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The Sons of War #1
Sons of War
All empires eventually fall...
The United States is no exception...
And out of the embers, a lawless new empire will rise...
Across the world, the United States recalls troops to combat civil unrest after the biggest economic meltdown in history. Marine Sergeant Ronaldo Salvatore's platoon comes home to a powder keg that could ignite a civil war.
While some see the coming collapse as the end, others see opportunity. Fleeing Naples after rival crime lords decimated his family, Don Antonio Moretti settles in Los Angeles to rebuild his criminal empire. But he is far from alone in his ambitions--the cartel and rival gangs all want the same turf, and they will sacrifice their own soldiers and the blood of innocents to get it.
As open warfare erupts across the states, Salvatore fights his way back to LA, where his son has joined the police in the battle for a city spiraling into anarchy. Family is everything, and the Morettis and Salvatores will do what they must to protect their own. But how far will they go to survive in a new economy where the only currency is violence?
The explosive new Sons of War series is a harrowing and realistic depiction of what a second American Civil War and the aftermath might look like, from former Homeland Security Disaster Mitigation Officer and New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
The United States is no exception...
And out of the embers, a lawless new empire will rise...
Across the world, the United States recalls troops to combat civil unrest after the biggest economic meltdown in history. Marine Sergeant Ronaldo Salvatore's platoon comes home to a powder keg that could ignite a civil war.
While some see the coming collapse as the end, others see opportunity. Fleeing Naples after rival crime lords decimated his family, Don Antonio Moretti settles in Los Angeles to rebuild his criminal empire. But he is far from alone in his ambitions--the cartel and rival gangs all want the same turf, and they will sacrifice their own soldiers and the blood of innocents to get it.
As open warfare erupts across the states, Salvatore fights his way back to LA, where his son has joined the police in the battle for a city spiraling into anarchy. Family is everything, and the Morettis and Salvatores will do what they must to protect their own. But how far will they go to survive in a new economy where the only currency is violence?
The explosive new Sons of War series is a harrowing and realistic depiction of what a second American Civil War and the aftermath might look like, from former Homeland Security Disaster Mitigation Officer and New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
714 people are currently reading
1602 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,383 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 23, 2020
A solid start to a new series. As an American, parts of this story were deeply affecting. I'm used to seeing how economic collapse, war, refugee camps produce human suffering on a massive scale, but I don't often picture those things happening in the USA. Smith's ground-level portrayal of a second civil war and the rise of organized crime felt disturbingly real.
April 14, 2020
Author Nick Smith with the start of an exciting new series
I've been reading author Nick Smith's books for years. He is quite a versatile writer. He writes books of the post-apocalyptic genre but, amazingly, makes each series unique to others out there of the same genre.
His books are exciting, full of action sequences, and plenty of gloom and doom but he also allows the reader to hope that circumstances are going to get better.
This book starts off in Naples, Italy with the Moretti family, an organized crime family, at the forefront. In a scene that rivals the Game of Thrones wedding scene, the reader should be ready for some intense scenes.
The family ends up in Los Angeles - a post-apocalyptic city - with the U.S falling apart at the seams. And the Morettis want to take advantage of the chaos.
I strongly recommend this book if you've enjoyed Smith's other books or if you want to read the beginning of a unique post-apocalyptic thriller.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from Blackstone Publishing through the author in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. But I also always buy my own copy of the book, too, because this is an author I want to support.
I've been reading author Nick Smith's books for years. He is quite a versatile writer. He writes books of the post-apocalyptic genre but, amazingly, makes each series unique to others out there of the same genre.
His books are exciting, full of action sequences, and plenty of gloom and doom but he also allows the reader to hope that circumstances are going to get better.
This book starts off in Naples, Italy with the Moretti family, an organized crime family, at the forefront. In a scene that rivals the Game of Thrones wedding scene, the reader should be ready for some intense scenes.
The family ends up in Los Angeles - a post-apocalyptic city - with the U.S falling apart at the seams. And the Morettis want to take advantage of the chaos.
I strongly recommend this book if you've enjoyed Smith's other books or if you want to read the beginning of a unique post-apocalyptic thriller.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy from Blackstone Publishing through the author in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. But I also always buy my own copy of the book, too, because this is an author I want to support.
May 13, 2020
Sons of War is a book I've been looking forward to for a while. Of course, I get excited anytime a new book from Nicholas Sansbury Smith comes out. Like his other books, Sons of War is set in a post-apocalyptic setting. No aliens or zombies or even mutated monsters, but a corrupt government, corrupt cops, and the mafia! This is very different from his other books, but just as awesome! Nick never disappoints! The narration by Ray Porter is excellent! It's the first time he's narrated for Nick, but he's definitely not new to me. Ray Porter always does a fantastic job and is a great fit for this new series. I can't wait for book two!
On a side note, there were a few times I found this difficult to listen to. Not because it wasn't a good story, but because it feels so real. With everything going on in the world with pandemic, I'm just glad I wasn't listening to his Extinction Cycle series, which I also highly recommend!
"The world has changed and it's not gonna be the same for a while, maybe never" *gave me chills
On a side note, there were a few times I found this difficult to listen to. Not because it wasn't a good story, but because it feels so real. With everything going on in the world with pandemic, I'm just glad I wasn't listening to his Extinction Cycle series, which I also highly recommend!
"The world has changed and it's not gonna be the same for a while, maybe never" *gave me chills
April 16, 2020
the Mafia
Or is it, the Mob? Italian crime families. They've always interested me, and this book delivers.
You've got the language, the culture, the actions, all on the backdrop of America going to hell tale.
I love how Nicholas goes back and forth between the Mafioso, and the military family. How he balances out both their evil deeds and good ones. The story is superbly written and my new favorite. Extinction Horizon will always be number 1, but Sons of War is a close 2nd.
HIGHLY recommended
Or is it, the Mob? Italian crime families. They've always interested me, and this book delivers.
You've got the language, the culture, the actions, all on the backdrop of America going to hell tale.
I love how Nicholas goes back and forth between the Mafioso, and the military family. How he balances out both their evil deeds and good ones. The story is superbly written and my new favorite. Extinction Horizon will always be number 1, but Sons of War is a close 2nd.
HIGHLY recommended
July 12, 2020
Excellent book that kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed learning about the Moretti family and the Salvatore’s and was able to understand the reasoning behind why they did what they did to survive. It made me want to cheer both sides on even though their purposes in life were completely opposite.
May 4, 2020
Sons of War is the latest book by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Like all of his books I have read previously this story was excellent. This is the start of a new series by him and it definitely has me excited to read future installments. He has found a way to combine the Mafia with The Military and Police in a post apocalyptic setting that feels real especially with what is going on right new. Obviously things are even worse in this book but it could see how our current situation to deteriorate to that level. There is a lot of action in this book but there are breaks in the action so that we can learn more about the characters. I really enjoyed the characters that the authors have created. Whether I felt certain characters were good or bad I found them all compelling. I loved that all of the characters had their flaws and felt like real people. Overall this was a great book that I recommend. I look forward to future books in the series.
April 14, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I'm not a massive fan of mafia stories so started reading this with some trepidation, but wow, once I started I flew through it. It was non stop from the beginning!!! This author knows how to write characters and this bookit was no different. Both families were well written and developed and their story lines were exciting and entertaining. It is filled with action, intrigue and everything you expect from the mafia all rolled into an apocalyptic world. Yes it sounds weird....a mafia post apocalyptic book, and while you may think it's not for you, I urge you to try it. I may update this review when I can coherently form my thoughts about the book cause all I keep wanting to say is wow!!
April 18, 2020
The first of a new series from Smith, Sons of War is outstanding. Dark and gritty, Smith mixes Italian Mafia in with his trademark military flavour.
I found this book an easy read, with Smith's words weaving the pictures in my mind. When a second civil war comes to the United States, fighting to stay afloat amid the turmoil, violence and chaos are the Moretti crime family, taking the opportunity war provides to build an empire in LA, and the Salvatore family, residents of the same city.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing the rest of the story of these sons of war.
I found this book an easy read, with Smith's words weaving the pictures in my mind. When a second civil war comes to the United States, fighting to stay afloat amid the turmoil, violence and chaos are the Moretti crime family, taking the opportunity war provides to build an empire in LA, and the Salvatore family, residents of the same city.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing the rest of the story of these sons of war.
April 21, 2020
Chill-Inducing
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. First and foremost, this is still very much a NSS book. Smith was able to create a new world, new good and bad guys, but still keep the “feel” that his other books have. If I were to compare this to another series – it would probably be the Trackers series. It had a similar feel to it along with similar pacing.
Sons of War is a mafia story but one that is set during an apocalyptic event. I loved the event that Smith wrote for this one because it felt extremely real. Like almost too scary real. I don’t want to go into exactly the elements that happen for fear of spoiling anything – but know that there were a few events and then finally a “oh crap” sort of moment that really set off the apocalyptic backbone of this story.
I went into this skeptical (okay, as skeptical as I could be when reading one of my favorite authors). I’m not always a mafia-story fan, but if anyone is going to make it work it was Smith. NSS is able to bring such realism and so many layers to these characters that you like them… even when you shouldn’t. Each person that you root for has more bad qualities than good and that’s something I’m not used to in a book like this. Usually it’s “they’re all good except this one flaw” where in this case pretty much everyone is a bad guy with one to two redeeming qualities. I’ve never read a book like that before, or at least a book that I liked.
Sons of War is the first book in a planned trilogy and I cannot wait to see where the other books go. But, if you’re one of those people who hate massive and major cliffhangers and incomplete stories – don’t worry Smith has you covered. This story feels complete. Like if it randomly ended her, I’d still have questions but I’d also be okay with that. It had a full story arc and full character arcs in it that makes me happy when finishing a book.
Overall, this book was awesome. It was a blast from beginning to end. The beginning was full of the typical getting to know character moments, but started off with a bang (or lots of bangs in one short moment). The struggles each character and the groups as a whole faced were extremely realistic. And honestly, it just felt like this could and would really happen. This book was chill-inducing.
I thought that Ray Porter did a fantastic job narrating this story – he brought some realism to the accents and was able to provide a great performance to an already great story.
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. First and foremost, this is still very much a NSS book. Smith was able to create a new world, new good and bad guys, but still keep the “feel” that his other books have. If I were to compare this to another series – it would probably be the Trackers series. It had a similar feel to it along with similar pacing.
Sons of War is a mafia story but one that is set during an apocalyptic event. I loved the event that Smith wrote for this one because it felt extremely real. Like almost too scary real. I don’t want to go into exactly the elements that happen for fear of spoiling anything – but know that there were a few events and then finally a “oh crap” sort of moment that really set off the apocalyptic backbone of this story.
I went into this skeptical (okay, as skeptical as I could be when reading one of my favorite authors). I’m not always a mafia-story fan, but if anyone is going to make it work it was Smith. NSS is able to bring such realism and so many layers to these characters that you like them… even when you shouldn’t. Each person that you root for has more bad qualities than good and that’s something I’m not used to in a book like this. Usually it’s “they’re all good except this one flaw” where in this case pretty much everyone is a bad guy with one to two redeeming qualities. I’ve never read a book like that before, or at least a book that I liked.
Sons of War is the first book in a planned trilogy and I cannot wait to see where the other books go. But, if you’re one of those people who hate massive and major cliffhangers and incomplete stories – don’t worry Smith has you covered. This story feels complete. Like if it randomly ended her, I’d still have questions but I’d also be okay with that. It had a full story arc and full character arcs in it that makes me happy when finishing a book.
Overall, this book was awesome. It was a blast from beginning to end. The beginning was full of the typical getting to know character moments, but started off with a bang (or lots of bangs in one short moment). The struggles each character and the groups as a whole faced were extremely realistic. And honestly, it just felt like this could and would really happen. This book was chill-inducing.
I thought that Ray Porter did a fantastic job narrating this story – he brought some realism to the accents and was able to provide a great performance to an already great story.
April 24, 2020
Stay Home, Stop the Spread, Save Lives! By this time you must be bored out of your mind! Well I have a fantastic distraction for you in a brand new series by my favorite sci-fi author Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Book 1 of his new mafia/apocalypse series, "Sons of War," has launched and surpasses all expectations and then some! Economic apocalypse (sound familiar?) and mafia wars – what a combination! Oh and don’t forget the vicious gangs and drug cartels competing with everybody else on the battleground that is L.A. Corruption and rampant violence are everywhere.
It is a tale of one city, LA, and who will possess it in the end. It is the tale of two families, with the only commonality between them their Italian heritage. There is the Moretti Family, all about revenge and total domination, headed by Don Antonio Moretti, Uncle to Vinny. Then there is the Salvatore family, headed by Sgt. Ronaldo Salvatore, father of Dominic. Renaldo and his marine “brothers” are on the opposite side of the War, hoping to restore some semblance of law and order and to bring down the gangs and drug cartels. Of course, Vinny and Dom get caught up in the War between their fathers. What will happen to these young men?
Sons of War has everything you could possibly want in a book, and I highly recommend it This is Smith’s best Book to date, and that is saying something as he is a New York Times and USA best-selling author! His research is top-notch and his characters well written. I give it 10 stars! A must-read!
It is a tale of one city, LA, and who will possess it in the end. It is the tale of two families, with the only commonality between them their Italian heritage. There is the Moretti Family, all about revenge and total domination, headed by Don Antonio Moretti, Uncle to Vinny. Then there is the Salvatore family, headed by Sgt. Ronaldo Salvatore, father of Dominic. Renaldo and his marine “brothers” are on the opposite side of the War, hoping to restore some semblance of law and order and to bring down the gangs and drug cartels. Of course, Vinny and Dom get caught up in the War between their fathers. What will happen to these young men?
Sons of War has everything you could possibly want in a book, and I highly recommend it This is Smith’s best Book to date, and that is saying something as he is a New York Times and USA best-selling author! His research is top-notch and his characters well written. I give it 10 stars! A must-read!
April 19, 2020
An exhilarating journey through the apocalypse, as it happens
Let me start out by saying that I feel this is easily Nick's best work to date. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard he was writing a mafia-style story as this is a genre I have never ventured into. Boy, was I in for a surprise as I binge-listened this story on my way from Illinois to Texas.
This story was not Nick's typical post-apocalyptic story but instead saw the reader/listener guided THROUGH the apocalypse as it occurred. The characters, the scenarios, the battles, challenges, and darkness of this new world all painted a scary feeling that was eerily believable and realistic.
Antonio, Dom, Ronaldo, Vinny, Moose, and all of the other characters were tough to let go of as this story drew to an end. For my first journey into the foray of mafia novels, I was shocked at how I didn't want to stop for fuel while treking down the country.
Nick, you really created a gem with this series. Ray Porter's narration of this book helped bring the written words to life with characters that had the right levels of emotion, tone, and at times vocal-ambiance required to paint each scenario.
I really cannot wait for book two of this series as we watch what happens as the country attempts to mend.
5/5
Let me start out by saying that I feel this is easily Nick's best work to date. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard he was writing a mafia-style story as this is a genre I have never ventured into. Boy, was I in for a surprise as I binge-listened this story on my way from Illinois to Texas.
This story was not Nick's typical post-apocalyptic story but instead saw the reader/listener guided THROUGH the apocalypse as it occurred. The characters, the scenarios, the battles, challenges, and darkness of this new world all painted a scary feeling that was eerily believable and realistic.
Antonio, Dom, Ronaldo, Vinny, Moose, and all of the other characters were tough to let go of as this story drew to an end. For my first journey into the foray of mafia novels, I was shocked at how I didn't want to stop for fuel while treking down the country.
Nick, you really created a gem with this series. Ray Porter's narration of this book helped bring the written words to life with characters that had the right levels of emotion, tone, and at times vocal-ambiance required to paint each scenario.
I really cannot wait for book two of this series as we watch what happens as the country attempts to mend.
5/5
April 18, 2020
Brilliant
I enjoyed reading this, definitely different from the authors other books. I have to say Dom or Vinny are my top favorite characters out of the book. Each bring something to the table. Dom, I find has the white Knight approach to saving humanity in throws of an apocalypse. Vinny though, he's got this tuff exterior. He's following in his father's footsteps of organized crime. Thing about Vinny, is that he has a conscious and a good heart that's pulling him in the opposite direction fate wants him to go in. I think he's going to be a key player in this new series. I loved the intense action, you could feel the chaos it was so well described. The scary part, is that this could actually happen and by bringing this aspect into the storyline, it creates an immense amount of emotion you simply don't get with the SciFi genres.
I enjoyed reading this, definitely different from the authors other books. I have to say Dom or Vinny are my top favorite characters out of the book. Each bring something to the table. Dom, I find has the white Knight approach to saving humanity in throws of an apocalypse. Vinny though, he's got this tuff exterior. He's following in his father's footsteps of organized crime. Thing about Vinny, is that he has a conscious and a good heart that's pulling him in the opposite direction fate wants him to go in. I think he's going to be a key player in this new series. I loved the intense action, you could feel the chaos it was so well described. The scary part, is that this could actually happen and by bringing this aspect into the storyline, it creates an immense amount of emotion you simply don't get with the SciFi genres.
April 14, 2020
NICK SMITH. Sons of War
Godfather Meets the Apocalypse
A bang burner of a book. Even I, who really doesn’t like mafia, Godfather type books, had a hard time putting this book down. I think because it was an apocalyptic event that triggered the story, Nick’s writing and characters kept me engrossed in the struggle to survive.
It’s a dark story, with little bursts of laughter to lighten the day. It feels very real to me and the setting in Los Angeles reflects the storyline very well. Nick draws a very realistic picture of a city barely hanging on but still fighting to reach the light. The battle for freedom is real - not just between the anarchists and freedom fighters, but also to control the streets of LA. Well done, Nick!
Godfather Meets the Apocalypse
A bang burner of a book. Even I, who really doesn’t like mafia, Godfather type books, had a hard time putting this book down. I think because it was an apocalyptic event that triggered the story, Nick’s writing and characters kept me engrossed in the struggle to survive.
It’s a dark story, with little bursts of laughter to lighten the day. It feels very real to me and the setting in Los Angeles reflects the storyline very well. Nick draws a very realistic picture of a city barely hanging on but still fighting to reach the light. The battle for freedom is real - not just between the anarchists and freedom fighters, but also to control the streets of LA. Well done, Nick!
April 17, 2020
Disaster after disaster bankrupts the world. Greed and corruption rule.
Sons of War takes place in the near future in a devastated southern California. A global economic meltdown has shut down commerce and the United States is suffering. Weather related disasters bankrupt insurance companies. Droughts and floods destroyed billions of dollars worth of food. Half the world is starving. The National Guard is called out to break up the riots in major cities of America. Los Angeles is a war zone, taken over by the gangs and cartels. Don Antonio Moretti is rebuilding what's left of his crime family after fleeing Naples. The architect of the Moretti downfall was Don Enzo Sarcone and retribution is high on the Moretti hit list.
After the Guard was unable to quell the riots, Vice President Elliot is replacing the National Guard with a mercenary group, the American Military Patriots - AMP, answering only to him. In Los Angeles, the only work available is the Police, AMP, and the gangs. Marine Sargeant Ronaldo Salvatore is glad to still have work, but fighting on American soil, against Americans? It's beginning to look a lot like Afganistan.
Strong characters and believable action drive the storyline through twists and turns. Stunning visuals are successfully crafted from the mind of a master storyteller! I couldn't put it down until the last word was read. But you don't have to take my word for it! Grab a copy and find out for yourself!
Sons of War takes place in the near future in a devastated southern California. A global economic meltdown has shut down commerce and the United States is suffering. Weather related disasters bankrupt insurance companies. Droughts and floods destroyed billions of dollars worth of food. Half the world is starving. The National Guard is called out to break up the riots in major cities of America. Los Angeles is a war zone, taken over by the gangs and cartels. Don Antonio Moretti is rebuilding what's left of his crime family after fleeing Naples. The architect of the Moretti downfall was Don Enzo Sarcone and retribution is high on the Moretti hit list.
After the Guard was unable to quell the riots, Vice President Elliot is replacing the National Guard with a mercenary group, the American Military Patriots - AMP, answering only to him. In Los Angeles, the only work available is the Police, AMP, and the gangs. Marine Sargeant Ronaldo Salvatore is glad to still have work, but fighting on American soil, against Americans? It's beginning to look a lot like Afganistan.
Strong characters and believable action drive the storyline through twists and turns. Stunning visuals are successfully crafted from the mind of a master storyteller! I couldn't put it down until the last word was read. But you don't have to take my word for it! Grab a copy and find out for yourself!
April 18, 2020
What an adrenaline rush! This is intense!
This brilliant new series from the creative imagination of Nicholas Sansbury Smith, is a not for the feint of heart! Sons of War, is a nightmarish examination of mankinds bipolar nature! The struggle of good vs evil for the soul of humanity! Noble and honorable people confront the depraved and psychotic forces of the wicked!
The action never wavers as the battle for power and control pervades the landscape of this country and ultimately focuses on the City of Los Angeles! The epic conflagration races through the pages as the author drags the reader into a twilight zone of depravity and mayhem!
This unrelenting story of war in the City of Angel's, took my breath away! It felt like a rampaging storm of people and events at the speed of light! If you want action, insanity and horrific circumstances then this book is for you! OMG, what a rush! A must read for the adrenaline junkies amongst us!
This brilliant new series from the creative imagination of Nicholas Sansbury Smith, is a not for the feint of heart! Sons of War, is a nightmarish examination of mankinds bipolar nature! The struggle of good vs evil for the soul of humanity! Noble and honorable people confront the depraved and psychotic forces of the wicked!
The action never wavers as the battle for power and control pervades the landscape of this country and ultimately focuses on the City of Los Angeles! The epic conflagration races through the pages as the author drags the reader into a twilight zone of depravity and mayhem!
This unrelenting story of war in the City of Angel's, took my breath away! It felt like a rampaging storm of people and events at the speed of light! If you want action, insanity and horrific circumstances then this book is for you! OMG, what a rush! A must read for the adrenaline junkies amongst us!
April 15, 2020
This isn’t his standard post-apocalyptic thriller
There are few authors I have read that keep me on the edge of my seat and compel me to read everything they write. Nicholas S. Smith is one such author. I have read everything he has written and my anticipation of his latest, Sons of War cemented my appreciation of his ability to transport his readers into another time, another place, and make you feel you are a part of the action.
This isn’t his standard post-apocalyptic thriller. There are no genetically altered monsters. There are no threats from space. What you have are monsters hidden in plain sight. The mix of mafia and a post-apocalyptic environment where the breakdown of government, military and civilian life creates an atmosphere where you don’t know who is good, who is bad, and who is justified.
I highly recommend not only this book but anything Nickolas Smith writes.
There are few authors I have read that keep me on the edge of my seat and compel me to read everything they write. Nicholas S. Smith is one such author. I have read everything he has written and my anticipation of his latest, Sons of War cemented my appreciation of his ability to transport his readers into another time, another place, and make you feel you are a part of the action.
This isn’t his standard post-apocalyptic thriller. There are no genetically altered monsters. There are no threats from space. What you have are monsters hidden in plain sight. The mix of mafia and a post-apocalyptic environment where the breakdown of government, military and civilian life creates an atmosphere where you don’t know who is good, who is bad, and who is justified.
I highly recommend not only this book but anything Nickolas Smith writes.
April 26, 2020
What an absolutely epic story. I love all NSS series but this (somehow because all of them are amazing) is his best writing to date! The parallel worlds of two families ultimately on a collision course backed by post-apocalyptic chaos is a dream for readers everywhere. A great paced read, full of action and plot developments, keep the reader engaged, if not addicted, to the pages starting with the first chapter that ultimately resembles a supreme mare charging out of the gates! Reading during our current pandemic added a dose of realism to this drawing the reader in even farther. The question at the end of the first installment, is who are you rooting for? For me, I found myself rooting for both sides of the story because NSS is that damn good! If this book was a scotch, itd be top shelf!
April 26, 2020
This is a story of two families, one a Marine Sergent trying to do what is right by his Corps so he can go home to his family. The other a mob family that moved to Los Angeles to reinvent their empire among the cartels and gangs. The Marines of Desert Snakes unit have joined to Los Angeles Police Dept in a fight against the rising vigilante force of the new Americas, AMP. They are working to keep California from falling to a dictator Vice President that had the president murdered. Meanwhile the Moretti mob is figuring out how maximize the pushing of their drugs to the new encampments while strategically getting rid of their rivals by pitting gang against gang, police against gang, gang against cartel, whatever it takes. But in the end it is all about families, both men and their families.
This is a action packed, suspense filled, wonderful book that is filled with excellent descriptions so clear (but not overly word) you will think you were there. This is such a different book, it is not your regular dystopian book,but you will have to wait until fall for part 2.
This is a action packed, suspense filled, wonderful book that is filled with excellent descriptions so clear (but not overly word) you will think you were there. This is such a different book, it is not your regular dystopian book,but you will have to wait until fall for part 2.
April 12, 2020
I was lucky enough to get an advance reading copy of Sons of War by Nicolas Sansbury Smith, release date of April 14th. This fast-paced book will keep you on your toes from the first page.
After the biggest economic meltdown in history, a civil war breaks out in the states. With the marines disbanded Sergeant Ronaldo Salvatore fights his way back to LA and his family.
Don Antonio Moretti is in the middle of rebuilding his criminal empire after fleeing Naples, when the war hits. Family means everything to the Morettis, and to survive, they make some otherwise unusual alliances.
These two families try their best to survive while fighting tirelessly to get their city back.
If you've read NSS, you're used to his unique sci-fi monsters. There might not be Variants in this book, but there are most definitely monsters.
I'm patiently awaiting the next installment coming this fall.
After the biggest economic meltdown in history, a civil war breaks out in the states. With the marines disbanded Sergeant Ronaldo Salvatore fights his way back to LA and his family.
Don Antonio Moretti is in the middle of rebuilding his criminal empire after fleeing Naples, when the war hits. Family means everything to the Morettis, and to survive, they make some otherwise unusual alliances.
These two families try their best to survive while fighting tirelessly to get their city back.
If you've read NSS, you're used to his unique sci-fi monsters. There might not be Variants in this book, but there are most definitely monsters.
I'm patiently awaiting the next installment coming this fall.
April 14, 2020
His best so far
I am one of those readers that when some people ask them to tell them about a book , I always say well read it.. This time I cant help myself. This is one of my favorites of Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s books ..In my opinion I would hesitate to say that it is his best so far. When you mix a mafia family, drug dealers , kidnapped children, corrupt politicians and police, a insane army general , pissed off Marines, disloyal soldiers , blown up nuclear plants and a country torn by internal battles. What do you think you get... his best book ever.. so read it .. NOW..!!!
I am one of those readers that when some people ask them to tell them about a book , I always say well read it.. This time I cant help myself. This is one of my favorites of Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s books ..In my opinion I would hesitate to say that it is his best so far. When you mix a mafia family, drug dealers , kidnapped children, corrupt politicians and police, a insane army general , pissed off Marines, disloyal soldiers , blown up nuclear plants and a country torn by internal battles. What do you think you get... his best book ever.. so read it .. NOW..!!!
April 30, 2020
Wow!!!!
A different approach to dystopian reading. This book had me on the edge of my seat and wanting MORE! When I hit that last page I was dreading the fact I have to wait a bit for the next book. Nick's pretty quick about getting his books out though. I'm anxious to see where our characters are headed. I'm loving these folks already, of course we have the good guys and the bad guys and yet you can't help but like some of those bad guys. Wondering where Vince is going to land in the end. Unanswered questions have me impatient to get my hands on the next book. Once again, another homerun for Nicholas Smith. Two thumbs up and wish I had more thumbs, he'd get those too! 😁
A different approach to dystopian reading. This book had me on the edge of my seat and wanting MORE! When I hit that last page I was dreading the fact I have to wait a bit for the next book. Nick's pretty quick about getting his books out though. I'm anxious to see where our characters are headed. I'm loving these folks already, of course we have the good guys and the bad guys and yet you can't help but like some of those bad guys. Wondering where Vince is going to land in the end. Unanswered questions have me impatient to get my hands on the next book. Once again, another homerun for Nicholas Smith. Two thumbs up and wish I had more thumbs, he'd get those too! 😁
February 26, 2024
This book is the must read of 2020!
Murder, Mayhem, Mafia and so much more! An edge of your seat, "I can't believe this", "What could possible happen now", chilling story. A true masterpiece and if not the very best story he's told to date then a very, very close 2nd to his Hell Divers series. It'd be very hard to choose. Pick up the start of this series today and be whisked into "it could happen" story.
Murder, Mayhem, Mafia and so much more! An edge of your seat, "I can't believe this", "What could possible happen now", chilling story. A true masterpiece and if not the very best story he's told to date then a very, very close 2nd to his Hell Divers series. It'd be very hard to choose. Pick up the start of this series today and be whisked into "it could happen" story.
April 20, 2020
This is unlike any apocalyptic thriller that I have ever read - mix together a civil war on American soil, Marines, American Military Patriots, and a Mafia family and you get Sons of War. Be warned that the beginning is grisly; as another review stated - GoT grisly. I usually don't have a problem with these kinds of scenes but it was so brilliantly written that it actually turned my stomach and I had a really hard time getting into the first 1/4 of the book. There were quite a few story lines going on and I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what was happening; there are a lot of characters.
Once I got into the book more, I flew through the last 3/4 and couldn't put it down. Nick's writing is superb and his newest series is no exception. I can't wait to find out how the Moretti family crosses paths with Dom and Ronaldo and the other Marines as they are perfect juxtapositions of each other. Regardless of what the Moretti family represents or does, you almost have to cheer their climb back to the top of organized crime (which is crazy, right?!). There is a lot going on in this book and I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2.
I received an ARC from the author for my unbiased review and I also purchased this copy from Amazon on the official release date.
Once I got into the book more, I flew through the last 3/4 and couldn't put it down. Nick's writing is superb and his newest series is no exception. I can't wait to find out how the Moretti family crosses paths with Dom and Ronaldo and the other Marines as they are perfect juxtapositions of each other. Regardless of what the Moretti family represents or does, you almost have to cheer their climb back to the top of organized crime (which is crazy, right?!). There is a lot going on in this book and I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2.
I received an ARC from the author for my unbiased review and I also purchased this copy from Amazon on the official release date.
July 26, 2020
Fight evil with evil!
Everyone's a hero in their own story. Smith spins a tale so vivid and realistic that you feel like your in the heads of real people going through real events. Any fan of the Sopranos can relate to rooting for Tony and the gang. In this post apocalyptic story of civil war, with battle lines drawn between soldiers, cops, gangs and organized crime families, I found myself rooting for Don Antonio and the Morettis and mourning with the innocent civilians at the same time.
Often times books with view points struggle to keep each view point engaging and thus causing the reader to dread any chapter that isn’t from the view points they enjoy reading. This book does not suffer from this pit fall. In fact it exceeds expectations in this department. Not one character or story arc felt like filler or slowed the story down unless done intentionally by the author. As the first book in a series you don’t have to worry about loose ends and cliffhangers. I can gladly say that all necessary plots were tied up nice and the ones that weren't left me hungry for book 2. Luckily I won't have to wait too long because it's already available for pre-order and coming out this fall.
I listened to this while I read it in the kindle app (via whispersync) and I have to add Ray Porter to my small list of favorite narrators! I couldn’t picture any one else narrating!
Everyone's a hero in their own story. Smith spins a tale so vivid and realistic that you feel like your in the heads of real people going through real events. Any fan of the Sopranos can relate to rooting for Tony and the gang. In this post apocalyptic story of civil war, with battle lines drawn between soldiers, cops, gangs and organized crime families, I found myself rooting for Don Antonio and the Morettis and mourning with the innocent civilians at the same time.
Often times books with view points struggle to keep each view point engaging and thus causing the reader to dread any chapter that isn’t from the view points they enjoy reading. This book does not suffer from this pit fall. In fact it exceeds expectations in this department. Not one character or story arc felt like filler or slowed the story down unless done intentionally by the author. As the first book in a series you don’t have to worry about loose ends and cliffhangers. I can gladly say that all necessary plots were tied up nice and the ones that weren't left me hungry for book 2. Luckily I won't have to wait too long because it's already available for pre-order and coming out this fall.
I listened to this while I read it in the kindle app (via whispersync) and I have to add Ray Porter to my small list of favorite narrators! I couldn’t picture any one else narrating!
April 16, 2020
WOW! Fight evil with evil
A chilling glimpse of a possible future. I couldn't wait to turn the next page! NSS crafts a tale of two families in an apocalyptic world. One family wants to defend and rebuild the country, and the other family is bent on exploiting it and shaping the future into the world they control.
The series shows how this new reality shapes the new generation of each and what they see as the path before them. It's a consuming, action packed story and in typical Smith fashion,it pulls you into that world in a visceral manner that keeps you riveted.
I've already preordered book two, and I can barely wait for it to get here. If you like dystopian futures that are all too possible, this is definitely the series for you..
A chilling glimpse of a possible future. I couldn't wait to turn the next page! NSS crafts a tale of two families in an apocalyptic world. One family wants to defend and rebuild the country, and the other family is bent on exploiting it and shaping the future into the world they control.
The series shows how this new reality shapes the new generation of each and what they see as the path before them. It's a consuming, action packed story and in typical Smith fashion,it pulls you into that world in a visceral manner that keeps you riveted.
I've already preordered book two, and I can barely wait for it to get here. If you like dystopian futures that are all too possible, this is definitely the series for you..
April 21, 2020
I loved this book. It is a bit different from the other NSS series, but it is a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Sons of War is intense from the very beginning, showing us the gray areas of humankind, how good decisions might bring trouble, and how revenge can be the fuel to people’s entire lives.
As always, NSS brings strong and intense characters. Some of them I felt that I shouldn’t be rooting for, but I just couldn’t help it. Others I wanted to know more, but didn’t have much space (which I hope will change in book 2).
Did I miss the supernatural elements I’m so used to when grabbing a NSS book? Yes. But it was also a breath of fresh air.
To read SoW during a pandemic might not have been the best choice, but it also gave me a new perspective of things.
Sons of War is intense from the very beginning, showing us the gray areas of humankind, how good decisions might bring trouble, and how revenge can be the fuel to people’s entire lives.
As always, NSS brings strong and intense characters. Some of them I felt that I shouldn’t be rooting for, but I just couldn’t help it. Others I wanted to know more, but didn’t have much space (which I hope will change in book 2).
Did I miss the supernatural elements I’m so used to when grabbing a NSS book? Yes. But it was also a breath of fresh air.
To read SoW during a pandemic might not have been the best choice, but it also gave me a new perspective of things.
April 21, 2020
have read all of Mr. Smith’s books, but I was not sure if I would like this one. I am not a fan of mob stories. I should not have doubted. No matter what this author writes, it is golden. A great and different plot, great characters, and rich story writing made this one hard to put down. Do yourself a favor and give this one a try.
One family on a dark path trying to make their way in an unfamiliar country. Another family struggling to do the right thing in a time of chaos and upheaval. Both families struggling to survive and protect their own are destined to meet, and the outcome will be explosive.
One family on a dark path trying to make their way in an unfamiliar country. Another family struggling to do the right thing in a time of chaos and upheaval. Both families struggling to survive and protect their own are destined to meet, and the outcome will be explosive.
April 21, 2020
I was really excited to hear that one of my favorite authors wrote, what will be the beginning of another fabulous series. This SoW book 1 did not disappoint. Action packed from the beginning. I actually had to put it down to absorb what had happened in the prologue. This book is full of edge of your seat action with Marines, Military Patriots and the Italian mafia. Makes me think hard about what would happen in our country if things really went south. Looking forward to the next books to follow.
I received an ARC from the author for my unbiased review and I also purchased this copy from Amazon on the official release date.
I received an ARC from the author for my unbiased review and I also purchased this copy from Amazon on the official release date.
April 14, 2020
An apocalyptic society caused by economic chaos. The military splinters. Gang wars prevail. Mafia bosses fighting to take control within, and against outside forces. Non-stop action, horror, heart pounding excitement. An excellent and well-written story.
April 16, 2020
More of the good stuff
The King of apocalyptic fiction has done it again with this first book of new series. A unique take on the genre that should make us all think our own safety if something were to happen. The monsters in this series are the real ones, humans.
The King of apocalyptic fiction has done it again with this first book of new series. A unique take on the genre that should make us all think our own safety if something were to happen. The monsters in this series are the real ones, humans.
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