Jim Wyatt had always said that if everything fell apart, he didn’t want to just survive - he didn’t want to notice. When the world did crash, his family’s home of Stonemont became not only a refuge, but a place where it might be possible to start over again, and reclaim the American ideal.
Among the many novels in the SHTF/TEOTWAWKI genre, The Reversion stands apart – and, perhaps, alone. It does not follow the survival learning curve of the unprepared or minimally-prepared, as so many excellent books have already done so well. Rather, it is the story of a man who was prepared, and of how his preparation and foresight provided not only a safe haven for him and his family, but a re-start point for those who come together to survive the collapse of the world around them. As such, it is an unbelievably positive book about an unbelievably negative circumstance, and carries within it the lessons of preparedness and survival that every person should strive to learn.
Tightly woven into the story are threads of history, morality, politics, economics, philosophy and comparative justice – the kind America was founded on, the kind they had devolved to under the weight of an increasingly liberal and socialist society, and the kind that might re-establish a society reflective of America’s original ideals. As these threads are woven into the fabric of the larger story of survival, the realization emerges that a great catastrophe enabled the return of what makes us, as human beings, truly happy and fulfilled, and that, perhaps, only a great catastrophe could.
The Reversion, written by an expert in survival and preparedness with an interesting government and non-government background, is destined to be an instant classic in the preparedness/survival genre. More than a good story, it is a manual and a resource for all who are interested in these fields, and deserves to be kept on your desk or chair-side table where it can be read, re-read and referred to often.
Indie Author, hailing from the not so sunny United Kingdom.
I have always considered myself a creative zany person, expressing my idea's through writing and art. This led me on a journey to release my first ever self-published book late September 2016. The Dragon's Reclaim series is set to be an 8-part Fantasy saga, and as I edge closer to the series end, I know that new chapters will open out for me to create a diverse range of e-books and paperbacks in the years to come.
I find myself fascinated by dragons and all thing's fantasy fiction, so, was only a matter of time before I wrote my own idea's down.
As time passed by my ideas were combined, thus creating a whole world for my character's to live in, and soon I had an entire saga spinning round in my head.
I continue to tell my fairy tale adventure, and each and every day I become more and more inspired as the adventure grows.
More recently I have delved into publishing a Crime Novel, and a double-header Fantasy set of books, which are ten times more brutal and hard-hitting than any of my previous works. (18+)
Future works will include sequels to the above, and of course the conclusion of Dragon's Reclaim. Not to mention some other fantasy genre's including Vampires, Werewolves & Zombies. Stay tuned.
A MAGA inspired conservatives can do no wrong liberals are doing the USA propaganda piece. I struggled to finish this overly cognitive dissonance diatribe but was determined to see it through. I actually believe the writer believes his own story. Another us versus them teotwawki vs
I didn't get too far before I started skimming the book. I tried reading the book just to see how far the prepper thing would go. The story reminded me of an old Heinlein story "Farnham's Freehold" but is better written. Those ideas haven't gotten better with age (they have gotten nastier) but the writer does present his worldview clearly. It isn't pretty.
The book is more a prepper manual than a novel. It also makes it clear that survival is only possible to those willing to submit to a Christian theocracy, which also incorporates all of america's real values. I read another reviewer who spelled out the nastiness embodied in the writer's definition of christian, so I'll skip that issue.
From a historical perspective, I had trouble understanding the writer's idea of US culture. He doesn't think that several centuries of black slavery contradicts the image of freedom for all. The writers of the constitution encased slavery in their legal framework (which included the second amendment's cover for the mandatory slave patrol laws, blacks counting as 60% of a person for congressional seats, etc.). The laws restricted any voting rights to a minority (about 25%, I think) of white males, who met the property qualifications to vote. Women had no rights of any kind and it seems that condition fits the writer's picture of a healthy america. I guess this is where reversion leads.
The writing was just good enough to make the story and its themes seem reasonable, if you don't look at the story details. The resources needed to build this "manor house" would seem to be beyond the means of a former policeman, whose wife has no income but does have several very young children. The manor builders did most of the work by hand themselves? Was this before or after the three children? Did the parents of the main character purchase the extensive grounds in the exclusive neighborhood? The housewife disliked guns but love of (or obedience to) her man turned her into a gun toting mama? She's so independent that she has no decision making of her own? Is the establishment of hard gender roles, already in place in the MC's household really necessary for the survivalist haven?
The book and series use the ultimate libertarian fantasy. If you are the right kind of person, you'll be the recipient of wealth, fame and/or power because this society is the world model of fairness in opportunity, equality of all and If you're not it must be because you choose to be poor, powerless and more. Add Christian fascism, women who know their place and the absence of the wrong sort of "people" and you have the start of the great again america. This is some scary stuff.
The story is not much of a novel but is instead an almost documentary narration of the obvious and the inevitable collapse of society. The characters in these types of books always find like-minded fellows (always fellows, usually ex-military and not minority) at the gas station, etc. It reinforces the notion that they represent a large part of the population and that the survival of the fittest is the common wisdom. The characters are always self-made men (women land the guy, If they are lucky enough to be chosen). It's interesting that inheritance of wealth and the wealth gap is never mentioned, yet the wealthy person by definition is always decent. I wonder why that is.
The MC hasn't contributed to the political health of his community, attempted to improve it or even made an effort to prepare it for the inevitable collapse of the country. Is the MC prepared, psychopathic or sociopathic? I dread imagining what happens to a Buddhist family or a South Asian engineer (man or woman) who stumbled across this oasis of calm. Of course in the next book, I feel confident that the wars begin and between old testament fury and an american flag those "people" won't be an issue any longer.
If you overlook all the implications of the writer's view that most people are not the "decent folk" worthy of surviving, the story could be comforting to readers who are certain they are one of the good ones.
I waited a day before I wrote this review because it will raise the ire of some who disagree. I feel a responsibly that force my impressions be made known. I am a Christian. I am not a Fundamentalist, however. Some of my best friends are Conservatives, otherwise they're great people; but I could not accept the protagonist in this story, Jim, as following the precepts of Christ as touted by the author. The first clue was Jim's concentration of study being the Old Testament. There is no evidence he ever even read the New Testament, where he might have learned of the Good News taught by Christ. I often saw a sanctimonious, self-righteous dictator who claimed he stood for American and Christian values but broke the Ten Commandments and the Constitution. He tortured before killing those he judged guilty in one major episode, showing no mercy. That is not Christian and is "cruel and unusual punishment" , forbidden by our Constitution. Yet he evidently admired the killer of a National Guard leader who disagreed with him. Ultimately that might have proved appropriate but he had made up his mind he'd brook no interference regardless. Besides the killer was a family member. He had no appreciation for the government of the U.S.A., its history of leadership in the world, or its aspirations. Instead he saw only its flaws and promoted "survival of the fittest" in the name of capitalism. Somehow, I cannot believe the good he did do would win him points before the Ultimate Judge.
I struggled a bit with this book. It was actually better written than many with few errors (the biggest with Brin who was drawing a map and was suddenly named Stacie who they had just buried). It also had a lot of solid ideas on preparing and surviving a major disaster. I liked some of the characters, mostly notably Christian, Mike and Naomi. I struggled with so much religion being referenced and the Ten commandments being a guiding principle for being part of the Stonemont group. I struggled with the idea that 2 days after the EMP, a lawyer and his middle class wife and daughter would really be OK with executing criminals at the rode side; while they might get there eventually, I can't see it being that soon. I struggled with the fast separation into traditional male and female roles and the boring argument that women's work is just as important. I really struggled with the constant right wing assertion that liberals destroyed America so this EMP could be a blessing in disguise. Especially in this current environment, I wish this genre could really move past that and see the good and bad in both sides and not be so polarized. I am curious as to what happens if there is a next book, but am not sure if I can get past the things that I found as a negative.
My single biggest issue I had was the whole chauvinistic attitude of the book. I couldn't finish. On the other hand, what I did read was well thought out.
Being a person with long term concerns regarding preparedness I found several situational setups and prep ideas useful.
Prep ideas provided primarily orbited around ideal setups. The potential use is highly limited. That aside the ideas I did find useful appeared to be well thought out.
The plot devices were established so lots of heavy handed right wing infusions were employed.
I did like that a stressor was employed regarding pulling your own weight and showing goodwill to those who were unable.
Stay for the ideas and what ifs.
Someone definitely drank the zealot tea of America myth making. Very Christian oriented with heavy judgemental overtones. However the main protagonist outwardly displayed wisdom and constraint when challenged.
If you are a Christian, believe America can do no wrong, believe Capitalism is key to the best life you can build, enjoy your books most when a focus on white male authority is provided, and you want no ideas that challenge you then this is your book.
Reversion is well written with tight pacing and strong characters. The point of view is Christian Patriot and advocates personal responsibility. The politics are Libertarian without racial overtones. The focus is on preparations without an endless list of armaments and supplies. Instead, it speculates on building a civil sustainable local society reminiscent of Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Everyone works and the work has value is core to building a local economy. Views are interesting and practical. My caveat is that individuals can have values, ethics and morals without the religiosity. While the "no atheists in foxholes" saying has a grain of truth, a Christian government has been as historically destructive as modern Muslims. I disagree with Mr. Smith on several fundamental points but respect his views.
An outstanding start to this five part series! I've read a lot of prepper/end of the world books, and what I liked about this one is that the characters are trying to rebuild the community to be a positive one after an (assumed) nationwide EMP. The author was also able to tell a good story without having to resort to abusive language, graphic sex and violence scenes. Book two arrives tomorrow, and I'm anxious to continue the story.
One extremely minor nitpick that I noticed. I don't know if the author will see this, and if so, can perhaps fix in a future printing. On page 180, one character is asked where's home, and they reply, "Coon Rapids, Minnesota. It's south of Minneapolis." Actually it's north of Minneapolis. I lived in Coon Rapids, so that's how I knew so quickly. Again otherwise a great story.
The author was far too religious in the book. Initially he didn’t mention it and drew the reader in but once the story is underway and you feel invested in knowing the outcome you find that if a character is a “good guy” he is religious and prays. I don’t mind some characters being religious- that is realistic. But everyone who has the ability to survive being religious? That just feels like I’m being force fed his ideology. It was also extremely patriarchal. I don’t like books that have unbelievable female characters that are excessively strong and have better ideas than men but I also can’t stand books like these that have the men know everything and the women are just thankful that the men have shown them the way. The author writes well but I would have preferred his ideology to show itself in the very beginning pages of the book so that I didn’t feel suckered in.
I enjoyed the basic story. Good characters. The main character seems to think that freedom of religion means the Christian religion. That worked in the book because that was the only religion that the people seemed to have. Also, he seems to think that somebody proved climate change was a lie and not real. Obviously, the author is free to write as he pleases and express opinions that he pleases. As a reader, this was a little heavy-handed for me. I’m not sure if I will buy the next book but I doubt it. Despite the fact that the storyline was actually pretty good.
A good story is one that in my opinion has a problem/crisis a strong central character supporting characters, a good plot and a set of morals. This story has all.of these and though the introduction was sort of, not weak but minimal, enough full was added to give this story a believability The inclusion of a Christian based morality and a believable crisis story makes this story very easy to read and the action though not overwhelming gives the reader a fast paced but not overwhelming movement to the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This was truly an enjoyable read. Not only did this build on many of my own beliefs but it also gave food for thought. The characters are well developed and I really am looking forward to reading the next in the series to learn what Steve has written for the Stonemont families.
Since I am one who doesn't mind Kindle this was fine for me, but others in my family would require a traditional book. I was hesitant to order until I had read it myself but now I will definitely be ordering this for family.
Excellent excellent book. While the reality of an apocalyptic event will bring death, destruction, and violence, this book doesn't focus on it. It includes it, but the reality of life is always a balance of good and bad. This book does that. It teaches. It covers so many scenarios and situations and characters but it never loses focus. There can be hope in the yard times. Can't wait to read this again...and again!
Couldn't put it down. Loved it, know it's a possibility. Thanks for the great read. Would totally share this with others who are like minded and interested in being prepared for the end possibilities. One would be blind to not know it's happening.
Okay for any age reader. Even my kids and grand kids would understand and put these examples into their preparations. All of us can see the collapse and moral destruction of this once great land. God bless.
Anti-any other religion except Xtianity. Women are drudges because men are physically stronger and because women are incapable of worthwhile thought. Families are wanted but only if all are hale and hearty. Those with disabilities who cannot work like anyone else won't eat. Woman's purpose is support staff only. No thanks.
Women make better guerilla fighters, especially since men underestimate them. It's a pity more true characters like them are not included by male authors.
This was an enjoyable, but not quite the stunner that other reviews had suggested.
The most important message in the book, I think, was the message of Hope it conveyed. So many books in the P-A Genre are terribly bleak. This one has a far more positive message, and I deeply appreciate it for that.
Very well written with well rounded, capable, likeable people. This is how I hope that people who can help in a catastrophe such as an Emp do. Also this story is very informative without being preachy, you can learn from this one. I will have to buy this story & add it to my collection.
This is almost like an instruction manual for TEOTWAWKI
Great story, fantastic characters and so darn close to becoming true I’m not sure I’d call this fictional. Sure, the story lags in some spots but it always picks right back up again. I was originally on the fence as to whether I’d keep reading this series but no longer. Gotta run got a book to read
One thing I have noticed in reading in this genre are some priorities. God Family and Country. We as a nation have gotten so far from these three things. This book really shows gow important that these three things are. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
I read a lot of end of the world books. One of my favorite genres. This book is one of the better ones I’ve ever read. It’s real and gets down to the bones what’s wrong with our country. This book is at the right time for the messed up times we’re going through right now. Thanks very much
No mutant zombie biker gangs, no hoards of undead, nor serial number by serial number description of each piece of equipment. A well thought out story, well written and well edited. No corrupt Gov't sending in Blue Helmets while they sip champagne and nibble Xavier in deep bunkers while plotting their returns. Looking forward to book 2.
First, I questioned how many people have prepared so thoroughly. Then I thought of the people I know who have. The foundation these people started with I view as necessary. I’ve not encountered such a logistical and realistic approach to an inevitable crisis as Steven Smith’s The Reversion. Enjoy. Ponder. Then plan accordingly.
Can not wait for the next book.Who is "Grim" and what does he want? There are a lot of uplifting moments in this book. I love the joy and general upbeat take on the collapse of civilization as we know it. Truly a unique look at the apocalypse.
One of the better series. Can't wait for next book. Stonemont gives me hope about establishing a society of freedom amidst the chaos which will come sooner or later.
The insight of one man can save so many. This author has brought forth the problems of these United States in a fantastic book. Getting geared up for the next book.
The approach from a christian perspective, though not original, just feels right. The way the group forms is much more realistic than some of the rigid parameters of other post collapse thought experiments. How can you go wrong with the golden rule as the law?
Usually, I have to ration reading this genre, they are too depressing. I was surprised, and delighted, by this story. I wasn’t depressed after finishing. The author is very good, kind of “preachy” but good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the premise is not a new one, the principal characters are decidedly unique. It sends a spark of hope into your psyche that there are some people that believe in the tenets that founded the greatest nation on earth.
One of the best post apocalyptic books I have read. Character development is fantastic. Will start book 2 right after I am done typing this. You will want to read this author for sure!