They never saw it coming. The most technologically advanced missile defense system in the world ... Thousands of eyes, both human and artificial intelligence trained on the Axis of Evil - North Korea and Iran. The one direction they didn't look, was up.
Nuclear Armageddon hangs over America like a mighty sword as The Lone Star Series continues with book two, BEYOND BORDERS.
American political leaders failed to heed the warnings as two bullies of the world unite. North Korea and Iran - the Axis of Evil - bring the battle to American soil.
Most of the country is without power and the new President must decide whether to retaliate and risk escalation of hostilities, or focus on recovery to minimize loss of life.
Through careful, prudent planning and protection of their power grid, the state of Texas emerged relatively unscathed from the EMP attack. But what now? New borders are defined. Americans will try to cross them. Texans will defend them.
Author Bobby Akart masterfully intertwines historical fact with plausible fiction in this post apocalyptic EMP thriller, BEYOND BORDERS.
The Lone Star Series is a thought-provoking, gut-wrenching look into a post apocalyptic country devastated by nuclear destruction.
Would you be ready to make the tough decisions to protect your family and survive?
AUTHOR'S NOTE REGARDING PG-13 RATING
The Lone Star Series does not contain strong language. It is intended to entertain and inform audiences of all ages, including teen and young adults. Although some scenes depict the realistic threat our nation faces from an EMP attack and nuclear destruction, and the societal collapse which will result in the aftermath, it does not contain graphic scenes typical of other books in the post-apocalyptic genre. I believe more of our young people need to lead a preparedness lifestyle. Studies show that our millennials do not have any of the basic survival skills. By writing this series free of vulgarities and gratuitous sexual innuendo, I've intended it to be suitable for everyone. Thanks.
International bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25). "He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.” He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
Another thrilling read by Bobby Akart! This book is a great second book in series, one of my absolute favorites I've read this year! Very frightening!! Do not miss this series!
The unthinkable has happened. The United States of America has been plunged into darkness in one fast swoop by an EMP. Two countries who have hated America for eons have come together to strike the blow that will bring America to her knees. Only one area…one state that had prepared for any catastrophe that would cause the power grid to go down in the USA has electricity and that state is Texas! In Beyond Borders, Bobby Akart takes us all on a wild ride showing us that with determination and a preparedness you can survive almost everything. Also, keeping your head in a time of crisis also helps as was shown to us by every one of the Armstrong children. The ensuing story tells the tale of how America responds to this attack on our country. Which way will President Harmon go? Will she retaliate and show that the Eagle will not take this lying down but will soar into the sky with her talons outstretched and teach those who dared to strike our land of the free a lesson or will she back down and wait to see what they will do next? Having so much on her plate trying to fix the situation of the grid being down, people not being prepared, winter coming and hearing both sides of what to do…the choice she makes is the difference between life and death for the millions of Americans who believe in the President. I give this series the highest amount of praise for not only being a well written story but for also being informative. Bobby Akart puts his heart and soul into each of his books with in depth research and information from his own resources for surviving when the unfortunate catastrophe happens. So yu are not just reading a story but you are reading a book that may help to save your life one day. Thank you once again Mr. Akart for another series that has captivated my attention into the dark hours of the night and entertained beyond belief. I am looking forward to the next book to continue this amazing story of America, surviving and a family with strong beliefs that we take care of our own.
Beyond Borders - The Lone Star Series book 2. The U.S. has been attacked! North Korea and Iran simultaneously exploded two EMP bombs high in the atmosphere above the east and west coasts of America, taking down the power grid for the USA, and parts of Canada and Mexico. Only Texas remains with electricity.
Duncan 'Major' Armstrong, retired from Company C of the Texas Rangers, comes from a long line of lawmen and ranchers. Major is directly descended from John Barclay Armstrong, who moved to Texas from Tennessee in 1871. John joined the Texas Rangers under Leander McNelly. After a lifetime of service in the Texas Rangers and as one of the first U.S. Marshals in Texas, John Barclay Armstrong retired and took up ranching.
Major and Miss Lucy, his wife of 30 years, had moved to the Armstrong family ranch after their wedding and promptly had five children - four boys and, finally, a daughter. Duncan Armstrong Jr., the oldest, was a U.S. Army Ranger and his younger brother Dallas had both joined the U.S. Army Rangers. Dallas had been killed in Kandahar defending his fellow Rangers. The three youngest Armstrongs were 'The Rodeo Kids' to Miss Lucy. Cooper, oldest of the three is a bull rider, Riley was a steer wrestler and Palmer, the youngest, was a barrel horse racer. Cooper had a serious chance to make it to the Calgary Stampede on Thanksgiving weekend.
After the planes hit the World Trade Center towers on 9/11, Miss Lucy had moved her focus from a family garden to a prepper lifestyle. She made sure that the family was prepared for anything, at any time. With the current political climate and the antics of North Korea and the enmity of Iraq, it didn't hurt to be ready.
This is the family around which the Lone Star Series is wound. In his usual style, the author introduces the characters and describes them so perfectly that you know them like your own family, with all the quirks and arguments, the people who know you best, who you love and would give your life defending. Rich and vibrant, the characters drive the story and the action as the Armstrongs prepare for the worst. Because you never know when the day before is the day before.
SPOILER WARNING!!! If you haven't read Axis of Evil, The Lone Star Series book 1, then please do, before you read any further. Spoilers from book 1 follow, so please stop reading now unless you have read Axis of Evil. SPOILER WARNING!!!
As Cooper reached 8 seconds on the back of One-Night Stand, his nemesis - the bull who had nearly kicked Coop's noggin off, the lights went off, the buzzer cut off mid-ring, and Cooper had a diminishing fraction of a second to burn his location and orientation into his brain. He pulled his hand loose, slid off One-Night Stand and ran across the pitch black arena floor to safety with two thousand pounds of crazy, snorting bull thundering on his heels.
Duncan slowly became aware that he was still alive. Footsteps and quiet voices could be heard nearby speaking Korean. Beginning with his feet he flexed muscles to see if he could move. He opened his eyes and focused his blurry vision on his surroundings. He was in a cellar dimly lit by a kerosene lantern. He swept his gaze over the walls and onto the smiling face of a beautiful Korean girl! She called out and an elderly Korean man entered. In English, she introduced herself as Sook and her father as Chae. She said the four days earlier they had been fishing in the river and saw Coop's body caught up in a fallen tree at the river's edge. They'd brought him back to their home and tended to his injuries. Coop remembered falling from a cliffside into the river while running from North Korean troops trying to escape after assassinating Kim Jong-un.
Major and Miss Lucy settled in for an evening of television with Coop's ride to be broadcast from the Calgary Stampede. Turning the tv on produced a screen of snow, regardless of the beating Major gave the remote. Nothing on any channel. No cell phone signal. Miss Lucy found an emergency radio and finally found a working station - from England. Reporting that the U.S., Canada and most of Mexico apparently had no power, the news anchor reported that rumors indicated that America may have been attacked.
The Armstrongs faced daunting challenges with the Rodeo Kids riding home from Canada on horseback, Duncan must escape from a North Korea gearing up for war, while Major and Miss Lucy circle the wagons, preparing their ranch hands and their families for whatever emergency arose. Texas had wisely isolated their power grid from the interconnected power grids of the rest of the country and taken steps to harden the Texas grid from EMP. Texas still has power!
In addition to meeting some of the most amazing characters faced with a terrifying situation, scattered across the world, you are presented with some of the lowest, filthiest, downright most hateable scoundrels ever. Love 'em or hate 'em, you will know them like family. You will love them like best friends, hate them like worst enemies and still be surprised by them. I'm reminded once again to never underestimate the basic depravity of man.
The story itself is a warning torn from tomorrow's headlines, laid out like a prediction of a foreseeable future. Read it!
BEYOND BORDERS Bk2 never gives you a chance to relax but just keeps the suspense and adrenalin flowing. As the world comes crashing down, the Armstrong family are all doing their best to make the journey home to their parents at the Texas ranch. We can just feel the layers of impending doom hanging over everyone. The Korean scenes are so realistic; I was biting my nails. The crisis is real and Bobby Akart has the words to bring it right into your mind. Excellent job again!
Action packed, edge of your seat read. This book has multiple plot lines that will keep you interested, and may also prepare you for what could happen if an EMP hit today.
Mr A has done it again. Beyond Borders is a terrific read. Unfortunately an EMP is realistic and could happen here in the United States any day now. Perhaps this book will help Americans wake up. A refreshing read to see a large Texas ranching family prepared and pulling together. The older children away in Canada at a rodeo when disaster hits. They listened and learned from their Dad . The travel back into the US both on horseback and in an old truck is ongoing but I know they will find their way home to the Armstrong ranch in Texas. The Armstrong family at home manages to take care of themselves as well as their help. Everyone pulls together. Then there is the state of Texas. Prepared for disaster. When the President in Washington decides to use the resources of Texas to support those who were not prepared. Texas secedes from the US and closes it’s borders. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I feel more heat coming both internationally and nationally.
Exciting and yet troubling. Excited and anxious to see what's going to happen with all the characters in the book and the new Republic of Texas. On the other hand, troubling to see what inexperienced, ineffective leaders could do to our country. I remember back to the Columbus Day Storm in the NW, in the 60s, when I was a kid. We were without power for weeks. There were no riots. We did still have cars, however. But everyone did help each other. Unfortunately, times have changed. Look at Katrina or Houston, etc. It's sad. I fear, that just as depicted in the book, lawlessness will quickly erupt and it would be horrible.
I would be mad if I did not know the author already had all the books done and is releasing one a Month. This excellent story of the down fall of America and the rise of Texas had me on the edge of my seat. Excellent characters and gripping story that is made even more intense due to the possibility this could happen in real life . The world after and EMP and a Ineffectual President to chained to her Sheeply Ideals . This sets the stage for the rise of the Republic of Texas to return to save its citizens and maybe the American way of life and true Ideals.
I was disappointed with this read. The premise and story started out as a promising thriller about the US dealing with the impact of an EMP bomb then quickly turns into a glorification of Texas and conservative Texan politics.
The scenario is unrealistic— there is no way that 200000 North Korean could infiltrate undetected- and the United States would have retaliated immediately
I should know the end is coming from the three other series that I’ve read by Akart, but man – he gets me every time. Right when I think there is going to be more, boom! Much like the EMP he writes about – the story is over. Darkness. I have to wait another month until the third book is released. Upon finishing, I tweeted this:
"Just finished Beyond Borders by @BobbyAkart and all i can say is.... (insert Hank Hill from King of the Hill saying "Dangit Bobby!")"
Beyond Borders is the continued story of a family trying to survive amidst a changing world. Living home on the ranch – trying to protect its massive grounds. Or trying to get home – thousands of miles away only on horseback. It also tells of an American, trapped in North Korea who is helped by an unlikely friend.
Easily my favorite storyline in Beyond Borders was the one featuring Duncan and Sook. It felt a little different for an Akart book and I can’t help but feel like there will be more here (I have some thoughts and curiosities, but I won’t air them here in case they are right). But their story felt like it was leading up to something. I can’t tell what yet. I know that in the Pandemic series there was an overarching love story at play but in Beyond Borders it felt like Akart was going to give us a little more emotion. Open his heart up a little. Now that I’m writing this I’m extremely scared of what will happen with Duncan and/or Sook. (Akart is no George R.R. Martin, but I can’t help feeling like not everyone is safe).
I follow Akart’s Facebook page – and he mentioned that we would have an appearance of Red Rover in this book. But it was even more enjoyable than I expected. I wasn’t sure how he was going to weave his baby into it, but he did it and it was in a way that made me smile. I’m also pretty sure that he even brought a version of his pup into the story.
But, back to my title for this review. Man, if this isn’t a love letter (or a letter of longing?) to Texas, I don’t know what it is. I know I’m reading a series called The Lone Star Series but most of Beyond Borders focuses on Texas and the fact that they have prepared for this for a long time. Akart is a prepper and I think that the fact that Texas has taken a prepper-mindset to the way they run their state really resonated with him. As with pretty much every Akart book I’ve read, I learned a lot of things (and looked a lot more up) that were factual inside of it. Akart has a way of teaching me something while entertaining the heck out of me at the same time. It’s hard to do without boring the user or making it glaringly obvious that someone is trying to do it, but Akart pulls it off with ease.
Beyond Borders might be Akart’s most-cliffhanger-esque book to date, but wow was it a blast to read from beginning to end. I sat here, listening to 50mph winds, watching it snow, then get sunny, then snow (in April), and get sunny with the wind howling and the power flickering on and off wondering… has he taught me enough? Am I prepared? I know I’m not, but I think I might start.
Overall, a great story with interesting story arc’s inside of it. If you enjoyed book one and wanted a little more action (and a lot more EMP) – Beyond Borders will satisfy that. Just be warned – the ending will leave you begging Audible and Akart to release book three early.
Where were you when the lights went out? In Book #2, you do not have to wait long to find out. Cooper Armstrong, for example, had just broken it off with One Night Stand. He successfully rode the bull the full 8 seconds. The rest of the group were pretty much where you except they would be. This review presumes you have read Axis Of Evil, Book#1 in the series. While you do not need to have read it first, all the characters are introduced and you get a feeling for what to expect from them. So now, it is 2022, Black Friday, and Kim Jong-un is about to give American a lesson of why everyone should be a prepper. An EMP has knocked the power out in Canada, United States and part of Mexico. Texas, on it's own grid, still has power. Cooper, Riley and Palmer, still in Canada for the rodeo, have only their horses to get them back to Texas. every day it takes them to travel the 1,700 miles is another day the public gets more desperate with food and water. Meanwhile, Duncan is trying to find a way to evac out of N. Korea and is unaware of the problems back home. Bad guys are still the bad guys, even though they might seem like good guys at some point. Figure that one out! This is Book #2 of a 6 book (I think) series. All 6 books will be needed to fit in all the action! There are several plot lines to keep track of and each one is filled with action. Now, this is a work of fiction, but there is no limit to the amount of actual information the reader is provided. As always, this is a family friendly book, without profanity.
After book one ended with the lights going out, book two picks up as the grid falls down. The kids are stuck in Calgary, with a daunting trek to make it back home. Meanwhile, the opportunity for Texas to finally move ahead with secession has arrived, let alone more justification than ever imagined. The US president is wavering on a response to the attack by North Korea and Iran, while at home she plans to undo all of the hard-fought prepperation by Texas over the years to remain self-sufficient by stripping it of its resources for redistribution and flooding the state with refugees from the rest of the failing country.
As usual, Akart's propensity for facts, statistics and information adds a level or realism not reached by most authors in the genre (or any other for that matter). As much as the general narrative is similar to other books along these lines, Akart does a great job of making it entertaining and engaging. Sadly, each installment seems to go too quick; but, luckily, he keeps on cranking them out like a machine.
Beyond Borders, the second in Bobby Akart's Post Apocalyptic EMP Thriller is addictingly painful to read. I wanted to find out what was going to happen, but like at a horror movie, I wanted to cover my eyes.
Texas's crisis heats up fast as does the situation between North Korea and the United States. The men of the Armstrong family are called upon for heroic duty and the women of Texas show their backbones.
Flashing back and forth from a small fishing village in North Korea, to the Canadian Rockies and on to Washington DC, this story moves faster than a fighter jet.
Having bitten my nails down to the quick, held my breath and cried twice, I made it to the end of this installment. And what an end! I'm taking a days break to lower my blood pressure before reading the last one!
Cooper, Palmer and Riley are trying to get back home after the EMP attack has sent the U.S. back to the dark ages. Texas has now seceded from the rest of the country and Duncan is getting ready to leave South Korea with his female N. Korean savior Sook. These are just some of the happenings occurring in this character driven story of hope, survival and overcoming the battles which are sure to follow. I highly recommend this book and series, actually I recommend anything written by Bobby Akart if you want to prepare for events that may in reality happen in our lifetime.
Need to start with book 1 first. This is becoming one of my favorite series yet. Bobby's writing style is right up my alley. Love the incorporation of good prepping ideas with a fantastic story line. I feel like this could really happen in todays world. Thank you Mr. Akart for providing us with such great series one after another! If you havent read his other works i highly recommend you check them out.
I enjoyed the first book, was heartbroken I could not just jump to book2. It was a few weeks before release. But it was worth the wait! (not saying I enjoyed waiting) I have to say if the story keeps going this way there’s not going to be enough stars. I found this book to be very engrossing the characters becoming more interesting and I am looking very much forward to book 3, which sadly I just realized I have to wait 29 more days for.
Loved the book and am conflicted at the same time. This was the second book and after the EMP cripples the United States. Texas who wasn't affected, succeeded from the Union. I can't help but think that is treason and out right murder. Now of course Texas should put it's foot down or will drown in the panicked humanity that such a horrendous and devastating attack could bring. I have started the third book and I hope I will see the American Spirit will shine through and Texas, helps out.
Bobby Akart's Lone Star series is one you really need to read. He has written a series that clearly shows the threat we live under in todays increasingly rabid world. Follow one Texas family as they go through life as most of us do until increasing international tensions bring on the worst! In Beyond Borders we get to see how different members of this family keep the faith and survive in terrible conditions. This a great series!
A thought provoking reading of the Lone Star State! Tension ratchets up as Society goes further down and stars killing people for what they have. A few good folks help the rodeo Armstrong's trying to get back to Texas. Duncan Armstrong is finally (maybe not) on his way home with help from a North Korean whose family healed his injuries when he got severely hurt.
Another great story, The Lone Star series book 2 was a realistic, albeit sad at times, look at Armstrong family members struggling to survive and get home to Texas. Even as Texas was grappling with thoughts of succession, the US President was scrambling to make a viable plan to help Americans survive after the EMP, and determine what, if any, response should be made as retaliation to North Korea. An interesting quick read!
The emp took out most of the U.S., along with Canada and most of Mexico. Results were predictable and society deteriorated within a few days. Politics were a mess, as we can expect, and seemed to exacerbate rather than help the problems. 3 of the Armstrong kids are trying to get home to Texas from a rodeo in Canada. This book feels like a movie, and we look forward to the sequel.
Anybody who reads this and doesn't get a chill up their back is crazy. This is one of the most probable scenarios I have ever read for what could happen. Characters and situations are very well developed and believable. Now I have to wait for a month to get the next chapter.
Love anything written by Akart but really love this series. Really points out how woefully unprepared our nation is against a rogue nation attack by EMP. The forward should be required reading by all US citizens especially members of the federal government.
So far the author has me hating Iran, North Korea, and Texas. You can tell it is not what it seems but not in a predictable way. I do get tired of the political propaganda in some of these types of books. But as the book progressed that lessens and made it more readable. If anything this should be a warning about the effects of a EMP.
I've been a long time fan of Bobby Akart.I have not been able to put the books in this series down. What better for a born an bred Texan to read a well written book about what our State would do in the case of an EMP ,particularly with the current posturing of the Dear Leader of North Korea.An excellent read
Another fly by the seat of your pants story line! The only thing about the story that didn’t gel with me was the love story between the North Korean girl and Duncan. It seemed a little too fast and not as real as the rest of the story. Other than that...wow! Eagerly awaiting the next book of the series.