Looking for a strong woman to take on the Apocalypse? Allison's Secret offers a different approach to post apocalyptic fiction. Follow a woman who has a will to survive as she works to build a community that offers hope for a new future.
Allison has a secret. Like any farm wife, she is prepared for bad storms, bad times, and bad luck. But, even her husband is unaware that she is more prepared than the average farm wife.
(But don't ever call Allison a prepper!)
Riley and Will are motorcycle buddies on a mission to rescue Riley's nephew who's been kidnapped by his father.
When a solar flare throws them all together, there's going to be problems.
Might be an ok book if u can get past her political rants
DNF. Glad i didn't pay for this book.
"...they do nothing. They wait for someone to do it for them. Those people are going to die. “Stupid Democrats. ”
" ...they exist one day to the next. They take what they can get and call that life. They don’t have dreams.”
Seriously? I'm neither Democrat or Republican but I can't read a book authored by someone with such biased, narrow views. If I want political rhetoric, I'll read a political book.
Stupid, stupid book with an idiotic lead character.
Political anti-democratic rants - I’m a Canadian so I don’t want to hear how democrats never do any work, have no dreams etc. The whole world dreams, even if the are not republicans you moron.
5 page devoted to how to sterilize jars and lids to make jam..that’s great for advancing a story, if you’re writing a cook book.
Bikers are typecast as all evil.
Woodworker can build faster than the Amish can build a barn-and all the nice people just get together and give her everything.
I can't read any more. "I'm not a prepper". BS. Where pray tell do all of these people 1. Have all of this money? 2. Have all of these resources? 3. During a emergency are able to get all of these supplies?
The book is a Genie's Lamp. Rub it and the things just appear.
Positive: It was well written. But so unbelievable. Moving on.
Allison is such a quirky character, she cares about people deeply but prefers not to meet a lot of people, she's been stockpiling supplies for years 'just in case' but objects to being called a prep-per. Surrounding her are a bunch of people from all walks of life who all come together to create safety for themselves and each other.
This book is full of characters who show both the best and worst of people. The story is well written and I loved listening to it. The narration is well done, great character voices and the tone and pace of the delivery worked well for the different phases of the book.
There's some great information on survival wrapped up in this story, enough detail to make it feel real without overwhelming us with information not needed for the plot.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It’s not very often I read a post apocalyptic novel or story from the viewpoint of a woman and I have to say they are always a great perspective. There are some minor errors such a wrong word in a Spot ect but definitely nothing to take away from the story telling. I don’t want to give anything away so it’s not my style to talk about characters ect however I am going to get the second book. This wasn’t a long book so it’d be great for quick read. Well done to the author and thanks for sharing.
I liked how this is very similar to what an actual emp event from a solar flare would do to ordinary everyday people . I actually related to Allison, I frequently can our food a d forage and my family teases me about it as well. Nice plot, with good information sprinkled through the teaching phase. I will definitely be looking for each new book In this series
One dimensional characters written from a far right slant. A Fox News prepper book. 2 stars for the practical survival tips. I’d love to see the author write about a few Muslim characters who are also trying to survive who end up saving other’s asses. My Muslim friends are good people and aren’t looking to take over America. Such B.S. and white nationalist propaganda.
( Format : Audiobook ) "They will do whatever it takes." After the effects of a Coronal Mass Ejection not the earth, panic descends on Rockford and Chicago, in part because of news bulletins warning of anticipated Muslim terrorist attacks. But it was everyday mean minded Americans who prove to be the actual terrorists. Alison, prepared, as she puts it to her sister, not a prepper (excuse me, perhaps it's just my British bias, but purchasing $100 of ammunition per month, plus other gun related devises, to feed into her armoury, sounds very much more like prepping to me), has amassed a large supply of survival goods, from food to guns to toilet paper, far exceeding the needs of her and her husband to see them through a week of bad weather, her reason for squirrelly it all away. Where did she get the money? And how could her husband not know? Bossy and self satisfied, she comes over more as one of those people just waiting for a disaster to take control, and the political rants against Democrats might well mirror some reader's views but to this one, felt bigoted and totally unnecessary, more like a Nazi agenda than that of a caring citizen. No, I did not like Alison and her small town cohorts. In contrast, the two biker friends, Bill and Riley, also gun toting and not afraid to use them, came over as compassionate and capable, as they ride into the area to retrieve Riley's nephew for his sister from the violent father, George Wilson. Their story is engaging and a reason to continue reading.
Characterization is good, situations, though, felt contrived, although for wannabe peppers there is useful information. J.Scott Bennett's narration is, as usual, superb, with full textual understanding, good pacing and intonation as well as separate and appropriate voicing for each of the characters. A fine performance. He is a pleasure to hear even when what he reads becomes less than enjoyable.
Will I be reading the next in this series? Probably, as I formed a literary attachment to Bill and Riley. Would I recommend it to others? No.
I liked this because it illustrated the idea that people can create strength in numbers for the purpose of doing good for one another and fighting evil, too many of these EOTW stories depict just one or two people struggling to survive. This group stays together and "works" for their survival by living off the land, caring for one another and working for the future. Of course there are the "takers" as there are in all of these books but even they make for an entertaining read and especially if there is retribution for them as there is here. I especially like the two characters Will and Riley, long time friends who can be very funny at times. Allison, the lead character is a complex one, she can be hard and practical, compassionate, brilliant at times and at other times walking a wire, this gal has issues!
This is an enjoyable story with a bit of a different slant on the usual prepper books. A sun flare plays havoc with society and it brings out both the worst and best in people. Alison denies being a prepper but she has enough “just in case” supplies packed away to last a year, and her organizational and herbal skills help her neighbors, and the town as a whole, prepare to survive the trying times ahead. Will and Riley are also great characters and the repartee between the two of them is very entertaining. The narrator brings the story to life and gives both the males and females individual voices. He fits the book well and sets the pace just right. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing how things progress in the next book in the series.
There were a few inconsistencies, but I think they were just editing errors. Character development is good and the story line is great as well. I like to read stories like this where people actually work together and accomplish much more by doing so. If (or when?) something like this ever happens to our country, we won't be able to survive without good people banding together and working to sustain life. The key is work--all will have to do it. There simply won't be any more free rides.
Author is definitely talented and I can't wait to read the 2nd installment
This was an enjoyable first book in the series where a solar flare knocks the Earth into chaos.
Allison is an organised person and had prepared in case her farm was in trouble but never thought the extreme would happen.
The writing style had an easy flow though there were some grammatical errors, such as 'drug' instead of 'dragged' and 'off of' instead of just 'off or 'from').
The characters suited the plot and I liked to see Allison's organisational skills. There were some tense moments and it was interesting to see how quickly human behaviour can deteriorate into violence.
Have it in Audio This is a story full of imagination, mystery and action . Heroine is Allison
Grab this great listen and imagine the future. Are you prepared for any emergency. Allison preparation is perfect she knows what to do and she’s keeping that secret from her husband. Two other men are thrown together with Alison the Sun is destroyed and the earth is turned topsy turkey. Thank god Allison is prepared.
Scott Bennett voice was great. He did all the parts perfect Scott has a clear , strong smooth voice
decent premise. Some situations are not as well thought out as they could be. I like the idea of the motorcycle buddies. Their characters seem plausible, however, their situations don't always seem realistic, or even possible. The character Phil doesn't seem to fit any logical profile, at least, to this point in the story. Alison seems pretty assertive for a supposed recluse. most of her relationships seem to be pretty confrontational confrontation is not leadership
It was a great read, to say the least. Seeing a a woman just trying to think of a "what if" situation might happen on a small scale to find out its only gotten a hell of a lot bigger than she thought. The insight into how people come together to rise above the chaos and the nut jobs that just decide what you got is theirs, whether they help or not.. Their tenacity in making plans and building them up is amazing. Now onto book 2, BRING IT ON
Pleasant? It’s an apocalyptic novel! Yeah, but I liked the writing and the pacing. There was some suspense and shooting worthy of Special Ops, but seemed realistic enough. The spotlight was shared by a guy named Riley. Apparently a good guy, but I’d be uneasy with him. Loose canon? Something else? Can’t put my finger on it, but it will be interesting to see where that character goes.
I enjoy a nice dystopian read. I really wished the author had skipped the political rhetoric. Everyone has their own opinions when the government is involved. More neutrality...give the benefit of the doubt for both parties Storyline is good,characters are healthy, lots of action...😊 .
Allison is not a prepper,though she has been collecting things and is fairly prepared when the earth is hit by a solar storm.Aside from the democrat bashing,this is a good book. J. Scott Bennett was the perfect narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
The story works for Solar, EMP or terrorist events. The preparation efforts are real but the chance of stocking up later are limited. However, the real deal is the need for community of people working together Next is the plan. Even the best plan will be challenged but a weak plan will be a disaster. Great job!
This book was about a natural disaster and how it affected people in a small town in the USA. Neighbors banded together to protect themselves and their properties by rogue people who had no supplies and no way to survive. Great narration by J. Scott Bennett, he brought the characters to live through their voices and emotions.
I loved this book - almost finished it in one sitting. Please tell me that you will make this a long series with many books. The characters are engaging but tough when they have to be. Love the fact that the neighbors band together to build a safe community for those that were willing to work. A most WONDERFUL book. Keep them coming D. Started - you ROCK!!!!
I have been a fan of apocalyptic fiction for a while, and this author does a good job with it. A story line that keeps moving, lots of challenges and opportunities with both heroes you want to cheer and villains you love to hate! Looking forward to the next installment!
Great premise, so many books concentrate on the Evil and Bad people that will surely come out in droves in a situation like this it is refreshing that this author spends more time on the Good People that I Hope would Also Band together and make the best of a terrible situation, can't wait to see what these fine folks will do next🤗
Allison is the type of neighbor I would like to have if the SHTF. Able to think clearly, willing to help others, and one heck of an organizer. The setting for this tale is one that could happen anytime. It’s a good primer for those that want to ready. I recommend you give this a read.
Dnf-65% Life's too short to keep reading. It was not horrible, but not great. Riley and Will are racist idiots. The other main character never thinks about her sister or kids or grandkids once after the flare. Instead goes about preparing to house 50 to 60 people on day 2. No description of main characters. Just not well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Farm wife Allison's not a prepper. She doesn't want to be classed with those crazy guys. She just wants to get through any hard times, so she's prepared a bit and planned a lot. So when the CME hits; she morphs from shy into a leader.
It's a fast paced read with action, humor and wit.
Interesting first book about a CME. I think it is interesting how the people are interwoven into one story. I hope if it ever comes to this, I could find someone who knows everything about being an organizer and an herbalist and a country woman who is a planner- not a Prepper.
I chose the rating because it kept my interest. Mistakes didn't jump out at me and distract me as they do in some books. I look forward to reading the next book and continuing the story.
This is a different take on the typical teotwawki story. It’s really well written and a great view point. I’m excited to see how the story progresses. I have found a new author to follow. Great book! Would recommend to everyone.
I enjoyed reading this story & even learned a few things. The characters are interesting & believable. The situation is possible & may happen one day, the time to prepare is now.