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The Wyoming Chronicles #2
Fourth Quadrant
FROM WESTERN WORD-SLINGER AND ANTHROPOLOGIST W. MICHAEL GEAR, COMES THE SEQUEL TO THE BESTSELLING CONTEMPORARY APOCALYPTIC WESTERN, DISSOLUTION.
Lauren Davis is closing on her twenty-first birthday when a cyberattack leads to the collapse of the American banking system. On the advice of her boyfriend, a special forces lieutenant, she is told to flee Colorado Springs and make her way to Tappan Ranch in Wyoming. As the country continues to fall apart, Lauren and Randy Howman, a co-worker at her bank, make their way through the Colorado Rockies.
On the advice of Tiffany Bishop, an old friend in Laramie, Lauren goes to work with an old boyfriend, Mike Vinich, providing FEMA provisions to refugees housed on a ranch outside of Cheyenne. There, she runs supplies to the outposts being established along the Wyoming/ Colorado line—what Governor Agar calls The Fourth Quadrant. When a riot breaks out and Mike is shot, Lauren ends up being called a hero. But fame comes at a great personal cost, and Lauren’s demons are closing in.
Pulled from duty along the Fourth Quadrant, and with Mike in a coma, Lauren learns of a raid on Laramie. There, she is taken hostage along with a busload of school children. With nothing left to lose, and nothing to live for, Lauren is forced to make one last gamble…
“Gear is a master when it comes to vividly described settings: you can smell the smoke, hear the wind in the trees, and feel the cold.”
Lauren Davis is closing on her twenty-first birthday when a cyberattack leads to the collapse of the American banking system. On the advice of her boyfriend, a special forces lieutenant, she is told to flee Colorado Springs and make her way to Tappan Ranch in Wyoming. As the country continues to fall apart, Lauren and Randy Howman, a co-worker at her bank, make their way through the Colorado Rockies.
On the advice of Tiffany Bishop, an old friend in Laramie, Lauren goes to work with an old boyfriend, Mike Vinich, providing FEMA provisions to refugees housed on a ranch outside of Cheyenne. There, she runs supplies to the outposts being established along the Wyoming/ Colorado line—what Governor Agar calls The Fourth Quadrant. When a riot breaks out and Mike is shot, Lauren ends up being called a hero. But fame comes at a great personal cost, and Lauren’s demons are closing in.
Pulled from duty along the Fourth Quadrant, and with Mike in a coma, Lauren learns of a raid on Laramie. There, she is taken hostage along with a busload of school children. With nothing left to lose, and nothing to live for, Lauren is forced to make one last gamble…
“Gear is a master when it comes to vividly described settings: you can smell the smoke, hear the wind in the trees, and feel the cold.”
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2022
218 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 6, 2022
This is the second book in the apocalyptic Wyoming Chronicles series in which the 'End of World As We Know It' occurs after the banking system is hacked and no credit or ATM cards can be used. This second story is not actually a sequel; it's more of a parallel story with a few shared characters.
The main character here is Lauren Davis, a college student working at a bank in Colorado Springs, when the entire computer system goes down on the Friday before the long Memorial Day weekend and panic ensues. Lauren is a military brat who was taught all sorts of survival skills by her dad. She will need them all if she's going to survive this and safely reach her friends' ranch in Wyoming.
The story is an interesting look at what people might be capable of doing in these circumstances and what toll it might take on their psyche. Strong female characters like this are always greatly appreciated. It's quite an adventure story with plenty of action and violence, only slightly less enjoyable than the previous book, Dissolution.
The main character here is Lauren Davis, a college student working at a bank in Colorado Springs, when the entire computer system goes down on the Friday before the long Memorial Day weekend and panic ensues. Lauren is a military brat who was taught all sorts of survival skills by her dad. She will need them all if she's going to survive this and safely reach her friends' ranch in Wyoming.
The story is an interesting look at what people might be capable of doing in these circumstances and what toll it might take on their psyche. Strong female characters like this are always greatly appreciated. It's quite an adventure story with plenty of action and violence, only slightly less enjoyable than the previous book, Dissolution.
January 24, 2022
Lauren doesn’t want to be a hero, she just wants to survive.
When the established reliable world falls apart, a few average people hold it together while others become savages. The road Lauren takes from Colorado to the Tappan ranch in Wyoming offers no hope, and yet she finds herself struggling to survive as the journey offers no other options than to be travelled. As she reacts to one danger after another, holding it together becomes becomes the ultimate goal to success. I’m anticipating the next book to find out how these characters can survive and achieve a system of security.
When the established reliable world falls apart, a few average people hold it together while others become savages. The road Lauren takes from Colorado to the Tappan ranch in Wyoming offers no hope, and yet she finds herself struggling to survive as the journey offers no other options than to be travelled. As she reacts to one danger after another, holding it together becomes becomes the ultimate goal to success. I’m anticipating the next book to find out how these characters can survive and achieve a system of security.
February 3, 2022
Fourth Quadrant
Great storyline. Wyoming apocalypse, bravery, battle field's and tragedy. Worth the read, give this book and author a chance. You won't regret a moment of your time.
Great storyline. Wyoming apocalypse, bravery, battle field's and tragedy. Worth the read, give this book and author a chance. You won't regret a moment of your time.
January 22, 2022
Super Read!
Like the first book in the Wyoming Chronicles this one will keep you on the very edge of your seat throughout the whole book. It also ties into the first book very nicely. I can't wait for a third book. Sadly, it does leave a few loose ends that perhaps a third book will clear up.
Like the first book in the Wyoming Chronicles this one will keep you on the very edge of your seat throughout the whole book. It also ties into the first book very nicely. I can't wait for a third book. Sadly, it does leave a few loose ends that perhaps a third book will clear up.
January 20, 2022
Excellent read!!! This book follows Dissolution - a thought provoking story about what could happen if the US banking system is hacked. Fourth Quadrant continues the story and it is truly frightening. A great read which makes one think that preppers have been right!
February 27, 2022
W Michael Gear – Wyoming Chronicles Bk 2 - Fourth Quadrant – Reviewed 2/26/22 – Read 2/18/22
When the American Banking system collapses, Lauren Davis heads for Wyoming!
Lauren Davis had moved to Colorado Springs for college and then took a job with the local bank. One day while she was trying to make a withdrawal for a customer, the system started acting weird. The customer should have had only $1000, but the system told her one million. Then she looked up, and her boyfriend, Lt. Tyrell Ramirez, came in and motioned her to come to him. He told her that he had been called up, and they were on alert. He made her promise to leave now, withdraw all the money that she could, and leave immediately for Wyoming to her friend's parent's ranch in Wyoming. He could not tell her any more than that, but she did as he asked, withdrew all of her money, and left for home.
When she got home, she did not know what to do. They planned to leave on vacation soon, and everything was packed. Tyrell had told her to take his bike as it was in better condition, but she just didn’t know! That night she drank some and fell asleep and was woke up by one of her friends, Randy, from the bank. He had heard what her boyfriend had said, and he wanted to ride with her. Deciding that they would go, they leave the city and find all the roads congested with so many cars that it was scary, and the story begins!
Join Lauren and Randy as they travel towards Wyoming from Colorado…
What did I like? This book was terrifying; it gives you a look at what could happen should our systems go down and we were forced to stop using credit. Could you do it? It made me realize that maybe I had better start planning for this scenario. I mean, it couldn’t hurt. Right?
What will you like? Intense, emotional, terrifying, gripping, thought-provoking, and a look past the norm!!! There are great characters, a fantastic storyline, and a gripping look at what could happen. Be sure to pick up your copy of W Michael Gear’s next book in The Wyoming Chronicles, “Fourth Quadrant,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09NQHWXRM
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/19/2022
• File Size: 5216 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Genre: Western Science Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic eBooks, Disaster Fiction
When the American Banking system collapses, Lauren Davis heads for Wyoming!
Lauren Davis had moved to Colorado Springs for college and then took a job with the local bank. One day while she was trying to make a withdrawal for a customer, the system started acting weird. The customer should have had only $1000, but the system told her one million. Then she looked up, and her boyfriend, Lt. Tyrell Ramirez, came in and motioned her to come to him. He told her that he had been called up, and they were on alert. He made her promise to leave now, withdraw all the money that she could, and leave immediately for Wyoming to her friend's parent's ranch in Wyoming. He could not tell her any more than that, but she did as he asked, withdrew all of her money, and left for home.
When she got home, she did not know what to do. They planned to leave on vacation soon, and everything was packed. Tyrell had told her to take his bike as it was in better condition, but she just didn’t know! That night she drank some and fell asleep and was woke up by one of her friends, Randy, from the bank. He had heard what her boyfriend had said, and he wanted to ride with her. Deciding that they would go, they leave the city and find all the roads congested with so many cars that it was scary, and the story begins!
Join Lauren and Randy as they travel towards Wyoming from Colorado…
What did I like? This book was terrifying; it gives you a look at what could happen should our systems go down and we were forced to stop using credit. Could you do it? It made me realize that maybe I had better start planning for this scenario. I mean, it couldn’t hurt. Right?
What will you like? Intense, emotional, terrifying, gripping, thought-provoking, and a look past the norm!!! There are great characters, a fantastic storyline, and a gripping look at what could happen. Be sure to pick up your copy of W Michael Gear’s next book in The Wyoming Chronicles, “Fourth Quadrant,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09NQHWXRM
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/19/2022
• File Size: 5216 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Genre: Western Science Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic eBooks, Disaster Fiction
July 8, 2022
One of Michael Gear's best talents as a writer is going granular with his details. In book two of his apocalyptic series, The Wyoming Chronicles, he turns his attention on the rapid breakdown of society after the collapse of the banking system in book one. To further complicate things it appears as if the United States is under attack by a foreign power.
It is as shocking as it is grim to follow the collapse of the civilization we take for granted. In a heartbeat gone are all rules and norms. Once the money is gone, goods and supplies will disappear. The government will be unable to help. People are likely to starve. Fear and chaos will feed a growing desperation and a new world order must arise. One of the scariest aspects of this breakdown is how quickly everything is likely to disappear—coffee, medicine, any food or material goods that can't be grown or produced locally.
Naturally there will be those who take advantage, prey upon the weak, and attempt to create a new power structure. In this story it's all happening in Colorado and Wyoming, Gear's home turf. Overnight the western states become a battleground for survival and a new chapter in the ongoing battle of good vs. evil. It is survival of the fittest and it's not pretty.
Out of the chaos new heroes will be born, strengths and weaknesses that people didn't know were part of them will arise. The physical and psychological toll of this societal breakdown will forever change the inner and outer landscape. Forced to endure hardships simply to survive, lifestyles and dreams will be upended. Some people will be better prepared than others. Some will join the forces of good and some will join the forces of evil.
It is a stark message and picture being painted in book two. Those with the guns stand a better chance for survival. Those who know their way around the wilderness, know how shoot, have limited their dependence on government to provide for their means may find they have a better chance for survival. Unfortunately, not everyone has this lifestyle or training available to them.
Some of the messages are downright chilling in today's political climate. Militias and survival groups that have been anti-government and mostly off grid in the backwoods will likely be best situated to take control. The formation of a Posse Comitatus or the use of our military against American citizens is possible and likely. In the hands of the wrong president or governor, aided by militias and homegrown paramilitary groups, civil rights can be suspended and martial law invoked. The outcome of this takeover will depend on the character and integrity of those assuming control.
I have read countless books by Michael Gear and love his writing style. He is down to earth, his characters always somewhat exaggerated and his messages quite easy to decipher. He is a realist and very clear about human nature, struggles for power and the best and worst parts of being human. In this series Gear is doing the thinking about this for us: the less prepared we are the more screwed we are.
It is as shocking as it is grim to follow the collapse of the civilization we take for granted. In a heartbeat gone are all rules and norms. Once the money is gone, goods and supplies will disappear. The government will be unable to help. People are likely to starve. Fear and chaos will feed a growing desperation and a new world order must arise. One of the scariest aspects of this breakdown is how quickly everything is likely to disappear—coffee, medicine, any food or material goods that can't be grown or produced locally.
Naturally there will be those who take advantage, prey upon the weak, and attempt to create a new power structure. In this story it's all happening in Colorado and Wyoming, Gear's home turf. Overnight the western states become a battleground for survival and a new chapter in the ongoing battle of good vs. evil. It is survival of the fittest and it's not pretty.
Out of the chaos new heroes will be born, strengths and weaknesses that people didn't know were part of them will arise. The physical and psychological toll of this societal breakdown will forever change the inner and outer landscape. Forced to endure hardships simply to survive, lifestyles and dreams will be upended. Some people will be better prepared than others. Some will join the forces of good and some will join the forces of evil.
It is a stark message and picture being painted in book two. Those with the guns stand a better chance for survival. Those who know their way around the wilderness, know how shoot, have limited their dependence on government to provide for their means may find they have a better chance for survival. Unfortunately, not everyone has this lifestyle or training available to them.
Some of the messages are downright chilling in today's political climate. Militias and survival groups that have been anti-government and mostly off grid in the backwoods will likely be best situated to take control. The formation of a Posse Comitatus or the use of our military against American citizens is possible and likely. In the hands of the wrong president or governor, aided by militias and homegrown paramilitary groups, civil rights can be suspended and martial law invoked. The outcome of this takeover will depend on the character and integrity of those assuming control.
I have read countless books by Michael Gear and love his writing style. He is down to earth, his characters always somewhat exaggerated and his messages quite easy to decipher. He is a realist and very clear about human nature, struggles for power and the best and worst parts of being human. In this series Gear is doing the thinking about this for us: the less prepared we are the more screwed we are.
March 15, 2022
I have to admit that I was disappointed at first...I was looking for the characters from the first book. I got over that fairly quickly. Lauren and Breeze's stories are important as is all of the information that is given about what is going on elsewhere in Wyoming...and Colorado. There were times when I'd put the book down thinking I just couldn't read anymore. Ten minutes later I'd have it back in my hands avidly turning the pages. I am hoping that the next book gets back to the Tappan ranch. I did find myself talking to Lauren as if she could hear me. I had to keep reminding myself that she was really young and was doing the very best that she could. Reminding myself that I have no idea what I would do in a similar situation. I was really proud of her by the end of the book. I was glad that some issues were resolved by the end of the story. I think this is a very accurate depiction of what happens (or will happen) should our societal structure break down for some reason. Take away all of our technology and what are we? Frightened and trying to defend what is ours to ensure that some semblance of life will go on. My hats off to Michael for writing such a gritty, realistic story. Reading this, I couldn't help but wonder if all of the advances haven't crippled us. People are so used to being able to run to the store, to buy things on credit, etc. Think about the panic that sets in when snow is predicted...people run to the store to buy bread and milk. When folks get off from work the shelves are empty. Imagine what would happen if that was taken away. All hell would break loose, and that's what you find in Fourth Quadrant. I have never wanted a motorcycle more!
January 15, 2022
Fourth Quadrant (The Wyoming Chronicles, #2)
by W. Michael Gear
How do you build a legend? Michael Gear is out-distancing his own phenomenal career with his Wyoming Chronicle series. With one of the most recently published books remarkably reviewed, this story will add to the explosively popular series. We fell in love with Breeze and Brandon Tappan in Dissolution. The epic story was the beginning chapter of an outstanding series, starting a new Genre in fiction, Cli-fi or eco-fiction. Breeze is not the only Line rider to become more of a legend then a living person, Lauren Davis may still cause her a run for the money. Masterful written with a combination of suspense, anticipation, and misdirection, Michael explores the demise of American society, not with a whimper, but an explosive internal explosion. His use of dramatic build, and exceptional survival his characters are faced with the evils of a world without laws. In his book men and women prey on those weaker than them, to find Lauren Davis standing in their way. I read each page with the hope that something will get better, to find that Michael’s knowledge of Wyoming history still can teach the modern fans. It's simple to say if you don’t learn about history you're bound to relive it, then there is Michael’s version. I learned more about history, and the strength of Wyoming character than I ever knew. I have to see how Lauren and Breeze together in the ranch will change the world.
by W. Michael Gear
How do you build a legend? Michael Gear is out-distancing his own phenomenal career with his Wyoming Chronicle series. With one of the most recently published books remarkably reviewed, this story will add to the explosively popular series. We fell in love with Breeze and Brandon Tappan in Dissolution. The epic story was the beginning chapter of an outstanding series, starting a new Genre in fiction, Cli-fi or eco-fiction. Breeze is not the only Line rider to become more of a legend then a living person, Lauren Davis may still cause her a run for the money. Masterful written with a combination of suspense, anticipation, and misdirection, Michael explores the demise of American society, not with a whimper, but an explosive internal explosion. His use of dramatic build, and exceptional survival his characters are faced with the evils of a world without laws. In his book men and women prey on those weaker than them, to find Lauren Davis standing in their way. I read each page with the hope that something will get better, to find that Michael’s knowledge of Wyoming history still can teach the modern fans. It's simple to say if you don’t learn about history you're bound to relive it, then there is Michael’s version. I learned more about history, and the strength of Wyoming character than I ever knew. I have to see how Lauren and Breeze together in the ranch will change the world.
July 4, 2022
moves the Storey, but Overly Long and Grim
Unlike the first book in the Wyoming Chronicles, this book, a parallel story, is long and grim. I suppose the “Fourth Quadrant’s” tone is dark to drive home to the reader how awful civilization’s collapse would be. State’s would be forced to close they’re borders in a bid to survive, necessitating the demise of many Americans trying to enter said state to escape whatever. Grim stuff. I’ve no problem with grim. However, the Fourth Quadrant drags the grimness out with repeated (and very similar) depressing apocalyptic death and destruction encounters between the protagonist and random people trying to cross said State boarder. This novel could have cut half of these repetitive (and depressing) stories, a quarter of the book, the author’s point would still have been delivered and Fourth Quadrant would have been a much easier read. Still a recommend.
Unlike the first book in the Wyoming Chronicles, this book, a parallel story, is long and grim. I suppose the “Fourth Quadrant’s” tone is dark to drive home to the reader how awful civilization’s collapse would be. State’s would be forced to close they’re borders in a bid to survive, necessitating the demise of many Americans trying to enter said state to escape whatever. Grim stuff. I’ve no problem with grim. However, the Fourth Quadrant drags the grimness out with repeated (and very similar) depressing apocalyptic death and destruction encounters between the protagonist and random people trying to cross said State boarder. This novel could have cut half of these repetitive (and depressing) stories, a quarter of the book, the author’s point would still have been delivered and Fourth Quadrant would have been a much easier read. Still a recommend.
April 5, 2023
This was not a comfortable book to read. As Book 2 of The Wyoming Chronicles begins, army brat/bank employee Lauren Davis is as confused as everyone else when all the computers around the world start going crazy and banking systems crash. With her military boyfriend's advice and her motorcycle skills, she is able to get out of the city before panic sets in, but she faces more danger on the road. After losing a friend to raiders, she makes it to the border of Wyoming where she is accepted as a line rider, ferrying much needed ammunition and supplies to the volunteer troops who are guarding the state borders. As civilization collapses around her and she has to commit deeds that rip her soul apart, she leans on friends who are just as vulnerable as she is. After her last harrowing situation, she is ordered by the Governor to go to her friend's safe ranch to recuperate. We leave her there as we wait for the third installment of this gripping series.
February 5, 2022
Book review of "Forth Quadrant: The Wyoming Chronicles: Book Two" by W. Michael Gear
This novel, Book Two of the Wyoming Chronicles, was so exciting that I found myself saying, "Just one more chapter" even though I was sleepy. The author, W. Michael Gear, has an expert command of English which reminds me of Gustav Flaubert in French literature in the manner in which he handles descriptions. It makes it so simple for us, the readers, to picture both the scenes and scenarios.
I highly recommend it for post-collapse enthusiasts!
Recommendation: be sure to read Book One first.
This novel, Book Two of the Wyoming Chronicles, was so exciting that I found myself saying, "Just one more chapter" even though I was sleepy. The author, W. Michael Gear, has an expert command of English which reminds me of Gustav Flaubert in French literature in the manner in which he handles descriptions. It makes it so simple for us, the readers, to picture both the scenes and scenarios.
I highly recommend it for post-collapse enthusiasts!
Recommendation: be sure to read Book One first.
March 24, 2022
I loved the book for its fast pacing with lots of conflict. Strong women who suffered from actions they had to take were well drawn. My only regret is that Gear didn't spend more time exploring what was happening outside of Wyoming. The governor surely sent scouts into neighboring states to gather information and intelligence about the state of the country and the world. I wanted this information. That said, perhaps Gear has a third book coming in the Wyoming Chronicles and I'll be all happy again.
June 4, 2023
A great book to read and enjoy.
You are taken on a journey that will leave wondering what would everybody due if the country went off on deep end. The country was attacked and everything went dark and things were not there. Then people turned against each other and care only for themselves and care less about others. But you find there are people that care and will fight for everyone as well dye also. The author did a great job with the book and leaves you wondering what would we due.
You are taken on a journey that will leave wondering what would everybody due if the country went off on deep end. The country was attacked and everything went dark and things were not there. Then people turned against each other and care only for themselves and care less about others. But you find there are people that care and will fight for everyone as well dye also. The author did a great job with the book and leaves you wondering what would we due.
January 1, 2024
This was even better than the first of the series. This book had more action in it and probably more of the extended genre that I prefer. It had a lot of battle a lot of shooting It did get a little overwhelming for the characters and therefore a little bit for the reader with all the necessary violence for the scenario. We follow a character names Lauren around this post apocalyptic world and become endearded to her. I look forward to her further adventures in the next book When the Eagle falls.
May 9, 2022
Good sequel
Good follow on to Dissolution. Some overlap of the Collapse but from a different POV.
Years ago I read Lucifers Hammer. When the manure hits the spreader, there is always a group that tries to rebuild and another that tears down. The heroes and heroines are always ordinary people who when the bell is rung rise up and do great things, never realizing what they are doing and it's effect on others.
Good follow on to Dissolution. Some overlap of the Collapse but from a different POV.
Years ago I read Lucifers Hammer. When the manure hits the spreader, there is always a group that tries to rebuild and another that tears down. The heroes and heroines are always ordinary people who when the bell is rung rise up and do great things, never realizing what they are doing and it's effect on others.
May 18, 2023
Psychology of war
More of a treatise of the psychological effect a war and killing has on it's soldiers than a story about the fall of the USA. Well written and possibly even believable although maybe some of the characters are a bit too bad to be believable. However I don't know enough about Americans to be able to tell how accurate this would be. Rather graphic in some places so beware but unfortunately believable.
More of a treatise of the psychological effect a war and killing has on it's soldiers than a story about the fall of the USA. Well written and possibly even believable although maybe some of the characters are a bit too bad to be believable. However I don't know enough about Americans to be able to tell how accurate this would be. Rather graphic in some places so beware but unfortunately believable.
February 7, 2022
Great
I've read both books and for me, they are all to believable. This last book didn't end the story I'm sure, and I will be reading the next in this series. Of course, since this author was recommended by my mother I will recommend him to others who I think would enjoy this kind of story.
I've read both books and for me, they are all to believable. This last book didn't end the story I'm sure, and I will be reading the next in this series. Of course, since this author was recommended by my mother I will recommend him to others who I think would enjoy this kind of story.
February 18, 2022
Great adventure!!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone tired of the typical apocalypse hero being a high tier operator rather than a regular person.
Additionally, I lived in Wyoming years ago and have been to many places mentioned in the Wyoming Chronicles and the descriptive narrative takes me home.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone tired of the typical apocalypse hero being a high tier operator rather than a regular person.
Additionally, I lived in Wyoming years ago and have been to many places mentioned in the Wyoming Chronicles and the descriptive narrative takes me home.
June 19, 2022
Fantastic series!
A view of the collapse of America as seen from Wyoming! The struggle of the common people as they fight to hold on against cyber attacks, foreign invaders, and even fellow Americans out to pillage what they can from their own. Who is the foreign enemy we are at war with? Not exactly certain at the end of Book two but believe me, I will be reading more!
A view of the collapse of America as seen from Wyoming! The struggle of the common people as they fight to hold on against cyber attacks, foreign invaders, and even fellow Americans out to pillage what they can from their own. Who is the foreign enemy we are at war with? Not exactly certain at the end of Book two but believe me, I will be reading more!
January 23, 2022
Never Fails
Never fails to disappoint, rather writing historical fiction, scifi, or dystopian, the writing is great. Definitely worth the read. A no holds barred ride from beginning to end.
Never fails to disappoint, rather writing historical fiction, scifi, or dystopian, the writing is great. Definitely worth the read. A no holds barred ride from beginning to end.
February 7, 2022
Ugh, I didn't particularly enjoy the first installment of the Wyoming Chronicles, yet I decided to try this second installment, thinking maybe I was too harsh in my judgement. Uh, no, I was spot on, as this book isn't worth the cyberspace it is printed on. Just awful.
April 15, 2022
Great and sorrowful
Kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Had to lay this one aside from time to time. Even though it's only a story, a yellow tent will live in my memories with Kabul, Fallujah and Gardez.
Kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Had to lay this one aside from time to time. Even though it's only a story, a yellow tent will live in my memories with Kabul, Fallujah and Gardez.
June 2, 2022
I enjoyed the first of this series but this continuation was much more like a war story. The main character also became more unbelievable as the story went on. Think I'll skip any more of this series that are published.
August 3, 2022
Page turner for sure.
W. Michael Gear knocked this one out of the park. The eerie thing is this could actually happen. Fiction at it's finest. Or is it really fiction? Of course it is!!!!! Totally grabs you.
W. Michael Gear knocked this one out of the park. The eerie thing is this could actually happen. Fiction at it's finest. Or is it really fiction? Of course it is!!!!! Totally grabs you.
February 13, 2023
Gear's second book on keeping Wyoming free!
The Governor relies on militia volunteers to hold back desperate Coloradoans and raiders including several young women on motorcycles as couriers.
The Governor relies on militia volunteers to hold back desperate Coloradoans and raiders including several young women on motorcycles as couriers.
June 24, 2024
Volume two of the Wyoming Chronicles dystopian trilogy introduces us to Lauren, another Wyoming girl turned hero........but at huge cost to her
Volume two is much more graphically violent than Volume one, and hence, is nowhere near as good a story
Volume two is much more graphically violent than Volume one, and hence, is nowhere near as good a story
January 19, 2022
An excellently told story...you will not be able to put it down .
January 23, 2022
Awesome
Great characters and good story. Loved the first book and this is the second story in the Wyoming books didn't disappoint me at all.
Great characters and good story. Loved the first book and this is the second story in the Wyoming books didn't disappoint me at all.
February 3, 2022
Wyoming is Scary
Great follow up from Gear. Story flows and characters develop smoothly. This is an apocalypse that looks just about right.
Great follow up from Gear. Story flows and characters develop smoothly. This is an apocalypse that looks just about right.
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