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Ava's Crucible #1
Divided We Fall
A Stolen Election. An Unlikely Heroine. The Second American Civil War.
When Ava is snatched from the hands of violent agitators by the ominous man who has been stalking her, she fears her fate may be worse than death.
Ava's had a hard life . . . and it's about to get a whole lot tougher!
Trouble seems to follow Ava wherever she goes. The onset of the Second American Civil War should be no different. Caught in a vicious protest, she’ll have to do the unthinkable to stay alive.
Life only gets more difficult for Ava when she spots a sinister figure watching her every move. Who is the strange man with the scar on his face and what does he want from Ava?
Don’t miss this chilling tale of America’s Civil War 2.0!
The tentacles of the deep state have infiltrated every facet of American culture. The public education system, entertainment industry, and mainstream media have all been hijacked by a shadow government intent on fomenting a communist revolution in the United States. The antagonistic message of this agenda has poisoned the minds of America’s youth who are convinced that capitalism and conservatism are responsible for all the ills of the world. Violent protest and widespread destruction will bring America to her knees. The war threatens to decapitate the laws, principles, and values on which the country was founded.
As with all books by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
When Ava is snatched from the hands of violent agitators by the ominous man who has been stalking her, she fears her fate may be worse than death.
Ava's had a hard life . . . and it's about to get a whole lot tougher!
Trouble seems to follow Ava wherever she goes. The onset of the Second American Civil War should be no different. Caught in a vicious protest, she’ll have to do the unthinkable to stay alive.
Life only gets more difficult for Ava when she spots a sinister figure watching her every move. Who is the strange man with the scar on his face and what does he want from Ava?
Don’t miss this chilling tale of America’s Civil War 2.0!
The tentacles of the deep state have infiltrated every facet of American culture. The public education system, entertainment industry, and mainstream media have all been hijacked by a shadow government intent on fomenting a communist revolution in the United States. The antagonistic message of this agenda has poisoned the minds of America’s youth who are convinced that capitalism and conservatism are responsible for all the ills of the world. Violent protest and widespread destruction will bring America to her knees. The war threatens to decapitate the laws, principles, and values on which the country was founded.
As with all books by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
704 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Mark Goodwin
107 books411 followersMark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 11, 2018
Gripping Drama
As with all Mark's books, I don't read them as much as inhale them! The characters are well developed and the plot is one we dare not ignore. I admit to smiling at characters who were obvious "plays" on the politicians and leftist loons we put up with in reality. This is not a "happily ever after" book, but it does have a strong thread of hope running through it. I appreciate the Biblical references as well. Excellent, absorbing read!
As with all Mark's books, I don't read them as much as inhale them! The characters are well developed and the plot is one we dare not ignore. I admit to smiling at characters who were obvious "plays" on the politicians and leftist loons we put up with in reality. This is not a "happily ever after" book, but it does have a strong thread of hope running through it. I appreciate the Biblical references as well. Excellent, absorbing read!
July 31, 2018
It's hard to nail down my feelings on this because of it's distinct perspective. Clearly this author has some serious ideas about what could happen in the US - or more accurately, what probably will happen in the US. There's a definite conservative Christian slant to this, almost to the point of propaganda.
And guns. Lots of guns.
The narration by Stacey Glembowski is fantastic. This would have been a 3-star read otherwise.
And guns. Lots of guns.
The narration by Stacey Glembowski is fantastic. This would have been a 3-star read otherwise.
May 7, 2018
Foretelling
With even a minimal understanding of what is going on in the U.S. today, it's not a huge stretch that this plotline may very well be in our future. Once again, Mark Goodwin does well bringing current events and fiction into what I like to call a "fictional reality" of what the future holds.
With even a minimal understanding of what is going on in the U.S. today, it's not a huge stretch that this plotline may very well be in our future. Once again, Mark Goodwin does well bringing current events and fiction into what I like to call a "fictional reality" of what the future holds.
May 12, 2018
Great writing by Goodwin as usual
Another great read from Goodwin. He is one of my favorite SHTF authors. He creates believable, likable characters that don't always have all the answers, much like reality would be like. You can learn a lot about preparing for scenarios like this by reading his series. Keep it up Mark and I will keep reading everything you write.
Another great read from Goodwin. He is one of my favorite SHTF authors. He creates believable, likable characters that don't always have all the answers, much like reality would be like. You can learn a lot about preparing for scenarios like this by reading his series. Keep it up Mark and I will keep reading everything you write.
July 21, 2018
Ugh. I tried to read this but after 34 pages of Trump humping, I quit.
November 14, 2018
I really liked this book. So close to what's happening in the world today. Great practical and spiritual references.
May 16, 2018
Realistically portrayed
Mark is an excellent author. His character are well developed, his plot lines full of twists and fast-paced enough to hold your interest. I definitely recommend all of his books
Mark is an excellent author. His character are well developed, his plot lines full of twists and fast-paced enough to hold your interest. I definitely recommend all of his books
May 9, 2018
Liked it
Really should open people's eyes to see that this may be the future of the US. I liked that they decided to act and did it. I really don't like when the characters can't seem to come to any decision. The story flowed very well and the characters were very believable. Great job!
Really should open people's eyes to see that this may be the future of the US. I liked that they decided to act and did it. I really don't like when the characters can't seem to come to any decision. The story flowed very well and the characters were very believable. Great job!
April 29, 2018
It is not over yet
Mark Goodwin has written another book that I couldn't put down. Through his fictional writing he is warning that we as a nation still need to be on alert and it is very true. Even though it looks like our nation is swinging back to what our forefathers dreamed our country should be, there are still many forces that are in place still doing their best to change our country to a socialist/ communist state. There are organizations like antifa that do exist.
The struggle the main character Ava has to trust in people and relationships is described very well with an understanding of how she chooses her final choice in this first book in the series. Additionally, looking at how Ava also realises what she made up as a child about why her father left is not reality shows how some children cope with a loss. Also Goodwin's description of how people survive the taking of another human beings life both during a sanctioned war and a civil uprising gives the reader insight into the coping mechanism or lack there of to these types of situations.
This book is a wonderful read . I can hardly wait for book two in the series.
Mark Goodwin has written another book that I couldn't put down. Through his fictional writing he is warning that we as a nation still need to be on alert and it is very true. Even though it looks like our nation is swinging back to what our forefathers dreamed our country should be, there are still many forces that are in place still doing their best to change our country to a socialist/ communist state. There are organizations like antifa that do exist.
The struggle the main character Ava has to trust in people and relationships is described very well with an understanding of how she chooses her final choice in this first book in the series. Additionally, looking at how Ava also realises what she made up as a child about why her father left is not reality shows how some children cope with a loss. Also Goodwin's description of how people survive the taking of another human beings life both during a sanctioned war and a civil uprising gives the reader insight into the coping mechanism or lack there of to these types of situations.
This book is a wonderful read . I can hardly wait for book two in the series.
May 8, 2018
Love it ! Love all his work and have read them all. This one was no different he jumped right in. He makes you identify and love or dislike the characters early on. As always it's it's very up to date with what's going on in our world at the moment. Can't wait for the next book!
May 6, 2018
I have read every Mark Goodwin book. He blends advice and story in such a way that is not preachy. I can't wait for the next Ava's Crucible book!!! Bring it on!
April 23, 2018
Mark Goodwin’s Ava’s Crucible Book One - Divided We Fall is on its own a type of adventure story that one might read traveling or just for fun.
When Author Goodwin added Christian struggles to his characters, anchoring chapter prefixes, a several well laid out explanations of the spiritual warfare our world is in the midst, the book takes on real meaning.
Be ready so insightful Christian thinking on real world and soul issues explained clearly.
The challenge made to a reader is to embrace a core Christian realism rather than allowing lip-service “club-Christian” or “faith-lite” to substitute.
Building the series around a central young woman hopefully will make both the Christian and preparedness lessons more approachable to woman readers. There are enough male characters with their own stories to tell that will keep men reading as well.
Waiting for Book Two of course!
When Author Goodwin added Christian struggles to his characters, anchoring chapter prefixes, a several well laid out explanations of the spiritual warfare our world is in the midst, the book takes on real meaning.
Be ready so insightful Christian thinking on real world and soul issues explained clearly.
The challenge made to a reader is to embrace a core Christian realism rather than allowing lip-service “club-Christian” or “faith-lite” to substitute.
Building the series around a central young woman hopefully will make both the Christian and preparedness lessons more approachable to woman readers. There are enough male characters with their own stories to tell that will keep men reading as well.
Waiting for Book Two of course!
April 25, 2018
Outstanding!
I normally do not review anything... But Mark Goodwins stories do more than entertain. He teaches through stories that are often times very close to real life. I like that he writes with the knowledge that he represents the King and therefore writes without degrading himself or our Lord with language that is vulgar and small. Mark, keep on shining the light and keep up the good work...
I normally do not review anything... But Mark Goodwins stories do more than entertain. He teaches through stories that are often times very close to real life. I like that he writes with the knowledge that he represents the King and therefore writes without degrading himself or our Lord with language that is vulgar and small. Mark, keep on shining the light and keep up the good work...
April 26, 2018
Very entertaining
Mark Goodwin is my favorite author in this genre. Realistic scenarios and interesting characters. I'll be waiting for the next in the series
Mark Goodwin is my favorite author in this genre. Realistic scenarios and interesting characters. I'll be waiting for the next in the series
April 24, 2018
Excellent novel! The book shows where our nation could be headed if Antifa's intolerance is permitted to gain strength.
April 22, 2018
Good read
Was a good read, clean as usual for Mark but rather slow. Will read the next book, he’s becoming a better writer so you have to hang in there you don’t get the 1 chapter prologue anymore and then shtf.
Was a good read, clean as usual for Mark but rather slow. Will read the next book, he’s becoming a better writer so you have to hang in there you don’t get the 1 chapter prologue anymore and then shtf.
April 23, 2018
Could it happen?
Could this happen at the next election? Intimidation at the polls has already happened. What will happen next? Are you prepared?
Could this happen at the next election? Intimidation at the polls has already happened. What will happen next? Are you prepared?
April 22, 2018
Realistic storyline
This is a great story with a very believable plot! EMP’s and solar flares are possible but not probable ..... this book could actually happen in real life at any time. The actions of the characters are down to earth - not some superhero fantasy.
This is a great story with a very believable plot! EMP’s and solar flares are possible but not probable ..... this book could actually happen in real life at any time. The actions of the characters are down to earth - not some superhero fantasy.
April 19, 2018
The best one yet!!!!
Mark this book is by far your best! You hit the nail on the head. By using current events and trends you have told a story about what America is facing now and into the future. This is a fast pace book with lots of twists. Required reading for everyone. After you read this book you will as hooked on Mark Goodwin as I am.
Mark this book is by far your best! You hit the nail on the head. By using current events and trends you have told a story about what America is facing now and into the future. This is a fast pace book with lots of twists. Required reading for everyone. After you read this book you will as hooked on Mark Goodwin as I am.
April 20, 2018
Excellent
I know this is the start of a great series. Great characters, storyline. A book once you start you can't stop reading.
I know this is the start of a great series. Great characters, storyline. A book once you start you can't stop reading.
March 14, 2020
I was only able to get through 30% of the book before I had to quit. The politics is absolutely over the top, and not even realistically-so (and this is coming from someone who lives in a city frequented by Antifa).
The main character, Ana, has just lost her mother to cancer Right before the beginning of the book, but two weeks later is going about her business like nothing happened and hardly anything more is said about it. She and her friend are involved in a church shooting and instead of staying to talk to the police, they are driven home by an Army vet who went to boot camp (army goes to basic combat training, marines do boot camp), suffered horrific injuries (enough to create a dependency on opioids), but is all better now and owns his own landscaping business (????). The engaged best friend does not want to take a class to get get concealed license after the church shooting, but is literally forced into it because she signed a contract at the church saying she would submit to whatever her future husband tells her to doss long as he loves her as Christ lives the church (I don’t remember Jesus forcing anyone to do anything).
The liberal friend in this group is so over top it is cringeworthy. All of the women are hardly more than one-dimensional caricatures of women, which would be at least tolerable, but all of the main characters a women.
If you are a gun lover (not just pro-2A, but someone who adores guns to the point it is a problem), someone who believes all media is biased, and all liberals are part of Antifa, you may like this book (I am not trying to be derogatory, that is what this book purports).
Now, I could be wrong about it. As I said before, I only got 30% through before I had to stop because it was too over the top. But I was expecting a post apocalyptic survival story, not an anti-liberal diatribe.
The main character, Ana, has just lost her mother to cancer Right before the beginning of the book, but two weeks later is going about her business like nothing happened and hardly anything more is said about it. She and her friend are involved in a church shooting and instead of staying to talk to the police, they are driven home by an Army vet who went to boot camp (army goes to basic combat training, marines do boot camp), suffered horrific injuries (enough to create a dependency on opioids), but is all better now and owns his own landscaping business (????). The engaged best friend does not want to take a class to get get concealed license after the church shooting, but is literally forced into it because she signed a contract at the church saying she would submit to whatever her future husband tells her to doss long as he loves her as Christ lives the church (I don’t remember Jesus forcing anyone to do anything).
The liberal friend in this group is so over top it is cringeworthy. All of the women are hardly more than one-dimensional caricatures of women, which would be at least tolerable, but all of the main characters a women.
If you are a gun lover (not just pro-2A, but someone who adores guns to the point it is a problem), someone who believes all media is biased, and all liberals are part of Antifa, you may like this book (I am not trying to be derogatory, that is what this book purports).
Now, I could be wrong about it. As I said before, I only got 30% through before I had to stop because it was too over the top. But I was expecting a post apocalyptic survival story, not an anti-liberal diatribe.
May 16, 2019
Easy read. Character development was good. Story build was steady. Good book
May 20, 2018
Another great book by Mr. Goodwin
Read it in a day (Saturday), could not put it down. Love that it was written with a woman's point of view about how crazy this world is becoming. Really good book I'm reading and I thought this page really explained quite a bit to me. Have read about six of this author's novels, with the same kind of theme. The page below kind of hit home because I am into the political science of the world and realizing it's all just superficial in the great scheme of things. One character is explaining to another about why humans shouldn't blame El Shaddai on their woes. It's a quote from one of the characters in the book.
"We all need to believe more. If we really believe we’re only here for a hundred years or less, then have eternity in Heaven, we shouldn’t be so caught up in what goes on here. We should be focused on the other side. And I know it’s easier said than done. What you’ve been through is no joke, but this ain’t Heaven, and we shouldn’t expect it to be. “But don’t let the enemy convince you that this is all God’s fault, and please don’t let him trick you into throwing away your reward in Heaven. If you can’t get your head around eternity, just think about the first 150 million years in Heaven. Of course, that won’t even scratch the surface of forever, but it’s a tangible number. Thinking of it in those terms helps me have perspective when I have to make decisions that affect the other side.”
Read it in a day (Saturday), could not put it down. Love that it was written with a woman's point of view about how crazy this world is becoming. Really good book I'm reading and I thought this page really explained quite a bit to me. Have read about six of this author's novels, with the same kind of theme. The page below kind of hit home because I am into the political science of the world and realizing it's all just superficial in the great scheme of things. One character is explaining to another about why humans shouldn't blame El Shaddai on their woes. It's a quote from one of the characters in the book.
"We all need to believe more. If we really believe we’re only here for a hundred years or less, then have eternity in Heaven, we shouldn’t be so caught up in what goes on here. We should be focused on the other side. And I know it’s easier said than done. What you’ve been through is no joke, but this ain’t Heaven, and we shouldn’t expect it to be. “But don’t let the enemy convince you that this is all God’s fault, and please don’t let him trick you into throwing away your reward in Heaven. If you can’t get your head around eternity, just think about the first 150 million years in Heaven. Of course, that won’t even scratch the surface of forever, but it’s a tangible number. Thinking of it in those terms helps me have perspective when I have to make decisions that affect the other side.”
June 18, 2018
This turned out to be my favorite series of Mark's since Days of Noah. All the info about Antifa, George Soros & OpenSociety, recent political drama and all the anti-American/communist garbage that's been reaching a crescendo in real life makes for the basis of the story. Once again, Goodwin shows his excellent understanding of current events, and the drivers behind them.
The story basically follows Ava and her friend Charity through the months leading up to a climax of leftist operations to take over the country. From antifa riots and attacks, to slanted media coverage, to outright destruction of the Constitution. As Ava says in the story, "I don't blame the common-core brainwashed useful idiots for willingly destroying democracy, but I blame the armchair conservatives who sat by and did nothing while the country was destroyed from within." Her empathy steeply declines, however, when she is beaten nearly to death by antifa memebers outside her local polling station for even showing up without her Nazi-esque "symbol of solidarity" armband.
The background info in the story is all factual. The events that take place as a result are merely a worst-case scenario of what would happen should they get there way (have stated as much, publicly). As always, Goodwin makes strong points for preparedness, and good ideas of what to do should things ever reach such a point.
The story basically follows Ava and her friend Charity through the months leading up to a climax of leftist operations to take over the country. From antifa riots and attacks, to slanted media coverage, to outright destruction of the Constitution. As Ava says in the story, "I don't blame the common-core brainwashed useful idiots for willingly destroying democracy, but I blame the armchair conservatives who sat by and did nothing while the country was destroyed from within." Her empathy steeply declines, however, when she is beaten nearly to death by antifa memebers outside her local polling station for even showing up without her Nazi-esque "symbol of solidarity" armband.
The background info in the story is all factual. The events that take place as a result are merely a worst-case scenario of what would happen should they get there way (have stated as much, publicly). As always, Goodwin makes strong points for preparedness, and good ideas of what to do should things ever reach such a point.
May 1, 2020
Starting from 3 stars, it is very simplistic which is what I wanted so it went up to 4 stars. But the constant references to hokus-pokus religious nonsense was annoying so two stars off. Then the aforementioned nonsense became so constant as to be funny so back up to 3 stars. But by the end of the book it became annoying again. So back to two stars. Then another star off for the willful ignorance of the author.
Communism means no country and no government. A global community. The after the author denounces communism, he talks about the church examining the root cause for socioeconomic decline in capitalist society. That was hilarious so back up to two stars. But then the premise of the conflict became so comical as to be ridiculous. The author correctly points out both major capitalist parties are financed by the same capitalist vultures but then the conflict is a conflict between supporters of the two. So it had to be 1 star.
Communism means no country and no government. A global community. The after the author denounces communism, he talks about the church examining the root cause for socioeconomic decline in capitalist society. That was hilarious so back up to two stars. But then the premise of the conflict became so comical as to be ridiculous. The author correctly points out both major capitalist parties are financed by the same capitalist vultures but then the conflict is a conflict between supporters of the two. So it had to be 1 star.
October 2, 2018
Great Book
Some people may get turned off by the religious theme, Bible quotes peppered throughout, & Ava’s irritating attitude about men. But, I found myself really enjoying the entire thing, and I also learned a few things. One of the most important things is that, through years and years and years of anger and resentment for my grandfather, who was a preacher, I have discovered I can forgive him. I’m not saying what he did was okay, but I think one of the things that I struggled with the most is that I must have forgotten he was human. I couldn’t understand why, or how, he could have done such an awful thing. I thank the author for using his talent to share this lesson, so I could learn to let my pain go, remember my grandfather was just a man, and his debt had already been paid.
Some people may get turned off by the religious theme, Bible quotes peppered throughout, & Ava’s irritating attitude about men. But, I found myself really enjoying the entire thing, and I also learned a few things. One of the most important things is that, through years and years and years of anger and resentment for my grandfather, who was a preacher, I have discovered I can forgive him. I’m not saying what he did was okay, but I think one of the things that I struggled with the most is that I must have forgotten he was human. I couldn’t understand why, or how, he could have done such an awful thing. I thank the author for using his talent to share this lesson, so I could learn to let my pain go, remember my grandfather was just a man, and his debt had already been paid.
March 24, 2021
Ava's Crucible mjght just be Marks most must read book yet
after the election we just had you'd swear that Mark just recently wrote this book. follow along with Ava as she figts her in her demons and the very real polital corruption set to take control over a America that !at longer exist . aged the entire series and read it.now with your friend d's and family . sort these books spurn decisions and discussions . This book although a fiction story written years ago is being played out right now, great this book and read it now
after the election we just had you'd swear that Mark just recently wrote this book. follow along with Ava as she figts her in her demons and the very real polital corruption set to take control over a America that !at longer exist . aged the entire series and read it.now with your friend d's and family . sort these books spurn decisions and discussions . This book although a fiction story written years ago is being played out right now, great this book and read it now
January 2, 2023
well told story, scary but well told. thank you
scary because of how it tracks the news. scary because things I would have never believed could happen to my Country are happening. scary because I see no reasonable way back. scary because what I used to believe were consprpiracy theories can only be denied by those who have been made enemies of their own Country by "education". actually it is terrifying to those of us who were lucky enough to have escaped the programming of " modern education". " a house divided cannot stand" - Jesus
scary because of how it tracks the news. scary because things I would have never believed could happen to my Country are happening. scary because I see no reasonable way back. scary because what I used to believe were consprpiracy theories can only be denied by those who have been made enemies of their own Country by "education". actually it is terrifying to those of us who were lucky enough to have escaped the programming of " modern education". " a house divided cannot stand" - Jesus
February 2, 2019
"A Great Story Of The Great Divide"
This is a post-apocalyptic story as America's second Civil War begins. Ava is a powerful, determined 29 year old woman. She must make the best decisions if she's to survive. Every facet of society has been hijacked by a shadow government which is poisoning the minds of the youth. This is a well written, thought provoking novel. A chilling story which captivated me.
This is a post-apocalyptic story as America's second Civil War begins. Ava is a powerful, determined 29 year old woman. She must make the best decisions if she's to survive. Every facet of society has been hijacked by a shadow government which is poisoning the minds of the youth. This is a well written, thought provoking novel. A chilling story which captivated me.
August 26, 2024
HEADS UP AMERICA!
Surely this series is fiction…but it doesn’t take a genius to understand that the scenarios depicted are so realistically described, it is more like reading the newspaper. Well layed out, strong characters, and a compelling plot makes this series worth your time to read!
As with other Mark Goodwin books, I highly recommend to anyone reading seeking an intelligent series!
Surely this series is fiction…but it doesn’t take a genius to understand that the scenarios depicted are so realistically described, it is more like reading the newspaper. Well layed out, strong characters, and a compelling plot makes this series worth your time to read!
As with other Mark Goodwin books, I highly recommend to anyone reading seeking an intelligent series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews