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American Wasteland #1
False Flag
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active. The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt.
John Philpot Curran
Jennifer Martin struggles to keep her small business afloat in the aftermath of a global pandemic. But when a blast from the past informs her of a plan to take down America, she realizes the pandemic was only the opening act. Death and destruction hang like a dark cloud over the horizon. Jennifer must steel herself for the trouble to come.
Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
Government intervention during the pandemic has weakened the economy and the social fabric of the nation. Nevertheless, bureaucrats and lawmakers refuse to change course and double down on the failed policies that have crippled the country. Rising prices and labor shortages are pushing Jennifer Martin’s small Atlanta restaurant to the brink of destruction.
A bitter red pill.
After years of being out of touch, Lucas McIntosh shows up at Jennifer’s doorstep. He tells her about his dishonorable discharge from the Army and about the purge designed to cleanse the military of patriots and conservatives.
New laws serve to exacerbate the growing food shortage in America. Paired with crippling inflation, the scarcity triggers food riots across the country.
And a fatal false flag.
Shortly after the riots are brought under control, a cyber-attack brings down the electrical grid sending the country into total chaos. The assault is blamed on a group of malcontents who believe the last US election was rigged. But Lucas believes this narrative is only a ruse intended to further divide the fractured nation.
With so many already in dire straits, the power outage pushes people to the edge. The crisis brings out the worst in humanity, turning average citizens into desperate savages. Jennifer and her small group of friends will have to stick together and be smart if they have any hope of surviving the turmoil.
John Philpot Curran
Jennifer Martin struggles to keep her small business afloat in the aftermath of a global pandemic. But when a blast from the past informs her of a plan to take down America, she realizes the pandemic was only the opening act. Death and destruction hang like a dark cloud over the horizon. Jennifer must steel herself for the trouble to come.
Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
Government intervention during the pandemic has weakened the economy and the social fabric of the nation. Nevertheless, bureaucrats and lawmakers refuse to change course and double down on the failed policies that have crippled the country. Rising prices and labor shortages are pushing Jennifer Martin’s small Atlanta restaurant to the brink of destruction.
A bitter red pill.
After years of being out of touch, Lucas McIntosh shows up at Jennifer’s doorstep. He tells her about his dishonorable discharge from the Army and about the purge designed to cleanse the military of patriots and conservatives.
New laws serve to exacerbate the growing food shortage in America. Paired with crippling inflation, the scarcity triggers food riots across the country.
And a fatal false flag.
Shortly after the riots are brought under control, a cyber-attack brings down the electrical grid sending the country into total chaos. The assault is blamed on a group of malcontents who believe the last US election was rigged. But Lucas believes this narrative is only a ruse intended to further divide the fractured nation.
With so many already in dire straits, the power outage pushes people to the edge. The crisis brings out the worst in humanity, turning average citizens into desperate savages. Jennifer and her small group of friends will have to stick together and be smart if they have any hope of surviving the turmoil.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2022
480 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Mark Goodwin
105 books404 followersMark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 24, 2022
Great book
Great book, loved the inclusion of God in it. Praise Jesus & hope we never have to go through that. Can't wait to start next book
Great book, loved the inclusion of God in it. Praise Jesus & hope we never have to go through that. Can't wait to start next book
May 19, 2025
Absolutely love this writer but especially love his strong scripture integration!
April 23, 2022
Felt like a rant
It is very clear the book is written based on the current state of affairs in the united states. And its very obvious of the authors point of view on the current state of the country. Which is fine, except it there were times it felt very ranty. It felt like I was reading an article and the author of this book was someone in the comments ranting and raving for someone to see his point of view. Example is how often he refers to the vaccine in this book as made up of aborted babies. Alright, you're anti abortion we get it. Can we move on with the story already? Every time the characters met someone they brought up the high heels and abortion vaccine. We get it! It broke the immersion of the story because it was so repetitive.
I gave this a 3 star because the action when there actually was action instead of dialogue talking about the same thing over and over again was good.
But there was too much dialogue. Too much telling and not enough showing. And the repetitive dialogue made me feel like I was being preached at. I hope the other books are better, I won't be reading them but I hope someone else can enjoy this story.
It is very clear the book is written based on the current state of affairs in the united states. And its very obvious of the authors point of view on the current state of the country. Which is fine, except it there were times it felt very ranty. It felt like I was reading an article and the author of this book was someone in the comments ranting and raving for someone to see his point of view. Example is how often he refers to the vaccine in this book as made up of aborted babies. Alright, you're anti abortion we get it. Can we move on with the story already? Every time the characters met someone they brought up the high heels and abortion vaccine. We get it! It broke the immersion of the story because it was so repetitive.
I gave this a 3 star because the action when there actually was action instead of dialogue talking about the same thing over and over again was good.
But there was too much dialogue. Too much telling and not enough showing. And the repetitive dialogue made me feel like I was being preached at. I hope the other books are better, I won't be reading them but I hope someone else can enjoy this story.
March 19, 2022
Mark Goodwin succumbs to the ridiculous.
Mr. Goodwin starts with a probable plot of a complex interaction of seemingly unrelated events used to weaken and eventually attack America. It is smart to play the long game in international relations, but his obvious enthralling admiration of everything Trump and hatred of everything Biden completely reduces this novel to the trash pile. Everyone has an political opinion and philosophy, but when you incorporate it into story telling, you run the risk of killing your creation before it is born. His idea was worthy, but his application fails miserably. It was bad.
Mr. Goodwin starts with a probable plot of a complex interaction of seemingly unrelated events used to weaken and eventually attack America. It is smart to play the long game in international relations, but his obvious enthralling admiration of everything Trump and hatred of everything Biden completely reduces this novel to the trash pile. Everyone has an political opinion and philosophy, but when you incorporate it into story telling, you run the risk of killing your creation before it is born. His idea was worthy, but his application fails miserably. It was bad.
January 22, 2022
I knew Mark would come through with the truth!
From Sue ( not Allan)
I couldn't put this book down. We have been waiting since the beginning of the pandemic. This story just tells it like it is- if you get my meaning. Just read the book. Pray. God has the end all planned out! This isn't theory. It's fiction wrapped up in absolute truth. Can't wait for book two!!! Allan is reading book one now and he's really enjoying it too. Have a blessed life-In Christ and "People Get Ready!"
SW
From Sue ( not Allan)
I couldn't put this book down. We have been waiting since the beginning of the pandemic. This story just tells it like it is- if you get my meaning. Just read the book. Pray. God has the end all planned out! This isn't theory. It's fiction wrapped up in absolute truth. Can't wait for book two!!! Allan is reading book one now and he's really enjoying it too. Have a blessed life-In Christ and "People Get Ready!"
SW
January 22, 2022
I have to say...
jokingly,
all Mark had to do to write this novel was keep up with real news!
Oh but he also wrote a great novel.
However, it seemed so realistic and very very soon to be, potentially realistic, it was scary...
except for the Biblical scripture and verses. It was a bit heavy on prepping but many end time authors are...especially if the characters have missed the rapture.
I will read the next in the series when it comes out. I have read other novels by this author.
jokingly,
all Mark had to do to write this novel was keep up with real news!
Oh but he also wrote a great novel.
However, it seemed so realistic and very very soon to be, potentially realistic, it was scary...
except for the Biblical scripture and verses. It was a bit heavy on prepping but many end time authors are...especially if the characters have missed the rapture.
I will read the next in the series when it comes out. I have read other novels by this author.
January 13, 2022
Maybe Marks best writing yet
It takes the first page to captivate you and draw you into American wasteland . The paralels to the world he created and the time we are living now are very evident . This book is a must read for anyone who has taken the red pill or has questions . Even if you don't believe in any if that but find yourself drawn to distopian fiction , this is your book . Read it now , but warning you will never be able to out it down.
It takes the first page to captivate you and draw you into American wasteland . The paralels to the world he created and the time we are living now are very evident . This book is a must read for anyone who has taken the red pill or has questions . Even if you don't believe in any if that but find yourself drawn to distopian fiction , this is your book . Read it now , but warning you will never be able to out it down.
January 14, 2022
This one starts at about the point society is at right now. It makes you think about what you'd do should the government make similar decisions, such as meat regulation and mandates. With the current supply shortages, it's not far from the realm of possibility.
I also like how Mark sneaks in all these true events and facts into the story, such as SPARS, lock step and 201. Let's hope we dont reach this point IRL.
I also like how Mark sneaks in all these true events and facts into the story, such as SPARS, lock step and 201. Let's hope we dont reach this point IRL.
January 19, 2022
Too close to reality
This story is too close for comfort. The forward to each chapter points out things going on now. The characters are believable, brave and lucky to be alive.I had no idea about the "high heels" and I'm really hoping that was truly fiction. If its not, we're in worse shape than I thought. Great job. Can't wait to get into the rest of this series. Thank you.
This story is too close for comfort. The forward to each chapter points out things going on now. The characters are believable, brave and lucky to be alive.I had no idea about the "high heels" and I'm really hoping that was truly fiction. If its not, we're in worse shape than I thought. Great job. Can't wait to get into the rest of this series. Thank you.
January 21, 2022
It is good BUT these four individuals could not be that skilled with the kind of lives they lived before this event. They almost appear trained in military and if the lifestyle shown in book, they could not be as good at shooting. but other than that, it is a good book, just not realistic. and yes, I believe this could happen in our country but not as fast as these four individuals. But i do like Mark Goodwin's books
February 1, 2022
Are we headed here?
I believe that Jesus Christ exists and will return to earth before long, maybe not in my lifetime, but soon. There are a lot of bad things that are to happen before and after his return. This story is fiction based on an effort to describe what some of those events may look like. Read it as a warning of what may come and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior while you still can. May God bless!
I believe that Jesus Christ exists and will return to earth before long, maybe not in my lifetime, but soon. There are a lot of bad things that are to happen before and after his return. This story is fiction based on an effort to describe what some of those events may look like. Read it as a warning of what may come and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior while you still can. May God bless!
February 4, 2022
Take Straight Out of Today's Headlines
I have read Mark Goodwin's books in the past (Days of Noah and Days of Elijah 3 times each... kept coming up in prayer time to read them again) and his books are biblically sound and on point. People from all different walks of life have been sensing and writing what he expounds on in this book. Fast paced and full of pertinent scripture and survival tips. Give this 2 thumbs up!
I have read Mark Goodwin's books in the past (Days of Noah and Days of Elijah 3 times each... kept coming up in prayer time to read them again) and his books are biblically sound and on point. People from all different walks of life have been sensing and writing what he expounds on in this book. Fast paced and full of pertinent scripture and survival tips. Give this 2 thumbs up!
January 18, 2022
Book is eerily close to what's happening now
I've read most if not all of Mark's books, and this one seemed very close to where we could be headed, especially since the main premise of the book is happening in real life, right now! It seemed to end pretty abruptly, but guess that means there's more books in this series to come.
I've read most if not all of Mark's books, and this one seemed very close to where we could be headed, especially since the main premise of the book is happening in real life, right now! It seemed to end pretty abruptly, but guess that means there's more books in this series to come.
March 14, 2022
This was an excellent book that in large part is pulled from today's headlines. It hits topics hard from a Biblical perspective and highlights (realistically) is and what could be coming. The characters pulled you in quickly and the story had me hooked. I was even looking up things I was reading to see if it was indeed true--I love books that entertain but have me learning too. Excellent story!
January 9, 2022
another winner
I hate how much I love his books. Read the whole thing in one day now have the long wait for another. If anyone has not read the days of Noah series I envy you Get it now and try to savor every word. God Bless
I hate how much I love his books. Read the whole thing in one day now have the long wait for another. If anyone has not read the days of Noah series I envy you Get it now and try to savor every word. God Bless
January 9, 2022
Best so far
Mark's new book is a notch better than his previous, it's firmly built on our current situation and it was a confirmation for me regarding my thoughts on North Point and it's leader Andy Stanley.
Mark's new book is a notch better than his previous, it's firmly built on our current situation and it was a confirmation for me regarding my thoughts on North Point and it's leader Andy Stanley.
January 20, 2022
Right on track!
I am grateful for authors who can tell a good story without the sex and profanity. This book is right on the track of our nation. I wish it wasn’t so, but it is. Thank you for the warning.
I am grateful for authors who can tell a good story without the sex and profanity. This book is right on the track of our nation. I wish it wasn’t so, but it is. Thank you for the warning.
February 27, 2022
Favorite author
I can't wait for the second book to come out. I could barely put this one down. Mark is my absolute favorite christian author. I look forward to many more books from him!
I can't wait for the second book to come out. I could barely put this one down. Mark is my absolute favorite christian author. I look forward to many more books from him!
January 13, 2022
A troubling but timely read!
This was a book that could have literally came from the front pages of a conservative news site of today.
This was a book that could have literally came from the front pages of a conservative news site of today.
May 17, 2022
This book was a bit unsettling. Not just because it described the rapid onset of our society collapsing - the story took place (more or less) in my backyard. The streets, the places, and thinly veiled names are very much part of the fabric of the place. Think Mr Goodwin really did his homework on this one.
The story, as usual, is riveting and lessons are woven throughout. The plot pattern is a little formulaic if you have read some of the author's other books but that does not negate the value. Archetype characters are representative for a reason. Even elite athletes espouse focusing on the fundamentals. As I was reading, I found myself taking notes to double check things, added one or two items to my checklist, and captured some thought provoking quotes.
Definitely a quick read & not high literature but that isn't why you are picking something in this genre. Do yourself a favor and just dive in.
The story, as usual, is riveting and lessons are woven throughout. The plot pattern is a little formulaic if you have read some of the author's other books but that does not negate the value. Archetype characters are representative for a reason. Even elite athletes espouse focusing on the fundamentals. As I was reading, I found myself taking notes to double check things, added one or two items to my checklist, and captured some thought provoking quotes.
Definitely a quick read & not high literature but that isn't why you are picking something in this genre. Do yourself a favor and just dive in.
January 12, 2022
Out of today's headlines!!!!
Wow! I feel as if I just lived through a News Headline Story which is taking place today all over our great country! This book seems to be warning us of a reality agenda that we see taking place today and moving at a very rapid pace. God help us as we battle for our freedom and liberty which is being taken from us by our unscrupulous leaders in a power hungry world as they carry out their goal of depopulation!!!
Thank you Mark Goodwin for another eye opening, fast moving novel based on Bible Prophecy and our fast changing world. I look forward to Book #2 in this series, and I've already marked my calendar!!!
Wow! I feel as if I just lived through a News Headline Story which is taking place today all over our great country! This book seems to be warning us of a reality agenda that we see taking place today and moving at a very rapid pace. God help us as we battle for our freedom and liberty which is being taken from us by our unscrupulous leaders in a power hungry world as they carry out their goal of depopulation!!!
Thank you Mark Goodwin for another eye opening, fast moving novel based on Bible Prophecy and our fast changing world. I look forward to Book #2 in this series, and I've already marked my calendar!!!
January 16, 2022
Read it in 1 sitting.....
.... Of course I was down with the flu which gave me some extra time but even so..... As always, well written and with a plot that could be taken from tomorrow's headlines. Mr Goodwin of course writes from a Christian worldview but it is not overbearing and I believe nonbelievers could also enjoy his excellent plot and character development as well as his thought provoking perspective on what is or could be happening in our world. I was ready to jump right into the next book of the series but it appears that I will have to wait until it is released.🙁😏
.... Of course I was down with the flu which gave me some extra time but even so..... As always, well written and with a plot that could be taken from tomorrow's headlines. Mr Goodwin of course writes from a Christian worldview but it is not overbearing and I believe nonbelievers could also enjoy his excellent plot and character development as well as his thought provoking perspective on what is or could be happening in our world. I was ready to jump right into the next book of the series but it appears that I will have to wait until it is released.🙁😏
April 18, 2022
Terrific tale weaving in today's headlines
This story is constructed using lead stories from today's headlines, as well as, left wing elitist, historical figures and scriptural quotes at the start of each chapter to set the stage. Very believable and demonstrates how easily the government could deny God given freedoms and enslave citizens. This books premise, implies the U.S. government would use false flags and executive orders to murder and detain the populace. The main characters are well developed to provide resistance against the inevitable overreach of the totalitarian NWO.
This story is constructed using lead stories from today's headlines, as well as, left wing elitist, historical figures and scriptural quotes at the start of each chapter to set the stage. Very believable and demonstrates how easily the government could deny God given freedoms and enslave citizens. This books premise, implies the U.S. government would use false flags and executive orders to murder and detain the populace. The main characters are well developed to provide resistance against the inevitable overreach of the totalitarian NWO.
May 18, 2022
Survival thriller
What I enjoyed throughout this book was the Bible verses and no foul language. This author captured my attention right away when a group of friends just wanted to survive and not have to fall under the government that was for their own agenda and not for the people how this country was formed and fought for. Men and women died so we could have choices and freedoms. Not to have them taken away and certain individuals punished for having a different viewpoint. You can have a book with a message that gives you pause to reflect on your physical and spiritual well-being. A must read.
What I enjoyed throughout this book was the Bible verses and no foul language. This author captured my attention right away when a group of friends just wanted to survive and not have to fall under the government that was for their own agenda and not for the people how this country was formed and fought for. Men and women died so we could have choices and freedoms. Not to have them taken away and certain individuals punished for having a different viewpoint. You can have a book with a message that gives you pause to reflect on your physical and spiritual well-being. A must read.
January 22, 2022
Reads just like current newd
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors. It never fails to amaze me how these books read as if they are true current events and I find it disturbingly difficult to separate between the fiction and real life. In most of these books the fall of America is swift and profound...in reality I think we are witnessing a slow fall of America. This book addresses relevant current events and white violent they do not include profanity. I read this in a few short hours and cant wait for the second.
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors. It never fails to amaze me how these books read as if they are true current events and I find it disturbingly difficult to separate between the fiction and real life. In most of these books the fall of America is swift and profound...in reality I think we are witnessing a slow fall of America. This book addresses relevant current events and white violent they do not include profanity. I read this in a few short hours and cant wait for the second.
January 8, 2022
Tragic story
It’s very surreal to see the state of the US through the lense of this story. It literally feels like just a little nudge in the wrong direction and poof, it’s all gone, and we are in the middle of a SHTF scenario. The rhetoric from the left is staggering and chilling. Calling J6 the same as Pearl Harbor and 911 is a terrible comparison and not even close to the pain and suffering that the US went through.
It’s very surreal to see the state of the US through the lense of this story. It literally feels like just a little nudge in the wrong direction and poof, it’s all gone, and we are in the middle of a SHTF scenario. The rhetoric from the left is staggering and chilling. Calling J6 the same as Pearl Harbor and 911 is a terrible comparison and not even close to the pain and suffering that the US went through.
January 10, 2022
Scary Apropos
Wow, this False Flag story was scary; it follows so many current fears and accurate conditions. It could be true within the year, or be an interesting tale - while reality might get much worse. I looked up the quotes at the beginning of the chapters, and researched the statements. They were all true life factual. Reading this, it seems like America could be imploding any second.
Wow, this False Flag story was scary; it follows so many current fears and accurate conditions. It could be true within the year, or be an interesting tale - while reality might get much worse. I looked up the quotes at the beginning of the chapters, and researched the statements. They were all true life factual. Reading this, it seems like America could be imploding any second.
October 8, 2022
This was really an awful book. It was little more than a blog post of political statements, as true as they were, with a thin cast of characters that were uninteresting thrown in. Combine that with the clumsy, Vacation Bible School-level religious talk, and there is no way that I would waste even more time reading the rest of the series. It can best be described as "Left Behind" minus the "Rapture".
July 2, 2024
REALISTIC CONCEPT
This series unwraps a package of circumstances that go full bore at the end of book one with a lot to expect of the characters going towards the second book.
The groundwork is actually brilliantly laid and leaves the reader wondering how the concept is going to be played out in the series. I love that the unexpected happens without warning or forethought…makes for very compelling storytelling!
This series unwraps a package of circumstances that go full bore at the end of book one with a lot to expect of the characters going towards the second book.
The groundwork is actually brilliantly laid and leaves the reader wondering how the concept is going to be played out in the series. I love that the unexpected happens without warning or forethought…makes for very compelling storytelling!
January 8, 2022
Excellent!
As usual Mark Goodwin has done a great job making this book so real. In fact, it may well be a prophecy of actual things to come in this country. As always, Mark keeps our eyes on God as well. Well worth reading but prepare yourself, it's not a pretty picture of what life could be like.
As usual Mark Goodwin has done a great job making this book so real. In fact, it may well be a prophecy of actual things to come in this country. As always, Mark keeps our eyes on God as well. Well worth reading but prepare yourself, it's not a pretty picture of what life could be like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews