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The Economic Collapse #1
American Exit Strategy
Matt and Karen Bair thought they were prepared for anything, but can they survive a total collapse of the economic system? If they want to live through the crisis, they’ll have to think fast and move quickly. In a world where all the rules have changed, and savagery is law, those who hesitate pay with their very lives.
America is on the cusp of financial annihilation and desperation pushes society to the brink. Government borrowing and monetary creation reach their limits and funds are no longer available for entitlement programs. The thin veneer of civility quickly gives way, revealing the brutal underside of humanity. Widespread civil unrest erupts across the country making cities unlivable.
Matt and Karen will have to make the most of every resource and opportunity. They must stay alive long enough to adapt to the ominous nightmare that has become the new normal.
Liberty minded individuals will find this near-future, post-apocalyptic, Christian novel to be right up their alley. Those who are looking to be more informed about the potential threats to America’s financial stability will learn what to watch for and how to prepare themselves for an economic collapse.
American Exit Strategy is a work of fiction… until it becomes history.
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.
America is on the cusp of financial annihilation and desperation pushes society to the brink. Government borrowing and monetary creation reach their limits and funds are no longer available for entitlement programs. The thin veneer of civility quickly gives way, revealing the brutal underside of humanity. Widespread civil unrest erupts across the country making cities unlivable.
Matt and Karen will have to make the most of every resource and opportunity. They must stay alive long enough to adapt to the ominous nightmare that has become the new normal.
Liberty minded individuals will find this near-future, post-apocalyptic, Christian novel to be right up their alley. Those who are looking to be more informed about the potential threats to America’s financial stability will learn what to watch for and how to prepare themselves for an economic collapse.
American Exit Strategy is a work of fiction… until it becomes history.
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.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2013
438 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Mark Goodwin
107 books411 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 69 reviews
February 2, 2016
I tried to finish it, the concept of the book seems worth reading... But the extreme religiousness and the poorly written dialog were too much for me. Was obviously written by a prepper and almost read like a guide for prepping (with some crazy religiousness thrown in). I made it over half-way, but it was painful even getting that far. If you believe god is going to punish America for its corruption and want a prepping manual for when that occurs, this book might work for you... Otherwise, there are numerous better written post-apocalyptic books out there.
August 31, 2014
Fact or fiction .....tick tock
great book , I think the end of or reduction of entitlements in the USA might just be the breaking point when the dollar is not worth a penny !
great book , I think the end of or reduction of entitlements in the USA might just be the breaking point when the dollar is not worth a penny !
September 26, 2013
"American Exit Strategy" was a great story! It was a chillingly realistic look at an economic collapse in America. The story occurs in the near future and looks at the challenges of surviving a complete financial meltdown from the perspective of an American family, a Constitutional presidential candidate, and a church pastor.
Unlike other books in this genre, "American Exit Strategy" takes a very in depth look at the economic problems that are likely to cause a real collapse. It also examines the political contributions to the financial turmoil that our country is embedded in.
Unlike other books in this genre, "American Exit Strategy" takes a very in depth look at the economic problems that are likely to cause a real collapse. It also examines the political contributions to the financial turmoil that our country is embedded in.
January 23, 2015
This book defiantly breaks up the stale ground of many survivalist books. Many books rely on outlandish scenarios and main characters that are too good to be true. Every character in the book is relatable. The only former military character is not given extreme skills but is relatable because of the problems of his past. What makes this book very enjoyable is that it uses current events to portray an realistic outcome of our future.
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April 14, 2015
Good read
I've always thought an EMP was our biggest threat, but after reading this book about an economic collapse I can see both as substantial threats. I also see how fragile our economy is and I am thankful for the insight it does appear something is on the cusp. My prayers are for our Nation to turn back to God.
I've always thought an EMP was our biggest threat, but after reading this book about an economic collapse I can see both as substantial threats. I also see how fragile our economy is and I am thankful for the insight it does appear something is on the cusp. My prayers are for our Nation to turn back to God.
June 24, 2018
I really liked this book because of the reality of the situation that the characters were put in. This is a very thought-provoking book and I would recommend it to anyone.
January 3, 2016
Another great book by this author
This is another excellent book by Mark Goodwin.
I love this book because it's so informative, plus it's a great story!
I have read 4 of Mr. Goodwin's books and they are all great.
I would recommend this book to anyone wondering how they might survive any cataclysmic event. Whether it is man caused or natural caused, one must be prepared.
I also highly recommend The Days of Noah, also by this author. Excellent Christian themed series.
This is another excellent book by Mark Goodwin.
I love this book because it's so informative, plus it's a great story!
I have read 4 of Mr. Goodwin's books and they are all great.
I would recommend this book to anyone wondering how they might survive any cataclysmic event. Whether it is man caused or natural caused, one must be prepared.
I also highly recommend The Days of Noah, also by this author. Excellent Christian themed series.
April 28, 2020
It was a hilarious caricature of political parties and american culture. At one point there is a very large verbatim passage from the bible, which I found amusing.
I think this is great when read as a satirical work. Especially now with how the last few years have played out politically and economically.
I think this is great when read as a satirical work. Especially now with how the last few years have played out politically and economically.
May 4, 2015
A Great Read, Educational, and Apocryphal
As he says in his author's biography, Mark "knowledge of economics, politics, prepping and survival [are melded] into an action- packed tapestry of fast- paced, post- apocalyptic fiction."
He's produced a GREAT read, packed with tidbits for preparedness, with a highly interesting story line. I enjoyed this so much, I've bought the next two in the series, which I'll start as soon as I finish this much-deserved review.
Thanks, Mark, for the great book!
As he says in his author's biography, Mark "knowledge of economics, politics, prepping and survival [are melded] into an action- packed tapestry of fast- paced, post- apocalyptic fiction."
He's produced a GREAT read, packed with tidbits for preparedness, with a highly interesting story line. I enjoyed this so much, I've bought the next two in the series, which I'll start as soon as I finish this much-deserved review.
Thanks, Mark, for the great book!
March 13, 2015
Overall, entertaining for a dystopian novel. A lot of true and useful information. I enjoyed his writing, though a little disjointed with the multiple stories going on. Ending was a little abrupt. His book-Days of Noah had better continuity, but this book was more exciting.
October 21, 2013
This is a top notch book in this genre. I look forward to following this series.
March 16, 2014
Great read
what a wake-up called some friends to tell must read. this could and might happen to us tomorrow. gonna buy book 2 shortly
what a wake-up called some friends to tell must read. this could and might happen to us tomorrow. gonna buy book 2 shortly
January 7, 2015
Plausible with familiar characters
Good book overall. Read quickly and am ready for the next book. So far characters are believable and developing well.
Good book overall. Read quickly and am ready for the next book. So far characters are believable and developing well.
December 30, 2015
An outstanding realistic read.
And outstanding realistic read. I highly recommend this if you like this type novel and are interested in this type of subject matter
And outstanding realistic read. I highly recommend this if you like this type novel and are interested in this type of subject matter
September 4, 2018
I really appreciate the lack of "Rapture" theology in this book. Mark Goodwin hit the mark with me there. This is a down to earth look at how an economic collapse could spiral the US out of control.
December 30, 2019
A little overly religious. How about some character development?
I thought I was getting a survivalist book, so based on the positive ratings I bought 3 books in this series during a sale. The author spends an inordinate amount of time de-humanizing everyone who is not the main character and wraps that guy up in an impenetrable blanket of good old fashioned Southern wisdom. Everyone else is a "mealie-mouthed liberal" or a "go along to get along neo-conservative". Republicans suck. Dems suck. He has all the answers and if you are not with him and his way of doing things, you suck.
Bad leaders have foreign-sounding names. The media is overtly Left-biased. Debate moderator is left-biased while moderating a 3 party political debate. She is a little ditzy, blonde, and has an obviously Jewish last name.
Christians are good. Guns are good. His church has its own gun range so...ultra-good.
The South is good. The North, not so much.
Political policies on healthcare, social justice, education, you name it are tackled one after the other with pithy, overly simplistic solutions that harken back to "The Good Ol Days".
Other books in this genre have explored this angle with varying degrees of success However, this one completely lacks character development or intellectual content beyond name-calling and stereotypes. Pretty much everyone with a different point of view is either an idiot or an evil manipulator. -I am not saying that this is a bad way to sell books in this climate... but the content is weak-sauce and boring.
I returned all 3 books.
Some alternatives that you may also like are:
The Survivalist Series by A. American
Borrowed World Series by Franklin Horton
Extinction Cycle Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith - This is a zombie book but a good angle on it and great character development.
Lights Out by Ted Koppel - This is non-fiction and hard-hitting and a must-try.
Two classics of the genre.
Alas Babylon
One Second After
I thought I was getting a survivalist book, so based on the positive ratings I bought 3 books in this series during a sale. The author spends an inordinate amount of time de-humanizing everyone who is not the main character and wraps that guy up in an impenetrable blanket of good old fashioned Southern wisdom. Everyone else is a "mealie-mouthed liberal" or a "go along to get along neo-conservative". Republicans suck. Dems suck. He has all the answers and if you are not with him and his way of doing things, you suck.
Bad leaders have foreign-sounding names. The media is overtly Left-biased. Debate moderator is left-biased while moderating a 3 party political debate. She is a little ditzy, blonde, and has an obviously Jewish last name.
Christians are good. Guns are good. His church has its own gun range so...ultra-good.
The South is good. The North, not so much.
Political policies on healthcare, social justice, education, you name it are tackled one after the other with pithy, overly simplistic solutions that harken back to "The Good Ol Days".
Other books in this genre have explored this angle with varying degrees of success However, this one completely lacks character development or intellectual content beyond name-calling and stereotypes. Pretty much everyone with a different point of view is either an idiot or an evil manipulator. -I am not saying that this is a bad way to sell books in this climate... but the content is weak-sauce and boring.
I returned all 3 books.
Some alternatives that you may also like are:
The Survivalist Series by A. American
Borrowed World Series by Franklin Horton
Extinction Cycle Series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith - This is a zombie book but a good angle on it and great character development.
Lights Out by Ted Koppel - This is non-fiction and hard-hitting and a must-try.
Two classics of the genre.
Alas Babylon
One Second After
October 28, 2019
The Economic Collapse Chronicles tell the story of a near-future dystopia in America. The economy has collapsed as a result of an overloaded welfare system and massive government borrowing, spending, and overreach. The president of the United States, who was elected against the will of the people through the Electoral College, turns the country into a police state. States begin to secede as a result and civil war ensues. American patriots defend their newly born coalition of states in the hope of a brighter future for their children.
This book reminds me of The Turner Diaries without the racial bigotry. The author, Mark Goodwin, goes into quite a bit of detail in relation to the position that the Sixteenth Amendment cannot be used to justify income taxes. He also discusses a lot of American history that most people are ignorant of through his inter-character dialogue. Apart from being an awesome adventure story, I actually learned some things about the above mentioned topics and financial planning in case of an economic collapse.
The author is clearly a Christian and there are strong Christian themes throughout the book. I rate this title an A+ and would highly recommend it.
This book reminds me of The Turner Diaries without the racial bigotry. The author, Mark Goodwin, goes into quite a bit of detail in relation to the position that the Sixteenth Amendment cannot be used to justify income taxes. He also discusses a lot of American history that most people are ignorant of through his inter-character dialogue. Apart from being an awesome adventure story, I actually learned some things about the above mentioned topics and financial planning in case of an economic collapse.
The author is clearly a Christian and there are strong Christian themes throughout the book. I rate this title an A+ and would highly recommend it.
March 4, 2021
I gave this book one star just so that I could review it.
Kevin Pierce is one of my favorite narrators of all time and not even he could save this book! I was rolling my eyes within five minutes. I am not Republican Democrat or libertarian I don’t really know where I fall. Probably a lot of my ideas do lineup more with libertarian. I am a registered gun owner who carries. I’m also a tiny bit of a prepper. What I am not is religious. I am an atheist but I do live by the Golden rule. I can imagine that Mark, the author, is a southern preacher in an area where not a single person of color has ever felt safe. He’s also probably never been close with anyone who works 2-3 jobs to survive. Do yourself a favor and skip this series. I can’t even get through an hour of this crap.
If I wanted the Bible to be read to me line for line I ’m sure I could buy that on audiobook or go to a church!
If I’d paid for this I’d be asking for a refund!
Really the book gets zero stars!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Kevin Pierce is one of my favorite narrators of all time and not even he could save this book! I was rolling my eyes within five minutes. I am not Republican Democrat or libertarian I don’t really know where I fall. Probably a lot of my ideas do lineup more with libertarian. I am a registered gun owner who carries. I’m also a tiny bit of a prepper. What I am not is religious. I am an atheist but I do live by the Golden rule. I can imagine that Mark, the author, is a southern preacher in an area where not a single person of color has ever felt safe. He’s also probably never been close with anyone who works 2-3 jobs to survive. Do yourself a favor and skip this series. I can’t even get through an hour of this crap.
If I wanted the Bible to be read to me line for line I ’m sure I could buy that on audiobook or go to a church!
If I’d paid for this I’d be asking for a refund!
Really the book gets zero stars!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 2, 2024
More than several times, I had to tell myself this was a work of fiction. I say that to myself when confronting a profoundly stupid plot twist.
This is a book that has a very good handle on expected results from government actions. Yes, there are broad stereotypes that are race based. The author seems to have some knowledge of firearms and their workings which was a pleasant surprise for this genre of books.
If I had a chance to talk to the author, I would tell him that it is wonderful he is a fellow Christian. If I want to read Bible passages, I'd read the Bible again, not some work of fiction based on economic collapse. I found this along with quotes from our founders, a distraction from the book. Every chapter had this, these alone took up maybe 10-12 pages of the book. Not a big deal, just a unnecessary distraction.
The book also had some editing problems. A very minor problem in my opinion with a few misspelled words and awkward spacing. Discounting the above, a good read.
This is a book that has a very good handle on expected results from government actions. Yes, there are broad stereotypes that are race based. The author seems to have some knowledge of firearms and their workings which was a pleasant surprise for this genre of books.
If I had a chance to talk to the author, I would tell him that it is wonderful he is a fellow Christian. If I want to read Bible passages, I'd read the Bible again, not some work of fiction based on economic collapse. I found this along with quotes from our founders, a distraction from the book. Every chapter had this, these alone took up maybe 10-12 pages of the book. Not a big deal, just a unnecessary distraction.
The book also had some editing problems. A very minor problem in my opinion with a few misspelled words and awkward spacing. Discounting the above, a good read.
May 15, 2018
This book is a pretty bad fictional novel but a reasonable "potential scenario, detailed, with a guide for survival" for an economic collapse and subsequent societal breakdown in the US. Not the stupid "zombie hordes where all law and order immediately breaks down and preppers burn through cases of ammo on their AR-15s", but plausible reductions in government programs, paralysis, and consequences.
The protagonists (and presumably author) are fairly far right, Christian, "traditional" types, which may not appeal to everyone, but it's a solid book in terms of a potential scenario and how one would see it emerging and deal with it. There are sections where the narrative is broken by a character explaining technical details and facts in a way intended for the reader's benefit, but that's probably why most people read the book.
It doesn't exactly end a a cliffhanger, but there's no real resolution, so the trilogy is probably an all-or-nothing read.
The protagonists (and presumably author) are fairly far right, Christian, "traditional" types, which may not appeal to everyone, but it's a solid book in terms of a potential scenario and how one would see it emerging and deal with it. There are sections where the narrative is broken by a character explaining technical details and facts in a way intended for the reader's benefit, but that's probably why most people read the book.
It doesn't exactly end a a cliffhanger, but there's no real resolution, so the trilogy is probably an all-or-nothing read.
September 25, 2020
There were some elements of this book that I really enjoyed, as I am all about apocalyptic / dystopian / calamity stories. This one dealt with the real world possibility (dare I say likelihood?) of a total US economic collapse, which leads to the suspension of many civil liberties and a nasty police state. Most of the action was typical of the early stages of an apocalyptic story, and it was actually pretty decent story telling.
What I really didn't like was the over-the-top religious zealotry. The author really described the most cliche stereotypical cadre of anti-government / off-the-grid / prepper / evangelicals that I could imagine. It was almost to the point of eye rolling.
Anyway... I'm torn. Beyond all the good-ole-boy, hell fire and brimstone, the story was pretty decent. I might read book two.
What I really didn't like was the over-the-top religious zealotry. The author really described the most cliche stereotypical cadre of anti-government / off-the-grid / prepper / evangelicals that I could imagine. It was almost to the point of eye rolling.
Anyway... I'm torn. Beyond all the good-ole-boy, hell fire and brimstone, the story was pretty decent. I might read book two.
December 4, 2021
Wake Up and Get Ready
Mark Goodwin has a great ability to describe in detail the implications of too much national debt and the media manipulation of reality to keep the masses under control. This book may be fiction but it is not hard to see how it could easily be reality in our nation. Resilience is built over time and thru effort to prepare for potential catastrophes, but mentally and physically. Reading Mark’s books, listening to his podcasts, and following his advise one day at a time can make the difference between surviving or being crushed in the fallout of poor decisions, greed, and power plays by our self-serving national leaders. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. What will you do with it?
Mark Goodwin has a great ability to describe in detail the implications of too much national debt and the media manipulation of reality to keep the masses under control. This book may be fiction but it is not hard to see how it could easily be reality in our nation. Resilience is built over time and thru effort to prepare for potential catastrophes, but mentally and physically. Reading Mark’s books, listening to his podcasts, and following his advise one day at a time can make the difference between surviving or being crushed in the fallout of poor decisions, greed, and power plays by our self-serving national leaders. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. What will you do with it?
July 17, 2022
The writing was clunky and awkward at times. It did aim to share some teachings about preparation. I would recommend One Second After Series and Going Home series. I was looking for something similar when I bought this book.
The author has a podcast Prepper Recon which I plan to checkout as well. Although Prepper Talk Radio is one I would absolutely recommend. People want to believe rhe government will save us all if SHITF but they won't. They literally don't have the resources and it's on us to prepare ourselves which we ought to be doing now. This book did give a taste of the disaster putting all your eggs in the basket can be. Think Hurricane Katrina, think Covid the time is now to prepare for what is to come.
If you are prepared ye shall not fear.
The author has a podcast Prepper Recon which I plan to checkout as well. Although Prepper Talk Radio is one I would absolutely recommend. People want to believe rhe government will save us all if SHITF but they won't. They literally don't have the resources and it's on us to prepare ourselves which we ought to be doing now. This book did give a taste of the disaster putting all your eggs in the basket can be. Think Hurricane Katrina, think Covid the time is now to prepare for what is to come.
If you are prepared ye shall not fear.
June 19, 2020
You’ve read books based on the aftermath of zombies, pandemics, and electromagnetic pulses. But what if the country came to the brink after an economic collapse? That’s the basis for this book, and in general, it’s not a bad read. Be forewarned, however, that the author’s conservative Christian viewpoint is blatant. Sometimes I think authors would be better served writing a discourse than writing fiction, but I still found the logistics preparation fascinating. If you’re conservative, you’ll appreciate the full package. If you’re more liberally minded, well, honestly the plot line is not compelling enough to make this a good read.
January 19, 2018
Too close for comfort
Once again The author has hit too close for comfort. Anyone who does not see what is going on around us is denying themselves and their loved ones from being informed from all the warnings that hopefully would prepare & have things needed to survive if situations arises. The book is extremely easy to get engrossed with. The story does grip you & makes you think. Mark Goodwin quickly has become one of my favorite authors. The audiable books are a big bonus, the narrator is great! Well, need to go and get the next in series.
Once again The author has hit too close for comfort. Anyone who does not see what is going on around us is denying themselves and their loved ones from being informed from all the warnings that hopefully would prepare & have things needed to survive if situations arises. The book is extremely easy to get engrossed with. The story does grip you & makes you think. Mark Goodwin quickly has become one of my favorite authors. The audiable books are a big bonus, the narrator is great! Well, need to go and get the next in series.
January 27, 2020
This is a really good book in which I would call reality fiction.
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in America’s future as well as those who are interested in the true economics of this country. Fortin it is laid out what is really going on economically with our bank system. It explains what could truly happen if there is a collapse of the American dollar. I am probably going to go to the next one in the series very soon as I am very much looking forward to see how this series will turn out.
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in America’s future as well as those who are interested in the true economics of this country. Fortin it is laid out what is really going on economically with our bank system. It explains what could truly happen if there is a collapse of the American dollar. I am probably going to go to the next one in the series very soon as I am very much looking forward to see how this series will turn out.
October 4, 2018
Great read and warning.
This book proposes one possible scenario to cause a cultural and economic end to life as we know it today. It's an entirely plausible situation. What's so special, is that the book hints at what actions may be required to survive. It's especially on target about describing how the more complacent members of society will react. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, this book carries an air of prophecy. Can't wait to read the 2nd book!
This book proposes one possible scenario to cause a cultural and economic end to life as we know it today. It's an entirely plausible situation. What's so special, is that the book hints at what actions may be required to survive. It's especially on target about describing how the more complacent members of society will react. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, this book carries an air of prophecy. Can't wait to read the 2nd book!
December 3, 2024
I enjoyed the book once I got past the first couple of chapters. A quick read with plenty of quick page turning.
A few typo/grammar errors, but not enough to be distracting. A bit more scripture at the very beginning than I prefer for a casual read novel. I would rather study the Bible during my daily Bible study time. At bedtime/reading time, I'm not so inclined to meditate on scripture--just me.
A few typo/grammar errors, but not enough to be distracting. A bit more scripture at the very beginning than I prefer for a casual read novel. I would rather study the Bible during my daily Bible study time. At bedtime/reading time, I'm not so inclined to meditate on scripture--just me.
May 16, 2019
Great Book
Another great book by Mark Goodwin! I’m very into these books he writes and love the religious tone he also puts into them. I’ll be continuing on to book 2 and hopefully book 3 here soon!
If your into end of the world type drama and doomsday preparations then Mark Goodwin is the guy to read he has several series out and I haven’t been disappointed yet!
Another great book by Mark Goodwin! I’m very into these books he writes and love the religious tone he also puts into them. I’ll be continuing on to book 2 and hopefully book 3 here soon!
If your into end of the world type drama and doomsday preparations then Mark Goodwin is the guy to read he has several series out and I haven’t been disappointed yet!
September 1, 2020
A warning to heed!
I actually read this book a few years back. I wanted to read it again to compare it to what has happened since then. It is amazing that we continue to dig this hole. The crash of the EBT system emphasizes how interlinked our economic system is. One program falls and it is like dominoes. We are in a course that is not sustainable. Prepare and pray.
I actually read this book a few years back. I wanted to read it again to compare it to what has happened since then. It is amazing that we continue to dig this hole. The crash of the EBT system emphasizes how interlinked our economic system is. One program falls and it is like dominoes. We are in a course that is not sustainable. Prepare and pray.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews