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Cyber Armageddon #1
Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller
Cyber Armageddon has begun. America will not survive.
Cyber Security Analyst Kate McCarthy knows something ominous is about to happen in the US banking system. She has a place to go if things get hectic, but it's far from the perfect retreat.
When a new breed of computer virus takes down America's financial network, chaos and violence erupt. Access to cash disappears and credit cards become worthless. Desperate consumers are left with no means to purchase food, fuel, and basic necessities. Society melts down instantly and the threat of starvation brings out the absolute worst humanity has to offer.
In the midst of the mayhem, Kate will face a post-apocalyptic nightmare that she never could have imagined. Her only reward for survival is to live another day in the gruesome new reality which has eradicated the world she once knew.
As with all works 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.
Cyber Security Analyst Kate McCarthy knows something ominous is about to happen in the US banking system. She has a place to go if things get hectic, but it's far from the perfect retreat.
When a new breed of computer virus takes down America's financial network, chaos and violence erupt. Access to cash disappears and credit cards become worthless. Desperate consumers are left with no means to purchase food, fuel, and basic necessities. Society melts down instantly and the threat of starvation brings out the absolute worst humanity has to offer.
In the midst of the mayhem, Kate will face a post-apocalyptic nightmare that she never could have imagined. Her only reward for survival is to live another day in the gruesome new reality which has eradicated the world she once knew.
As with all works 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.
282 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2018
509 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Mark Goodwin
107 books410 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 75 reviews
June 5, 2019
It's a shame that such good writing is constantly interrupted by pages and pages of copy/paste from the bible. Just when the story is getting good, the author goes into another sermon. I had to skip ahead more than once.
September 4, 2020
Loved this book! I wish I could read the entire series, as I'm sure it's good, but can't right now. This book and series shows another way things could work out in the U.S. I would always recommend his books!
September 15, 2021
Realistic apocalyptic thriller
I'm quite surprised at the quality of the writing. The book engages you from the very start and doesn't let go. Very good story and not farfetched at all. As exciting as any secular novel around.
I'm quite surprised at the quality of the writing. The book engages you from the very start and doesn't let go. Very good story and not farfetched at all. As exciting as any secular novel around.
August 10, 2019
Plausible plot
This seems very realistic. It could happen so easily. Good characters and no noticeable editing or grammar errors! Worth reading!
This seems very realistic. It could happen so easily. Good characters and no noticeable editing or grammar errors! Worth reading!
May 22, 2019
The beginning was good.
The first half of the book was good. It explored one way the apocalypse could happen and what the first few days and subsequent months would look like. Their was one part where the main characters had a "come to Jesus" moment that didnt really add to the story or character development. Also, the main character was a terrible cliche, the nerdy girl who doesn't know shes beutiful and is clueless about men. Not a very origional concept but, overall not terrible.
The first half of the book was good. It explored one way the apocalypse could happen and what the first few days and subsequent months would look like. Their was one part where the main characters had a "come to Jesus" moment that didnt really add to the story or character development. Also, the main character was a terrible cliche, the nerdy girl who doesn't know shes beutiful and is clueless about men. Not a very origional concept but, overall not terrible.
June 1, 2019
Interesting Premise
While the premise is very interesting and plausible, the characters felt flat to me for some reason. Maybe they just didn’t click with me, but something was missing.
While the premise is very interesting and plausible, the characters felt flat to me for some reason. Maybe they just didn’t click with me, but something was missing.
September 4, 2020
I really really like this author!
Unlike some folks, who are not so thrilled with bible quotes,
I am sooooooo happy, to have found a Christian author,
who is not afraid to put a goodly amount of scripture in his novels!!!!!
It is great to see how the scriptures are applied, to his characters and the plot!
Thank you so much Mr. Goodwin!
Please to not be discouraged by those who are not so pleased.
One of my pet peeves with many so called 'Christian 'novels,
is I am often left, trying to figure out, exactly, in what way are they 'Christian'?
Some supposed Christian novel are so Christian 'lite',
that I guess if some says the word God,
or we are told they said a prayer ( but not what the pray was),
or a character went to church once ( but not what the sermon was about)....
that qualifies as a 'Christian' novel.
If people do not like to read scripture in a 'Christian' novel,
if they do not like to hear a sermon in a Christian novel,
and do not like to hear a full prayer in a Christian novel,
I feel certain there are tons and tons of good secular novels.....they could read without any of those things, and yet would be good secular novels.
But there are very very very few Christian novels with any Bible quotes in them.
To me part of the definition or difference between a secular and a 'Christian' novel
is:
There will be bible quotes, prayers, sermons, application of scripture portrayed
in the Christian novel....
but not in the secular!
Therein, lies the difference.
I am not against good secular novels per say, but without any reference to God, the Bible etc.
they just do not have much to say to me.
Time is actually short, and I am convicted God's word needs to be out in the public market even more than ever before.
I am not a prepper, but nevertheless, Mr. Goodwin novels are so much like,
what is happening right now ( in our country and in the world),
or soon will be,
they are well worth the read!
Especially because of their Christian perspective.
I have read quite a few of his novels and continue to do so.
I highly recommend them.....
especially because of the scriptures, and how they are applied in the stories!!
Unlike some folks, who are not so thrilled with bible quotes,
I am sooooooo happy, to have found a Christian author,
who is not afraid to put a goodly amount of scripture in his novels!!!!!
It is great to see how the scriptures are applied, to his characters and the plot!
Thank you so much Mr. Goodwin!
Please to not be discouraged by those who are not so pleased.
One of my pet peeves with many so called 'Christian 'novels,
is I am often left, trying to figure out, exactly, in what way are they 'Christian'?
Some supposed Christian novel are so Christian 'lite',
that I guess if some says the word God,
or we are told they said a prayer ( but not what the pray was),
or a character went to church once ( but not what the sermon was about)....
that qualifies as a 'Christian' novel.
If people do not like to read scripture in a 'Christian' novel,
if they do not like to hear a sermon in a Christian novel,
and do not like to hear a full prayer in a Christian novel,
I feel certain there are tons and tons of good secular novels.....they could read without any of those things, and yet would be good secular novels.
But there are very very very few Christian novels with any Bible quotes in them.
To me part of the definition or difference between a secular and a 'Christian' novel
is:
There will be bible quotes, prayers, sermons, application of scripture portrayed
in the Christian novel....
but not in the secular!
Therein, lies the difference.
I am not against good secular novels per say, but without any reference to God, the Bible etc.
they just do not have much to say to me.
Time is actually short, and I am convicted God's word needs to be out in the public market even more than ever before.
I am not a prepper, but nevertheless, Mr. Goodwin novels are so much like,
what is happening right now ( in our country and in the world),
or soon will be,
they are well worth the read!
Especially because of their Christian perspective.
I have read quite a few of his novels and continue to do so.
I highly recommend them.....
especially because of the scriptures, and how they are applied in the stories!!
February 5, 2019
Amazing
Every chapter starts with a bible verse. Isn't it amazing how you can make the bible say whatever you want it to say?
And then the story ends with a very, very, very long sermon!
Every chapter starts with a bible verse. Isn't it amazing how you can make the bible say whatever you want it to say?
And then the story ends with a very, very, very long sermon!
February 10, 2019
Just Ok
The characters are ok, but don't inspire any type of camaraderie or compassion. The one to leave the biggest impression is the wife, and she inspires dislike. There's a lot of religion and bible passages.
The characters are ok, but don't inspire any type of camaraderie or compassion. The one to leave the biggest impression is the wife, and she inspires dislike. There's a lot of religion and bible passages.
March 4, 2019
Each chapter started with prophetic Scripture, but the story itself was an apocalyptic thriller which didn’t relate except very tenuously. Odd, and not particularly engaging, for me at least.
November 8, 2020
This is a great work of fiction for cyber security professionals. It has more than the normal amount of technical dialogue and a plausible premise. While the book itself is focused more on apocalyptic survival and not focused on cybersecurity, it does go into a good amount of cyber topics in the first half.
The main character has some decent personality. Her having anxiety and anti-social issues helped flesh her out. The rest of the characters were a little flat, but I believe this was a choice to keep the action up a bit in this relatively short novel.
The apocalyptic/prepper narrative is also entertaining as we all would probably need to think of that stuff if a really bad attack happened. There's a bit of a Christian focused story arc that is a bit polarizing. I think the author did a decent job of keeping it a minor subtle plot except for a single chapter. There are bible verses at the beginning of each chapter which may help you contextualize the chapter, or can be easily skipped if you don't care. As an atheist, I would not shy away from this book just because it has some bible references and a whole sermon in it.
The missing star is for dropping the cyber story in the last 1/3 of the book. I hope the sequels bring back that arc as its the whole reason I'm into this series.
The main character has some decent personality. Her having anxiety and anti-social issues helped flesh her out. The rest of the characters were a little flat, but I believe this was a choice to keep the action up a bit in this relatively short novel.
The apocalyptic/prepper narrative is also entertaining as we all would probably need to think of that stuff if a really bad attack happened. There's a bit of a Christian focused story arc that is a bit polarizing. I think the author did a decent job of keeping it a minor subtle plot except for a single chapter. There are bible verses at the beginning of each chapter which may help you contextualize the chapter, or can be easily skipped if you don't care. As an atheist, I would not shy away from this book just because it has some bible references and a whole sermon in it.
The missing star is for dropping the cyber story in the last 1/3 of the book. I hope the sequels bring back that arc as its the whole reason I'm into this series.
February 14, 2021
I like Mark Goodwin's writings and the message he conveys. If I could, I would have probably given this 4-1/2 stars. This started out good and seems believable from a technical standpoint but then the rush to leave seemed a little over dramatic and maybe not so believable. I like the infusion of the bible verses, though they are pretty lengthy sometimes. They do interupt the flow of the story a little, but I like the connection of the passages to the story. I believe we are heading to bad place with our lifestyles and that we really need to re-evaluate our priorities and our connection to God. Books like this become more believable as a result. I am not an over the top prepper but I believe there may be a need someday to be prepared for the unexpected. The recent pandemic has pointed that out on a much smaller scale. I am looking forward to finishing this series and reading some of his other books
June 12, 2020
Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon Book 1) begins as a well researched cyber security suspense featuring Kate McCarthy as a Cyber Security Analyst. The cyber background presented is easily digestible by novice readers and the overall concept of crashing the financial system is very plausible.
After the crash, Mark Goodwin quickly takes the story to the post-apocalypse, disaster prepping, and religious salvation without exploring who instigated the cyber attack or why. Perhaps these are topics for the follow-on books in the series, but as a reader it felt like a significant hole in the story.
Overall the novel is well written and edited. Rise of the Locusts is a good choice for those interested in learning about prepping and with a strong interest in religious scripture.
After the crash, Mark Goodwin quickly takes the story to the post-apocalypse, disaster prepping, and religious salvation without exploring who instigated the cyber attack or why. Perhaps these are topics for the follow-on books in the series, but as a reader it felt like a significant hole in the story.
Overall the novel is well written and edited. Rise of the Locusts is a good choice for those interested in learning about prepping and with a strong interest in religious scripture.
June 12, 2019
I didn't hate it, but I couldn't connect with the characters for a number of reasons. Also, even though it fit the narrative, the Biblical references were heavy-handed. This is basically what I would call "prepper-fiction". It was less about telling the story and more about convincing you of a coming apocalypse. The Afterword even encourages you to go download a prepper survival guide.
I've edited and deleted several additional comments from the end of this review, mostly surrounding how misguided this book is in its interpretation of how Christians should respond when Armageddon comes. But a review isn't the place for that.
I may read the next book, just to see if things improve as they often do...
I've edited and deleted several additional comments from the end of this review, mostly surrounding how misguided this book is in its interpretation of how Christians should respond when Armageddon comes. But a review isn't the place for that.
I may read the next book, just to see if things improve as they often do...
December 4, 2019
I have no idea why this is rated so high on Goodreads. This book is structured like a pilot episode of a Sci-fi series. It starts with action, then jumps back in time. We don't pick up with the "action" until about half-way through the book. There's a lot of lazy writing here, and the deaths that happen are empty. This would work better on the screen than on the page.
In the end it seems like an advertisement for the prepper lifestyle (including a link to the author's prepper books/podcast). In addition, the book became super religious near the end as the characters "find religion".
In the end, this feels like 1/2 a book (or less). Maybe the future books are more interesting and dive into more of the "techno" parts, but I won't be continuing this journey.
In the end it seems like an advertisement for the prepper lifestyle (including a link to the author's prepper books/podcast). In addition, the book became super religious near the end as the characters "find religion".
In the end, this feels like 1/2 a book (or less). Maybe the future books are more interesting and dive into more of the "techno" parts, but I won't be continuing this journey.
February 2, 2019
A must read!
Mark not only is able to educate people on survival and the mess we have allowed our country become. He also is able to share the good news of the gospel! And he does it in a brutally honest and accurate manner. We live in a world where being a Christian is unpopular and Im afraid soon we will experience the danger and the horrors so many Christians who have been persecuted worldwide have known and suffered with for too long. Bible Prophecy needs to be studied and not ignored as it is in so many churches today. Thank you Mark for such great books and your love of Christ and people everywhere.
Mark not only is able to educate people on survival and the mess we have allowed our country become. He also is able to share the good news of the gospel! And he does it in a brutally honest and accurate manner. We live in a world where being a Christian is unpopular and Im afraid soon we will experience the danger and the horrors so many Christians who have been persecuted worldwide have known and suffered with for too long. Bible Prophecy needs to be studied and not ignored as it is in so many churches today. Thank you Mark for such great books and your love of Christ and people everywhere.
November 5, 2024
I really liked this book overall! It’s nice to read a realistic apocalypse-scenario book. The build-up to the disaster was interesting and I liked the pacing.
My one critique is that random chapter near the end with the “church service”. It went on for a long time and felt really out of place in the story and didn’t fit with anything that had happened previously. Thankfully, the story went back on track after that and lead to an exciting ending!
My prediction is that maybe the “church service” chapter was foreshadowing for them forming some sort of closed religious cult in the wake of the societal collapse… I can’t wait to find out in the next book!
My one critique is that random chapter near the end with the “church service”. It went on for a long time and felt really out of place in the story and didn’t fit with anything that had happened previously. Thankfully, the story went back on track after that and lead to an exciting ending!
My prediction is that maybe the “church service” chapter was foreshadowing for them forming some sort of closed religious cult in the wake of the societal collapse… I can’t wait to find out in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Mark Goodwin puts a little different spin on his apocalyptic stories with this one covering a computer virus eating away at all the computers in banks and everything else. It was an easy read, just no surprises to me after having read all his other books. I thought this particular book was better written than some of his others since he’s dispelled from using a couple different favorites words of his that were so common in earlier stories. Still, however, Days of Noah remains my favorite of his book series.
February 23, 2019
Wake-up Call!!!
I definitely recommend Mark's books. We have, as a nation, turned our backs on God with abortion, unnatural affections, and other rampant sin. When Israel, God's chosen people, did that as related in His Word, God judged them. Why does the United States think she's so different; so immune to God's wrath? Wake up call - we're not. Judgement is at the door! God's warning came on September 11, 2001. He's given us mercy; He's given us space to repent. Instead, we've continued to grow more and more jaded...
Mark's books will help you and me survive
I definitely recommend Mark's books. We have, as a nation, turned our backs on God with abortion, unnatural affections, and other rampant sin. When Israel, God's chosen people, did that as related in His Word, God judged them. Why does the United States think she's so different; so immune to God's wrath? Wake up call - we're not. Judgement is at the door! God's warning came on September 11, 2001. He's given us mercy; He's given us space to repent. Instead, we've continued to grow more and more jaded...
Mark's books will help you and me survive
April 19, 2021
Amazing storyline
This is a amazing story, although at times it doesn't feel realistic, for the most part I can honestly imagine it is really happening. I fell in love with the people and worried for them, cried for them and even prayed for them . How can it always seem real or even normal? We have never been in a war with evil in such a way or have we? I love how the passages from the Bible set the story up and then go on to tell us more. Overall this is a very readable book. I am looking forward to more.
Suzanne
This is a amazing story, although at times it doesn't feel realistic, for the most part I can honestly imagine it is really happening. I fell in love with the people and worried for them, cried for them and even prayed for them . How can it always seem real or even normal? We have never been in a war with evil in such a way or have we? I love how the passages from the Bible set the story up and then go on to tell us more. Overall this is a very readable book. I am looking forward to more.
Suzanne
March 13, 2022
Popped up on an audible sale, looked interesting, but thankfully I decided to read a few chapters first on kindle unlimited before spending my money.
The first part of the book is fun InfoSec tech-talk, not entirely accurate, but entertaining. And then it crashes and burns into hardcore prepper stuff and christian sermons. At first I thought it had turned into satire (we're talking "main character puts 20k dollars worth of gold on her credit card after a chat with a prepper store owner" levels), but a quick search told me that, nope, the author is completely serious here.
The first part of the book is fun InfoSec tech-talk, not entirely accurate, but entertaining. And then it crashes and burns into hardcore prepper stuff and christian sermons. At first I thought it had turned into satire (we're talking "main character puts 20k dollars worth of gold on her credit card after a chat with a prepper store owner" levels), but a quick search told me that, nope, the author is completely serious here.
January 18, 2019
I ordered the paperback and then thought "I can't wait 2 days", so I bought the Kindle version. Finished the book one night. It is very relevant to our times. I like the strong female lead and the family dynamics of the 3 siblings. (Will Boyd stay a problem or will he find his way?) The paperback should come today and I will give it to my son to read - we both love Mark's series. Cannot wait for the next book!
January 23, 2019
Once again Mark doesn't disappoint!
Mark doesn't shy away from letting people know that in the event of the US and the world falling into chaos that there will be life and death decisions that have to be made in order to survive. He also doesn't shy away from the fact that as an author he makes it known that if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus during such events that it would be a tragedy. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Mark doesn't shy away from letting people know that in the event of the US and the world falling into chaos that there will be life and death decisions that have to be made in order to survive. He also doesn't shy away from the fact that as an author he makes it known that if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus during such events that it would be a tragedy. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 26, 2019
Couldn't put it down!!!
Although this book is fiction, it is based on fact. The first series I read by Mark Goodwin was The Days of Elijah. Talk about an eye opener! This author researches both the Bible and politics for the settings and plots of his books. Rise of the Locusts does not disappoint. It is a roller coaster of possibilities that could very well happen at any time. Do yourself a favor; read all of Mark Goodwin's books and be prepared!
Although this book is fiction, it is based on fact. The first series I read by Mark Goodwin was The Days of Elijah. Talk about an eye opener! This author researches both the Bible and politics for the settings and plots of his books. Rise of the Locusts does not disappoint. It is a roller coaster of possibilities that could very well happen at any time. Do yourself a favor; read all of Mark Goodwin's books and be prepared!
October 7, 2020
Too Complicated
I like the story. However, the biblical verses were too complicated for most to understand.
I feel that those who like to read these type books would benefit from NKJV or something similar. Even though I was raised on KJV and understand old words and meaning, some in this book I had to read more than once and still I had problems understanding. Its still worth reading. I did learn some things for which I'm glad.
I like the story. However, the biblical verses were too complicated for most to understand.
I feel that those who like to read these type books would benefit from NKJV or something similar. Even though I was raised on KJV and understand old words and meaning, some in this book I had to read more than once and still I had problems understanding. Its still worth reading. I did learn some things for which I'm glad.
March 15, 2021
Even if your not a that into computers this is the book for you
Mark does.a brilliant job of setting up the scene of this thriller and allowing.g the reader to.be comfortable even without a complete understanding of coding and computers. although a novel this.story could happen tomorrow and as such you can't help.be drawn in . Mark.Goodwin has always delivered and does get again , pick this book up you will not be disappointed
Mark does.a brilliant job of setting up the scene of this thriller and allowing.g the reader to.be comfortable even without a complete understanding of coding and computers. although a novel this.story could happen tomorrow and as such you can't help.be drawn in . Mark.Goodwin has always delivered and does get again , pick this book up you will not be disappointed
January 21, 2019
Awesome Read
Thanks a lot for keeping me up all night!! I couldn’t put the book down. Love the characters and the bits of tips and information. This is definitely a scenario I could see happening today...very real! You won’t be disappointed in reading this book!! Anxiously awaiting book 2!,
Thanks a lot for keeping me up all night!! I couldn’t put the book down. Love the characters and the bits of tips and information. This is definitely a scenario I could see happening today...very real! You won’t be disappointed in reading this book!! Anxiously awaiting book 2!,
March 2, 2019
Great Story
This is my thoughts on the book, not a rehash or spoiler! The highest recommendation I can give a book or author is that I highly recommend you read this book!
This author certainly knows Scripture and apocalyptic behavior. I personally enjoy the scripture quoted and how applicable it is to the events unfolding in the story.
This is my thoughts on the book, not a rehash or spoiler! The highest recommendation I can give a book or author is that I highly recommend you read this book!
This author certainly knows Scripture and apocalyptic behavior. I personally enjoy the scripture quoted and how applicable it is to the events unfolding in the story.
October 23, 2019
Get Ready!!
Thank you for the good advice in your stories. Thank you for all the preparedness tips. Thank you for writing an exciting story without sex or bad language. Looking forward to see what happens next to Kate, her niece and nephew, and friends. Not to mention what her brother might pull to get even. Keep 'em coming, great job.
Thank you for the good advice in your stories. Thank you for all the preparedness tips. Thank you for writing an exciting story without sex or bad language. Looking forward to see what happens next to Kate, her niece and nephew, and friends. Not to mention what her brother might pull to get even. Keep 'em coming, great job.
January 5, 2020
Another awesome Goodwin book!
Mark Goodwin has become one of my three favorite authors. He writes a good thriller always showing how the Lord can make a difference to characters (people) who are going through tragic circumstances. In this book God has become very real to one family and even when one is lost they are saved.
Mark Goodwin has become one of my three favorite authors. He writes a good thriller always showing how the Lord can make a difference to characters (people) who are going through tragic circumstances. In this book God has become very real to one family and even when one is lost they are saved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews