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Lone Star Odyssey #1
Lone Star Odyssey: First Steps
After over 20 years in the USMC and coming off a five year tour as a contractor in Afghanistan all Talon Clark wanted to do was spend time with his kids and wife on his ranch in Texas. Occasionally, taking a short term contract job to pay the bills, Talon is marooned in Washington, D.C. when the nation is attacked by a series of false flag operations against our infrastructure and is then devastated by a series of EMP attacks. With every major city burning and the nation’s electrical grid down, civil order has deteriorated to the point of no return, at least for the immediate future. Separated by over 1400 miles from his family, Talon sets out on foot to get home as fast as he can relying on his skills and experience. With only about a week’s worth of supplies in his get home bag, Talon must find supplies as quick as he can and get out of the D.C. Metro area before the chaos overwhelms him. From his first steps he finds out nothing is going to be easy or fast.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2019
317 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
David Wilson
5 books32 followersGrowing up in the Ozarks, David spent a great deal of his time growing up with his Grandfather, learning how to fish, hunt, and trap. Joining the Marine Corps (0341) at the age of 17, he enjoyed his time in the grunts, but switched over to Counterintelligence after picking up Sergeant. Staying with the USMC for just over 20 years, he retired in 1998 at the age of 38, attaining the rank of CWO-2.
After retiring he has worked for a few different government agencies and as a contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still active as a contractor, he enjoys writing in what spare time he can find, with his first published book coming out in May 2019, “Lone Star Odyssey-First Steps”. His second book in the series "Obstacles" came out in December 2019. Followed by the third in the series, Choices in 2022. Book four, Decisions, was released in August of 2023. Book five of the series should be released early spring of 2024.
Living in Texas with his wife and kids, most of his time outside of work is spent with his wife and kids, their horses and dogs, and with repairs around the ranch.
After retiring he has worked for a few different government agencies and as a contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still active as a contractor, he enjoys writing in what spare time he can find, with his first published book coming out in May 2019, “Lone Star Odyssey-First Steps”. His second book in the series "Obstacles" came out in December 2019. Followed by the third in the series, Choices in 2022. Book four, Decisions, was released in August of 2023. Book five of the series should be released early spring of 2024.
Living in Texas with his wife and kids, most of his time outside of work is spent with his wife and kids, their horses and dogs, and with repairs around the ranch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 17, 2019
This is a fairly standard plot line of EMP/terrorist incursion, guy a long way from home. This story really needs someone to proofread it at least once as there were a lot of errors in word usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar. There was also too much emphasis on constant specifics of weapons and brands of gear. All of that caused the story to be very fragmented and difficult to engage. On the positive side, I rather liked the main character, Talon (have to like that name), and store owner Don and his grandson and the college friends. Talon is very focused and no sugar-coating from him, but the kind of guy you hope you can escape the city with should such a disaster occur. I also found some of the items and ideas that he focused on to be able to survive helpful and interesting. This was a short enough story that they don't really get to their objective, but I would likely continue with the next book to see what happens and hope that the writing improves.
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July 8, 2024What a book. Kids learning to fight for their lives.
Talon on the trip home with people who he will need to depend on to help him at least part of the way.
Talon on the trip home with people who he will need to depend on to help him at least part of the way.
August 3, 2021
A fun enough adventure dealing with survival after an EMP attack. I had two issues significant enough to take me out of the story…
First, I do appreciate the specific details in describing the load out but at one point the repetition made me think this author had picked up some sponsors prior to writing the book! Give me the name brand once, not every time you refer to it throughout.
Second, man, the lack of editing. I read a lot and have learned to trust that what I’m reading is grammatically correct. This book had me rereading sentences to confirm that I wasn’t misreading or maybe I don’t know how to punctuate. I will always give a pass for a few errors, we are all human, but this book is exposing someone’s sheer laziness. Author, editor, I don’t know. I don’t care.
This book has great potential but needs some polishing.
The ending (not an ending at all) will have me give the second book a try but I’ll tell ya, if the two complaints above continue, I’ll be done with it pretty quick.
Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors in this review, I’m just an idiot writing on my phone. :)
First, I do appreciate the specific details in describing the load out but at one point the repetition made me think this author had picked up some sponsors prior to writing the book! Give me the name brand once, not every time you refer to it throughout.
Second, man, the lack of editing. I read a lot and have learned to trust that what I’m reading is grammatically correct. This book had me rereading sentences to confirm that I wasn’t misreading or maybe I don’t know how to punctuate. I will always give a pass for a few errors, we are all human, but this book is exposing someone’s sheer laziness. Author, editor, I don’t know. I don’t care.
This book has great potential but needs some polishing.
The ending (not an ending at all) will have me give the second book a try but I’ll tell ya, if the two complaints above continue, I’ll be done with it pretty quick.
Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors in this review, I’m just an idiot writing on my phone. :)
October 5, 2020
The story and the premise were quite good, however, frustration whacked me in the head on two fronts. First came the incessant changing of tense. In the middle of many paragraphs the tense would suddenly change, as in, "I walk over to the first victim and look down at her face. I turned around and walked away." That is a minor example of one of the many clangers and let me say there were many, many major ones. Get an editor. I am not a grammar nazi, but it often stopped me dead in my tracks. The other major complaint I have is the incessant description of every move the guy makes as he dismantles his sleeping arrangement. The there are the boringly intricate details about the ammo, as well as the weaponry with detailed information about model numbers and modifications. Every person who reads this story is not an ex SEAL or a fanatical fundamentalist NRA nutcase. Lose two thirds of the micro details and fix up your grammar. Apart from that I loved the action and the story moving forward.
March 15, 2022
Where to begin with this waste of time... Let's see, this author has absolutely NO knowledge of the English language, and I mean NONE. Mr. Wilson just jams his thoughts into his fingers and damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. This mess has absolutely no editing in any way, shape or form. On every single page, there are numerous and ridiculous typographical errors, grammatical errors, run-on sentences, and on and on. It is impossible to read, not only for the incredible lack of editing, but the product placements and tiny details of everything the main character does just obliterates any hope of getting through this absolute garbage. Kindle books have an amazing number of authors who don't see the point of editing their work before they toss it out to the masses. It is a sad state of affairs we Kindle aficionados must deal with as we navigate through Amazon's selections to find a book to read. But this book in particular has no place in that selection. It is so poorly written, it doesn't even belong amongst the most poorly written books in the Kindle selections. To see so many good reviews of this literary mess just boggles my mind and makes me suspect the author employed the services of a paid review service. This book is absolute junk and I say read at your own peril. Shame on David Wilson for dropping this garbage into a formatter and uploading it to ADP. Try editing your work. You won't see reviews like this otherwise.
February 18, 2021
One of the Best
This is one of, if not the best TEOTWAWKI books I have ever read. Full of intelligence and great advice, and I read it free but am going to buy a hard copy. Read it and be ready to make a list of smart advice. Before I read any other reviews, if y’all are going to gripe about some of the situations and actions here, don’t be stupid. If he hadn’t shown what happened when mistakes are made, would you know how to avoid those mistakes? Well? Interesting start to finish, with great characters so far, and great advice, I’d like to have this Texan on my side in a fight. He has enough sense to just shoot the worthless idiots and not whine about it. I said shoot them, not enjoy it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants something realistic to read.
This is one of, if not the best TEOTWAWKI books I have ever read. Full of intelligence and great advice, and I read it free but am going to buy a hard copy. Read it and be ready to make a list of smart advice. Before I read any other reviews, if y’all are going to gripe about some of the situations and actions here, don’t be stupid. If he hadn’t shown what happened when mistakes are made, would you know how to avoid those mistakes? Well? Interesting start to finish, with great characters so far, and great advice, I’d like to have this Texan on my side in a fight. He has enough sense to just shoot the worthless idiots and not whine about it. I said shoot them, not enjoy it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants something realistic to read.
July 24, 2019
I liked the book overall
But the beginning third was like one long commercial for guns & prepper supplies. I get it - Mountain Home makes good chili mac! Once the author moved on to the actual action & the EMP part of the story it was good. I get that no one survives without some weapons and supplies, but I am more interested in the who & why of the attack. I want to know who our main characters meet & what the outcome is. When the author focused on these aspects he had a really interesting take on the attack.
I would definitely read the next installment.
But the beginning third was like one long commercial for guns & prepper supplies. I get it - Mountain Home makes good chili mac! Once the author moved on to the actual action & the EMP part of the story it was good. I get that no one survives without some weapons and supplies, but I am more interested in the who & why of the attack. I want to know who our main characters meet & what the outcome is. When the author focused on these aspects he had a really interesting take on the attack.
I would definitely read the next installment.
October 14, 2020
Solid effort
The story and characters are well written. The dialog is natural and easy to follow with a couple of places that were confusing. The grammar needs some work the mistakes are noticeable and sometimes distracting. The author rides the line of believability. If you add up all the gear our hero starts out with it would be impossible to carry, there is so much the author forgets what is being carried and the characters don't use most of it. There is some prepper myth mixed in, especially regarding the use of tampons for wounds, which is not a good idea.
The story and characters are well written. The dialog is natural and easy to follow with a couple of places that were confusing. The grammar needs some work the mistakes are noticeable and sometimes distracting. The author rides the line of believability. If you add up all the gear our hero starts out with it would be impossible to carry, there is so much the author forgets what is being carried and the characters don't use most of it. There is some prepper myth mixed in, especially regarding the use of tampons for wounds, which is not a good idea.
January 14, 2021
Good storyline, poor editing
The storyline was enjoyable, a former marine/contractor/prepper trying to make his way home to his family. There was ALOT of naming of individual gear and weapons picked up or bused along the way. Some description of gear is appropriate, of course, but too much and it distracts from the story.
I can appreciate the difficulty in writing a book. But for the misspellings, typos, switching of past and present tense within paragraphs (things the editor should have picked up), I'd probably have given it another star.
The storyline was enjoyable, a former marine/contractor/prepper trying to make his way home to his family. There was ALOT of naming of individual gear and weapons picked up or bused along the way. Some description of gear is appropriate, of course, but too much and it distracts from the story.
I can appreciate the difficulty in writing a book. But for the misspellings, typos, switching of past and present tense within paragraphs (things the editor should have picked up), I'd probably have given it another star.
July 16, 2025
Editing/proofing
Great story, but the book really needed to be proofread & edited for clarity, punctuatuation, and appropriate wording. Personally, I thought there was too much detail about simple tasks like rummaging around in packs, undoing/securing straps, and insignificant details that really had nothing to do with the heart of the story. The grammatical and formatting mistakes were distracting. Too many sentences made no sense.
Great story, but the book really needed to be proofread & edited for clarity, punctuatuation, and appropriate wording. Personally, I thought there was too much detail about simple tasks like rummaging around in packs, undoing/securing straps, and insignificant details that really had nothing to do with the heart of the story. The grammatical and formatting mistakes were distracting. Too many sentences made no sense.
September 2, 2019
I enjoyed the book a great deal. I hope there is another one following this one as i would like to see how everyone does on trying to make it to safety and their families.
I enjoyed the prepper tips as well as the characters. I feel like everyone finding enough of the proper type of weapons and enough ammo was a bit of a stretch but overall enjoyed the plot.
I enjoyed the prepper tips as well as the characters. I feel like everyone finding enough of the proper type of weapons and enough ammo was a bit of a stretch but overall enjoyed the plot.
October 1, 2019
Overall interesting
However, too much name dropping on equipment that has become popular. I find it boring to have a list of your favorite toys and edc. More story less about fancy stuff would be better in my mind. But I suspect there is an element of readership that loves this today.
However, too much name dropping on equipment that has become popular. I find it boring to have a list of your favorite toys and edc. More story less about fancy stuff would be better in my mind. But I suspect there is an element of readership that loves this today.
November 29, 2019
Excellent story.
The detail and plot line in this book are among the best. It is a story worth reading and rereading, both for entertainment as well as for education. For those who haven't been trained for the battlefield, it provides instruction and a way of actually operating in a harsh new environment.
The detail and plot line in this book are among the best. It is a story worth reading and rereading, both for entertainment as well as for education. For those who haven't been trained for the battlefield, it provides instruction and a way of actually operating in a harsh new environment.
February 7, 2020
5 stars
While I don’t always share this author’s viewpoint, his story and writing were strong and good enough to over come that - as it almost always is with a well written story. Good characters, dialogue, plot and action I look forward to reading the next book in the series. This book had tons of information on what to grab when bugging out as a plus.
While I don’t always share this author’s viewpoint, his story and writing were strong and good enough to over come that - as it almost always is with a well written story. Good characters, dialogue, plot and action I look forward to reading the next book in the series. This book had tons of information on what to grab when bugging out as a plus.
February 17, 2021
All right, I'm only 57% of my way through the book and had to write this review. 5 stars and the best part of the book is all the Great equipment information that is packed into the pages. If you're a pepper you can get some food for thought!!! You won't be disappointed with the story. Just finished reading and it only gets better... Not all will survive..... On to book two.
April 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. There were numerous references to survival items. I stopped several times while reading to look up them up and compare them to what I already use. The references to military tactics were sound and the level of caution used by Talon were comparable to my constant level of paranoia. This is a great book by a Jarhead who obviously has experience.
Semper Gumby!
Semper Gumby!
January 16, 2023
Excellent story
A well written excellent story with great characters. If you read my reviews you know I’m a dog lover; so minus one star for no dog character; not even a stray dog. I look forward to the next story with a dog. Very well written believable action; a real page turner!
A well written excellent story with great characters. If you read my reviews you know I’m a dog lover; so minus one star for no dog character; not even a stray dog. I look forward to the next story with a dog. Very well written believable action; a real page turner!
July 7, 2019
Very believable
The bad guys are a bit over done
The joining up of the good guys works.
The over view is likely and works.
Doesn’t pull any punches on the sheep.
Downer is the ending
Is this a one off or start of a series?
Start says book one but ?
Nothing
The bad guys are a bit over done
The joining up of the good guys works.
The over view is likely and works.
Doesn’t pull any punches on the sheep.
Downer is the ending
Is this a one off or start of a series?
Start says book one but ?
Nothing
September 18, 2019
Lone Star Odysseygazines in his arms. “I could ask you the same damned thing,” Levon said. He
It was one of the best apocalyptic stories l have ever read. Full of information and resources that we all could use and need the shtf.It was very believable and well written.
It was one of the best apocalyptic stories l have ever read. Full of information and resources that we all could use and need the shtf.It was very believable and well written.
September 20, 2019
Good story
This is a good end of the world as we know it story. It gives survival tips in great detail. The characters are well developed. It needs more proofreading such as the frequent "then" instead of "than". I would like to read more stories by this author.
This is a good end of the world as we know it story. It gives survival tips in great detail. The characters are well developed. It needs more proofreading such as the frequent "then" instead of "than". I would like to read more stories by this author.
November 26, 2019
Snore fest
If your looking for an amazing story idea but actually want a how to guide for how to survive a wildly unrealistic situation while you are wildly armed and have extensive experience, and no one ever questions your authority; then this book is for you.
If your looking for an amazing story idea but actually want a how to guide for how to survive a wildly unrealistic situation while you are wildly armed and have extensive experience, and no one ever questions your authority; then this book is for you.
January 5, 2020
I hope "First Steps" lead to many more
Towards the beginning of the book there was something that bothered me about it. Whatever it was got blown out of my mind along the way. It was a blast!
Towards the beginning of the book there was something that bothered me about it. Whatever it was got blown out of my mind along the way. It was a blast!
January 9, 2020
Great work!
I would have given the book a lower rating in the beginning because it was reading like product selling article at first. Then, it all fell in place! Masterfully executed! Great action, believable storyline.
PLEASE! Keep them coming!!
I would have given the book a lower rating in the beginning because it was reading like product selling article at first. Then, it all fell in place! Masterfully executed! Great action, believable storyline.
PLEASE! Keep them coming!!
Read
April 17, 2020Outstanding
This was a great read and I look forward to reading the next book. I liked the mentality of the main character and I liked when the author made mention of different Marine Corps related things. I also liked the mention of different pieces of gear.
This was a great read and I look forward to reading the next book. I liked the mentality of the main character and I liked when the author made mention of different Marine Corps related things. I also liked the mention of different pieces of gear.
April 22, 2020
Believable
The author obviously has firearms experience as the details are exacting. Very realistic detail on the tactical movement required for both an offensive and defensive operation
The author obviously has firearms experience as the details are exacting. Very realistic detail on the tactical movement required for both an offensive and defensive operation
May 3, 2020
Good story
Type. Grizzled old guy, young bucks, bad situation. Tough love in spades. Still think that a certain group that wants all of us dead should be put down as soon as possible. Oh, is that hate speech or just the truth?
Type. Grizzled old guy, young bucks, bad situation. Tough love in spades. Still think that a certain group that wants all of us dead should be put down as soon as possible. Oh, is that hate speech or just the truth?
May 14, 2020
Ho hum
Poorly edited. Way too much detail about gear. Seemed like a commercial for various outdoor and clothing equipment. Story lacked drama until the last 20 pages and even that was disjointed.
Poorly edited. Way too much detail about gear. Seemed like a commercial for various outdoor and clothing equipment. Story lacked drama until the last 20 pages and even that was disjointed.
May 20, 2020
Just great
What a good read, it held my interest from start to finish all
people in the book held my interest. Just wish we were able to purchase all the personal protection equipment in England
What a good read, it held my interest from start to finish all
people in the book held my interest. Just wish we were able to purchase all the personal protection equipment in England
July 15, 2020
I fear that this may happen one day
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not being in the military,I did not know a lot about the types of weapons that they were using but the book was good and easy to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not being in the military,I did not know a lot about the types of weapons that they were using but the book was good and easy to read.
February 7, 2021
Good Read
I enjoyed this book a lot. I really liked the commentary on the various weapons and survival gear. There were a couple of plot holes and more than a few typos and grammar issues but that does not bother me much. Looking forward to the next volume.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I really liked the commentary on the various weapons and survival gear. There were a couple of plot holes and more than a few typos and grammar issues but that does not bother me much. Looking forward to the next volume.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews