The Locust Virus destroyed the American financial system but the worst is yet to come!
Kate has managed to survive a massive cyber-attack which annihilated the US banking system. The societal collapse that followed in the wake of the exploit has already claimed the lives of millions, including members of Kate’s own family.
The government has instituted a temporary solution, but another wave of computer viruses has just been found. This time, the malware is targeting America’s power grid. To make matters worse, Kate inadvertently killed the leader of a violent local gang and there’s a price on her head. Plunged into a world ruled by chaos and destruction, her chances of survival aren’t good.
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.
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.
I'll just refer back to my review from the first book. This is prepper fiction. The writing isn't bad, but the author isn't at all subtle in his overall world view. I would imagine if I skipped to the foreword (I didn't bother), I'd be encouraged once again to go download a prepper survival guide online.
So, I've come to the conclusion that this is more about preaching to the reader. And unfortunately, it distorts Christianity by completely ignoring the New Testament. Once again, I've deleted any further comment on the "Christian fiction" aspects of this series because this isn't really the place for it. But if you're looking for "Christian fiction", this really isn't it.
It's a shame because this could have been good if there were any significant effort put into the "cyber" part of this "Cyber Armageddon". But seems like it's just used as this nebulous threat that pops up any time the author needs a new obstacle for the characters.
Overall, this book was enjoyable! The action kept going and I was definitely never bored. However, Kate really got on my nerves for the first 2/3rds of this book.
Kate begins to get insufferable when she tries to kick out Gavin, the man who risked his life to save hers, because an old man who thinks it’s the 1800’s said she should. Then, when Gavin doesn’t propose immediately, she berates him and tells him to leave. For some reason, he still proposes to her… bless that man lol. It only really felt like they were getting married so they could have sex, which is not a great reason to spend the rest of your life with someone.
Kate continues to be infuriating by placing no trust in Vicky or Sam, despite all they’ve been through. When Sam chooses to start training with James Dean, instead of being supportive and assuring him that she’ll be there for him if/when he wants to come home, she lectures him and makes him feel like a child, which is obviously only going to push him away more.
Later, despite the synopsis stating there are no sex scenes in the book, a LOT of sex jokes and innuendos are made after Gavin and Kate get married, reinforcing my earlier point that it seems like that’s the only reason they are rushing into getting married.
Sam’s death actually made me sad and genuinely took me by surprise, so that twist was well done. It was an ok read, it just wasn’t as good as the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Unfortunately I started this series because it was recommended to me as a technothriller. That was true for the first half of the first book and is not true of this book at all. Unlike the first book, this book covers almost no cyber security concepts and instead focuses on the apocalyptic plot. It also dials the Christian theme to 11 with nearly half the conversations being religious in nature. This story also pushes conservative talking points much more often and much less subtly.
As an apocalyptic story, this one is weak. There’s a ton of shoot outs and emergencies in there just to keep the action going. The first book was a little extreme, but was more believable. New characters are introduced who are even less meaningful than those in the first book. The characters from the first book also become more flat and inconsistent with the traits that made them mildly enjoyable in the prequel.
The first book seemed to target a wider audience, but this book is targeted at strongly religious conservative preppers. Being none of those things, I did not like the point of view and became more critical of the structure to the point that I could barely force myself to finish. I can not continue this series.
I like the writing style of Mark Goodwin. The first book in the series was good and this was good also, but maybe not as good as the first one. The apocalyptic theme is consistent with his other books like The Days of Ellijah and Black Swan series. The writing techniques are similar. The use of the biblical references at the beginning of each chapter is consistent with other works by this author. Some of the bible verses are pretty long and sometimes they detract from the flow of the book. I found myself, as I read this book, questioning some of the credibility of the events, but I reminded myself it is a fictional work. It is a quick read and full of drama, and rich in seedy characters. I liked the descriptions of the characters and felt I knew them well. I will be excited to read the next book.
When you are trying to survive the Apocalypse you need a cohesive community. These folks allowed the wrong people to come in. It is interesting to read about the preparation and teamwork that is needed to survive. This is truly a scary look at what could be. The research for this book series must have been exhausting. It is well laid out and holds your attention.
As the locusts .story continues , you will get a deeper insight into.just how bad things are going to.get . Breaking away slightly fro!.his normal.pattern of.adventure in his novels Mark knows how to tell a great story ,and this is a great story . Still.filled.with prepping tips and free of any of the questionable material.so.prelevant in other books today . This.series is a.must read
I have been a fan of post-apocalyptic stories for a while now. It is so refreshing to be able to read one without the filthy language and sex all through. Also the added benefit of Bible verses at the beginning of each chapter. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I would recommend these books to anyone!
Mark Goodwin makes his books so real with characters that are unique and interesting. We miss them when God takes them home. I pray that we never face the trials that are written in this series but if we do we will have an idea of what to expect.
The end of the world as they knew it and how they have to fight evil to survive is so insane. The world is so messed up with so many wanting to kill and steal from whoever they can.
Such a realistic story! Mark is a masterful writer. While we can't truly know what the apocalypse will be like, we can look at the devolving of society because of President Trump's election and get an idea. Mark's book is a good bet, unfortunately
A book how people’s lives change with fall of the country. The Bible verses go write a long story showing how the world sure comes fall away and the love families show for one in other.
Yes this book is fiction but so based on scripture. Kate has lost so much, her brother, sister-in-law, her nephew, neighbors she's grown to love. The final straw ... Her brother's treachery not once but twice. Looking forward to Book 3. Great job. Thank you.
Another great book by Mark Goodwin. I love the characters in this book. I’m listening to the complete box series in audiobook. I would recommend this book and all of Mark’s books.
I’m enjoying this series. I have been reading a lot of end time books and I sometimes get them mixed up. This is a good series and a bit different than the others I have been reading
Story is OK but I got so sick of the religious preaching. I guess it is alright to blow someone's brains out but not to kiss anyone. The author considers himself somekind of righteous Christian. Couldn't finish.
Very good start to a series. I have a picture of my panicked face when I finished and realized the next book wasn't released yet! I didn't know what to do next!
How alarming would it be to face the need to survive without having the assurance of the Lord's gift of salvation? Thanks for sharing your survival tips,too.
second in the series. I love the genre, they all are fairly predictable. I like these because there is no foul language. Biblical views different from mine, but not super crazy.
Mark Goodwin is such a talented writer! This is the second book of a series and you'll almost feel like you're there with Kate, her friends and family.