Jake's original MAG spreads out between several homesteads, forming a community MAG. Others soon want what they have, and they come in contact with foreign invaders, resulting in—DECEMBER BATTLES.
Jake's group makes some incredible new friends, becoming a stronger group in the process. As life gets better for them, they venture further outward, inevitably meeting other like-minded groups, and of course some that just want to take what they've worked so hard for.
They'll also discover the truth on who's behind the attack on America, and why. They've had fights before; and came out surprisingly well . . . but nothing could've prepared them for what they'll face this time.
This story is a joke. For 95% of the story, characters are having themselves a grand adventure. Actual teenagers behaving like trained soldiers. Stealing whatever they want and basically living unchallenged. The bad guys are stupid and stereotypical, just a prop for the good guys. By the middle of the second book I started skipping over repetitious storyline. Did I mention grab assing in the apocalypse? Geez.
It was hard to get attached to the characters because none of them were really introduced. The story switched from first to third person at random with no setup. There were numerous editing errors and references to events that were not included in the book as if large parts had been chopped without any effort to smooth out the discrepancies. A halfassed effort at best.
… 1 Contrite Leroy Haug + ?# Combined Communities + 1 Celestial Guiding Force + Couple’a Exploding Drones & a Cessna Grenader Air Force + 100% Complete Belief in Each Other & Their Country = … drumroll … ….. (… We all really dislike spoilers, right??.. 8-} ) Lol ;) Soooo ——— YES! WHAT A STORY this 3rd portion of our journey entails! Let me assure you, my possible fellow apocalypse genre reading connoisseur, that what you will discover within the twists, turns, valleys, peaks, flats, & folds of this tale —— will consistently NOT be what “are sure” will happen next. Ahh..nope. I mean, this isn’t a murder mystery after all. To even HAVE “twists & turns” is quite a remarkable surprise in & of itself. An extremely enjoyable one at that! There may be a few larger ones, but for sure- the tiny ones are sprinkled everywhere. Causing these mini anticipatory experiences to occur all over the place. Fun! I was so wrong, so often. Lol It’s reminiscent of real life as well in many cases. As all WE have to rely on is what we have in front of us to make quick judgement calls. Buuuut theennn…. We have allllll our dystopian + other similar genre reading experiences as a foundation as well. And unfortunately/fortunately….. ??? Many books are similarly written; plots, subplots, settings, certain character types, situations, etc.. Therefore I find myself while reading seemingly, “typical scenes,” which smack of set ups for sooner or later problems - cringing … just waitin’ for it. ….. …. … ….. ….. … Hmm. …… ….. And when my anticipated, “cause & effect” / my expectation based of all my prior reading experience does not come to pass… Well. It’s really quite a unique experience for sure! It’s even a physical sensation. A lotta that herein, & the previous 2 books. I should mention, after having to SLOG MY WAY THROUGH all the names of characters —— which were constantly used, yet sans any proper initial & ongoing character development —— in Book 2. And writing aaallllll about it in my review for the book. I’m so relieved & thankful every issue I previously had are resolved here……. enough-ish. It will never be perfect, as that vital, original, foundational, character development was never laid. But — at least here in December Battles the authors barely mentioned the background characters. And if so … keeps them there. The many, many characters who are now “in the daily spotlight” - the authors have given some dialogue to. As well as offering us more descriptions on their actions, even if they are still only linked as a partner to another, etc. Overall - it’s just …. way better. Brava authors! ~~~~ NOT A SPOILER ~~~~ About a group our friends meet ….odd.?? See if you can put a finger on it?? You know already who our people are. Their personalities, beliefs, ….how intelligent they are, etc. To be part of this other group, weapons are handed over as they walk in. Meaning only like 5 out 200 people hold the weapons. Ookkaayy. They have basically ZERO resources. Aren’t doing much at all to ensure a short term future for themselves, let alone a long term plan. There’s more. Now I ask you - WHY would our folks think, “hey yeah. This is the perfect group to align ourselves with! Give them lots of food REGULARLY. Weapons & ammo. But yes, of course - only for the 5 “police.” To let them know where we’re located, bring them over…….” Errrr. ….. Hmmmm……. Now. THIS. I just don’t get AT ALL. They vet everyone to the max. ESP prior to giving up their location, which is THE MOST vital to their security, supplies, etc etc etc …. Their families lives & their futures. Right? Yet - this HUMONGOUS GROUP. Who “supposedly” only has the 5 armed. But - like 200+ are starving, dirty, desperate… Hmmm….. what if they’re… ummm… Lying? Well, not so much as “lying” as have everyone’s weapons stacked & locked. Could easily hand ‘’em back out at any ‘ol time, yes? And/Or - acquire more? Or - more join up who are more aggressive & get everyone riled up (“They have EVERYTHING! Us, NOTHING! We get their pity & scraps! We DESERVE IT …” yk?) So many scenarios. I LOVE this Book 3. This portion of the story, however?? I just still cannot wrap my mind around why or how it made ANY sense to these accomplished authors?? (Wait … didn’t 3 write this one? Perhaps this subplot was one author’s “baby” & they wouldn’t give it up? Promising it will all come together (better lol) more cohesively in Book 4?? Maybe? Maybe not? But I hope there is SOME reasonable explanation at least. So! ——— DECEMBER BATTLES !! AWESOME!! Once again — LOTS of crazy looks from my family as I screamed in laughter!! *<8-}~ BEST HUMOR SCENE AWARD: When old friend comes to visit. Don’t miss it!! ;) (I reread like a doz times I think! HA!! ;) I WANT TO SAY …. this is my fav so far out of the 3. Maybe 1 is? But maybe 2?? I dunno!! Lol ALL SO GOOD! I think this one, though. Yeah —- #3 is my #1 so far. Let’s see what story #4 has to offer? As it’s a whoolee new world now…… ;)
It’s SO bad it’s become my guilty pleasure reading it. Pages upon pages describing how many steaks or pizzas they are eating (tip - skip these pages) - when it comes to pivotal moments in the story such as a major battle or a death you get a simple disjointed paragraph! Laughable
The worst though is how the author tries to literally ram his political agenda down your throat. I consider myself right wing but this guys a nut - every other chapter you get to be lectured about the second amendment, how the “liberals” arnt alive now because they don’t like guns. My personal favourites for this particular book - climate change is suddenly woven into the narrative (climate change isn’t real by the way because the main character says so because the tv weatherman can’t even get it right - it’s science ok). Oh and the main character now suddenly speaks to God and knows before hand if they will win battles or not.
Hmm what else - oh the complete lack of ANY diversity amongst the characters. They are ALL white, Christian. Sorry if your black your not included in this story. If your asian hey at least you get a mention - we get to hear how they still need to be careful of the “Chinese virus”. If your “commie” sorry no good news for you.
The women continue to be cardboard cutouts. If your a women in these books you exist to desperately “find a good man” and you do this of course by wearing skimpy outfits. The mid fifties main character continues to slap his wife’s “ass” every chapter and they need to have sexy times 5 times a day.
Oh and their 60 year old armoured car is really really cool ok and completely invincible in battle particularly against invading marines with heavy weapons.
As far as the effects of the EMP on America - Other people are non existent - America now belongs to white middle aged Christian’s only. Everyone else has just disappeared. Classic car dealerships havnt been touched - you can just waltz in and take your pick. Hoards of chickens and cattle roam the country side for them to just simply pick up. All these apparently dead liberals didn’t think to just eat the chickens?
This series has devolved into just another EMP book with an inconvenience of most Americans dying from lack or clean water and food. Bad guys get slaughtered while good guys eats steaks and pizzas. The battle towards the end of this book finally surprised me. Not surprised enough to give this book a higher rating, just thankful those people are dead.
There is no cliché not covered within the covers of this third novel of the series for a disaster type writing. The editing also seems lacking in this work also. I noticed characters going from first person to third person within a paragraph. I didn't noticed that in the earlier books, maybe a different editor or piss poor writing; I cannot make that call except for what I read.
I really had higher expectations for this book as the first book hit the nail square on the head. I know people that you could pull from that book and I can place names on them, including the military ranks. And now, we have this book to deal with. I truly am a sad panda after spending a couple of nights with about 5 hours reading time to be this disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Story line seems plausible enough except for the ease with which the group is able to find weapons, etc. needed to defend themselves.
My only criticism of this book is the amount of time spent in veiled lecture on how to do things. Maybe that’s what the majority of readers want from these stories. If so, this series does a great job as a doctrinal manual in five parts. For me, I would rather focus on the action, vice the interaction of characters. I suppose this isn’t really a criticism so much as a preference.
This was so good! The challenge they had bringing in new people and having to determine who they could count on was terrifying. Everyone is after everything you have and will kill just because, to get it. The challenge for survival was intense. The team that developed throughout the book was amazing and makes you realize a team of "a well regulated militia" is necessary to defend against the evil that exists when there is no law left in society. An individual doesn't stand a chance.
I love all the people in this series,I hope the next book will come out soon. I cried for Jax and cole I know they have something special coming to them.this will be a series I will read again.I don't usually read a book twice but one in a while I'll c.one score a book that I will read more than once
I've read various apocalyptic authors and scenarios but this one had me hooked...I laughed, I swung at the bad guys, I cried for the fallen. I related to the young ones through my own children, the adults with myself and the oldest with my parents. Please continue this saga!!
I really enjoyed reading this book and following along with this struggling community. I enjoyed their successes, continual growth and felt sorrow with each loss. The changing writing style threw me off at first but it seems to work for this story. I'll be sure to get the next book to see what happens after the battle.
I like the fast moving story line and relatable events that could very well happen today. The people are easy to get to know and keep up with. I llke the different areas of locations involved. The way Jake keeps telling his story in a way of educating the reader on.how to prepare in an entertaining way
I’ve found that the author constantly inserts his political opinions, to such an extent that the constant proselytizing is boring. Yes, I can appreciate his literary license, but to continually espouse his very conservative ideology to such an extent, diminishes what could have been an interesting concept, but sadly falls far short!
One can learn a lot from books such as this one. When a book can make me laugh and cry, I know I've found a great book written by an even better author. It was asked to include No spoilers. That's hard to do, but I'll just say this. Read the book and know that heroes never really die. The lessons learned from them help them to live on.
No of course you didn't, it's a book and a damn fine one too! This book has the potential to make your heart beat fast and to bring your emotions to a peak. I only rated it four stars because I took the fifth one off that I gave it at first because the ending was so surprising I got pissed. I'm sure you all would give it five😊
I guess I'm getting oversaturated with this particular authors style.. . I like the stories OK and I like action. (I think it's like reading Nora Roberts one after another. No way is everyone as good kind and logical as her stories portray). These post EMP people are excelling in everything military and there is so much about armament that probably appeals to guys. But I'm still reading...
Far too much attention was given to minutia that doesn’t contribute to the story, like who cooked what, who sat next to whom, who was picking berries to make pies, how delicious the pizzas were, etc. I almost quit reading when the focus kept changing from SHTF to mundane daily life.
I’m so done with this author. He goes on my do not read list. I have enjoyed all of the October Fall books and decided to try starting with book one in the total series. I will be skipping any that include this author. So many things in the book doesn’t make sense (going outside to pee without a rifle, watching someone get captured without trying to save them).
Having written a similar series, I was glad to see a fresh view of a terrible future. We often forget that the world and the future are what we, ourselves, make of it. This would have been a good one.
I loved and hated this as it happened when our cowardly president betrayed our nation in the middle east. He does not know patriotism or true sacrifice! This is heartfelt fiction which is how most military exemplify! Can not wait for the next book.
What an excellent series this has been so far. Great characters and a thought provoking story line. I wasn't expecting the ending . Definitely worth reading. I am looking forward to the next book.
Great series Informational ,action packed, and able to draw you into the story. Enjoyable characters with a lot of good information that can open your eyes to what could happen.
Books were very good. Third one was very wordy and kept you waiting for something to happen. Last battle had many surprises and hope there will be more to this series.
Too many names to remember but still a good read. Stayed on track with the main characters.
The book was entertaining and a good read. It made me think of all the things I could do or possibly do is something like this happened in the real world.
This was a Fitting conclusion to the trilogy. There were many action sequences and scenes about daily life in an apocalypse. Redemption, heroics, bravery and ruthlessness abound. Thoroughly enjoyed it
The plot of this book was very interesting. It was hard for me to put down. The characters were quite well done and developed. I couldn’t keep all of them straight, except for the main characters, who were quite enjoyable.
This story is full of suspense and plenty of action. I had to force myself to stop reading several times. This is definitely one of those stories that you do not want to stop reading. A very good read indeed!
I chose this reading to follow up on October Fall. It waa very much worth the time to read every word. Though I was saddened by part of the ending I found it very enlightening. Good work.
I love the fact that these authors did not use the Lords name in vain, not even once. He also never used the f bomb. I will continue to follow him because I hope he never does.
This one will have you reading page after page. With the threat from different groups affecting the Shire, they reach out to make some new allies. With these allies comes tragedy. Looking forward to the next installment.