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The Borrowed World #10
The Reset Roadhouse
It was a hard-learned lesson but Jim Powell finally understood that isolating his group of friends and family was no longer the best idea. It was a strategy that had once kept them safe, but lately seemed to be doing exactly the opposite. Staying out of town and away from people had led to them missing critical intelligence -- that there were people in their community actively plotting against Jim.
By having some of his people operate vendor booths at the burgeoning apocalyptic marketplace growing in town, they'd been able to learn who was conspiring against Jim. In true Jim Powell fashion, he'd taken them all out. Now understanding the value of having eyes and ears at the marketplace, Jim decides to act on an idea proposed by his friend Lloyd and open a roadhouse in a vacant building in town.
For Lloyd, it would be a place to play music and sell liquor made from family recipes. For Jim, a bar in their community would serve several purposes. It would allow him to provide employment for the people in his group, breaking up the routine and giving them a sense of purpose. It would also allow them to run a trading post, bartering off items they didn't need for items that would be more useful, just as they'd done at the public market that summer. Finally, it would be a way for Jim Powell to keep a finger on the pulse of his community, cultivating intelligence assets and keeping tabs on everything happening around them.
Even as Jim and his people work to open the roadhouse, they have no idea what's happening outside of their community. They know little about the war going on between political factions of their own government. They also have no idea that a great upheaval is about to take place that will change the course of the nation forever.
By having some of his people operate vendor booths at the burgeoning apocalyptic marketplace growing in town, they'd been able to learn who was conspiring against Jim. In true Jim Powell fashion, he'd taken them all out. Now understanding the value of having eyes and ears at the marketplace, Jim decides to act on an idea proposed by his friend Lloyd and open a roadhouse in a vacant building in town.
For Lloyd, it would be a place to play music and sell liquor made from family recipes. For Jim, a bar in their community would serve several purposes. It would allow him to provide employment for the people in his group, breaking up the routine and giving them a sense of purpose. It would also allow them to run a trading post, bartering off items they didn't need for items that would be more useful, just as they'd done at the public market that summer. Finally, it would be a way for Jim Powell to keep a finger on the pulse of his community, cultivating intelligence assets and keeping tabs on everything happening around them.
Even as Jim and his people work to open the roadhouse, they have no idea what's happening outside of their community. They know little about the war going on between political factions of their own government. They also have no idea that a great upheaval is about to take place that will change the course of the nation forever.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2022
293 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Franklin Horton
57 books369 followersFranklin Horton lives and writes in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. He attended Virginia Intermont College and Virginia Commonwealth University. In his spare time he pursues outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. His interests include camping, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking, and shooting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 8, 2025
I love Franklin Horton's works, and this one did not disappoint. Didn't want to put it down. The entire Borrowed World series is very good and has a special place in the dystopian section of my library.
February 1, 2023
Slower paced but so very fitting.
I leaned on 4-stars for this thing for most of the way, but when I realized how much I appreciated the different vibes this book put out compared to the craziness (in a good way) of most of the previous entries it made me appreciate it that much more. Much like book #8 (Blood and Banjos), this is an entry that slowed itself down to spend more time on its characters, both old and new, rather than on the chaos or despair or the fall of society. This isn't to say there aren't thrills or suspense or violence, because there's absolutely PLENTY of that. But it's definitely noticeable that the story takes it time in a new direction.
The plot is quite straightforward. After a conversation with his buddy Lloyd inspires Jim to protect his people by expanding outwardly into the community rather than shielding them away in his valley, he decides to put together a Roadhouse like the days of old. If the project can get on its feet like he hopes, it would serve as a gathering place for information, socialization, and even a bit of relaxation. We meet several new characters along the way, including Becky, Luther, and Shade (among others). As you get to know the characters, you'll of course eventually learn their pasts, their motivations, and their intents. Needless to say, humans aren't always keeping the bests interests of their neighbors at heart.
This entry had just the right mix of everything to work to my liking. The focus on character interactions, the advancement of the story, the stress from wondering how certain scenarios were gonna work out. I love the familiarity with the characters of old as well being introduced to the new ones. I was under the impression that this book was the last in the series, but given that gasp-inducing way it ended, I'm forced to rethink things a little bit. Is Franklin leaving this up to our interpretation or does he have even more up his sleeve? I shall declare that I'll be eagerly waiting to see what comes next either way.
Click here for my random comments on all the delectable fun I had.
I leaned on 4-stars for this thing for most of the way, but when I realized how much I appreciated the different vibes this book put out compared to the craziness (in a good way) of most of the previous entries it made me appreciate it that much more. Much like book #8 (Blood and Banjos), this is an entry that slowed itself down to spend more time on its characters, both old and new, rather than on the chaos or despair or the fall of society. This isn't to say there aren't thrills or suspense or violence, because there's absolutely PLENTY of that. But it's definitely noticeable that the story takes it time in a new direction.
The plot is quite straightforward. After a conversation with his buddy Lloyd inspires Jim to protect his people by expanding outwardly into the community rather than shielding them away in his valley, he decides to put together a Roadhouse like the days of old. If the project can get on its feet like he hopes, it would serve as a gathering place for information, socialization, and even a bit of relaxation. We meet several new characters along the way, including Becky, Luther, and Shade (among others). As you get to know the characters, you'll of course eventually learn their pasts, their motivations, and their intents. Needless to say, humans aren't always keeping the bests interests of their neighbors at heart.
This entry had just the right mix of everything to work to my liking. The focus on character interactions, the advancement of the story, the stress from wondering how certain scenarios were gonna work out. I love the familiarity with the characters of old as well being introduced to the new ones. I was under the impression that this book was the last in the series, but given that gasp-inducing way it ended, I'm forced to rethink things a little bit. Is Franklin leaving this up to our interpretation or does he have even more up his sleeve? I shall declare that I'll be eagerly waiting to see what comes next either way.
Click here for my random comments on all the delectable fun I had.
June 30, 2022
10th Book in Series Keeps the Energy Going
It's hard to describe the "Borrowed World" series. It's got action, it's got drama, and it takes a good hard look at the decisions that might have to be made when you are the only one who can make them. The "Reset Roadhouse" takes place about a year and a half after terror attacks take down the U.S. power grid and ability to refine oil, essentially taking at least 90% of the country back to the 1800's. But, Jim Powell has already decided that not only is going to do his best to make sure his family, and his "people" pull through in their isolated Southern-Virginia valley, but that the best way to do that is for them to start engaging with the community at-large. To do this, Jim and his friends decide to build a post-apocalyptic roadhouse. Adventures and misadventures ensue. Very good, fast-paced read from an author that had spent a lot of time researching prepping and also has a deep understanding of the culture of "Coal Country." Highly recommend. Can hardly wait for the next installment.
It's hard to describe the "Borrowed World" series. It's got action, it's got drama, and it takes a good hard look at the decisions that might have to be made when you are the only one who can make them. The "Reset Roadhouse" takes place about a year and a half after terror attacks take down the U.S. power grid and ability to refine oil, essentially taking at least 90% of the country back to the 1800's. But, Jim Powell has already decided that not only is going to do his best to make sure his family, and his "people" pull through in their isolated Southern-Virginia valley, but that the best way to do that is for them to start engaging with the community at-large. To do this, Jim and his friends decide to build a post-apocalyptic roadhouse. Adventures and misadventures ensue. Very good, fast-paced read from an author that had spent a lot of time researching prepping and also has a deep understanding of the culture of "Coal Country." Highly recommend. Can hardly wait for the next installment.
June 13, 2022
EXCELLENT
For a minute there I thought this was the last book in this series. Oh no. Once again our fav author pulled a WTFranklin. I know this is book 10 of 10. It's not over. He left a door open.
My favorite part is when Jim starts yelling at random people asking questions and finally got frustrated and said "A roadhouse! A bar. A beer joint. A saloon ....I'll be open in a month or two.....Meanwhile, get out of here and don't come back unless you're here to work...." Oh wait. There's Becky. Spoiler Alert! She is a character! Wait till you meet her.
I love the Borrowed World Series because it reminds me of the old time Appalachian skills and stories my Dad shared and taught me. Mountain people are a breed within themselves. They are doers. They are Patriots.
I definitely recommend not only this book but the whole series.
For a minute there I thought this was the last book in this series. Oh no. Once again our fav author pulled a WTFranklin. I know this is book 10 of 10. It's not over. He left a door open.
My favorite part is when Jim starts yelling at random people asking questions and finally got frustrated and said "A roadhouse! A bar. A beer joint. A saloon ....I'll be open in a month or two.....Meanwhile, get out of here and don't come back unless you're here to work...." Oh wait. There's Becky. Spoiler Alert! She is a character! Wait till you meet her.
I love the Borrowed World Series because it reminds me of the old time Appalachian skills and stories my Dad shared and taught me. Mountain people are a breed within themselves. They are doers. They are Patriots.
I definitely recommend not only this book but the whole series.
June 22, 2022
Loved it
I really loved this series,and this book was the icing on the cake. When you are 10 books deep into a series you know the characters, You know how their moods, their likes , and dislikes and how they will react to certain situations. I laughed out loud several times to things that one character was going to say another, I was talking out loud saying you know saying that is a bad idea right? And then laugh my ass off in the next paragraph,when they get cursed out and get a death threat. I think this has to be my favorite one so far A couple of new characters showed up and a couple of old characters returned. If you have read this series you will know the parts I mentioned when you read the story. if you haven't I highly recommend you start from the beginning it is one of the best I have ever read.
I really loved this series,and this book was the icing on the cake. When you are 10 books deep into a series you know the characters, You know how their moods, their likes , and dislikes and how they will react to certain situations. I laughed out loud several times to things that one character was going to say another, I was talking out loud saying you know saying that is a bad idea right? And then laugh my ass off in the next paragraph,when they get cursed out and get a death threat. I think this has to be my favorite one so far A couple of new characters showed up and a couple of old characters returned. If you have read this series you will know the parts I mentioned when you read the story. if you haven't I highly recommend you start from the beginning it is one of the best I have ever read.
Read
October 17, 2022Excellent story, with great tie in to the Mad Mick series (at the end!).
I love Horton's books! They tell the tale of how things "could" be if things got screwed up by an EMP (with enough fantasy rolled in to make it "interesting"). He doesn't have much " faith" in the Government "bailing" us out of the mess, but instead seems them getting "fat" on our collapse (a view on the "dependability" I share!).
He shows how we "might" work to save ourselves instead! Of course, in the Mad Mick series, he shows us a "unique way" to shed ourselves of problems caused by selfish government officials (Three Cheers for Lightspeed! He has the answer to save us!")
I love Horton's books! They tell the tale of how things "could" be if things got screwed up by an EMP (with enough fantasy rolled in to make it "interesting"). He doesn't have much " faith" in the Government "bailing" us out of the mess, but instead seems them getting "fat" on our collapse (a view on the "dependability" I share!).
He shows how we "might" work to save ourselves instead! Of course, in the Mad Mick series, he shows us a "unique way" to shed ourselves of problems caused by selfish government officials (Three Cheers for Lightspeed! He has the answer to save us!")
June 22, 2022
I really enjoy this series and this one isn't an exception.
The only reason I knocked a star off is that it doesn't have the same impact as the others. I never really got a sense that anyone was in serious trouble that they had to find there way out of, like with the other books.
There was setup for multiple instance of this, but they all got resolved in what seemed like a fairly easy manner, compared to past books. I didn't feel the same tension as I did in many of the previous situations.
I still really enjoyed the books and would recommend them to anyone.
The only reason I knocked a star off is that it doesn't have the same impact as the others. I never really got a sense that anyone was in serious trouble that they had to find there way out of, like with the other books.
There was setup for multiple instance of this, but they all got resolved in what seemed like a fairly easy manner, compared to past books. I didn't feel the same tension as I did in many of the previous situations.
I still really enjoyed the books and would recommend them to anyone.
July 13, 2022
And then what . . .
Few stories in a series build as well as this has done. From the anxious beginning after the emergency events crippling the nation to this meager start to the return of basic human reconciliation and cooperation this story continues to grow. Each of the actors on the stage grows, suffers, mourns and reassemble themselves for the next challenge coming at them. Creative solutions for their future success will depend on what they are willing to keep doing.
An enjoyable time for you while reading. Good job Mr. Horton. 👏
Few stories in a series build as well as this has done. From the anxious beginning after the emergency events crippling the nation to this meager start to the return of basic human reconciliation and cooperation this story continues to grow. Each of the actors on the stage grows, suffers, mourns and reassemble themselves for the next challenge coming at them. Creative solutions for their future success will depend on what they are willing to keep doing.
An enjoyable time for you while reading. Good job Mr. Horton. 👏
November 13, 2022
Mad Mick & Borrowed World Combo!
The next book … for BOTH series … definitely should be a 2 in 1.
Meaning, the very same book to be used as the next up in each series; The Borrowed World 11, & The Mad Mick 9.
Without a doubt we’ve reached this point in all of the character’s cumulative storylines & worlds!
It. Would. Be. Epic.
As for this book, Book 10, it was “typical” for Franklin Horton & this series — absolutely enthralling & phenomenal!
I cannot wait for the next book to be published!
Horton is without question one of the top 5 apocalyptic writers of our day.
The next book … for BOTH series … definitely should be a 2 in 1.
Meaning, the very same book to be used as the next up in each series; The Borrowed World 11, & The Mad Mick 9.
Without a doubt we’ve reached this point in all of the character’s cumulative storylines & worlds!
It. Would. Be. Epic.
As for this book, Book 10, it was “typical” for Franklin Horton & this series — absolutely enthralling & phenomenal!
I cannot wait for the next book to be published!
Horton is without question one of the top 5 apocalyptic writers of our day.
August 24, 2024
Excellent Series in Transition
I've enjoyed this series, and particularly that it is about humans and all their positives and negatives. Monsters are unnecessary, as humans are fully capable of monstrous behavior. The first nine books were about the disaster and society's response to the deprivation to everyday way of life. Book nine appears to be a transition towards recovery. Though still a long, long way to go, but bottom may have been reached. I expect that the next volumes will will focus on the difficulties and successes encountered in the search for "normalcy."
I've enjoyed this series, and particularly that it is about humans and all their positives and negatives. Monsters are unnecessary, as humans are fully capable of monstrous behavior. The first nine books were about the disaster and society's response to the deprivation to everyday way of life. Book nine appears to be a transition towards recovery. Though still a long, long way to go, but bottom may have been reached. I expect that the next volumes will will focus on the difficulties and successes encountered in the search for "normalcy."
June 29, 2022
Patrick Swayze eat your heart out. Not only is this Roadhouse tale more entertaining, the stakes are quite a bit higher when everyone is armed and has spent the last year acquiring quick reflexes. I very much enjoyed the addition of Becky, the blind woman. Just thinking about what it would take for a blind person to survive the collapse is pretty impressive. Also, the twist at the end looks to be an interesting setup for book 11. The only bad part is now having to wait for it.
July 22, 2022
great read!
In reading most of the books in this genre I get bogged down about book four. Not so this series. Through all nine books (so far) Mr. Horton held my interest and I really hope there’s a book ten on the way ( haven’t looked yet). What’s more, Mr. Horton’s characters work to solve problems rather than just continually shooting something or somebody who got in their way. I think you’ll like this series.
In reading most of the books in this genre I get bogged down about book four. Not so this series. Through all nine books (so far) Mr. Horton held my interest and I really hope there’s a book ten on the way ( haven’t looked yet). What’s more, Mr. Horton’s characters work to solve problems rather than just continually shooting something or somebody who got in their way. I think you’ll like this series.
November 7, 2022
Yet another great chapter in the Borrowed World series. I am curious where he will go with it from here. In this one there is not really as big of a threat to Jim as his family after a fairly early issue so that was a change. I was not expecting what happened to the Antiques dealers that was a nice surprise. I have enjoyed every Franklin Horton book so far and I do not see that changing. I am running out of books from him though and I am worried about that.
#postapocalypse
#borrowedworld
#postapocalypse
#borrowedworld
December 27, 2022
It feels like Jim is finally getting back on track and not such a pariah. There several new sets of characters that are brought in as Jim plans to build a roadhouse near town. I like Becky and the Wolfords and they should add a lot to the story going forward. I liked Luther despite his reasons for coming to town and thought he might be a good character going forward, but apparently not. This ends with a bombshell though not an entirely unexpected one.
May 15, 2025
Still a Good Read, But....
Though this book was still a very good read parts of it were very confusing, as if I had somehow skipped a book but I did not. There were confusing references to The Mad Mick and his daughter that had not been introduced anywhere before, but they read as if they had been. The references to The Mad Mick stopped just as abruptly and inexplicably as they began. As long as you can ignore that plot error, the story is quite good.
Though this book was still a very good read parts of it were very confusing, as if I had somehow skipped a book but I did not. There were confusing references to The Mad Mick and his daughter that had not been introduced anywhere before, but they read as if they had been. The references to The Mad Mick stopped just as abruptly and inexplicably as they began. As long as you can ignore that plot error, the story is quite good.
June 17, 2022
Loved the book and reading the new Jim Powell adventures and new friends. Lots of humor and typical Randi bantering keeps it real as the plot goes on. Becky absolutely adds to the plot once you get to know her. I'm sure we will discover the disposition of the city "antiques" in the next book?
As always, fabulous read Franklin. Keep them coming.
As always, fabulous read Franklin. Keep them coming.
June 20, 2022
Jim is the guy we all aspire to be in life.
Great read with introduction of Becky and Nancy Jim tries his hand at being a pimp and slate and his bruiser family. Nice to see the 3 old Karen’s get what they was coming to them. Really love the sassy Nancy all though I thought her and Ian might take a liking to each other.
Great read with introduction of Becky and Nancy Jim tries his hand at being a pimp and slate and his bruiser family. Nice to see the 3 old Karen’s get what they was coming to them. Really love the sassy Nancy all though I thought her and Ian might take a liking to each other.
June 23, 2022
Reset Roadhouse - Another Franklin Horton Must-read!
Horton has penned another great book in The Borrowed World series! I look eagerly forward To each new book in this series. His characters reflect an all too real set of flaws and actions I would expect to see in a real posts apocalyptic world.
Horton has penned another great book in The Borrowed World series! I look eagerly forward To each new book in this series. His characters reflect an all too real set of flaws and actions I would expect to see in a real posts apocalyptic world.
July 2, 2022
Again.
This book, number 10 in the series caught me by surprise. I have cheered and nearly bit off my nails with this one. Jim and the crew met some new folks that seem very interesting to this reader. Becky is a force to be sure. Shade made me laugh. Anxiously awaiting the next.
This book, number 10 in the series caught me by surprise. I have cheered and nearly bit off my nails with this one. Jim and the crew met some new folks that seem very interesting to this reader. Becky is a force to be sure. Shade made me laugh. Anxiously awaiting the next.
July 3, 2022
Just can't wait for the follow-up.
Great job on the characters, story line and how it all relates to the preseding books. Only wish the writer was faster with the following novels.... get busy darn it. 😁
Throughly enjoying this series and another of his.
Keep them coming Please.
Great job on the characters, story line and how it all relates to the preseding books. Only wish the writer was faster with the following novels.... get busy darn it. 😁
Throughly enjoying this series and another of his.
Keep them coming Please.
July 11, 2022
And the story continues
Another great read. For those of us that have lived in or traveled a lot in the Smokies, Frank Horton's books take us back. $20 on a stump for a couple mason jars of elixir.
The last chapter opens the door for a continuing saga but I can't quite see Jim getting blown over by a note from the blue.
Another great read. For those of us that have lived in or traveled a lot in the Smokies, Frank Horton's books take us back. $20 on a stump for a couple mason jars of elixir.
The last chapter opens the door for a continuing saga but I can't quite see Jim getting blown over by a note from the blue.
July 29, 2024
Book 10 and Im still going!
Im still enjoying this book series although some of the things are not that believable
Jim wants to set up a roadhouse to gain intelligence of what is happening in the area and the world and of course there are issues doing this
I think I have one book to go in the series!
Im still enjoying this book series although some of the things are not that believable
Jim wants to set up a roadhouse to gain intelligence of what is happening in the area and the world and of course there are issues doing this
I think I have one book to go in the series!
December 18, 2025
I can’t wait for the next broadcast
What a terrific hook to lead us into the next installment. The plotting for this series has been perfectly calculated to keep this reader jumping to the next book. I thought #9 was the last one but there was more to tell and I will hang on to the end.
What a terrific hook to lead us into the next installment. The plotting for this series has been perfectly calculated to keep this reader jumping to the next book. I thought #9 was the last one but there was more to tell and I will hang on to the end.
June 14, 2022
Awesomeness Again
This is my favorite book in the series. Love the characters. Love the story. Jim's doing a great job. Can't wait to see more of Becky. Hopefully there will be another 10 books. Well written. Well done
This is my favorite book in the series. Love the characters. Love the story. Jim's doing a great job. Can't wait to see more of Becky. Hopefully there will be another 10 books. Well written. Well done
June 15, 2022
Oh me, oh my!
Horton just keeps getting better! Jim and company are expanding their presence in town, they gain, and lose, new friends and turn their little corner of the universe upside down again. I can't wait for the next one!
Horton just keeps getting better! Jim and company are expanding their presence in town, they gain, and lose, new friends and turn their little corner of the universe upside down again. I can't wait for the next one!
June 15, 2022
Excellent book !
Horton does it again ! Very well written, great characters, and lots of action ! Highly recommend this series. I love Jim Powell and his practical, no nonsense attitude.
Horton does it again ! Very well written, great characters, and lots of action ! Highly recommend this series. I love Jim Powell and his practical, no nonsense attitude.
June 16, 2022
An excellent book
With Jim and the regular crew being joined by some new people, this is a great addition. Lloyd is back and has an idea that Jim runs with. Some excitement at the end for us all to ponder as we wait on the next book.
With Jim and the regular crew being joined by some new people, this is a great addition. Lloyd is back and has an idea that Jim runs with. Some excitement at the end for us all to ponder as we wait on the next book.
June 17, 2022
Loved
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
I loved this book by Franklin Horton. I also loved these characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of this Franklin’s books. I listened to this book on audiobook.
June 30, 2022
Book Ten and not yet the end
This is one of my favorite TEOTWAWKI series, and I am tickled that number ten is not the end. I love these characters! And the crossover with the Mad Mick books is pure genius.
This is one of my favorite TEOTWAWKI series, and I am tickled that number ten is not the end. I love these characters! And the crossover with the Mad Mick books is pure genius.
July 2, 2022
Somehow even better than the last book
with new characters and new peril ,, you will once again be captivated by the compelling and heart poudimg story of Jim and the valley . This one is a must read
with new characters and new peril ,, you will once again be captivated by the compelling and heart poudimg story of Jim and the valley . This one is a must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews