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Ava's Crucible #2

Embers of Empire

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America has fallen. Ava’s band of misfits is all that stands between freedom and absolute tyranny.

Political division in the United States has reached the boiling point and the Second American Civil War is well underway. Communist agitators have stolen the election by intimidating voters from key states. A far-left socialist candidate has seized the reins of power and his designs against the republic are absolute. With a sympathetic congress, he will sign in sweeping bans on firearms, criminalize free speech, and institute a new government agency to root out dissenters.

Ava’s group will launch an insurgency campaign against the occupying force in Texas, but they’ll have to watch out for agents who have been tasked with purging the patriots. Her team cannot fail in their mission to liberate the Lone Star State. If Texas falls, America’s demise is all but certain.

Don’t miss the epic continuation of this post-apocalyptic thrill ride!

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.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2018

455 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

Mark Goodwin

107 books411 followers
Mark 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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5 stars
308 (67%)
4 stars
115 (25%)
3 stars
26 (5%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
130 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2018
Excellent Book

Mark is a master of the plot twists. His books are so plausible. I've learned so much about survival while being entertained. Embers of Empire was no different. In it the main charactes form a familial relationship. That makes it hurt all the more when they suffer loss - not going to say who, when, or how.
191 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2018
Interesting civil war book. This a author makes it all feel very real. touching characters with no editing errors or grammar errors. Always a plus for me. Well worth your time to read. Enjoy. What a truly sad thing this would be in America!!.

This author makes it feel very real. Seems like this review wants way more words than usual!

Still needs three more!

No
Profile Image for Pamela Saylor.
77 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2018
Excellent x 1000

I hate to keep using these words when I review Mr. Goodwin's books, however, heart racing, page turning, mile a minute action seems to be all I can come up with. I finish one book of his and can barely wait to start the next.
5 reviews
November 24, 2018
This book kept me spell bound

I hang on to every word. Waiting to read to what could be next for Ava. My heart felt the same sorrow when a character of the story was in trouble or eliminated. The book was a great read.
Profile Image for Shirley Shaffer.
86 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2018
Ended on a Cliff hanger

Great book! I love the storyline. The characters are well developed. The action is fast and believable. Starting book 3 now.
Profile Image for Annalee.
40 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2018
Another Great Goodwin Read!

I pray our Nation never comes to this!
Terrifying! Get yourselves right with your maker and pray for the Nation and the World!
24 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2018
Another great book

A book that shows how far America could fall with the wrong people in office this is a scary thing.
Profile Image for Brandon.
556 reviews37 followers
June 18, 2018
The coup is complete. The brainwashed mobs are serving their purpose. Revolution is sexy, all opposed are fascists, and all the blood and destruction are worth it if everybody gets free shit. The guns are banned, salaries are capped at 1 million, and the scourge of free market, free expression, free press, and freedom itself are in their final days. How could it possibly not result in a socialist/communist utopia. After all, like, communism just hasn't ever been properly implemented, that's all.

Ava takes the ride as she passionately refuses to stand by and watch her state (Texas) be taken over. An alliance of patriot states have now succeeded from what once resembled the US. But, as Ava comes to learn, despite serious warnings from the two most important men now in her life, war - particularly insurgency - is much more than poetic ideals one spouts when emotions are high and outrage bites deep. War is hell, for both sides. The hard part is keeping your humanity while doing all that is necessary to win; because, half measures, hesitation and haste will only get you those you love killed.
8 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2018
Another fantastic book from Mark Goodwin

How many ways can I say 'Mark Goodwin did it again'. This has to be his best series yet. America this could be what is happening to us now. I know this is fiction but then again is it? I can't say enough about the story line and the writing a both very good. Pick up the series its a good read has some violence (but not ax much as video games or TV) has some love story parts (not explicit) and you won't regret reading it.
28 reviews
December 25, 2018
Another excellent tale from Mark Goodwin

Non-stop action! Characters that you’ll fall in love with! A tale of the evils of this world, made bearable only through the assured promised of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Goodwin balances these two elements better than any other post-apoc writer! I always look forward to his tales, and the lessons contained therein!!

Well done (again) Mr. Goodwin! Well done indeed!
184 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2021
Part two of Ava's Crucible picks up with Ava's story left off

Ava's journey continues as she fights to navigate what she is certain could be a new civil war .Her faith ,passions, beliefs and relationships nail all be tested as she faces a new set of obstacles and adventures . Strap.in for non-stop action that mimics headlines from today's newspapers . Get ready for another amazing installment of Ava's journey through the new Americas
Profile Image for Deborah Maddox.
6 reviews
June 2, 2018
Very inspiring!

I gave it 5 stars because it is very well written. As i read I felt like I had a clear vision of each person and their surroundings. I felt like I was actually there. I think that this book also serves as a reminder to everyone that we were put here for a God given reason. Wake up Christians, especially me!
5 reviews
June 4, 2018
Another good read

I enjoyed this book, no fowl language which is getting hard to find clean books in the genre. i gave it four stars because i wasn’t tied to the characters like i was in the books of Noah and Elijah. Ava’s trials and tribulations are brought on more by here self then her surroundings but nonetheless id recommend it.
6 reviews
June 7, 2018
Perfect follow up for Eva's Crucible.

I love the characters and how easy they are to relate to. This book shows how easy it would be to lose our republic, to Antifa or any other organized threat. Ava is willing to risk everything to fight back, the question becomes if she will be able to maintain her level of determination to fight back.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
February 26, 2019
"Rebellions Of Our Empire"

America has fallen and Ava's band stands between freedom and absolute tyranny. The Second American Civil War is underway. Communists have intimidated voters. Ava's group launches an insurgency campaign against the occupying force in Texas. What better story to sweep you into this spellbinding novel? This is a thrilling, edge-of-your seat read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
324 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2021
Is Civil War 2.0 really coming?

I totally agree that the currency is worthless and it’s just a matter of time before the Dollar falls BUT is a Civil War really what is going to happen after that? I’m not sure and I’m looking for answers so I can prepare properly... Anyone really believe they know what’s next???
Profile Image for Diane.
214 reviews
September 1, 2024
UNEXPECTED and INTENSE

Truly involved and lots of twists, turns, realistic scenarios and complex characters makes this series worthy to read. Mark Goodwin’s ability to put words on paper and take the reader from just reading to feeling like you are part of what is going on is just amazing! I recommend ANY of his series to read…they WILL keep you motivated and involved!
7 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2018
Could be the news sooner than we think ... great read!

Second book in the series depicting the beginning of a second civil war. Very believable circumstances, well developed characters and lots of action. Hard to put the book down. Looking forward to book 3.
735 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2018
Oh to be so convicted!

Although Ava is going enough to be one of my grandchildren I wish I had some of her courage, strength and determination. As you look at today's headlines, get ready, Ava's got some tips for you! Thank you Mr. Goodwin.
Now on to book 3!!
Profile Image for Matthew Kropp.
20 reviews
October 2, 2018
Getting better

I liked the second one better then the first. I understand the first was setting the story and background on characters but this one has more action and suspense. I am enjoying it very much and can’t wait to go get the 3rd book in this series! GOD BLESS!!
Profile Image for Val Shaw.
126 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2018
Looking forward to book 3

Ava and her team keeps me up at night. Mark makes you feel like you are there and these are your friends. Can't wait for the next one!
4,416 reviews28 followers
May 28, 2018
Embers of Empire review

Embers of Empire is the second exciting post apocalyptic book in the Ava's Crucible series written by author Mark Goodwin.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
43 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2018
Another compelling story from Mark Goodwin. Ava's story is my favorite so far and I have been recommending this book to all my friends. An excellent story that is just a little too real.
1 review
June 13, 2018
I think, where is book 3. 1&2 awesome books. Did I mention where is books 3 already.
3 reviews
June 13, 2018
Read this book of maybe the last of the series? Which would be nice to have book three. But rely well written. And pretty action packed book. Rely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Linda Hackler.
8 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2018
Enthralling!

A good read, with insights into the emotions involved in fighting for one's beliefs

I'm waiting for book three of this series.
41 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2018
Another Good One

Awesome series so far. I love that the heroine & her crew aren’t perfect. More action than I anticipated! Now to read Book 3.
17 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2018
Fire from the Word and Fire of the Human spirit

I really like the story based on faith in God and the human struggle to obey that faith. Believable plot.
75 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2018
Another awesome book by Mark goodwin

Another 5star rating ! The drama, the humanity of some and the inhumane behavior of others keeps readers on their toes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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