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The Ranch
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by Sean Liscom Jason Sterling had a simple life by all accounts. He had worked the same job his entire adult life, he had never married and he had no children. He was used to doing things on his own. His comfortable life was shaken to the core the day he learned of his fathers death. It set in motion life altering events and the allure of a new life that was too great to walk away from. When an Electromagnetic Pulse brings the modern world to its knees, Jason's choice proves to be the right one. EXCERPT “You should see yourselves,” the rough male voice said. There was something eerily familiar about it. He chuckled a little. “You see, I told you girls, didn’t I? The looks on their faces would be purely magical, priceless even!” the man said. The two women stepped farther into the light. They were identical twins. I knew one as Kari, Braden knew the other as Isabella. When the man stepped into the light. My heart stopped. “OH….” Jill said quietly. “MY….” I whispered. “GOD….” Braden finished. “Is that any way to greet your father and your sisters?” Jack Sterling asked as the trio closed to a few feet from us. I felt my knees go weak; my head was spinning. I wasn’t even sure if I was still breathing. The fine line that separates reality from imagination was suddenly gone. What had only a few minutes before been a straight, defined path, had become shrouded in a mist of skepticism and fear. Just before I’d lost sight of that path, I could swear I’d seen a “Dangerous Curves” road sign. I also knew things were travelling far too fast to even attempt negotiating those twists and turns. There are times when reacting too slowly can save your life. For instance; you have a blowout on your car at 70 MPH on the freeway. Reacting slowly can keep you from doing the opposite and rolling your car. This wasn’t one of those times. This wreck was going to happen. Just like the blowout, I was experiencing the sudden onslaught of emotions. Panic.... Surprise.... Anger.... Most of all was fear. Pure, unadulterated fear. You know, the kind of fear that leaves you unable to speak or scream. The fear that leaves you unable to move, let alone run for your life. The fear that can cause time to stop along with your heart. A slight breeze picked up in the late summer night and it felt like a blast straight out of the arctic, in the dead of winter. I could feel the goosebumps on my arms and neck. Even though I was sweating profusely, my entire body was frozen. All I could do was stand there, mouth open, thoughts racing. My mind was beginning to explode with questions for the man before me, my father, Jack Sterling. Every thought stopped just short of exiting my mouth. The words prob-ably couldn’t get past the fact that my heart was jammed firmly in my throat. That’s probably the same reason I hadn’t taken a breath either. Was I dead? Was this the spirit of my father coming to take me into the light? That thought left as quickly as it had come only to be replaced by anoth-er, darker notion. Maybe he had come to take me to Hell.... I stood, unmoving, as he began to cover the last few steps between us. This was it. This is how it all ended. He stopped less than an arm’s length away. I could smell him now. The slightest hint of body odor with just a hint of diesel fuel. The only scent of him that I could remember was his cologne. He’d always been clean shaven, wearing a pressed blue or black suit and that damned cologne. He reached for me, and as much as I wanted to, I was unable to pull away. I wanted to run away screaming like a small child. I could feel my muscles tremble as his hand came ever closer.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2019
1022 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 5, 2025
Phew, this storyline was flying past me at breakneck speed. I had to take a few breaks from reading this as it was quite intense with the plotting, espionage, murders, and overall badassery.
Tropes/themes:
EMP apocalypse
Collapse of modern society
Found family
Military strategy
Badass women
Overwhelming odds
So many side characters
Wonderful relationship between MCs
Cliffhanger ending!
As with the previous books in this series, the women characters are likable and strong!
Tropes/themes:
EMP apocalypse
Collapse of modern society
Found family
Military strategy
Badass women
Overwhelming odds
So many side characters
Wonderful relationship between MCs
Cliffhanger ending!
As with the previous books in this series, the women characters are likable and strong!
July 5, 2020
Big step down from previous books in series. Still needs a good editor.
January 1, 2025
“It’s people like you, people that took the initiative on day one, that are going to be the basis for putting this country back together.”
Jack Sterling is back.
Jack’s explanations. The global elites: the true ringleaders. Turns out, Ray Judge and his ilk were only a small part of what’s going on in the United States…and the world.
The disclosures of the other Ranches: One in North Dakota, and one in Costa Rica.
And the ARK facility in Los Angeles.
Jack, “pushing seventy,” has very questionable motivations.
Kari and Isabella, the twins, are revealed for who they truly are.
Different structure and narrative in this novel; Sean flexes his versatility here.
Love Kari and Melissa.
Jane Dixon, the new President—based out of Austin, Texas. The division of the country: East of the Mississippi River, and West.
Colonel Jason and Lieutenant Colonel Jill.
Jack’s escape; Melissa’s abduction.
“If you must stay here, you will have to be the lighthouse in the darkness.”
Jason’s steadfast leadership in the face of dire peril.
Tyler Banks, the leader—and new Colonel—of the Ambrose, North Dakota Ranch.
Good ending. Very unusual epilogue that raises eyebrows.
Ever the gentleman, Sean thanks his readers.
“This is going to make the EMP look like a stroll in the park, ain’t it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Jack Sterling is back.
Jack’s explanations. The global elites: the true ringleaders. Turns out, Ray Judge and his ilk were only a small part of what’s going on in the United States…and the world.
The disclosures of the other Ranches: One in North Dakota, and one in Costa Rica.
And the ARK facility in Los Angeles.
Jack, “pushing seventy,” has very questionable motivations.
Kari and Isabella, the twins, are revealed for who they truly are.
Different structure and narrative in this novel; Sean flexes his versatility here.
Love Kari and Melissa.
Jane Dixon, the new President—based out of Austin, Texas. The division of the country: East of the Mississippi River, and West.
Colonel Jason and Lieutenant Colonel Jill.
Jack’s escape; Melissa’s abduction.
“If you must stay here, you will have to be the lighthouse in the darkness.”
Jason’s steadfast leadership in the face of dire peril.
Tyler Banks, the leader—and new Colonel—of the Ambrose, North Dakota Ranch.
Good ending. Very unusual epilogue that raises eyebrows.
Ever the gentleman, Sean thanks his readers.
“This is going to make the EMP look like a stroll in the park, ain’t it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
February 2, 2020
Though this is not Zompoc, If you like DJ Molles and James Cook, you'll like this series.
I have very high standards when it comes to finding something new to read. I've tried countless authors in Kindle, many of which have numerous books and get rave reviews. I typically read one chapter and I'm done. The two main things that ruin it for me are grammatical errors and unrealistic character interaction (usually conversation or behavior). While this series does have it's share of errors they are tolerable and easily overlooked. If you're a stickler like me you'll enjoy this series. Well done Mr. Liscom. I hope you prosper but please be careful to not let greed (yours or someone else's) destroy your endeavor. Best of luck.
I have very high standards when it comes to finding something new to read. I've tried countless authors in Kindle, many of which have numerous books and get rave reviews. I typically read one chapter and I'm done. The two main things that ruin it for me are grammatical errors and unrealistic character interaction (usually conversation or behavior). While this series does have it's share of errors they are tolerable and easily overlooked. If you're a stickler like me you'll enjoy this series. Well done Mr. Liscom. I hope you prosper but please be careful to not let greed (yours or someone else's) destroy your endeavor. Best of luck.
February 23, 2020
WOW!
I don't know how Sean does it. Again, he has written another book that surpasses his previous books, which were stupendous tomes. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. His development of the characters in his book is beyond comparison. The storyline of this book is very. very imaginative. Each page holds excitement and I found it hopeless to guess what each page would tell. There is a strong likelyhood that some of what he portrays may actually come true in the next ten years - if not sooner. Sean thank you for another great book. I devoured this book in two days. I found it difficult, if not impossible, to put this book down. THANK YOU!
I don't know how Sean does it. Again, he has written another book that surpasses his previous books, which were stupendous tomes. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. His development of the characters in his book is beyond comparison. The storyline of this book is very. very imaginative. Each page holds excitement and I found it hopeless to guess what each page would tell. There is a strong likelyhood that some of what he portrays may actually come true in the next ten years - if not sooner. Sean thank you for another great book. I devoured this book in two days. I found it difficult, if not impossible, to put this book down. THANK YOU!
August 11, 2023
Jack is the man!
I love Jack! He may be completely out of his mind, but in some cases, he is right. The way it is done is wrong, but I still agree! The story was full of emotions and plot twist. The point that is made, everyone has the ability to be both good or bad, the edge is very close when you are emotional and have just taken all you are going to. You wrote a good Kingish style of thriller that was full of some of the best qualities of the characters. I hope the rest of the series is just as good. As for the people who don't think this is the way things could go, stop living in your dream world and grow up! Soapbox again, sorry.
I love Jack! He may be completely out of his mind, but in some cases, he is right. The way it is done is wrong, but I still agree! The story was full of emotions and plot twist. The point that is made, everyone has the ability to be both good or bad, the edge is very close when you are emotional and have just taken all you are going to. You wrote a good Kingish style of thriller that was full of some of the best qualities of the characters. I hope the rest of the series is just as good. As for the people who don't think this is the way things could go, stop living in your dream world and grow up! Soapbox again, sorry.
November 2, 2023
What a wild ride!
The Ranch is an amazing series. This is book 3 of 7. They are not standalones and should be read in order. I am incredibly happy that the other books are already available! I can't wait to continue this wild ride.
As always, one of my very favorite things about this series is the focus on community and the future. I really like the way the characters are developing. And that epilogue!! Wild!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is 16ish or older. There is mild cursing and violence but no intimacy. I would consider this as mostly clean but would still recommend it not for younger teens due to sensitive subject matters.
The Ranch is an amazing series. This is book 3 of 7. They are not standalones and should be read in order. I am incredibly happy that the other books are already available! I can't wait to continue this wild ride.
As always, one of my very favorite things about this series is the focus on community and the future. I really like the way the characters are developing. And that epilogue!! Wild!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is 16ish or older. There is mild cursing and violence but no intimacy. I would consider this as mostly clean but would still recommend it not for younger teens due to sensitive subject matters.
December 28, 2019
Wholly Satisfying
Liscom's third in The Ranch series delivers all the action, suspense and humor of the other two installations with the added benefit of actually providing a realistically frightening resolution. My only frustration was repeated errors in possessive and plural forms that seemed to multiply in this and the previous volume along with the occasional your/you're confusion.
Liscom's style is engaging, emotionally thoughtful and exceptionally readable. I will be following to see what other creative apocalyptic scenarios he can produce!
Liscom's third in The Ranch series delivers all the action, suspense and humor of the other two installations with the added benefit of actually providing a realistically frightening resolution. My only frustration was repeated errors in possessive and plural forms that seemed to multiply in this and the previous volume along with the occasional your/you're confusion.
Liscom's style is engaging, emotionally thoughtful and exceptionally readable. I will be following to see what other creative apocalyptic scenarios he can produce!
January 16, 2020
Not good
This book was pure disappointment. After the 5 star ra2of the first book and the endless enjoyment it gave me I waited in anticipation for the second book. And I was not all that satisfied. It was not as good as the first book, but I told myself that maybe the author will go back to the original pepper storyline in the third book. But in this book it was even more convoluted. More conspiracies, less explanations that made sense. More self pity. More of everything that I really don't like in a book. What a disappointment.
This book was pure disappointment. After the 5 star ra2of the first book and the endless enjoyment it gave me I waited in anticipation for the second book. And I was not all that satisfied. It was not as good as the first book, but I told myself that maybe the author will go back to the original pepper storyline in the third book. But in this book it was even more convoluted. More conspiracies, less explanations that made sense. More self pity. More of everything that I really don't like in a book. What a disappointment.
February 13, 2020
Totally Outstanding Series!
Sean Liscom has a real barn burner in this series. I couldn't put it down and while I took advantage of reading it through kindle unlimited I was so impressed I purchased the entire series because it's something I'll be reading again and again. Sean's characters are so fascinating and well rounded you feel they are friends and family. You'll find the twists and turns keep you guessing throughout the entire series. I really liked the core values most of the Sterling's held onto. They are what we need again in America.
Sean Liscom has a real barn burner in this series. I couldn't put it down and while I took advantage of reading it through kindle unlimited I was so impressed I purchased the entire series because it's something I'll be reading again and again. Sean's characters are so fascinating and well rounded you feel they are friends and family. You'll find the twists and turns keep you guessing throughout the entire series. I really liked the core values most of the Sterling's held onto. They are what we need again in America.
February 9, 2020
The Ranch series is great
When I started The Ranch, I wasn't sure what to expect. Mr. Lisbon does a great job of developing character, personality, history, and layout of the story line. When I finished the first book, I couldn't wait to start the second book. The same thing happened when I finished book two. The book three finishes the future novel with good planning and execution. I can't wait to read more by Mr. Liscom.
When I started The Ranch, I wasn't sure what to expect. Mr. Lisbon does a great job of developing character, personality, history, and layout of the story line. When I finished the first book, I couldn't wait to start the second book. The same thing happened when I finished book two. The book three finishes the future novel with good planning and execution. I can't wait to read more by Mr. Liscom.
August 6, 2020
A Bit of Dr. Strangelove
For those who remember, this book was a bit Dr. Strangelove, Mission Impossible, and James Bond. The writing, characters, and action is good. The relationships among characters was interesting and, in the case of the love interests, had me rooting for them.
However, the over-the-top storyline was not quite believable, which was the strength of the first two books. Not bad. Plenty of action. Worth reading.
For those who remember, this book was a bit Dr. Strangelove, Mission Impossible, and James Bond. The writing, characters, and action is good. The relationships among characters was interesting and, in the case of the love interests, had me rooting for them.
However, the over-the-top storyline was not quite believable, which was the strength of the first two books. Not bad. Plenty of action. Worth reading.
December 8, 2020
Brilliant Books
This is the first series by and books I have read by Sean Liscom and I must say its really good . The story line had me hooked and I found it really easy to read. He gets straight to the story and there's no waffling and scenery narrative which can be tedious in books . I am really impressed and I'm looking forward to future books . With a bit of luck the loose ends that haven't been tied up and Tara will be the makings of the next books .
This is the first series by and books I have read by Sean Liscom and I must say its really good . The story line had me hooked and I found it really easy to read. He gets straight to the story and there's no waffling and scenery narrative which can be tedious in books . I am really impressed and I'm looking forward to future books . With a bit of luck the loose ends that haven't been tied up and Tara will be the makings of the next books .
June 20, 2024
Sean Liscom just keeps doing it, Book 3 of the The Ranch series is absolutely great. I could not put it down. Every time you think you have it figured out, he puts a twist or three into the story. If you want excitement please purchase The Ranch series by Sean Liscom, you will not be disappointed. You can follow Jason and Jill Sterling, his psycho father Jack and many other characters, you will be pleased there are a total of six books. I just started Book 4.
December 28, 2019
WOW
I had begun to fear I would never have the rest of the story. This was breath taking writing. The action kept me up all night trying to find out what crazy Jack would do next. I can feel another story here, but please don't make your fans wait another year. Highly recommend.
I had begun to fear I would never have the rest of the story. This was breath taking writing. The action kept me up all night trying to find out what crazy Jack would do next. I can feel another story here, but please don't make your fans wait another year. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2019
A good sequel to the first two books
This series could make people start to think " Maybe,......" The characters are believable,the dialogue is a lot better than other dystopian fiction. The only negative issue is the length between books. I kept checking and started to loose hope when they put out the first 2 books with new covers. Hope there's more to come.
Bill Hodges
This series could make people start to think " Maybe,......" The characters are believable,the dialogue is a lot better than other dystopian fiction. The only negative issue is the length between books. I kept checking and started to loose hope when they put out the first 2 books with new covers. Hope there's more to come.
Bill Hodges
January 19, 2020
Great book
This arthur writes engaging books filled with character's that catch your attention immediately ,you find yourself hoping for the successful outcome for them. The author is new to me but I encourage you to try this series as the books are well worth your time. Buy the series!!!
This arthur writes engaging books filled with character's that catch your attention immediately ,you find yourself hoping for the successful outcome for them. The author is new to me but I encourage you to try this series as the books are well worth your time. Buy the series!!!
January 30, 2020
Different
This series gives great background information throughout all three books. The first book doesn’t jump into the apocalyptic event immediately. The story and characters build toward it. Many twists and turns, good and bad surprises. It holds your attention and that’s what I seek most from an author.
This series gives great background information throughout all three books. The first book doesn’t jump into the apocalyptic event immediately. The story and characters build toward it. Many twists and turns, good and bad surprises. It holds your attention and that’s what I seek most from an author.
February 6, 2020
Good start over time...
Really enjoyable story built over time... While the concept of everyone having enough money to build unbelieve compounds sometimes requires suspension of belief, this one weaves in some long-standing theories in a believable/acceptable way that supports the storyline.
Look forward to the future.
Really enjoyable story built over time... While the concept of everyone having enough money to build unbelieve compounds sometimes requires suspension of belief, this one weaves in some long-standing theories in a believable/acceptable way that supports the storyline.
Look forward to the future.
March 8, 2020
Couldn't put it down😀
Ordinary people having to do extraordinary things. The way things could be in today's society with all that goes on. The caharcaters have their hands full with all the chaos and watching them endure and persevere over the worst kind of scenario one could imagine was what kept me so engrossed.
Ordinary people having to do extraordinary things. The way things could be in today's society with all that goes on. The caharcaters have their hands full with all the chaos and watching them endure and persevere over the worst kind of scenario one could imagine was what kept me so engrossed.
September 10, 2022
A Good Yarn
More mayhem. The prediction that ordinary people would start killing others to feed their own families is fulfilled as the proof that any politicians of the old regimes are so thoroughly corrupted that they cannot be trusted to fill their previous jobs. Most enlightening!
More mayhem. The prediction that ordinary people would start killing others to feed their own families is fulfilled as the proof that any politicians of the old regimes are so thoroughly corrupted that they cannot be trusted to fill their previous jobs. Most enlightening!
February 1, 2025
Incredible
That’s all I can say about Book 3 of The Ranch. There is too much to say. Too many characters to meet… Too many tales to tell within the pages. You will be happy for so many things that took place and saddened by so much sorrow. And the ending is completely, totally unexpected but it hold so much in it. Enjoy!
That’s all I can say about Book 3 of The Ranch. There is too much to say. Too many characters to meet… Too many tales to tell within the pages. You will be happy for so many things that took place and saddened by so much sorrow. And the ending is completely, totally unexpected but it hold so much in it. Enjoy!
December 27, 2019
A one two punch
As with the first two of the series, enough meat to stand alone. Great continuation of the story line. A honest twisting story you just can't predict what is going on next. Makes a hard book to put down.
As with the first two of the series, enough meat to stand alone. Great continuation of the story line. A honest twisting story you just can't predict what is going on next. Makes a hard book to put down.
December 28, 2019
Sorry to see it end.
This has been a great series of books. Characters are believable and well developed. The story plot keeps you guessing til the very end. Just wondering if we are going to see Tara's story in the future?
This has been a great series of books. Characters are believable and well developed. The story plot keeps you guessing til the very end. Just wondering if we are going to see Tara's story in the future?
January 2, 2020
Book 3 totally awesome
I cannot believe I have gone through book 3 so fast. The action is so thrilling it makes me read faster and faster. You will love this book. Another great one Sean.
I cannot believe I have gone through book 3 so fast. The action is so thrilling it makes me read faster and faster. You will love this book. Another great one Sean.
January 3, 2020
Great read
The 3 books about the Ranch were awesome and I can only say they get a 5 star rating from me.I manage to read all 3 books in a 4 day period , just could no t put them down.
The 3 books about the Ranch were awesome and I can only say they get a 5 star rating from me.I manage to read all 3 books in a 4 day period , just could no t put them down.
January 9, 2020
More, please!
Good read & looking forward to more. Character development & consistent storylines impressive for a new author...lovely segways for more without a nasty cliffhanger!
Good read & looking forward to more. Character development & consistent storylines impressive for a new author...lovely segways for more without a nasty cliffhanger!
January 18, 2020
Great finish to the series. Exciting from cover to cover. I hope we see more novels from Liscom.
Great finish to the series. Exciting from cover to cover. I hope we see more novels from Liscom. Good rradind!
Great finish to the series. Exciting from cover to cover. I hope we see more novels from Liscom. Good rradind!
February 17, 2020
I not only want more I need more!
Thank you Mr. Liscomb for entertaining me and totally and immersing me in The Ranch. You've even encouraged this fledgling author from the 70's to try again in his 60's!
Thank you Mr. Liscomb for entertaining me and totally and immersing me in The Ranch. You've even encouraged this fledgling author from the 70's to try again in his 60's!
February 19, 2020
Tell me there is going to be another book.
Quite a good read. The characters are amazing. The action is great. The story line is awesome. Even though this book had an ending with NO cliffhanger, the author left it so the story could continue. I hope he chooses to continue it.
Quite a good read. The characters are amazing. The action is great. The story line is awesome. Even though this book had an ending with NO cliffhanger, the author left it so the story could continue. I hope he chooses to continue it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews