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The Last Patriots #1
Archangel
They've done their best to be at peace with all men... But peace has been rejected.
Surviving under Chinese occupation wasn't the dream life Sara Redding had imagined, but she was fortunate to have her family and their farm. Until betrayal strips them away. Trading her apron for a sniper rifle, Sara is determined to do everything in her power to keep what's left of her family together.
Everything 17-year-old Aaron Redding knew, he learned from his dad, he just never expected to have to take his place. No longer able to fly under the radar, the Redding's are swept into the dystopian reality of a fallen America, and it will take every ounce of cunning to keep his family alive...especially when his mom seems compelled to rescue people!
Fleeing the Chinese advance, the Redding's make a break for the protection of the Boreal Forests of northern Minnesota. When a lapse in judgment causes her youngest son to fall into enemy hands, Sara's faith is pushed to the breaking point. Fearing the worst, Aaron and Sara have little time to act before their son is lost forever.
Against impossible odds. On the darkest of nights. When all hope is lost.
One truth remains.
Love. Never. Fails.
Surviving under Chinese occupation wasn't the dream life Sara Redding had imagined, but she was fortunate to have her family and their farm. Until betrayal strips them away. Trading her apron for a sniper rifle, Sara is determined to do everything in her power to keep what's left of her family together.
Everything 17-year-old Aaron Redding knew, he learned from his dad, he just never expected to have to take his place. No longer able to fly under the radar, the Redding's are swept into the dystopian reality of a fallen America, and it will take every ounce of cunning to keep his family alive...especially when his mom seems compelled to rescue people!
Fleeing the Chinese advance, the Redding's make a break for the protection of the Boreal Forests of northern Minnesota. When a lapse in judgment causes her youngest son to fall into enemy hands, Sara's faith is pushed to the breaking point. Fearing the worst, Aaron and Sara have little time to act before their son is lost forever.
Against impossible odds. On the darkest of nights. When all hope is lost.
One truth remains.
Love. Never. Fails.
248 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2021
15 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Joel Ribbey
1 book10 followersJoel and Esther Ribbey enjoy combining Joel’s combat veteran experiences with their passions for their family and the outdoors in their writing. The Ribbeys are living out their own story with their four children in rural Minnesota on their small farm and out in the woods hunting, fishing, trapping and inspiring other families to get outdoors together. Learn more about the Ribbeys and their book at http://www.jeribbey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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April 1, 2021I'm the father of the author, Joel. I don't usually read fiction. But once you start reading the story pulls you in. Without realizing it you find yourself traveling along side this family on their survival journey. You feel what they're feeling; the heartache, the fear, the joy and the exhilaration of living on the edge. I was surprised by how real these characters and the story come across. You'll be in for an exciting ride. So get the book and fasten your seatbelt!
May 16, 2021
This is a 3.5 star book for me.
Have you ever seen Red Dawn? Didja like it? If so, then Archangel: The Last Patriots is one you won't want to miss! I would start off by saying this is a futuristic look at what America might look like if we were ever invaded to the point where we were taken over as a country.
That being said, this story starts off with a literal bang. Actually lots of bangs. The Reddings are on the run from The Chinese who have invaded the eastern shores of the US. Their goal is to make it as far north as possible while staying alive and avoiding capture. Unfortunately, it's the end of fall and heading towards winter so weather conditions are the best for their move.
With everything going on in our world, something like this isn't too hard to imagine. Civil war dividing our country more than it already isn't doesn't seem impossible these days which just breaks my heart. With our defenses shattered and people against each other, the loss of control of our country (as portrayed in Archangel) seems like it could be a reality.
I feel like this story is a cold splash in the face. Are we willing to wake up and see that we're stronger together even with our differences, or are we willing to have our "right", whatever that is, to the point of tearing our country apart so much that we're weakened to the point of being invaded and being literally forced into circumstances that we're not prepared for?
Following the Reddings as they head into the wilderness, I'm painfully aware of how unprepared my family would be for any sort of survival situation. Not that I think we should all rush out and learn how to survive in the wilderness, but it's honestly something I've given thought to in the past.
The story was very emotional because the majority of the characters in the story are teens or preteens. I would definitely want to be like the mom, Sara. She was always so clear headed when doing what was needed.
Now, I know that there are people who won't care for the amount of violence that's in this story. And I get it. Keep in mind though that this IS a story about survival. Survival - from people who would shoot you just as much as make you a prisoner just for being American. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but as we've seen other countries invaded and people being killed simply for existing, this is always a possibility.
A very riveting read and it'll definitely make you think!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Have you ever seen Red Dawn? Didja like it? If so, then Archangel: The Last Patriots is one you won't want to miss! I would start off by saying this is a futuristic look at what America might look like if we were ever invaded to the point where we were taken over as a country.
That being said, this story starts off with a literal bang. Actually lots of bangs. The Reddings are on the run from The Chinese who have invaded the eastern shores of the US. Their goal is to make it as far north as possible while staying alive and avoiding capture. Unfortunately, it's the end of fall and heading towards winter so weather conditions are the best for their move.
With everything going on in our world, something like this isn't too hard to imagine. Civil war dividing our country more than it already isn't doesn't seem impossible these days which just breaks my heart. With our defenses shattered and people against each other, the loss of control of our country (as portrayed in Archangel) seems like it could be a reality.
I feel like this story is a cold splash in the face. Are we willing to wake up and see that we're stronger together even with our differences, or are we willing to have our "right", whatever that is, to the point of tearing our country apart so much that we're weakened to the point of being invaded and being literally forced into circumstances that we're not prepared for?
Following the Reddings as they head into the wilderness, I'm painfully aware of how unprepared my family would be for any sort of survival situation. Not that I think we should all rush out and learn how to survive in the wilderness, but it's honestly something I've given thought to in the past.
The story was very emotional because the majority of the characters in the story are teens or preteens. I would definitely want to be like the mom, Sara. She was always so clear headed when doing what was needed.
Now, I know that there are people who won't care for the amount of violence that's in this story. And I get it. Keep in mind though that this IS a story about survival. Survival - from people who would shoot you just as much as make you a prisoner just for being American. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but as we've seen other countries invaded and people being killed simply for existing, this is always a possibility.
A very riveting read and it'll definitely make you think!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
May 16, 2021
First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. A most wonderful read
April 23, 2021
This is an awesome book, a gripping and emotional story. You won’t be able to put it down. Shockingly fitting in our political climate today.
August 7, 2021
Enjoyed the book
This book took a different angle to the usual end of life as we know it. Going as far as killing off main character really fast! Then throughout the book surprising events helped flavor the story. I truly enjoyed the book and the characters where well developed. Neat ending.
This book took a different angle to the usual end of life as we know it. Going as far as killing off main character really fast! Then throughout the book surprising events helped flavor the story. I truly enjoyed the book and the characters where well developed. Neat ending.
January 6, 2026
I loved this book! It is not especially unique or complex as far as post-apocalyptic thrillers go, but what makes it stand out are the story, characters, theme, and worldview throughout the book!
It manages to retain a Christian worldview and outlook on life without being preachy whatsoever. If anything was somewhat close to preachy it was the monologues about patriotism and what it means to be an American (which I appreciated). Faith was merely the established backdrop of the characters; no hidden sermon.
Many post-apocalyptic stories are depressing and leave you feeling discouraged, especially as the depravity of it all weighs down on you. Not this one. It doesn’t flinch from the evil, terror, bloodshed, and suffering of such times, but alongside all that is the message of hope and love in the midst of the suffering. Love, even with all else lost, is the theme of this story.
The characters are what really sell it for me though. All of them are unique, human, and relatable. Especially the main character. I connected on a whole other level and could see myself in the character. The family dynamic, the love they have for each other, and the relationships forged in the midst of the chaos is so wholesome and beautiful to experience.
It’d been a long time since I read a book this quickly, but I never wanted to put it down. The story is captivating. A thriller for sure.
It manages to retain a Christian worldview and outlook on life without being preachy whatsoever. If anything was somewhat close to preachy it was the monologues about patriotism and what it means to be an American (which I appreciated). Faith was merely the established backdrop of the characters; no hidden sermon.
Many post-apocalyptic stories are depressing and leave you feeling discouraged, especially as the depravity of it all weighs down on you. Not this one. It doesn’t flinch from the evil, terror, bloodshed, and suffering of such times, but alongside all that is the message of hope and love in the midst of the suffering. Love, even with all else lost, is the theme of this story.
The characters are what really sell it for me though. All of them are unique, human, and relatable. Especially the main character. I connected on a whole other level and could see myself in the character. The family dynamic, the love they have for each other, and the relationships forged in the midst of the chaos is so wholesome and beautiful to experience.
It’d been a long time since I read a book this quickly, but I never wanted to put it down. The story is captivating. A thriller for sure.
October 20, 2024
In book one of the Last Patriots series, the Redding family leaves their home, knowing the Chinese occupiers will soon descend on them. They head north and along the way rescue other people. Their progress is halted when Caleb, the youngest, is captured by the Chinese and they must plan a way to rescue him. Very suspenseful!
September 3, 2025
Intriguing, amazing story, great character development
Loved every bit of this story. America is not the ground we walk on and is definitely not the faces that make up its government. It’s who we are and what we fight to defend.
Loved every bit of this story. America is not the ground we walk on and is definitely not the faces that make up its government. It’s who we are and what we fight to defend.
February 24, 2024
Several grammatical errors and too many repeated adjectives/phrases, but otherwise a great short story!
January 11, 2026
Wow. Might have teared up a few times throughout and ended it with a good sob as well.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews