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Victoria Emerson #2
Blue Fire
A thrilling new suspense novel with shades of The Stand and One Second After from the New York Times bestselling author of the Jonathan Grave series, that fans of Ben Coes and Brad Taylor won’t want to miss! In the wake of a global conflict that has devastated America, those who survived live in a world without technology or governance. They look to one woman—single mother and former West Virginia Congressperson Victoria Emerson—to lead and protect those determined to rebuild all they have lost…
“Engrossing…Fans of doomsday military thrillers will delight in the resilience of Gilstrap’s family of preppers and their quest for survival on their terms.” –Publishers Weekly
They call it Hell Day—a world war that lasted less than twenty-four hours. Nations unleashed weapons that destroyed more than a century’s worth of technology. Electrical grids cannot generate power. Communications and computers cannot run. And the remnants of the U. S. government cannot be depended upon. Those who survived must live as their ancestors did, off a land ruled by the whims of nature.
One-time congressional representative Victoria Emerson has become the new leader of the small town of Ortho, West Virginia. She has been struggling to provide food and shelter for the town’s inhabitants, while coping with desperate refugees. An autumn morning’s calm is shattered when her teenage son sounds the alarm with the cry “Blue Fire”—the code phrase for imminent danger.
A band of National Guardsmen intends to take Ortho and its resources for themselves. They have enough soldiers and firepower to eliminate anyone who dares to stop them. But Victoria swore an oath to defend and protect her people, and she isn’t about to surrender. It’s time to tap into the traditional American values of courage, ingenuity, and determination – and fight fire with fire.
“Engrossing…Fans of doomsday military thrillers will delight in the resilience of Gilstrap’s family of preppers and their quest for survival on their terms.” –Publishers Weekly
They call it Hell Day—a world war that lasted less than twenty-four hours. Nations unleashed weapons that destroyed more than a century’s worth of technology. Electrical grids cannot generate power. Communications and computers cannot run. And the remnants of the U. S. government cannot be depended upon. Those who survived must live as their ancestors did, off a land ruled by the whims of nature.
One-time congressional representative Victoria Emerson has become the new leader of the small town of Ortho, West Virginia. She has been struggling to provide food and shelter for the town’s inhabitants, while coping with desperate refugees. An autumn morning’s calm is shattered when her teenage son sounds the alarm with the cry “Blue Fire”—the code phrase for imminent danger.
A band of National Guardsmen intends to take Ortho and its resources for themselves. They have enough soldiers and firepower to eliminate anyone who dares to stop them. But Victoria swore an oath to defend and protect her people, and she isn’t about to surrender. It’s time to tap into the traditional American values of courage, ingenuity, and determination – and fight fire with fire.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2022
526 people are currently reading
5856 people want to read
About the author
John Gilstrap
79 books1,209 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
February 22, 2022
Blue Fire is book two in the Victoria Emerson series. After Hell Day in the first book, Crimson Phoenix, an eight-hour nuclear conflict, survivors are rebuilding. Victoria Emerson, a congresswoman pre-conflict became the leader of a small community in Ortho, West Virginia. Her two of three sons are with her.
I read quite a few post-apocalyptic novels but this one really reminds me of The Walking Dead minus the undead. If you're a fan of the show you'll know that although the zombies are scary, hostile humans are scarier. With no electricity and limited resources, each community tries to survive and some would attempt to take what they can from another group with force.
The novel took off right away and held my interest. I think I would've enjoyed it more if I had read the first book when the characters are introduced along with Hell Day and the immediate aftermath. My only complaint is the abrupt ending. I'll definitely read the first book in the series before the third one comes out. Highly entertaining!
Thank you Recorded Books and Netgalley for the audio ARC.
Available February 22, 2022!
I read quite a few post-apocalyptic novels but this one really reminds me of The Walking Dead minus the undead. If you're a fan of the show you'll know that although the zombies are scary, hostile humans are scarier. With no electricity and limited resources, each community tries to survive and some would attempt to take what they can from another group with force.
The novel took off right away and held my interest. I think I would've enjoyed it more if I had read the first book when the characters are introduced along with Hell Day and the immediate aftermath. My only complaint is the abrupt ending. I'll definitely read the first book in the series before the third one comes out. Highly entertaining!
Thank you Recorded Books and Netgalley for the audio ARC.
Available February 22, 2022!
January 22, 2022
Blue Fire
by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely pulse accelerating. I’ve seen it classified as post-apocalyptic, political thriller, and action thriller among others. Those are all fitting classifications to me.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia when the nuclear war was imminent. When she couldn’t take her sons into the bunker for Congress, she resigned and she, her two youngest sons (Caleb and Luke), and her escorts, Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, West Virginia after much of the world is in chaos and an electromagnetic pulse has wiped out all electronics and technology. With Victoria as the de-facto leader of the town, they are trying to provide housing for refugees that are starting to inundate the town. Living off the land is necessary. Food, clothing, shelter are needed. Medicines are in short supply. The town has established rules for those that want to stay and there is a type of frontier justice that can be brutal for criminals. When a cry of “Blue Fire”, the code phrase for imminent danger is raised, the town must protect itself. Who will survive? Will the town successfully defend itself or be overrun or surrender?
Vicky’s goal of protecting and providing for her family and the town is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but readers can see growth in Caleb and Luke. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to the antagonists.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon today, and much more. The loss of electricity, basic sanitation, running water, and communications present problems that most have not faced in their lifetimes. Who will show courage, leadership, spirit, and ingenuity and who will let their fear, greed, and self-interest guide their actions?
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. My one quibble with the book is that while the point of view changed (which was fine), the time went back forth between days. I felt it would have been a smoother read if it was told sequentially and varied by point of view.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. Would we have the skills to rebuild and survive if this actually happened? This is the second book that I have read by this author and the second in this series. I recommend that the series be read in order for best understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Ortho, its residents, and the world. I also want to read Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review will be posted 3-4 days after it appears at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia when the nuclear war was imminent. When she couldn’t take her sons into the bunker for Congress, she resigned and she, her two youngest sons (Caleb and Luke), and her escorts, Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, West Virginia after much of the world is in chaos and an electromagnetic pulse has wiped out all electronics and technology. With Victoria as the de-facto leader of the town, they are trying to provide housing for refugees that are starting to inundate the town. Living off the land is necessary. Food, clothing, shelter are needed. Medicines are in short supply. The town has established rules for those that want to stay and there is a type of frontier justice that can be brutal for criminals. When a cry of “Blue Fire”, the code phrase for imminent danger is raised, the town must protect itself. Who will survive? Will the town successfully defend itself or be overrun or surrender?
Vicky’s goal of protecting and providing for her family and the town is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but readers can see growth in Caleb and Luke. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to the antagonists.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon today, and much more. The loss of electricity, basic sanitation, running water, and communications present problems that most have not faced in their lifetimes. Who will show courage, leadership, spirit, and ingenuity and who will let their fear, greed, and self-interest guide their actions?
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. My one quibble with the book is that while the point of view changed (which was fine), the time went back forth between days. I felt it would have been a smoother read if it was told sequentially and varied by point of view.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. Would we have the skills to rebuild and survive if this actually happened? This is the second book that I have read by this author and the second in this series. I recommend that the series be read in order for best understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the events that have occurred. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Ortho, its residents, and the world. I also want to read Gilstrap’s Jonathan Grave series. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 22, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4 star review will be posted 3-4 days after it appears at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
January 14, 2022
Lots of tension and lots of action in this second book of the Victoria Emerson series. I can't wait for the next one. This book picked up where the first one left off and you would really benefit from reading the first book before this one in order to fully understand what is happening.
The world as we know it has ended. A global nuclear attack has occurred and the people left are in chaos. Victoria Emerson, a former congresswoman, and two of her three sons have ended up in a town called Ortho and Victoria, with her organizational skills, has provided some leadership and structure to the town as people try to rebuild without electricity and technology. There is a steady influx of new people to the town and then some boats arrive with a group of National Guardsmen who intend to steal the town and its resources for themselves.
Victoria Emerson is a courageous leader and has great survivor skills. Her two sons are having to grow up fast in this new world and I find their bravery admirable. This is a fascinating series and it is very thought provoking to look at how fast society changes to total chaos and lawlessness.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on February 22, 2022.
The world as we know it has ended. A global nuclear attack has occurred and the people left are in chaos. Victoria Emerson, a former congresswoman, and two of her three sons have ended up in a town called Ortho and Victoria, with her organizational skills, has provided some leadership and structure to the town as people try to rebuild without electricity and technology. There is a steady influx of new people to the town and then some boats arrive with a group of National Guardsmen who intend to steal the town and its resources for themselves.
Victoria Emerson is a courageous leader and has great survivor skills. Her two sons are having to grow up fast in this new world and I find their bravery admirable. This is a fascinating series and it is very thought provoking to look at how fast society changes to total chaos and lawlessness.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on February 22, 2022.
December 20, 2021
Blue Fire is the second instalment in John Gilstrap's post-apocalyptic series about former congress woman Victoria Emerson. The first book, Crimson Phoenix, was great and Blue Fire follows the events of that book.
The series reminds me of the tv-show Jericho and The Walking dead but without the zombies. I love the post-apocalyptic world that Gilstrap has created and how every survivor desperately tries to cope in the new world.
The book is well paced and as always with Gilstrap the storytelling is fantastic. It's extremely entertaining and impossible to put down so I really recommend this book and series.
Thanks to the author, Kensington and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
The series reminds me of the tv-show Jericho and The Walking dead but without the zombies. I love the post-apocalyptic world that Gilstrap has created and how every survivor desperately tries to cope in the new world.
The book is well paced and as always with Gilstrap the storytelling is fantastic. It's extremely entertaining and impossible to put down so I really recommend this book and series.
Thanks to the author, Kensington and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
January 19, 2023
Review coming soon.
October 23, 2021
Blue Fire, by John Gilstrap, is the continuation of Crimson Phoenix, featuring badass extraordinaire Victoria Emerson. Blue Fire picks up about 30 days after the nuclear apocalypse, aka Hell Night. The small town of Ortho, where Emerson and her two youngest boys wound up, is relatively flourishing under the leadership of Emerson. Ortho is surrounded by cities that have descended into lawlessness while Ortho is considered Eden. That means trouble is on the horizon for Ortho.
Crimson Phoenix was probably the biggest surprise I've had in terms of books and Blue Fire is just as great. Apocalyptic books aren't really my cup of tea but Gilstrap weaves so many interesting subplots along with how he develops the characters that the apocalypse is almost shoved to the back burner.
As Blue Fire is the second book in the series it shouldn't be read as a standalone. In fact, I couldn't remember what had taken place in Crimson Phoenix so I had to go back and read sections to refresh my memory. Gilstrap has set the stage for the next book and it'll be interesting to see how all the main characters evolve.
My sincere thanks to John Gilstrap, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Blue Fire.
Crimson Phoenix was probably the biggest surprise I've had in terms of books and Blue Fire is just as great. Apocalyptic books aren't really my cup of tea but Gilstrap weaves so many interesting subplots along with how he develops the characters that the apocalypse is almost shoved to the back burner.
As Blue Fire is the second book in the series it shouldn't be read as a standalone. In fact, I couldn't remember what had taken place in Crimson Phoenix so I had to go back and read sections to refresh my memory. Gilstrap has set the stage for the next book and it'll be interesting to see how all the main characters evolve.
My sincere thanks to John Gilstrap, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Blue Fire.
January 8, 2022
In case of a serious disaster, who should be in charge and what rules would apply? Blue Fire by John Gilstrap is the scond book in the series about Victoria Emerson and her struggles after a nuclear war. The first book was great and this is just as good. In this one they deal more with how to rebuild a functioning society and what rules they should live by. Is there a difference in an individuals value? How do you deal with crime and what is a crime? To what length should you go to defend yourself and yours? The author has as usual done a good job with the characters and the setting he also poses some interesting problems for people to deal with. I find the book interesting and frightening at the same time. He takes on a lot of the "what ifs" that can occur in extreme situations. I highly recommend this series and thank @KensingtonBooks @this_is_edelweiss and @netgalley for giving me this advance copy and @johngilstrap7558 for writing this great adventure.
February 7, 2023
Wow. This is the second book of thus far a three book series. This is the author's Victoria Emerson Series. I have not read books one or three.
This went so fast, I was on the edge of my seat. I was impressed with the writing, I liked the decision-making that formed the characters. Midway there was a fight scene and I was so relieved the author wrote the scene as I wanted it to go. The ending shook me to my core. I could have done without the brothers spatting during an emergency; however, I'm guessing based on the other parts of the book, that's how siblings are. (I'm not fond of stupidity. Signalling absolute silence and having one shh shh shh and the other insisting on being told why is beyond stupid. All this while hiding.)
There was about 50 pages or so with Adam I could have done without. I may need the info moving to the third book, I'll see.
My review can't possibly do the book justice. There is some swearing.
I'm looking forward to reading the entire series.
Thank you to GoodReads for the Giveaway Program. I won the Kindle book, and am grateful. I have found a new favorite author. (Fingers-crossed one day there will be a Giveaway Program in Canada.)
This went so fast, I was on the edge of my seat. I was impressed with the writing, I liked the decision-making that formed the characters. Midway there was a fight scene and I was so relieved the author wrote the scene as I wanted it to go. The ending shook me to my core. I could have done without the brothers spatting during an emergency; however, I'm guessing based on the other parts of the book, that's how siblings are. (I'm not fond of stupidity. Signalling absolute silence and having one shh shh shh and the other insisting on being told why is beyond stupid. All this while hiding.)
There was about 50 pages or so with Adam I could have done without. I may need the info moving to the third book, I'll see.
My review can't possibly do the book justice. There is some swearing.
I'm looking forward to reading the entire series.
Thank you to GoodReads for the Giveaway Program. I won the Kindle book, and am grateful. I have found a new favorite author. (Fingers-crossed one day there will be a Giveaway Program in Canada.)
April 5, 2022
Blue Fire was the kind of novel that made me want to take a survival training course over an entire weekend and obtaining a firearm! And I don’t even like guns.
Somethings happened to the country, a war? But anyway nothing works and people are selfish. I was quickly swept in and felt like I was in the midst of the Walking Dead.
There’s so many things I could of said about this novel but I’ll leave you with this. How are you with out your stuff? Status, money, privacy means nothing. Are you kind? And do you fight for the greater good? This story helped me decide which side I was on. It was good. I enjoyed listening to this book on audio and Kate Forbes narration was on point . She did such an incredible job. The ending came and I’m still holding my breath at the conclusion. and Shock.! I highly recommend it.
Thanks Recorded Books via NetGalley.
Somethings happened to the country, a war? But anyway nothing works and people are selfish. I was quickly swept in and felt like I was in the midst of the Walking Dead.
There’s so many things I could of said about this novel but I’ll leave you with this. How are you with out your stuff? Status, money, privacy means nothing. Are you kind? And do you fight for the greater good? This story helped me decide which side I was on. It was good. I enjoyed listening to this book on audio and Kate Forbes narration was on point . She did such an incredible job. The ending came and I’m still holding my breath at the conclusion. and Shock.! I highly recommend it.
Thanks Recorded Books via NetGalley.
February 24, 2022
Another thrilling (and still terrifying) thrill ride! This book is action-packed and made my anxiety skyrocket several times. This story is so well written that I was completely wrapped up and didn’t want to put it down. I’ve also decided I do NOT want to survive the initial attack; the things the survivors have to go through is not for the faint of heart. The main characters are likeable (despite the bleak setting) and Victoria Emerson is the perfect person to rebuild society. Highly recommended for those who want non-stop action.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 20, 2022
Blue Fire is the second book in the Victoria Emerson Series by John Gilstrap. It is definitely beneficial reading book one Crimson Phoenix before Blue Fire so that as a reader you fully understand what is happening in this series. I would consider this a post-apocalyptical story.
Blue Fire starts several weeks after Hell Day which is the reference to the day that an eight hour nuclear war occurred. Victoria is trying to bring some semblance of order to the town of Ortho, West Virginia while trying to raise two sons who have had to become men well before their youth is over.
There’s plenty of tension, suspense and page turning happenings that will keep the reader completely engaged. The books also pose interesting questions as to what would happen if everything went back to the most rudimentary of what you are used to. It’s also amazing how fast chaos can occur and how the lines of right and wrong and survival can blur.
I highly recommend anything that John Gilstrap writes. His books make you think and will have you reading late into the evening.
Thank you to #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for allowing me to read the ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Blue Fire starts several weeks after Hell Day which is the reference to the day that an eight hour nuclear war occurred. Victoria is trying to bring some semblance of order to the town of Ortho, West Virginia while trying to raise two sons who have had to become men well before their youth is over.
There’s plenty of tension, suspense and page turning happenings that will keep the reader completely engaged. The books also pose interesting questions as to what would happen if everything went back to the most rudimentary of what you are used to. It’s also amazing how fast chaos can occur and how the lines of right and wrong and survival can blur.
I highly recommend anything that John Gilstrap writes. His books make you think and will have you reading late into the evening.
Thank you to #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for allowing me to read the ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 15, 2021
The second book in this series is just as good as the first and what vivid picture this author is painting for us. Vivid enough to be terrifying.
This book picks up where the town of Ortho is hitting its stride and succeeding in helping those who need help so much right now while taking care of its own. The Emerson family is trying to reunite and congress is hidden away at the Annex.
This is one of my favorite new series. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book picks up where the town of Ortho is hitting its stride and succeeding in helping those who need help so much right now while taking care of its own. The Emerson family is trying to reunite and congress is hidden away at the Annex.
This is one of my favorite new series. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
4.5 not my kind of book but listened while traveling with my husband and I found it riveting and very intense!
December 4, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Let me start this by repeating what I have said on most of the reviews for this author. He is one of the authors that I have come to trust when I see a new book release and he has become an "automatic buy" for me.. I have fallen in love with his Jonathan Graves series and then more recently, when I was awarded an ARC for his new Victoria Emerson Series. I was equally thrilled to be able to read the latest ARC of the second book in this series.
With that out of the way let me say that it took me a little bit to remember EXACTLY what had occurred in book 1, but it felt like I was drawn in immediately and things began to come back very quickly. This book really shouldn't be read as a stand alone. It probably has enough information that a new reader would not be lost, but it would make much more of an impact if you started from the beginning (especially to be able to laugh at the unintended comedy that is the bunker for our "wonderful" politicians.)
In this book, we get to see more of what is occurring in two different camps - the city of Ortho and the "bunker" with the legislative branch. We also get to follow along on the journey with Adam and his girlfriend as they try desperately to try to get to someplace even remotely "Safe".
Without going into spoilers, this book takes off from the very beginning and it does not let up. There were times that I found myself holding my breath and then realized my heart was racing as events began to climax.
Bottom line. This was a GREAT next installment. This story isn't finished and it is going to be very interesting to find out what is going to happen next. I will say that it makes me even more grateful for our ever important Second Amendment and it highlights how important it is to try to at least begin a discussion with family for a "worst case scenario" (I NEVER thought those words would come out of my mouth - or I guess my fingers) It is scary how quickly things can devolve and without any rules, the rule of MIGHT becomes the rule.
Another winner. Can't wait for book 3.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
Let me start this by repeating what I have said on most of the reviews for this author. He is one of the authors that I have come to trust when I see a new book release and he has become an "automatic buy" for me.. I have fallen in love with his Jonathan Graves series and then more recently, when I was awarded an ARC for his new Victoria Emerson Series. I was equally thrilled to be able to read the latest ARC of the second book in this series.
With that out of the way let me say that it took me a little bit to remember EXACTLY what had occurred in book 1, but it felt like I was drawn in immediately and things began to come back very quickly. This book really shouldn't be read as a stand alone. It probably has enough information that a new reader would not be lost, but it would make much more of an impact if you started from the beginning (especially to be able to laugh at the unintended comedy that is the bunker for our "wonderful" politicians.)
In this book, we get to see more of what is occurring in two different camps - the city of Ortho and the "bunker" with the legislative branch. We also get to follow along on the journey with Adam and his girlfriend as they try desperately to try to get to someplace even remotely "Safe".
Without going into spoilers, this book takes off from the very beginning and it does not let up. There were times that I found myself holding my breath and then realized my heart was racing as events began to climax.
Bottom line. This was a GREAT next installment. This story isn't finished and it is going to be very interesting to find out what is going to happen next. I will say that it makes me even more grateful for our ever important Second Amendment and it highlights how important it is to try to at least begin a discussion with family for a "worst case scenario" (I NEVER thought those words would come out of my mouth - or I guess my fingers) It is scary how quickly things can devolve and without any rules, the rule of MIGHT becomes the rule.
Another winner. Can't wait for book 3.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
December 21, 2021
What happens when the political leaders make a mess of the world. World chaos. In some ways this thriller could be prophetic. I think that's what makes it so good. I have not read the
but I did not feel lost in reading this one. I do want get my hands on the first one so it is what it is. The scene starts with several strong characters from the first book surviving what is known as Hell Day. Where everything that is known is destroyed. You are not enjoying the basics of running water, going to a job, your are surviving and it is the strongest of the fittest. There are no paper pushers but only those that know how to sustain. Victoria Emerson is at the center. Before Hell Day, she was in politics. She was in the rat race. She is different. She knows people need purpose and responsibilities. She knows that people cannot thrive with more government. The plot is driven by how those that have courage, purpose, and humanity will thrive from nothing. On the other side is those that are bullies and will take and terrorize. That work in lawlessness and end up with nothing.
The story line is riveting. Emerson is on the side of hope. Rebuilding something better and not putting up with those that won't take responsibility. She has her two sons and others that seek the same thing. It is a picture of humanity at its worst and best.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 16, 2022
I read and enjoyed John Gilstrap’s first novel in this series Crimson Phoenix ‘
So was excited when I saw Book #2 was available.
Story picks up where Congresswoman Victoria (Vickie) Emerson from West Virginia (my home state) was a congressional member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She was awaken at night and rushed to a safe bunker as a nuclear war was imminent. A widow with three boys, she insists that her two youngest boys Caleb and Luke go with her. When she is told no family members, she resigns!
She, her two sons and her escorts Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, WV.
Story continues after the nuclear invasion as the government try to rebuild.
As a Congresswoman Victoria Emerson always had a goal of being helpful to her community; she never let the ambitious Washington politicians who are more interested in themselves and are ambitious in power plays.
(This reminds of Joe Manchin a current Senator from West Virginia as in most cases he is
the voice of reason!)
She continues her goal of protecting her family as well as helping the people in this small town survive.
Want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 22, 2022.
So was excited when I saw Book #2 was available.
Story picks up where Congresswoman Victoria (Vickie) Emerson from West Virginia (my home state) was a congressional member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She was awaken at night and rushed to a safe bunker as a nuclear war was imminent. A widow with three boys, she insists that her two youngest boys Caleb and Luke go with her. When she is told no family members, she resigns!
She, her two sons and her escorts Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley end up in Ortho, WV.
Story continues after the nuclear invasion as the government try to rebuild.
As a Congresswoman Victoria Emerson always had a goal of being helpful to her community; she never let the ambitious Washington politicians who are more interested in themselves and are ambitious in power plays.
(This reminds of Joe Manchin a current Senator from West Virginia as in most cases he is
the voice of reason!)
She continues her goal of protecting her family as well as helping the people in this small town survive.
Want to thank NetGalley and RB Media for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 22, 2022.
January 19, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
John Gilstrap, with his effective storytelling techniques weaves a compelling story of what would become of us in the aftermath of a nuclear war? With infrastructure and power blown back to the dawn of man, survival is the only daily goal.
The plot of Blue Fire is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth between intense bouts of physical danger and the gut wrenching choices that must be made. The tension is constantly increasing, bubbling just below the surface, until it boils over and explodes into kinetic action.
Make sure to check out the full review
John Gilstrap, with his effective storytelling techniques weaves a compelling story of what would become of us in the aftermath of a nuclear war? With infrastructure and power blown back to the dawn of man, survival is the only daily goal.
The plot of Blue Fire is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth between intense bouts of physical danger and the gut wrenching choices that must be made. The tension is constantly increasing, bubbling just below the surface, until it boils over and explodes into kinetic action.
Make sure to check out the full review
April 11, 2022
Post-nuclear war sans zombies series. I really love this series! Without zombies it's able to really address the issue of how to survive and the personalities of the various characters. And the characters, particularly Victoria Emerson - former Congresswoman, are very well rounded. Vicky was being taken to the government bunker at the threat of war with the rest of congress when she was told her 2 boys wouldn't be allowed to enter with her. She resigns on the spot to the shock of everyone. And they, with her 2 military escorts (who weren't allowed in either) head out on their own. These stories follow Vicky and her group, Vicky's 3rd son who was away at military school and his girlfriend, and the remaining members of Congress in the bunker - which brings a whole new element I haven't seen before into this post-apocalyptic genre. I blazed through the first two books (both on audio) and can't wait until the next one!!
August 14, 2022
This is the second book in the Victoria Emerson series. It starts roughly a month after Hell Day, when nukes came crashing to Earth all over the globe.
Victoria is basically the mayor now of Ortho, WV, where she had set up in the previous book.
The country is in chaos, with those who have useful skills try to get by in life before marauders take it from them.
An enjoyable story of people doing what needs to be done just to live.
Victoria is basically the mayor now of Ortho, WV, where she had set up in the previous book.
The country is in chaos, with those who have useful skills try to get by in life before marauders take it from them.
An enjoyable story of people doing what needs to be done just to live.
December 16, 2021
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Blue Fire forces you to ask uncomfortable questions and face inconvenient truths about how far you’d go to ensure your own survival in a severely resource constrained environment.
Make sure to check out the full review
Blue Fire forces you to ask uncomfortable questions and face inconvenient truths about how far you’d go to ensure your own survival in a severely resource constrained environment.
Make sure to check out the full review
February 23, 2022
I was hesitant about starting this book because I hadn't read Book 1. Not a problem. From the start I was immersed in the story and the characters. Gilstrap did such an excellent job that I never wondered what was happening or why. The action and tension were non-stop with a variety of character types that were very true to life. I found myself wishing for a roll of duct tape when my husband wanted to talk about something while I was listening to Blue Fire. lol
Kate Forbes is an excellent reader for the audiobook. Her voice and tone conveyed the tension without sacrificing the listening experience. Her even modulation kept me riveted and made it easy to hear the book. I will look for more books that she's read.
All in all an excellent experience. I will go back and listen to Book 1. In fact, I will get that book for our next road trip. I believe my husband will enjoy this series too - and I won't have to duct tape him. (GRIN)
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own. #netgalley #bluefire #johngilstrap
Kate Forbes is an excellent reader for the audiobook. Her voice and tone conveyed the tension without sacrificing the listening experience. Her even modulation kept me riveted and made it easy to hear the book. I will look for more books that she's read.
All in all an excellent experience. I will go back and listen to Book 1. In fact, I will get that book for our next road trip. I believe my husband will enjoy this series too - and I won't have to duct tape him. (GRIN)
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own. #netgalley #bluefire #johngilstrap
March 14, 2022
I won this book from Between the Chapters. It is the second in a post apocalyptic series. You can read it as a stand alone, but it is even better after reading the first book.
Each book ends well but leads into the next one. Continuing storylines and the rebuilding of society starting in a small town. Similar to the idea of The Walking Dead..... Good people fighting against bad people.
Each book ends well but leads into the next one. Continuing storylines and the rebuilding of society starting in a small town. Similar to the idea of The Walking Dead..... Good people fighting against bad people.
April 23, 2022
THIS IS FANTASTIC. Start with Crimson Phoenix and then reD this. The series is a post-apocalyptic tale of survival after nuclear war. Most authors would tell the tale in one epic tome. Gilstrap plays it smart by telling it in chunks. I think I like this better than his other series. Can't wait for book 3. Should we start taking bets on the title? White Blaze? Alabaster Heat? Ivory Inferno?
June 19, 2025
Civilization has fallen, and a small town in Maryland is as close to heaven as it gets, as people try to raid the town.
Meanwhile, politicians in their underground bunker can't even take care of themselves.
Needs some humor, I think.
Meanwhile, politicians in their underground bunker can't even take care of themselves.
Needs some humor, I think.
October 19, 2025
Hell Day was when the fragile structure and understanding that kept everything together in the world snapped. DEFCON 1. Nuclear war imminent. Bombs dropped. Eight hours later it was over. It was officially the start of a new way of living. Everything that was taken for granted day in and day out, such as electricity, plumbing and working vehicles, are a thing of the past.
For Victoria Emerson when she was told the phrase “Crimson Phoenix” hours before the bombs fell she realized the survival planning her and her family prepped for were about to be put to the test. As a Congresswoman of the House she is escorted to the United States Government Relocation Center, or the Annex. All members of the House and Senate are to be kept in a bunker for sixty days. She relinquishes her position after being told that only she and a member of her staff will be allowed entrance meaning her kids can’t come in.
In time, Victoria, her sons Caleb and Luke, and the two members of her military escort to the Annex, Major Joe McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley, manage to make it to a small town named Ortho in West Virginia. Upon their arrival the town is in disarray with no structure. Victoria takes charge and helps transform the town into a safe haven, one that begins making a name for itself by attracting lots of newcomers.
At the start of Blue Fire we see that Ortho and its inhabitants have experienced a lot of growth over the past few weeks since book one, Crimson Phoenix, ended. Everyone is expected to do their share to benefit the town whether it’s helping build cabins or being on security detail. On top of all of that Victoria drives home the fact that it’s important everyone be trained in weaponry as the entirety of the town basically is the militia. They’re created something great here and they don’t want to lose it.
Right off the bat the tension ripples off the pages. Her son Luke is approaching town on a horse shouting “Blue fire!” which is the code phrase for highest level of danger. They make contact with the large group approaching via the river and speak with the Captain of the Maryland National Guard. They’re a group who insists that they’re welcome to take whatever they need but Victoria and her crew don’t agree. As they attempt to part ways her boys, who are in a lookout position as snipers, notice others in the boat beginning to take aim. A gunfight ensues and the remnants that are still alive in the boats flee. They know that they’ll be back, the question is when. This brings about the implementation of a new warning systems using whistles and more security lookouts which serves beneficial later.
Crimson Phoenix was a masterclass of tension for its first one hundred pages. Everything happening before the bombs dropped. Then the fixing up of a town and figuring out the new normal. With Blue Fire it benefited from being able to carry on full steam ahead. There were more POVs which helped keep my interest at an all time high because I knew they would likely cross paths with our main characters in due time. Multiple pieces fitting together with a click.
It’s stories like this that remind me of just how bleak and awful it would be if our fragile structure of society changed in the blink of an eye. How far out do you extend your circle of trust? Who will become the bloodthirsty looking to take and take and take and destroy, and who will continue to be kind and attempt to keep things roughly the same (as best as possible anyway) as it was before? I hated the antagonists in this story because they were the former, as expected. They know they’re stronger and can get away with being assholes because their group has bigger numbers and guns with their safeties off versus a small family of four looking to survive without any trouble. Those who are looking to continue living as best they can with what food and goods they have saved in an attempt to get through winter can have it all taken from them by force. It truly can become a lawless Wild West.
As much as I hate to agree with an antagonist I have to applaud how one character managed to tell it like it is to the politicians attempting to bring a semblance of order to the new world all while sitting nice and cozy in their bunker. The newly appointed president, vice president and speaker of the house are still having meetings to discuss funding for the new world while being totally oblivious to what’s going on outside. Funding, of all things, when the money we all agreed upon to accept and use no longer has a purpose and instead ammo is being used as currency, at least in Ortho. Communication on the level the world once knew is non-existent. Here they’re planning but how will they spread their messages? Who will bother to listen anymore and follow along? No one knows anything beyond the area in which they live and know. Seeing the politicians attempt to use once respected titles and being told to stuff it was, I must admit, incredibly satisfying!
This book had the sequel vibes one is looking for with a story continuation. Some may think that the middle book of a series may feel like filler or simply act a stepping stone to the last book but this truly added to the story a ton and it makes me all the more excited to see how things go in book three!
The romance aspect that was obviously being introduced around the end of book one was thankfully put on the back burner. All the groundwork was taken care of in book one so this time around it was full steam ahead once the recaps were taken care of, roughly seventy pages in. The action is fairly consistent thanks to the multiple POVs! Victoria’s eldest son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Emma, have their own adventure all while being targeted after engaging in a gunfight in Crimson Phoenix that was truthfully self defense. The engagements they had with enemy forces was badass!!
The timeline was interesting as each chapter jumped back and forth between certain days after Hell Day depending on which groups POV we were in. It took some time to get used to but when I realized that some of the crazy things happened say thirty days after Hell Day, and then we return to the “present” where it’s fifty days after Hell Day, it made me wonder how things that happened in the past may influence the future particularly where book three is concerned!
With Victoria and the citizens of Ortho growing stronger mentally and physically, and the antagonist increasing the number of troops in his own small battalion made up of real soldiers with experience and civilians looking to fight, I knew the final battle in act three was going to be insane. That it was!! John Gilstrap excels in many aspects when it comes to writing but his action scenes are so perfectly depicted that it’s great fun seeing them playing out in my head!
I have to say I liked Blue Fire more than Crimson Phoenix. The latter was fantastic at laying the groundwork but the former really allowed these characters to shine due to their growth and clear resilience in this new world where making it to the next day is the ultimate goal. Being able to expand on the overall story, bringing people and groups together to create a stronger battle force if brought to arms, and the hope that comes from seeing those in a small town not turn into rabid psychos is what makes this novel fantastic as well as an incredibly fast read because you won’t want to put it down!!!
For Victoria Emerson when she was told the phrase “Crimson Phoenix” hours before the bombs fell she realized the survival planning her and her family prepped for were about to be put to the test. As a Congresswoman of the House she is escorted to the United States Government Relocation Center, or the Annex. All members of the House and Senate are to be kept in a bunker for sixty days. She relinquishes her position after being told that only she and a member of her staff will be allowed entrance meaning her kids can’t come in.
In time, Victoria, her sons Caleb and Luke, and the two members of her military escort to the Annex, Major Joe McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley, manage to make it to a small town named Ortho in West Virginia. Upon their arrival the town is in disarray with no structure. Victoria takes charge and helps transform the town into a safe haven, one that begins making a name for itself by attracting lots of newcomers.
At the start of Blue Fire we see that Ortho and its inhabitants have experienced a lot of growth over the past few weeks since book one, Crimson Phoenix, ended. Everyone is expected to do their share to benefit the town whether it’s helping build cabins or being on security detail. On top of all of that Victoria drives home the fact that it’s important everyone be trained in weaponry as the entirety of the town basically is the militia. They’re created something great here and they don’t want to lose it.
Right off the bat the tension ripples off the pages. Her son Luke is approaching town on a horse shouting “Blue fire!” which is the code phrase for highest level of danger. They make contact with the large group approaching via the river and speak with the Captain of the Maryland National Guard. They’re a group who insists that they’re welcome to take whatever they need but Victoria and her crew don’t agree. As they attempt to part ways her boys, who are in a lookout position as snipers, notice others in the boat beginning to take aim. A gunfight ensues and the remnants that are still alive in the boats flee. They know that they’ll be back, the question is when. This brings about the implementation of a new warning systems using whistles and more security lookouts which serves beneficial later.
Crimson Phoenix was a masterclass of tension for its first one hundred pages. Everything happening before the bombs dropped. Then the fixing up of a town and figuring out the new normal. With Blue Fire it benefited from being able to carry on full steam ahead. There were more POVs which helped keep my interest at an all time high because I knew they would likely cross paths with our main characters in due time. Multiple pieces fitting together with a click.
It’s stories like this that remind me of just how bleak and awful it would be if our fragile structure of society changed in the blink of an eye. How far out do you extend your circle of trust? Who will become the bloodthirsty looking to take and take and take and destroy, and who will continue to be kind and attempt to keep things roughly the same (as best as possible anyway) as it was before? I hated the antagonists in this story because they were the former, as expected. They know they’re stronger and can get away with being assholes because their group has bigger numbers and guns with their safeties off versus a small family of four looking to survive without any trouble. Those who are looking to continue living as best they can with what food and goods they have saved in an attempt to get through winter can have it all taken from them by force. It truly can become a lawless Wild West.
As much as I hate to agree with an antagonist I have to applaud how one character managed to tell it like it is to the politicians attempting to bring a semblance of order to the new world all while sitting nice and cozy in their bunker. The newly appointed president, vice president and speaker of the house are still having meetings to discuss funding for the new world while being totally oblivious to what’s going on outside. Funding, of all things, when the money we all agreed upon to accept and use no longer has a purpose and instead ammo is being used as currency, at least in Ortho. Communication on the level the world once knew is non-existent. Here they’re planning but how will they spread their messages? Who will bother to listen anymore and follow along? No one knows anything beyond the area in which they live and know. Seeing the politicians attempt to use once respected titles and being told to stuff it was, I must admit, incredibly satisfying!
This book had the sequel vibes one is looking for with a story continuation. Some may think that the middle book of a series may feel like filler or simply act a stepping stone to the last book but this truly added to the story a ton and it makes me all the more excited to see how things go in book three!
The romance aspect that was obviously being introduced around the end of book one was thankfully put on the back burner. All the groundwork was taken care of in book one so this time around it was full steam ahead once the recaps were taken care of, roughly seventy pages in. The action is fairly consistent thanks to the multiple POVs! Victoria’s eldest son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Emma, have their own adventure all while being targeted after engaging in a gunfight in Crimson Phoenix that was truthfully self defense. The engagements they had with enemy forces was badass!!
The timeline was interesting as each chapter jumped back and forth between certain days after Hell Day depending on which groups POV we were in. It took some time to get used to but when I realized that some of the crazy things happened say thirty days after Hell Day, and then we return to the “present” where it’s fifty days after Hell Day, it made me wonder how things that happened in the past may influence the future particularly where book three is concerned!
With Victoria and the citizens of Ortho growing stronger mentally and physically, and the antagonist increasing the number of troops in his own small battalion made up of real soldiers with experience and civilians looking to fight, I knew the final battle in act three was going to be insane. That it was!! John Gilstrap excels in many aspects when it comes to writing but his action scenes are so perfectly depicted that it’s great fun seeing them playing out in my head!
I have to say I liked Blue Fire more than Crimson Phoenix. The latter was fantastic at laying the groundwork but the former really allowed these characters to shine due to their growth and clear resilience in this new world where making it to the next day is the ultimate goal. Being able to expand on the overall story, bringing people and groups together to create a stronger battle force if brought to arms, and the hope that comes from seeing those in a small town not turn into rabid psychos is what makes this novel fantastic as well as an incredibly fast read because you won’t want to put it down!!!
May 30, 2022
I have never read any John Gilstrap work until Blue Fire came across my NetGalley.com feed and I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Blue Fire has a post-apocalyptic vibe while it also draws on the consistent ability of the government to screw things up. With the political back and forth seen in the news every day, this shows the aftermath of bad decisions and how they can affect the people that they represent.
One of the main locations in this adventure is Ortho, West Virginia, where former congresswoman Victoria Emerson has taken refuge. After choosing not to hide away in a bunker with the rest of the surviving branches of the federal government, Victoria has become the pseudo mayor of this shanty town. She also requires all capable members of this community to be fully committed to serving, not a hard bargain if you ask me. After the bombs have dropped all over America in Gilstrap’s first, Crimson Phoenix, we start to see the lawlessness. An unfortunate meeting occurs as a neighboring town comes to speak with Victoria and a gun fight ends the chat and riles up the tension. For those that are stuck in the wilderness and unsettled areas surrounding these dangerous towns, they must make their own safety or become just another body in the ground.
As Victoria and Ortho continue to be receptive to random people walking into town, the inhabitants of the government facility are trying to determine what is happening outside the safety of their bunker. In a brave mission, one of the people attempts to go out to record the findings and meets an untimely demise. Emerson is seemingly keeping herself inundated with a broad list of keep busy items to not focus on the fact that her husband was overseas when the war started, and her oldest son was at military school which is now not standing.
Gilstrap does an amazing job of bringing together another modern-day Red Dawn while showing that humanity can have a chance at survival with the right people involved. Though no one is immune in the aftermath of the nuclear war that was unleashed all over earth, the bloody and fierce battle between neighboring towns continue as people are literally fighting for their lives. A harsh reality and unnerving emotion highlight the hellish landscape in which few survive but maybe staying alive isn’t surviving.
One of the main locations in this adventure is Ortho, West Virginia, where former congresswoman Victoria Emerson has taken refuge. After choosing not to hide away in a bunker with the rest of the surviving branches of the federal government, Victoria has become the pseudo mayor of this shanty town. She also requires all capable members of this community to be fully committed to serving, not a hard bargain if you ask me. After the bombs have dropped all over America in Gilstrap’s first, Crimson Phoenix, we start to see the lawlessness. An unfortunate meeting occurs as a neighboring town comes to speak with Victoria and a gun fight ends the chat and riles up the tension. For those that are stuck in the wilderness and unsettled areas surrounding these dangerous towns, they must make their own safety or become just another body in the ground.
As Victoria and Ortho continue to be receptive to random people walking into town, the inhabitants of the government facility are trying to determine what is happening outside the safety of their bunker. In a brave mission, one of the people attempts to go out to record the findings and meets an untimely demise. Emerson is seemingly keeping herself inundated with a broad list of keep busy items to not focus on the fact that her husband was overseas when the war started, and her oldest son was at military school which is now not standing.
Gilstrap does an amazing job of bringing together another modern-day Red Dawn while showing that humanity can have a chance at survival with the right people involved. Though no one is immune in the aftermath of the nuclear war that was unleashed all over earth, the bloody and fierce battle between neighboring towns continue as people are literally fighting for their lives. A harsh reality and unnerving emotion highlight the hellish landscape in which few survive but maybe staying alive isn’t surviving.
December 21, 2021
As a winner of an advance copy on Goodreads, I absolutely love getting books before they are out. I had read Crimson Phoenix introducing Victoria Emerson and wasn't a fan of the storyline (America after the apocalypse). It definately shows how society can deteriorate and how quickly bullies take charge and it's scary to think this could really happen. Victoria is the sane one and leads a town by common sense.
The book reminds me a lot of the TV show Revolution which followed the same premise.
I think I will stick to Jonathan Grave and Boxers.
The book reminds me a lot of the TV show Revolution which followed the same premise.
I think I will stick to Jonathan Grave and Boxers.
June 18, 2022
I have reviewed this as a stand alone book since I missed "Victoria Emerson, #1; maybe if I read the book one first it would have made me more favorable of this one, but it was still very predictable and the priority seemed to be fighting, different gangs but the same thing. I understand that this type of situation would entail a good deal of fighting but it would also entail other things, which were mentioned but not focused on as was the fighting.
January 11, 2023
Again..people seem to be blowing smoke and rating books too high. First off, let me just say that the IDEA of this story is good and very interesting. However, There's so much posturing and grandstanding and over the top conversations with people in "authority"that it was unbelievable and downright irritating. The annex situation is ridiculous and the punishments in ortho is extreme and just....stupid. This could've and should've been written better.
January 30, 2022
Amidst a global conflict > One woman finds a way to save a community of survivors determined to rebuild their lives. Thankyou Goodreads for this free book.
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