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Still Surviving #1
Blackout
Westley Flagg isn’t your usual lawbreaker. He’s a poacher, a moonshiner and a prepper, out of necessity. Despite trying to live on the straight and narrow, he knows the law can turn things on you in a heartbeat. When Wes has to come up with money for his Grandpa’s surgery, he gets involved with an unsavory group. Living deep in poverty for most of his life, he’s become resilient and flexible, but college education can only take him so far. A solar storm sends the northern lights as far south as Texas, and cascading failures in the grid cripple the nation. Now, without communications, Flagg has to prove he has what it takes to still survive.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2018
913 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
July 5, 2018
This one wasn't bad, but it's less about a blackout and more about the life of a moonshiner and his family that go through a blackout about halfway through the story... The blackout isn't the primary topic of the book, it's barely secondary. While the story itself isn't bad, it wasn't at all what I was expecting so I was a bit disappointed. The title is a bit misleading - if you're looking for a book about an EMP or similar disaster, and the subsequent fallout, this likely isn't for you. This story is more about a long-term prepper and moonshiner, his family, and what their life is like in general when a blackout happens in the middle of their routine existence. The book is well-narrated, and was and easy enough listen, and was enjoyable on a long drive. *** This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.***
January 7, 2019
Was a good story
I’m not sure wtf happened. All of a sudden it was the end and I could sign up to be notified of future releases.
It really was a good story just way too abrupt of an ending.
I’m not sure wtf happened. All of a sudden it was the end and I could sign up to be notified of future releases.
It really was a good story just way too abrupt of an ending.
March 11, 2018
Westley Flagg has grown up in poverty on his grandparents’ farm. His Grandpa’s moonshining barely kept the family going. It is what nurtured Wes’ interest in chemistry to wit he garnered a college degree. After a solar storm takes down most of the grid will any of it matter for them to survive?
Craven’s first novel in the Blackout series, Still Surviving provides an in-depth look into the underworld of moonshining. With what Wes has learned in college he has been able to streamline and much improve the distilling process. To Wes, this is mostly a hobby. But, when he cuts off one of his more questionable customers he finds himself up against the worst of mankind.
It was difficult for me to get into this book as it spent the better portion of the first third explaining the process of moonshining. Once past that the pace picked up and the story started developing. Wes’ character is fully developed and quite interesting. He is always skirting the edge of the law but not in areas that are harmful to others.
There are several typos and contextual errors that I hope are cleaned up by the time you read the book. It is not a stand-alone book and ends with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
4 out of 5 stars.
Craven’s first novel in the Blackout series, Still Surviving provides an in-depth look into the underworld of moonshining. With what Wes has learned in college he has been able to streamline and much improve the distilling process. To Wes, this is mostly a hobby. But, when he cuts off one of his more questionable customers he finds himself up against the worst of mankind.
It was difficult for me to get into this book as it spent the better portion of the first third explaining the process of moonshining. Once past that the pace picked up and the story started developing. Wes’ character is fully developed and quite interesting. He is always skirting the edge of the law but not in areas that are harmful to others.
There are several typos and contextual errors that I hope are cleaned up by the time you read the book. It is not a stand-alone book and ends with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
4 out of 5 stars.
February 16, 2018
Fantastic story that left me wanting more
Fear not lovers of dystopian fiction: no zombies within. Craven has put together a great story that focuses on a rural area that faces uncertainty after a disaster strikes. Fortunately, the main character (Wes) was raised by frugal grandparents who taught him some helpful skills, including how to make moonshine. That may seem odd - but it it a great plot addition in what turns into a tale that could foretell a future any of us regular folk could face. My biggest disappointment was that the story ended... but I have a feeling a possible sequel will fill my need to read more. This is well done and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Fear not lovers of dystopian fiction: no zombies within. Craven has put together a great story that focuses on a rural area that faces uncertainty after a disaster strikes. Fortunately, the main character (Wes) was raised by frugal grandparents who taught him some helpful skills, including how to make moonshine. That may seem odd - but it it a great plot addition in what turns into a tale that could foretell a future any of us regular folk could face. My biggest disappointment was that the story ended... but I have a feeling a possible sequel will fill my need to read more. This is well done and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
February 13, 2018
Blackout
Looks like canoe great series by Boyd Craven. His writing style mAkes you feel like you are there with characters not just an observer looks in. Definitely like Grandpa. What a off beat guy.
Looking forward to reading Book 2!
Looks like canoe great series by Boyd Craven. His writing style mAkes you feel like you are there with characters not just an observer looks in. Definitely like Grandpa. What a off beat guy.
Looking forward to reading Book 2!
October 7, 2021
Boyd is one of my favorite authors. This novel about a Wes is a character that grows on you and his Grandpa and Grandma is well written. I didn't think I would enjoy reading about a moonshiner but he turned out to be a great character. The author describes the events so well. I can picture the scene with the comical pet rooster - FOGHORN. His portrayal of his dog is heartwarming and I'm not even a dog person! I've never had a dog but I love the way Boyd Craven, describes the exploits of the dog Raider. The story was hard to put down. A great apocalyptic suspense Thriller! Some terrifying parts, but the blackout isn't the primary topic of the book, it's captivating because I didn't know what would happen next. I will certainly read the next book.
February 16, 2018
New
Seriously it was just getting good you had to end it just to keep me hooked well play Mr craven
Seriously it was just getting good you had to end it just to keep me hooked well play Mr craven
Read
March 22, 2021Great read on what can happen to our electrical grid and our country if things go bad. It did take a little bit to get into the action, though the stage did have to be set.
July 5, 2019
Blackout is a decent survival, dare I say prepper, novel. It follows the story of Westley Flagg, a small time unemployed guy who makes ends meet through distilling and selling moonshine, he's a qualified teacher looking for work with the side hobby of preparing for the unknown.
The writing is good, the characters are relatable and it's quite enthralling. I did have two quibbles though, I found it disappointing that society goes from functioning to the military ordering people into FEMA camps & ordering confiscation of all firearms on penalty of death for non-compliance. Like gee that escalated quickly, with zero preamble. Secondly, whilst I'm aware it's a part of a series I found the ending quite disappointing. I know small authors must have a hard time with in this day and age of book piracy yet the whole abrupt ending with forward selling to the next instalment wasn't particularly pleasing. That being said, I enjoyed this to the point I'm probably going to fall for it and get the next one, so I guess that's why the author does it - it works.
At any rate, a solid EMP survival novel which is primarily about the characters backgrounds and the beginning of the collapse.
The writing is good, the characters are relatable and it's quite enthralling. I did have two quibbles though, I found it disappointing that society goes from functioning to the military ordering people into FEMA camps & ordering confiscation of all firearms on penalty of death for non-compliance. Like gee that escalated quickly, with zero preamble. Secondly, whilst I'm aware it's a part of a series I found the ending quite disappointing. I know small authors must have a hard time with in this day and age of book piracy yet the whole abrupt ending with forward selling to the next instalment wasn't particularly pleasing. That being said, I enjoyed this to the point I'm probably going to fall for it and get the next one, so I guess that's why the author does it - it works.
At any rate, a solid EMP survival novel which is primarily about the characters backgrounds and the beginning of the collapse.
April 19, 2018
Boyd Craven has a tendency to have likable main characters (plus a dog) and this story is no different. Wes and his grandparents are easy to like and there are a few strong female characters that don't
"need saving". I also learned quite a bit about how moonshine is made. The story formula is fairly standard for EMP stories; loner prepper, mysterious disaster, bad guys with delusions of dictatorship, military that wants to take the guns and redistribute the wealth. The writing style was ok but occasionally felt rushed and the ending is quite abrupt. I really don't see that the military would have shown up to this small rural town to process the inhabitants. I would think they would be overwhelmed by the needs of the big and medium sized cities.
"need saving". I also learned quite a bit about how moonshine is made. The story formula is fairly standard for EMP stories; loner prepper, mysterious disaster, bad guys with delusions of dictatorship, military that wants to take the guns and redistribute the wealth. The writing style was ok but occasionally felt rushed and the ending is quite abrupt. I really don't see that the military would have shown up to this small rural town to process the inhabitants. I would think they would be overwhelmed by the needs of the big and medium sized cities.
February 25, 2018
Although it was a great story with a new approach to the apocalypse, and I learned a lot about distilling moonshine, some about prepping, and a lot about the main character, the editing toward the end of the book was lacking. No so far a grammar or typos, but in the clarity of the characters' and author's trains of thought. I kept having to reread some of the passages to figure out exactly what was meant. Add to that the very abrupt ending and I was left without a desire to follow to the next book.
February 13, 2018
Craven has put us on another roller coaster with his new offering. A master story teller, he gives us a hero that’s a little different. A poor country boy who just wants to better himself and is well on his way when the SHTF. A wild ride is ahead of you in this newest offering, and I can’t wait until the next installment!
April 27, 2018
After some of the books I’ve been listening to lately I was ready for a good book. Thank goodness for Boyd Craven and Kevin Pierce. Blackout is the opening salvo to an apocalypse/survival series featuring a small town community’s reaction and response when the lights go out due to a CME. In this scenario martial law is declared rather quickly and the military waste no time in rolling into town to confiscate weapons and excess food supplies. The character development and personal lives of the main characters continue throughout most of the book, which may sound tedious, but the characters are quite likable and the accounts are excellent; especially Raider (you’ll see). Then, we are fortunate to have Kevin Pierce narrating and that is always a huge plus in my book. I enjoyed this opening tale quite a bit and wish I had the next book(s) to follow up with. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
January 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book but unfortunately, it's one of those "keep buying to know the rest of the story". Sigh.
What I found most interesting was learning about the process of what bootleggers do to make booze. I'm in recovery but as most know, here in VA bootlegging was big during the Prohibition years. I read "The Wettest County in the World", fantastic book; they made a movie from that book, "Lawless" (2012), about three brothers that had a moonshining operation. I recommend both the movie and the book.
Getting back to THIS book, the writing style is great; you get to know the characters, and the story is intriguing. I recommend with one caveat: you will be expected to by the "next" installment to find out what happens, and that stinks.
What I found most interesting was learning about the process of what bootleggers do to make booze. I'm in recovery but as most know, here in VA bootlegging was big during the Prohibition years. I read "The Wettest County in the World", fantastic book; they made a movie from that book, "Lawless" (2012), about three brothers that had a moonshining operation. I recommend both the movie and the book.
Getting back to THIS book, the writing style is great; you get to know the characters, and the story is intriguing. I recommend with one caveat: you will be expected to by the "next" installment to find out what happens, and that stinks.
July 13, 2021
An excellent read!! A solar burst or atmospheric event occurred resulting in a blackout across America. An EMP via nature. FEMA are forcing people into camps promising shelter, food and medical attention. Their taking away peoples food and firearms. A lot of people are not willing to participate. They are distrustful of government control. Cities are the hardest hit because they depend on someone else to supply their everyday needs. Chaos reigns. Rural people, the primary characters in this book are more self sufficient. Bad people still surface here and they have to protect themselves as well as their property. A lot of them were peepers. Again an excellent read and a believable scenario. Enjoyed immensely!!
April 30, 2019
Great story, great characters!
5 star rating due to a very great story and the author works to let the reader like the characters! Top notch!
Not to take away from this author's work but to let readers know that this great style is similar to The McClane Apocalypse, by Kate Morris. I only mention her as I love a great book and have been "scammed" by some authors who neglect to report vampires, zombies, etc.
This book us incredibly well written and allows the reader to really like characters. This book is loaded with constant action and is incredibly difficult to put down! Knocked it out in 2 days! Next!? I am waiting!
5 star rating due to a very great story and the author works to let the reader like the characters! Top notch!
Not to take away from this author's work but to let readers know that this great style is similar to The McClane Apocalypse, by Kate Morris. I only mention her as I love a great book and have been "scammed" by some authors who neglect to report vampires, zombies, etc.
This book us incredibly well written and allows the reader to really like characters. This book is loaded with constant action and is incredibly difficult to put down! Knocked it out in 2 days! Next!? I am waiting!
April 1, 2018
Another Author With An Original View of an Apocalypse
This is a good view as to how the power grid going down could happen. Since every State is unique so is the way it's government would respond. In the rural Midwest farming areas, this description may be fairly accurate in some spots. The residents are educated, intelligent, and wary of big brother. Being prepared is a way of life. There is much more than an apocalypse written in this story. It is also a tale of friendship and relationships through good and bad times over the years. A good read.
This is a good view as to how the power grid going down could happen. Since every State is unique so is the way it's government would respond. In the rural Midwest farming areas, this description may be fairly accurate in some spots. The residents are educated, intelligent, and wary of big brother. Being prepared is a way of life. There is much more than an apocalypse written in this story. It is also a tale of friendship and relationships through good and bad times over the years. A good read.
May 19, 2018
Boyd Craven creates characters who you want to meet and keep in your circle of friends. The adventures he takes his main characters on feel so real. Blackout is no exception. The grandparents in the book steal the show. Their love for their grandson, love for each other and the snarky banter lend to their appeal. For anyone who grew up poor can understand the trials they went through and how their survival skills have always been part of who they are. I cannot wait to see where the next adventure takes these characters.
February 4, 2019
I wanted to like this book more and wanted to give it a higher review but 3 stars is all I can do. The story has great potential but the writing was not good. I almost gave up around 30% but decided to finish it and it was a struggle with the writing. I would like to finish the series but I can’t. I think the part that drove me crazy the most was that when people were talking they wouldn’t finish their sentence or what they were saying. Like someone else would interrupt them mid sentence but for what reason?
December 23, 2021
Fascinating (and incomplete) book
One of the more interesting protagonists I've encountered this year. Flawed, relatable and likeable. Action builds slowly but makes for richer reading. When the serious action arrives, it feels disconnected from the book - like the author hit a page limit and was required to insert it. Similarly, the ending was awkward - more a chapter ending than a book ending. A strange place to leave a serial plot. Recommended nonetheless.
The small town, know everyone vibe is applied inconsistently
One of the more interesting protagonists I've encountered this year. Flawed, relatable and likeable. Action builds slowly but makes for richer reading. When the serious action arrives, it feels disconnected from the book - like the author hit a page limit and was required to insert it. Similarly, the ending was awkward - more a chapter ending than a book ending. A strange place to leave a serial plot. Recommended nonetheless.
The small town, know everyone vibe is applied inconsistently
January 29, 2022
This is a prepper/post-disaster novel and for whatever reason, I really enjoy this genre. It’s book one in Craven’s ‘Still Surviving’ 5-novel series. I give it 4 stars. Not as good as Franklin Horton's Borrowed World books (of which I've only read 2) but pretty well told with a focus on character interactions, moonshine prep and production, and a growing conflict. I like Wes and his family.
My main quibble is that the promised showdown between Wes and his antagonist didn’t happen. And so the story arc felt unfinished as this book ended with a shocking revelation that will obviously be explored in book two. Series books always leave something for the next volume, but this initial installment didn’t quite wrap up in a satisfactory manner. For me, at least. Overall, good writing, though.
My main quibble is that the promised showdown between Wes and his antagonist didn’t happen. And so the story arc felt unfinished as this book ended with a shocking revelation that will obviously be explored in book two. Series books always leave something for the next volume, but this initial installment didn’t quite wrap up in a satisfactory manner. For me, at least. Overall, good writing, though.
February 26, 2018
Looking forward to the next one
The book finished with a bit of a cliffhanger, but not too bad. I liked the realism in this book , often in apocalypse books the first thing you read about is people behaving horribly often for no reason. There are people in this world that do that but it isn't the majority. This book shows the progression and the reason behind the behavior, it makes sense. And there are small little drops of prepper wisdom sprinkled in, I love that.
The book finished with a bit of a cliffhanger, but not too bad. I liked the realism in this book , often in apocalypse books the first thing you read about is people behaving horribly often for no reason. There are people in this world that do that but it isn't the majority. This book shows the progression and the reason behind the behavior, it makes sense. And there are small little drops of prepper wisdom sprinkled in, I love that.
June 14, 2021
I now more about creating illicit alcohol than I ever really wanted to know.
The apocalypse that this book is supposed to be about - not so much!
The characters involved are less than well-rounded - I think of Lance in particular, who appears in the story, disappears, appears etc .. yet we find out very little about him. This is the main villain of the piece in Book 1 by the way.
It is a poor start to a series (in my view), I am currently reading the 2nd one in the series hoping for improvement.
The apocalypse that this book is supposed to be about - not so much!
The characters involved are less than well-rounded - I think of Lance in particular, who appears in the story, disappears, appears etc .. yet we find out very little about him. This is the main villain of the piece in Book 1 by the way.
It is a poor start to a series (in my view), I am currently reading the 2nd one in the series hoping for improvement.
January 5, 2022
Very typical post-apocalyptic tale, with moonshine. Power goes out, society crumbles, local ne'er do well family has just the man needed to capture the heart of local hottie veteran (PTSD gets tossed in, too) dog trainer, grandma and grandpa are just the home-spun, country wisdom needed - and comic relief, to boot - in the these times without gas (see the foreshadowing?) and desperate rescues of barely known neighbors from the thugs in the RV refugee camp.
February 18, 2018
Amazing
I loved this book, it was so we'll written. Each character was well developed and unique.
I a m excited to read more from this author. I enjoyed the introduction of Was and his grandparents, to see how they lived and interacted. I can't wait to see what happens next with Wes and Jessica,
I loved this book, it was so we'll written. Each character was well developed and unique.
I a m excited to read more from this author. I enjoyed the introduction of Was and his grandparents, to see how they lived and interacted. I can't wait to see what happens next with Wes and Jessica,
February 18, 2018
A chillingly prophetic tale
Boys Craven spins a very plausible tale of the aftermath of a major Coronal Mass Ejection. His character development is very well done and the central character is an amalgam of good and bad by societies standards. Nothing in this work is either implausible or unlikely. Waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
Boys Craven spins a very plausible tale of the aftermath of a major Coronal Mass Ejection. His character development is very well done and the central character is an amalgam of good and bad by societies standards. Nothing in this work is either implausible or unlikely. Waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
February 21, 2018
1st time reader
This was my first book to read by this author and I am so glad i did! I loved the characters in this book and how well they developed and evolved along the way. Wes' world seemed real making it so easy to imagine being there. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Ya hear that Boyd? Get er done! LOL
This was my first book to read by this author and I am so glad i did! I loved the characters in this book and how well they developed and evolved along the way. Wes' world seemed real making it so easy to imagine being there. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Ya hear that Boyd? Get er done! LOL
March 2, 2018
Great read
I loved the World Burns series so I had to try this one. I loved that it is a different slant on the usual apocalypse type books. The rural small town backdrop and lack of neighbour killing neighbour to steal their food was refreshing. The characters seem real and well drawn. Looking forward to the next instalment!
I loved the World Burns series so I had to try this one. I loved that it is a different slant on the usual apocalypse type books. The rural small town backdrop and lack of neighbour killing neighbour to steal their food was refreshing. The characters seem real and well drawn. Looking forward to the next instalment!
March 3, 2018
Here's a good book to start this new series. It's not splashed with blood and gore and there's not much cussing in it. The plot is good and much more "real world" than in many other books. I loved the characters and, of course, the dog.
I recommend you read this book and I know you'll get lots of enjoyment out of it.
I recommend you read this book and I know you'll get lots of enjoyment out of it.
March 20, 2018
Blackout: Still Surviving
Not my favorite of Craven's books but that is only because of the moonshine aspect. That being said I learned a lot about hooch that I didn't previously know. Otherwise the story is really engaging and the characters have lots of personality, I love the grandparents best.
Not my favorite of Craven's books but that is only because of the moonshine aspect. That being said I learned a lot about hooch that I didn't previously know. Otherwise the story is really engaging and the characters have lots of personality, I love the grandparents best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews