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Still Surviving #5

Dark Secrets

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The KGR seems unstoppable. To beat them, Wes fears he may have to become what he hates. An unfeeling man capable of unspeakable things. Raider, Yaeger and Diesel all try to keep the humans they own and protect safe, but the enemy seems to come in overwhelming numbers and better supplied than the humans left at the homestead. They must keep their people safe, but not everyone they protect are really their friends. Some are working against Westley's group from within, and the doggos must try to sniff out the traitor. Betrayal and secrets surround them, even some that explain Wes’s mother leaving him with his grandparents. The homestead must ferret out the traitor and shed light on these dark secrets if they have any hope of still surviving.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2019

264 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

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Boyd Craven

57 books171 followers

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5 stars
462 (70%)
4 stars
148 (22%)
3 stars
34 (5%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
422 reviews56 followers
June 25, 2021
Can't choose family

It ended on a high note. The author did a really great job bringing the story to a close. Wow the history you learn about the family that makes satisfied with the ending.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
December 16, 2019
Still Surviving.. . and so is Raider.

Well. The story ended. The thing with series - after you read the last book you HAVE to re-read them again but back to back. It's funny how some things just slip your mind from book 1 to Book 5. The ending summed everything up nicely....not like The cliffhanger with Raider. Grrrrrr . I have read all of this author's books. I have never been disappointed except for the Raider incident. I definitely recommend this book, this series, heck.. All of his books. Enjoy!

Most memorable quote. Not just for Wes but for everyone ..... "“Intent?” I asked him, my voice hitching. “Yes,” he said softly. “Any and all of that guilt you’re feeling … judge yourself. What was your intent? Has your intent ever been for pure evil?”"


The author's dedication to his Grandfather had me crying. How wonderful to have your family surround you before leaving for his final adventure.
186 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
All current books in series read.
A decent and we'll over written scenario of good/bad guys and girls after electricity failure in USA.

Rather simplistic and basically the same old worn out story that keeps being rewritten by more authors. Very little in the way of back story on how so many vehicles with gas or deisel are seemingly available to some, not others. Same seems to be true with weapons and ammunition, water, food, medical supplies, etc. Very loosely told.

The characters are somewhat interesting, but really seem to be overly embellished with qualifications that seem not to fit their limited background. Some things just seem to magically appear in the storyline with out any developments or background.

Series was mildly entertaining with the characters chosen, the story is rather worn.
4 reviews
January 27, 2020
Still Crazy Like a Fox...i

This series has become one of my favorites and I was very torn that, like all good things, it has to end. Body's characters are rich and realistic to any true Southerner. The conflicts-actual, mental, spiritual and militaristic- are well written and realistic.The portrayals of both the poverty and richness of farm life truly hit home for someone raised in a Louisiana 3 room Shotgun farmhome with no bathroom and no running water inside.

The community and family portrayals come through any BS detector with nary a foul odor released and while some minor typos may be found, the whole story rings true and sure. Many thanks to Boyd, and, sir, you can bet that your Grandpa is sitting up on his hay bale, finger cocked through the jugring, just a'cackling with glee, with you siccing Raider on Foghorn every day.
44 reviews
March 11, 2020
Great end to a good series

Wes was a good foil for this series. He is strong willed but has many doubts that he is able to control . There are many people who work at cross purpose in this the last of the series. Alliances and plots come together and many secrets are revealed that answer questions some that date back to before the power outage suffered due to a Coronal Mass Ejection. Wes, Jessica and Grandma manage to make it through the battles and other travail somewhat worse for the wear but alive . This is the finale to a very violent and surprising end. I recommend this book and the series it is a part of.
1,477 reviews25 followers
July 17, 2021
Dark Secrets : Still Surviving. Boyd Craven III

The last book in this series, and what a series! This is a story of survival in the harshest of scenarios.It makes me think of the words to a song, "a country boy can survive." The Flagg family in Arkansas are a strong, God fearing family. When the chaos from a natural, atmospheric EMP hits they exist the way they always. They are used to hard times . As the story unfolds there friends also become family. There are traitors amongst the clan but in the end this family and there friends survive. An excellent read!!Enjoyed immensely!!! My highest recommendation!!
Profile Image for Vickii Bendit.
214 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2019

Among those of us who follow the author Boyd Craven III we have a rallying cry at the end of every novel in a series, “Dammit Boyd!” In this one, though, the cry is a little softer, mingled with tears. “Dammit, Boyd,” I softly uttered while reading the last words. From the first book in the “Still Surviving” series to this, the last book, I became completely submerged in Westley’s world. I thought it fairly simple and straight forward, well as straight as the master wordsmith, Craven, can make a story. But in this last book you find that there hidden signs all through the other four books that you never saw coming. If you enjoy a good read, cliffhangers (Dammit Boyd!), and just good old fashioned story telling, you’ve GOT to read Craven’s “Still Surviving” series.
264 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2019
Dammit Boyd!

What a great storyline in this one! Once again, Boyd has proven his ability to make you feel like one of the characters in the book. I can envision Wes, Jessica and the furry missiles trying to survive in rural Arkansas while taking care of all the others.
This time you have totally messed with my mind as to who the characters really are. The ones I thought good were bad, then good again. And all I can say about the end is Dammit Boyd! Thanks for writing another one that I couldn't put down. Now write us another.
Profile Image for Shannon.
386 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2021
This series was interesting. I liked some of the core characters. Some of the writing was quite repetitive. Rephrasing* of previous sentences was a bit annoying. Wes' experience as a hunter, giving him his stealth abilities was over referenced I believe. Grandma had to be the character I loved most. The recap of the entire base of the story at the end...was a bit redundant to me. I feel just telling the bits we missed would have done the same. Overall not a terrible read. I would read more work from Boyd.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,960 reviews65 followers
March 16, 2021
The much anticipated confrontation with Spider has arrived. I spent most of the book, like Wes, trying to figure out what on earth was going on. The mystery was compelling and the truth and plot twists almost over the top. I feel that I judged Emily too harshly in earlier books and her backstory now makes a lot of sense. This final book of the series wrapped everything up in a satisfying way with a lot of hope for the future. I also appreciated the very sweet tribute the author had for his grandfather at the end.
Profile Image for Dennis Reynolds.
85 reviews
December 16, 2019
Wonderfully written book !!!!

Finally all the loose ends tied up and questions answered from books 1-4. Boyd Craven the 3rd is one of my all time favourite authors, a FB friend, and an amazing writer and storyteller. I can never get enough of his books ! It was great the way the ending in this book finally tied everything together. Wes found out his origins, his family connections, and relief from the constant fighting to survive. I can't wait for Boyd's next book !!!!!
264 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2020
Great 'til the Last Word.

Well, I'm sorry I've finished the last book of the series and while it doesn't disappoint in any way shape or form, I just hate to leave the characters. Hopefully one day we will see these friends again....see how Mary grows up...and meet the little one on the way. I so enjoyed this story and hope many more people will as well.
Profile Image for Mark.
429 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2020
The apocalypse hits some twists and turns. It's been a while since I've read book four so it was hard to keep track of all of the characters without any context. What saved the story and moved it close to a five-star read was the unexpected twists. The series closes with enough plot turns to make it stick with you and make you want to go back to read the other four books again.
19 reviews
May 9, 2021
Boyd’s best series I’ve read so far!

Boyd is the master of the post apocalyptic genre! Great characters and storylines! Enjoy his knowledge without overdoing it n boring you with details(alla, Clancy) the editing could use some work but it’s not enough to bother me! Looking forward to reading another series! AND BOYD, you MUST CONTINUE “the Farm” series PLEASE!!!!!
144 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2023
Dark Secrets

I guess I have never really thought about Hill Billy's properly before, ( I did as a child watch Beverly hillbilly's) and enjoyed the fact they enjoyed life, but living in Canada now ( moved from England) 40 years ago, I struggle with some of the story lines! Having said that, I enjoyed most of the series, thank you for the distraction.
267 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2024
Fast read. OK characters. Several spots look like it wasn’t proof read. One paragraph shows guy shot to death and next paragraph has him talking. Another section has on dog inside and two dogs outside. Next action has all three dogs rushing inside when door opened. The author writes these books fast.
258 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2024
Dark secrets

I read all five books in two weeks, l love the characters and the adventures they go threw. I am a complete dog lover so having them in the story made my day. If you haven't read Boyd Craves books your missing out .so pick it up and start reading ,but expect a lack of sleep when you read it half the night!!
37 reviews
December 17, 2019
Wonderfully written

This series is a wonderfully written with a number of twist, turns, and intrigue but the best part was the dedication at the end. Thank you Boyd lll for sharing that part of your life.
15 reviews
December 17, 2019
Still surviving

damm Boyd....your writing and story telling just keep improving. Dark Secrets was the best series I have read this year.!
Can't wait to see what you have in store for your fans next!
3 reviews
December 26, 2019
Dammit Boyd!

Another great read. There are enough plot twists to make even the most twisted minds stop and think. I had to put it down several times to get the scene firmly in my head.
Profile Image for Lowell Moore.
187 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2020
A good book

Craven is a very good writer and if you like dystopian novels,his books are for you. He writes like a good 'ok boy which I think he is. They say it takes one to know one.
17 reviews
January 26, 2020
Wow! Good reading!!

I have read several of Boyd Cravens books and I really enjoyed all of them. I plan to read everything he has wrote. When you read his work it’s like you are right there in the middle of whatever is going on!
Profile Image for Charlene.
680 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2020
Loved

I loved this book and all of the characters and dogs. Another great book by Boyd Craven III. I would recommend this book and the complete series. I listened to this book on audiobook with Kevin Pierce as narrator and he was great.
824 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2020
Very entertaining

The last volume in one of the most entertaining series I have read. A country boy can survive, an old Hank Williams song rings true throughout the series. Heart breaking at times. Action packed drama. There are sweet moments and a few laughs.
Profile Image for Barbara Gilbert.
Author 6 books26 followers
April 16, 2020
Amazing

Love this story. There were so many twists and turns and surprises it kept you turning the pages. I enjoyed the ending. Boyd didn't leave us hanging this time. LOL. This is a great story with great characters. A must read.
Profile Image for D. Jackson.
109 reviews
April 24, 2020
Pike County

This is a very believable story! Strong characters! Lots of twist and turns along with The Who done it’s and I didn’t know he or she was my kin folks. One of the best dang series of lights out I’ve ever read. Kudos Mr. Craven!
300 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2020
Boom!

What a grand finale! Amazing twists and unexpected turns brought this family saga to a heady conclusion. And no fur bodies were lost in the melee. Dammit Boyd, your Grandpa Boyd would be proud of you!
14 reviews
April 29, 2021
Great series.

I have really enjoyed this series so much! Characters are so human and real life. Also like all the technical stuff and how to make due without modern convenience. Looking forward to reading another Craven book.
42 reviews
May 1, 2021
What a Hero!

Wesley! WOW the unexpected hero. Not your special forces, knows all the tricks, but the tricks Wesley pulls shows good old down home backwoods hill folks have it going on! Hated AND Loved to see it end! Worth savoring every single word..
Profile Image for judith ann marano.
135 reviews
June 26, 2021
Great read

Excellent series. I really enjoyed this series and the ending will surprise all readers. I won’t give it away because that would just be mean. Boyd you did it. You worked your manic again and wrapped it up with a perfect ending. Now to find more books you’ve written.
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