign of a great book is one that has that but also makes you feel real emotion, and this book, and indeed this series, is a great book!!!
One thing I find with this author is his ability to write such memorable characters. Raven and his dog Creek immediately drew me in and I connected with them instantly. Colton, Lindsey, Charlize, in fact most of the other characters, were amazing too. These are characters that will make you want to be friends with them, they are characters that we all hope to live up to if something like this every happened. Even the bad people, and boy were they bad, were amazingly written. I don't think I've ever hated characters like I hated Fenix and his neo nazi friends.
This book was fast paced, intense, emotional, scary and down right brilliant!! I started it and devoured it within a day. It was definitely a bittersweet moment when I read the last page!!! If you haven't read these books, I urge you to try them!
Meanwhile, Estes park is rocked when two of their own police officers betray them. Raven and Lindsey are in the crosshairs of the traitors and Colton is held captive by Sheriff Thompson, who seems to be even worse than General Fenix!!
Being book 4 in the series and being the last book in the series too, you would think that things would start winding down and the action wouldn't be as tense, but oh my word, that's not the case here!! The plot of this is a mile and minute and you barely have time to breathe. When things seem to be going OK, something else seems to happen to make you gasp out loud!! There were quite a few times while I was reading this, when I hit my husbands arm and said, "you won't believe what happened!!" or "Noooooo" or the one I most used was "You have to read this". By the end of the book he said "thank god"!! Lol. I think he was fed up of all the emotions that was running through me. The sign of a good book is one that you are drawn into and can't stop thinking about, but the sign of a great book is one that has that but also makes you feel real emotion, and this book, and indeed this series, is a great book!!!
One thing I find with this author is his ability to write such memorable characters. Raven and his dog Creek immediately drew me in and I connected with them instantly. Colton, Lindsey, Charlize, in fact most of the other characters, were amazing too. These are characters that will make you want to be friends with them, they are characters that we all hope to live up to if something like this every happened. Even the bad people, and boy were they bad, were amazingly written. I don't think I've ever hated characters like I hated Fenix and his neo nazi friends.
This book was fast paced, intense, emotional, scary and down right brilliant!! I started it and devoured it within a day. It was definitely a bittersweet moment when I read the last page!!! If you haven't read these books, I urge you to try them!
November 21, 2019
So, this is the final book in a series that is especially chilling as it reads like something that could possibly happen. After gobbling up the previous books, I made sure to set aside time to read this straight through. So many of these characters were near and dear to me and I was anxious to find out how they were doing.
The president is between a rock and a hard place. Recovery is slowing to a crawl after the attack on the US and China is offering aid in the form of soldiers and supplies. There are many who object to this and will go to any lengths to stop it.
And things aren’t going well back at Estes Park Colorado either. People are reeling after being betrayed by some of their own.
You know how it is when you love a series, become so attached to the characters and can’t wait to see how it ends but don’t want it to end ? That’s how I felt about this one. And I couldn’t imagine how the author would wrap it all up. Well, Smith knocked it out of the park. The action was intense and almost non stop and it was anyone’s bet who would still be standing once the dust settled.
I’ll miss these characters. The good, the bad and the ugly ones. And a very special dog named Creek. They still linger in my mind and now that I’m finished, I want to go back and read the series all over again.
The president is between a rock and a hard place. Recovery is slowing to a crawl after the attack on the US and China is offering aid in the form of soldiers and supplies. There are many who object to this and will go to any lengths to stop it.
And things aren’t going well back at Estes Park Colorado either. People are reeling after being betrayed by some of their own.
You know how it is when you love a series, become so attached to the characters and can’t wait to see how it ends but don’t want it to end ? That’s how I felt about this one. And I couldn’t imagine how the author would wrap it all up. Well, Smith knocked it out of the park. The action was intense and almost non stop and it was anyone’s bet who would still be standing once the dust settled.
I’ll miss these characters. The good, the bad and the ugly ones. And a very special dog named Creek. They still linger in my mind and now that I’m finished, I want to go back and read the series all over again.
August 5, 2024
Just ok. I like this author’s Hell Divers series way better than this one. I think I’m not the right audience. It’s a guns, bombs, violence wank fest. In example the author couldn’t just say “he had his gun in the seat next to him”. It had to be “he had his Russian made AR 10,000 w silver & jade tip bullets in the seat next to him”. Every scene. The entire series. Lots of other annoying stuff too. The female characters were poorly fleshed out and really served no purpose but to prop up the men’s plot lines. Super patriotic “yeehaw, we’ll kill them there Koreans”
Not badly written from a technical aspect and the over all plot was fine just really, really not for me
Not badly written from a technical aspect and the over all plot was fine just really, really not for me
March 9, 2018
THIS STORY STARTS OUT AS FICTION, BUT IN OUR DAY & TIME, COULD IT BE THE FOREWARNING OF SOMETHING THAT COULD BECOME ALL TO REAL TO THE U.S.?
WOW.... After just finishing this awesome book in a series that could possibly become a real life event, I'm not sure where to even start on this review that definitely deserves more that the 5 star rating that is allowed. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has done one amazing job with this series that started out as a thought, more than a year ago, now put to paper in these 4 great books, seriously gives you, the reader, something to think about. As the Author has stated in his "Acknowledgements" at the beginning of this book could become more than just fiction, it could become a "true story, if our government, doesn't prepare and protect the United States from a threat such as this" and with more of the Author's words moving through the page, this one more scary than the last, "one thing being certain-if something isn't done soon, the stability of the entire world could be at risk". As this is one story that will stay with me for a good long time. This isn't just a story to get you thinking of "what if" it could also be a story to get you thinking of "when". But in the here and now, the people of "Estes Park, Colorado", will soon have one major fight on their hands, but with more at stake, than just someone wanting to take over their homes and their way of life, the fight coming to them seems to also want to take the lives of them, their family and friends. With Raven, Colton, Lindsey and anyone else in town, that can hold a weapon do what they can to try to try their best to see that, that doesn't happen, it may be already to late. With loved ones, family and friends taking the fall for protecting what is theirs, there are 2 men, Fenix and Thompson who will stop at nothing until the last person is no longer standing, especially Raven who they both want dead, each for reasons of their own. This book will grab you right from the start and will keep you reading straight through to the last page, so be prepared for missing sleep, if you start this book later in the evening. I hope this is not the end of "Trackers", Raven & his dog Creek as I believe they could be just what the world needs, to take the fight to the ones who started this war, as I think Mr. Smith's other readers would agree, in this time of uncertainty, let Raven and his dog Creek loose and see what else they can set straight.
WOW.... After just finishing this awesome book in a series that could possibly become a real life event, I'm not sure where to even start on this review that definitely deserves more that the 5 star rating that is allowed. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has done one amazing job with this series that started out as a thought, more than a year ago, now put to paper in these 4 great books, seriously gives you, the reader, something to think about. As the Author has stated in his "Acknowledgements" at the beginning of this book could become more than just fiction, it could become a "true story, if our government, doesn't prepare and protect the United States from a threat such as this" and with more of the Author's words moving through the page, this one more scary than the last, "one thing being certain-if something isn't done soon, the stability of the entire world could be at risk". As this is one story that will stay with me for a good long time. This isn't just a story to get you thinking of "what if" it could also be a story to get you thinking of "when". But in the here and now, the people of "Estes Park, Colorado", will soon have one major fight on their hands, but with more at stake, than just someone wanting to take over their homes and their way of life, the fight coming to them seems to also want to take the lives of them, their family and friends. With Raven, Colton, Lindsey and anyone else in town, that can hold a weapon do what they can to try to try their best to see that, that doesn't happen, it may be already to late. With loved ones, family and friends taking the fall for protecting what is theirs, there are 2 men, Fenix and Thompson who will stop at nothing until the last person is no longer standing, especially Raven who they both want dead, each for reasons of their own. This book will grab you right from the start and will keep you reading straight through to the last page, so be prepared for missing sleep, if you start this book later in the evening. I hope this is not the end of "Trackers", Raven & his dog Creek as I believe they could be just what the world needs, to take the fight to the ones who started this war, as I think Mr. Smith's other readers would agree, in this time of uncertainty, let Raven and his dog Creek loose and see what else they can set straight.
January 12, 2018
"Today was one of the most important days in the history of the United States— it was the day the Chinese landed on American soil."
It was a bittersweet experience for me to read THE DAMNED (TRACKERS 4). I love this series of author Smith's and this book did not disappoint me in any way. But it is also the last book in this particular series and I will miss the characters and the storyline that takes place mostly in Estes Park, Colorado, a favorite locale of mine.
In this book the People's Republic of China has offered their help to the United States, with supplies and manpower, And there are MANY Americans who do not trust this proffered assistance and cooperation, thinking that China might have helped North Korea in their initial attacks. On top of this uneasy truce are attacks from within - from gangs, from neo-Nazis, and from vigilante groups.
Like all of the prior books in this series (actually all of Smith's series) there is non-stop action and a high body count. The book ended much too quickly for me but ended in a well thought out manner.
Out of all Smith's books, this is the series that actually COULD happen and that is pretty darn scary.
I did receive an early Advanced Reading Copy of this book but I bought my own copy too to support one of my favorite authors.
It was a bittersweet experience for me to read THE DAMNED (TRACKERS 4). I love this series of author Smith's and this book did not disappoint me in any way. But it is also the last book in this particular series and I will miss the characters and the storyline that takes place mostly in Estes Park, Colorado, a favorite locale of mine.
In this book the People's Republic of China has offered their help to the United States, with supplies and manpower, And there are MANY Americans who do not trust this proffered assistance and cooperation, thinking that China might have helped North Korea in their initial attacks. On top of this uneasy truce are attacks from within - from gangs, from neo-Nazis, and from vigilante groups.
Like all of the prior books in this series (actually all of Smith's series) there is non-stop action and a high body count. The book ended much too quickly for me but ended in a well thought out manner.
Out of all Smith's books, this is the series that actually COULD happen and that is pretty darn scary.
I did receive an early Advanced Reading Copy of this book but I bought my own copy too to support one of my favorite authors.
January 12, 2018
The final book in the Trackers series did not disappoint in the slightest. The United States government and the town of Estes, Colorado are taking back their country and town with the help,of an unexpected ally. The action is a thrill ride and the characters are more than real. I’m sad to see the last of our heroes but it was a fantastic ride!
February 19, 2019
The last book in the series was better than the 3rd I like emp books, mostly for information on what might be helpful in an emergency situation, but this book was more expecting the government to bail them out
September 28, 2019
A solid and satisfying conclusion to the series. I wasn't sure it would be possible, but I really liked how everything came together and how things were tied up for the lead characters. When you're invested in the story and have a number of books under your belt, you can't help but feel a little nervous.
January 14, 2023
Excellent ending
January 8, 2018
This is an amazing finish to an outstanding series. The story is so well written and the characters are created so well that you feel like real friends and real enemies.
I would want Raven, Creek, Lindsey, and Colton on my team any day.
Love the whole series and the ending is amazing. Well done!
I would want Raven, Creek, Lindsey, and Colton on my team any day.
Love the whole series and the ending is amazing. Well done!
January 7, 2018
A heart pounding, riveting story. Interesting characters who take on a life of their own. A great book, an excellent series. Any book written by this author never disappoints. I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 4, 2018
A real heart pounder!
This final story in the Trackers Series will leave you breathless. The besieged citizens of Estes Park, Colorado are embroiled in a vicious fight for survival and the body count is climbing. Twists and turns, unrelenting suspense, superb writing and characterization all combine to make this the best book in the series to date.
This final story in the Trackers Series will leave you breathless. The besieged citizens of Estes Park, Colorado are embroiled in a vicious fight for survival and the body count is climbing. Twists and turns, unrelenting suspense, superb writing and characterization all combine to make this the best book in the series to date.
May 6, 2018
I'm glad the series is done. Part way through this book, I realized that I no longer cared about what was going on with the characters. I had started to lose the love in book 3, and this one didn't make it any better. I guess it should have a trilogy.
January 12, 2018
It started with an EMP attack on our power grid and a nuclear missile strike on the White House.
Two months have passed since the North Koreans had attacked the United States. EMPs were exploded high above the country, taking down the power grid across the U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico. A nuclear warhead, launched from a container ship, turned Washington D.C. into a radioactive crater. The White House PEOC was breached and the country's leadership was decimated. Pulled from the wreckage of the PEOC, injured but alive, Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery spearheaded the recovery efforts as a battered and broken America struggled to survive.
In Estes Park, Colorado, once the home of the famous Stanley Hotel, Police Chief Marcus Colton, Detective Lindsey Plymouth, and Cherokee tracker Sam 'Raven' Spears with Creek, his Akita, try to keep the town safe against opportunists like Fort Collins Sheriff Thompson and his Russian Mafia thugs, and General Dan Fenix, leader of the neo-nazi Sons of Liberty.
Now aid has been offered from an unexpected source. China has offered to assist in rebuilding the U.S. Assistance in the form of equipment, supplies and skilled labor, and Chinese troops to protect the workers. With the Chinese help, the recovery of America could be accomplished in years, instead of decades. Chinese troops on American soil, General Fenix and SOL inciting the hate groups and militias against foreign invaders, what could go wrong?
This terrifying post-apocalyptic dystopian future series could be a vision of current affairs. The storyline races through turbulent rapids as the forces for good and evil prepare to meet head-on in Estes Park. The action sequences left me panting for breath, trembling with adrenaline fueled shakes, bruised, battered, but living! The characters are vivid, vibrant. We've known them all our lives. They're our neighbors, our family, our friends, the kid who sacks our groceries at Krogers. We've never met them, but we know them! So brilliantly described that we love them, hate them, despise them, fear them, but are never confused about them. I surprised myself with the intensity of my feelings for the characters, the depth of my hatred for the bad guys, and my love and admiration for the heroes and heroines, even the four-legged characters.
If you liked the first three books in the Trackers series, you're going to love Trackers 4: the Damned! If you haven't read them, you should! This is the one. This is the story that will leave you gasping for breath, bruised and battered, wounded but what a fight! You don't want to miss this story of the heroic actions of our defenders, our first responders and first to fight. You'll witness the indomitable will to survive, the spirit of the warrior, and the depth of depravity which man is capable. I wish the rating system allowed more than five stars for exceptional series, this deserves a 10!
Two months have passed since the North Koreans had attacked the United States. EMPs were exploded high above the country, taking down the power grid across the U.S. and parts of Canada and Mexico. A nuclear warhead, launched from a container ship, turned Washington D.C. into a radioactive crater. The White House PEOC was breached and the country's leadership was decimated. Pulled from the wreckage of the PEOC, injured but alive, Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery spearheaded the recovery efforts as a battered and broken America struggled to survive.
In Estes Park, Colorado, once the home of the famous Stanley Hotel, Police Chief Marcus Colton, Detective Lindsey Plymouth, and Cherokee tracker Sam 'Raven' Spears with Creek, his Akita, try to keep the town safe against opportunists like Fort Collins Sheriff Thompson and his Russian Mafia thugs, and General Dan Fenix, leader of the neo-nazi Sons of Liberty.
Now aid has been offered from an unexpected source. China has offered to assist in rebuilding the U.S. Assistance in the form of equipment, supplies and skilled labor, and Chinese troops to protect the workers. With the Chinese help, the recovery of America could be accomplished in years, instead of decades. Chinese troops on American soil, General Fenix and SOL inciting the hate groups and militias against foreign invaders, what could go wrong?
This terrifying post-apocalyptic dystopian future series could be a vision of current affairs. The storyline races through turbulent rapids as the forces for good and evil prepare to meet head-on in Estes Park. The action sequences left me panting for breath, trembling with adrenaline fueled shakes, bruised, battered, but living! The characters are vivid, vibrant. We've known them all our lives. They're our neighbors, our family, our friends, the kid who sacks our groceries at Krogers. We've never met them, but we know them! So brilliantly described that we love them, hate them, despise them, fear them, but are never confused about them. I surprised myself with the intensity of my feelings for the characters, the depth of my hatred for the bad guys, and my love and admiration for the heroes and heroines, even the four-legged characters.
If you liked the first three books in the Trackers series, you're going to love Trackers 4: the Damned! If you haven't read them, you should! This is the one. This is the story that will leave you gasping for breath, bruised and battered, wounded but what a fight! You don't want to miss this story of the heroic actions of our defenders, our first responders and first to fight. You'll witness the indomitable will to survive, the spirit of the warrior, and the depth of depravity which man is capable. I wish the rating system allowed more than five stars for exceptional series, this deserves a 10!
January 13, 2018
Exciting, Realistic, Downright Scary
After reading the outstanding last book in the Trackers series I am emotionally exhausted and satisfied. I spent much of the book on the edge of my seat worrying about my favorite characters. While Raven, Creed, Colton, Lindsey and Charlize all suffered on their journey, they fought for their communities with everything they had. Their choices and journeys always made sense. I loved this series.
I envy people who have not read either of Nicholas Sansbury Smith's completed series, Trackers or Extinction Cycle. You have two entire wonderful series to binge out on to your hearts content. You won't have to wait between books. Both are just non-stop and you can enjoy each series in a race to the end.
After reading the outstanding last book in the Trackers series I am emotionally exhausted and satisfied. I spent much of the book on the edge of my seat worrying about my favorite characters. While Raven, Creed, Colton, Lindsey and Charlize all suffered on their journey, they fought for their communities with everything they had. Their choices and journeys always made sense. I loved this series.
I envy people who have not read either of Nicholas Sansbury Smith's completed series, Trackers or Extinction Cycle. You have two entire wonderful series to binge out on to your hearts content. You won't have to wait between books. Both are just non-stop and you can enjoy each series in a race to the end.
January 13, 2018
Following on from the events at the end of Trackers 3: The Storm, we rejoin Raven and his friends in Estes Park.
I really enjoyed getting back into this post-apocalyptic world. Hmmm. Is 'enjoyed' the correct term, when all is going to hell in a handbasket? Well, yes. Smith writes an excellent story, bringing his characters on the page to life through his words. One really lives alongside his characters, experiencing their lives as events unfold.
An excellent finale to a brilliant series - and an educational series too, at that. I'd never heard the American Indian legends before, and now I know about a few of them, thanks to Smith.
This series is a must-read for those who love the post-apocalyptic genre. I will join Smith in hoping this particular story never becomes reality.
I really enjoyed getting back into this post-apocalyptic world. Hmmm. Is 'enjoyed' the correct term, when all is going to hell in a handbasket? Well, yes. Smith writes an excellent story, bringing his characters on the page to life through his words. One really lives alongside his characters, experiencing their lives as events unfold.
An excellent finale to a brilliant series - and an educational series too, at that. I'd never heard the American Indian legends before, and now I know about a few of them, thanks to Smith.
This series is a must-read for those who love the post-apocalyptic genre. I will join Smith in hoping this particular story never becomes reality.
January 14, 2018
Must read!
I have to say I'm a little emotional. I've just finished the book and still reeling from the loss. I've enjoyed reading this series and it definitely hits close to home concerning a real threat of an EMP attack. I also find the folk lore an interesting twist added into the plot to give it a more unique story. This book holds nothing back when it comes to action and grit.
I have to say I'm a little emotional. I've just finished the book and still reeling from the loss. I've enjoyed reading this series and it definitely hits close to home concerning a real threat of an EMP attack. I also find the folk lore an interesting twist added into the plot to give it a more unique story. This book holds nothing back when it comes to action and grit.
January 13, 2018
Outstanding
Excitement and courage define the American spirit in this book. The scary part is that an EMP is a distinct possibility. I'm hoping that the American people respond with the same courage and I think we will.
Excitement and courage define the American spirit in this book. The scary part is that an EMP is a distinct possibility. I'm hoping that the American people respond with the same courage and I think we will.
January 14, 2018
Outstanding!!
Nicholas has really knocked it out of the park with Trackers 4. Have not been let down from this or ANY of his books. This was a wild emotional rollercoaster that has you on the edge of your seat. Hope to see more in this series!!
Nicholas has really knocked it out of the park with Trackers 4. Have not been let down from this or ANY of his books. This was a wild emotional rollercoaster that has you on the edge of your seat. Hope to see more in this series!!
January 12, 2018
Another grand slam
Right from the start the book takes off. I felt like I was on a wild ride. Such a great book. Can’t wait for the next.
Right from the start the book takes off. I felt like I was on a wild ride. Such a great book. Can’t wait for the next.
January 12, 2024
It was no Hell Divers series, but it was still engaging and action-packed!
January 15, 2018
H H H
Have Hanky Handy
Good continuation of the story. Series is a good read by a good author especially for this genre. Highly recommend this author and this particular series.
A little too short. Not as many surprises, twists or turns as I personally like.
Gotta love creek!!! Remember to keep the hanky close by.
Can't wait for another.
Have Hanky Handy
Good continuation of the story. Series is a good read by a good author especially for this genre. Highly recommend this author and this particular series.
A little too short. Not as many surprises, twists or turns as I personally like.
Gotta love creek!!! Remember to keep the hanky close by.
Can't wait for another.
April 3, 2019
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
October 30, 2018
Raven and his dog Creek continue to be the heroes of this story. So man big things happen in this book! I can’t believe it’s the end of the series!
Book 3 left us with several betrayals fresh on our hearts, Creek injured, police chief Colton held captive, and Estes Park in dire straights. Colton was very sad to be betrayed by Sheriff Thompson over in Fort Collins. Storm Mountain with Kikus’s preppers turned out to be a wash as well. Then there’s the internal strife of Estes Park that could end the town. Dan Fenix, the white supremacist, is still out there too.
Meanwhile, the US government has a big offer to consider: China will provide all sorts of assistance but that means thousands of Chinese on USA soil, including Chinese troops to protect the Chinese work forces that will be rebuilding the electric grid. President Diego takes in advice from his cabinet, but most have mixed feelings on the matter. Of course, it will be tough to get the entire population of the USA informed and keep Chinese work forces from being attacked.
Big Al Randall, Senator Charlize Montgomery’s body guard, set off to find & rescue his sister in Book 3. Now he’s got to get her back to good. Charlize has a lot of mixed feelings about the Chinese. She knows the USA needs sizable assistance and the quicker electricity can be restored, the fewer US citizens will die. She’s stuck in a tough position of supporting President Diego but also remaining suspicious.
Back in Estes Park, Sandra (Raven’s sister) and Allie (Sandra’s daughter) continue to play support roles for Raven. Sandra’s still a competent nurse at the hospital and now one of the more senior medical care providers in the area. Colton spends some quality time thinking about his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Risa, while he’s an uncooperative guest of Sheriff Thompson. Lindsey Plymouth has been promoted to captain of the police force though she’s not at all happy at how that came about.
This final installment in this series (really? final?) is full of action. There are many desperate moments where the good guys risk it all to bring home another good guy or end a bad guy permanently. I really wanted to see Sheriff Thompson ended. He was such a bad guy! Dan Fenix is a bad guy too but he has this messed up ideal (white supremacy) pushing him along (not that that’s OK). Thompson just seems to be in it for the chaos and the blood and the personal gain.
The ending had some very touching scenes and we lost another loved character. I really hope we get more about these characters eventually. I think I saw something about a possible spinoff series. I hope so! The ladies still have more to offer to this series instead of being left behind most of the time. 4.75/5 stars.
The Narration: Bronson Pinchot has does a really good job with this series including this book. His female characters are feminine. I did have a little trouble discerning the difference between Sheriff Thompson and Dan Felix; Pinchot’s voices for them were very close and I often got a little confused over who was talking. The pacing was good and there were no issues with the recording. 4.75/5 stars.
Book 3 left us with several betrayals fresh on our hearts, Creek injured, police chief Colton held captive, and Estes Park in dire straights. Colton was very sad to be betrayed by Sheriff Thompson over in Fort Collins. Storm Mountain with Kikus’s preppers turned out to be a wash as well. Then there’s the internal strife of Estes Park that could end the town. Dan Fenix, the white supremacist, is still out there too.
Meanwhile, the US government has a big offer to consider: China will provide all sorts of assistance but that means thousands of Chinese on USA soil, including Chinese troops to protect the Chinese work forces that will be rebuilding the electric grid. President Diego takes in advice from his cabinet, but most have mixed feelings on the matter. Of course, it will be tough to get the entire population of the USA informed and keep Chinese work forces from being attacked.
Big Al Randall, Senator Charlize Montgomery’s body guard, set off to find & rescue his sister in Book 3. Now he’s got to get her back to good. Charlize has a lot of mixed feelings about the Chinese. She knows the USA needs sizable assistance and the quicker electricity can be restored, the fewer US citizens will die. She’s stuck in a tough position of supporting President Diego but also remaining suspicious.
Back in Estes Park, Sandra (Raven’s sister) and Allie (Sandra’s daughter) continue to play support roles for Raven. Sandra’s still a competent nurse at the hospital and now one of the more senior medical care providers in the area. Colton spends some quality time thinking about his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Risa, while he’s an uncooperative guest of Sheriff Thompson. Lindsey Plymouth has been promoted to captain of the police force though she’s not at all happy at how that came about.
This final installment in this series (really? final?) is full of action. There are many desperate moments where the good guys risk it all to bring home another good guy or end a bad guy permanently. I really wanted to see Sheriff Thompson ended. He was such a bad guy! Dan Fenix is a bad guy too but he has this messed up ideal (white supremacy) pushing him along (not that that’s OK). Thompson just seems to be in it for the chaos and the blood and the personal gain.
The ending had some very touching scenes and we lost another loved character. I really hope we get more about these characters eventually. I think I saw something about a possible spinoff series. I hope so! The ladies still have more to offer to this series instead of being left behind most of the time. 4.75/5 stars.
The Narration: Bronson Pinchot has does a really good job with this series including this book. His female characters are feminine. I did have a little trouble discerning the difference between Sheriff Thompson and Dan Felix; Pinchot’s voices for them were very close and I often got a little confused over who was talking. The pacing was good and there were no issues with the recording. 4.75/5 stars.
January 23, 2020
An amazing, emotional, heart-breaking and shocking ending to a series that is better than the sum of its parts! The adjectives could go on for another few pages but this is really a set of books that has it all!
Having said that, I also have to say that it has been a while since a book or a series has shaken me quite like Trackers has. Even without the fictional monsters of some of his other tales, Nicholas Sansbury Smith has put together a collection of moments that horrifies at its very core if for no other reason than owing to its believable likelihood. NSS's strength - as always - lies in creating the characters and the situations that arise, even if it means in this case (imho) he's masterfully painted us ALL at our absolute worst. No one is spared and no one can come away thinking 'no I'd be better than that'.
You know, I don't think this is really a spoiler, but I wish I could say I left this final chapter feeling optimistic about the future of mankind. However, to be brutally honest, I feel just the opposite. I had hoped I could put this final (???) chapter down and focus on the heroes ... but honestly I am left sickened by the thoughts, deeds and intents of the villains, either those that invaded in the first place or those that many of these characters were or became, even committing atrocities that they themselves claim to want to wipe out (see what the Secretary of Defense does in her telling scene and tell me that's right).
One thing that Smith has re-emphasised at least in my mind is that we are an incredibly stupid species and if we aren't destroyed in part or totally by outside forces, then America is doomed by her own sheer stupidity and hubris. And no, you can't just focus on how things are in your tiny or big community, you have to look at the big picture, the sea-to-shining sea view if you will. I tell you this: I will definitely not only read future dystopian tales differently after this series, but especially NSS's own on-going work, whether it be in the form of a new collection of Trackers tales for those few that survived here or even in the Hell Divers series, where I am no longer surprised the surviving population is so limited in number.
Maybe it's the weather (gloomy with a chance of gloom), my more than rapidly increasing age/decreasing health, the spectre of mortality (having just lost my FIL to a horrific stroke over the holidays) or the news that we confront each and every day - with a narcissistic madman with no grasp of decency, honesty or integrity leading a country that is falling into a pattern of more and more crimes against itself and the rest of the world - but I feel shattered. Granted, I can't fully agree with every speculation the author makes (yuck, Freedom Tower? That thing is butt ugly!) but what alternatives do we really expect?
It's only fiction though. Right?
Having said that, I also have to say that it has been a while since a book or a series has shaken me quite like Trackers has. Even without the fictional monsters of some of his other tales, Nicholas Sansbury Smith has put together a collection of moments that horrifies at its very core if for no other reason than owing to its believable likelihood. NSS's strength - as always - lies in creating the characters and the situations that arise, even if it means in this case (imho) he's masterfully painted us ALL at our absolute worst. No one is spared and no one can come away thinking 'no I'd be better than that'.
You know, I don't think this is really a spoiler, but I wish I could say I left this final chapter feeling optimistic about the future of mankind. However, to be brutally honest, I feel just the opposite. I had hoped I could put this final (???) chapter down and focus on the heroes ... but honestly I am left sickened by the thoughts, deeds and intents of the villains, either those that invaded in the first place or those that many of these characters were or became, even committing atrocities that they themselves claim to want to wipe out (see what the Secretary of Defense does in her telling scene and tell me that's right).
One thing that Smith has re-emphasised at least in my mind is that we are an incredibly stupid species and if we aren't destroyed in part or totally by outside forces, then America is doomed by her own sheer stupidity and hubris. And no, you can't just focus on how things are in your tiny or big community, you have to look at the big picture, the sea-to-shining sea view if you will. I tell you this: I will definitely not only read future dystopian tales differently after this series, but especially NSS's own on-going work, whether it be in the form of a new collection of Trackers tales for those few that survived here or even in the Hell Divers series, where I am no longer surprised the surviving population is so limited in number.
Maybe it's the weather (gloomy with a chance of gloom), my more than rapidly increasing age/decreasing health, the spectre of mortality (having just lost my FIL to a horrific stroke over the holidays) or the news that we confront each and every day - with a narcissistic madman with no grasp of decency, honesty or integrity leading a country that is falling into a pattern of more and more crimes against itself and the rest of the world - but I feel shattered. Granted, I can't fully agree with every speculation the author makes (yuck, Freedom Tower? That thing is butt ugly!) but what alternatives do we really expect?
It's only fiction though. Right?
January 18, 2023
FANTASTIC series! 100% memorable… Of course!!
I’ve said - or gushed - all about the Trackers series in my reviews of Books 1 - 3. I need to go & edit my review for Book 1, actually.
As this Nicolas Sansbury Smith series is an “older” series now for sure, but definitely one worth investing your reading time in!
It is so completely different than his Extinction Cycle world, but it’s the same master wordsmith putting words onto the page. Thus, this story is unique & thrilling to read.O
Trackers is one of those mepmorable series. That randomly comes to mind for who-knows-what reason over the months & years after reading it.
It truly is this special. With the extra “magic” to it only certain, rare, authors can authentically accomplish.
I sooooo wish I could talk about something I’d hoped was going to come about in the storyline.
An occurrence I thought must surely be inevitable. (Yet it never occurred… )
But in writing out my hopes & frustrations would mean a big fat spoiler for YOU.
And though I’d likely feel a tad unburdened, you absolutely wouldn’t appreciate the spoiler!
True?? ;)
So … that said …. moving on ….. lol
The Native American thread woven throughout the series is definitely one of the aspects of the story I know I’ll reflect on in the future.
It has been really cool learning all types of new legends, beliefs, customs, etc., held by the Sioux & Cherokee peoples.
I checked the copyright for Book 4 (2017), so it’s pretty much 100% a done deal for this series at this point (1/2023).
But, you know, if the author is so inclined, & perhaps would like to write a Book 5 (6, 7, …) at some point, I mean - I wouldn’t complain or anything…
Especially if the storyline ends up including, maybe, something regarding the whole issue regarding WHY Van Dyke may have been “confused & fearful” that one time. Like - a, “very real reason,” (*hint, hint*).
Lol ;)
Anyway! If you had any questions or qualms, let me put them to rest right now.
Just grab Book 1 of Trackers.
Or put the series on your “must read” list, either way.
Just read it.
ESP if you haven’t yet experienced anything by this author! You don’t know what you’re missing.
(His treatment of his cast of characters! They are EVERYTHING!)
Trackers is simply fantastic reading - that ticks every box!
I’ve said - or gushed - all about the Trackers series in my reviews of Books 1 - 3. I need to go & edit my review for Book 1, actually.
As this Nicolas Sansbury Smith series is an “older” series now for sure, but definitely one worth investing your reading time in!
It is so completely different than his Extinction Cycle world, but it’s the same master wordsmith putting words onto the page. Thus, this story is unique & thrilling to read.O
Trackers is one of those mepmorable series. That randomly comes to mind for who-knows-what reason over the months & years after reading it.
It truly is this special. With the extra “magic” to it only certain, rare, authors can authentically accomplish.
I sooooo wish I could talk about something I’d hoped was going to come about in the storyline.
An occurrence I thought must surely be inevitable. (Yet it never occurred… )
But in writing out my hopes & frustrations would mean a big fat spoiler for YOU.
And though I’d likely feel a tad unburdened, you absolutely wouldn’t appreciate the spoiler!
True?? ;)
So … that said …. moving on ….. lol
The Native American thread woven throughout the series is definitely one of the aspects of the story I know I’ll reflect on in the future.
It has been really cool learning all types of new legends, beliefs, customs, etc., held by the Sioux & Cherokee peoples.
I checked the copyright for Book 4 (2017), so it’s pretty much 100% a done deal for this series at this point (1/2023).
But, you know, if the author is so inclined, & perhaps would like to write a Book 5 (6, 7, …) at some point, I mean - I wouldn’t complain or anything…
Especially if the storyline ends up including, maybe, something regarding the whole issue regarding WHY Van Dyke may have been “confused & fearful” that one time. Like - a, “very real reason,” (*hint, hint*).
Lol ;)
Anyway! If you had any questions or qualms, let me put them to rest right now.
Just grab Book 1 of Trackers.
Or put the series on your “must read” list, either way.
Just read it.
ESP if you haven’t yet experienced anything by this author! You don’t know what you’re missing.
(His treatment of his cast of characters! They are EVERYTHING!)
Trackers is simply fantastic reading - that ticks every box!
March 4, 2023
I probably should have realised that this wasn't the end of the series but more book four in a series of series... I will admit to being a little disappointed.
That said, this wraps up the first "chapter" (if you will) in a satisfying enough fashion to have some kind of closure. I'm happy enough to stop and leave war-riddled America and Raven right here (although I will miss Creek the Akita). Unfortunately, something I noticed in the previous book also happened in this one: a repeat of certain phrases (e.g. something about dividing the view into sections and scanning left to right... You'll recognise it every time!) plus the shoot-out battle scenes just got too much; too overwhelming; too repetitive. How many times can Raven actually be stabbed/shot/close to death and then drag himself through it and save the day by taking out 20-50 armed soldiers? The only variation towards the end seemed to be the size of the weaponry.
I didn't hate it and I still really love the first book of the series. It almost felt like the story got too big for itself so we got stuck in repeat rather than developing the world and characters further (which, I will say, I would have found a daunting task).
That said, this wraps up the first "chapter" (if you will) in a satisfying enough fashion to have some kind of closure. I'm happy enough to stop and leave war-riddled America and Raven right here (although I will miss Creek the Akita). Unfortunately, something I noticed in the previous book also happened in this one: a repeat of certain phrases (e.g. something about dividing the view into sections and scanning left to right... You'll recognise it every time!) plus the shoot-out battle scenes just got too much; too overwhelming; too repetitive. How many times can Raven actually be stabbed/shot/close to death and then drag himself through it and save the day by taking out 20-50 armed soldiers? The only variation towards the end seemed to be the size of the weaponry.
I didn't hate it and I still really love the first book of the series. It almost felt like the story got too big for itself so we got stuck in repeat rather than developing the world and characters further (which, I will say, I would have found a daunting task).
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