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Black Hills Fall
Mike and Angie Davis were just regular people who enjoyed the outdoors in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their little community, hidden away in the pines, was the perfect place to raise a family— until everything, everywhere, went dark. The nearby town of Spearfish had always been quiet and peaceful. That’s where everything was—the schools, the grocery stores, the restaurants… and, just like most little towns, the people. Except they didn’t stay there long once there were no lights, no heat, no food, and no law and order. What about the parachutes on the cover? Oh, you’re not even going to believe what that’s all about… here in AMERICA . Can normal citizens even survive such a thing on their own? In a word—YES. This is their story. Possibly the most amazing feel-good tale in the Post-Apoc genre, but clean and suitable for most ages. Robyn VanDerSys knocked it out of the park with this one. *** A lot of people LOVED the core-4 books of the October Fall series, and a few hated them. That's the way it goes—BUT, we as authors are constantly learning. Our Facebook author group here at Raventhorne Books went through the CONSTRUCTIVE reviews, made a list, and talked about the positives and negatives. We came up with a group project to further our craft at storytelling in the Post Apocalyptic genre. Several of us have created characters to star in our own stories about what happened where we live when the same Event affected their lives. They're separate stories, but we've cooperated and coordinated together so our timelines and overall story arc fit. Although none of us have ever seen anything quite like this before, we've been having a blast and learning tons about things we never considered before. Now it’s time to start releasing them for others to enjoy! Robyn VanDerSys wrote Black Hills Fall 1 Michael McDonald is writing Indiana Fall 1 LA Bayles is writing Michigan Fall 1 Mark Loren is writing Minnesota Fall 1 & 2 and Korea Fall Rick Tippins is writing California Fall 1 Boyd Craven Jr., with help from the others, will write a prequel novella to the In The October Fall World series that will be FREE to anyone and everyone called Prepper Dan's SHTF Radio Network. It will set the stage for all of the above and include a shameless amount of advertising and links to them all. More will follow. All will be published by Raventhorne Books. Stay tuned friends, the party is just getting started!
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
455 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
586 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Robyn VanDerSys
5 books27 followersRobyn VanDerSys was born in Washington State, which is where her love for the great outdoors was born. She has lived in several different states and has now settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and kids.
Her life has consisted of one adventure to the next, including racing monster trucks in her early twenties, raising three strong children, riding around Mexico on her four wheeler while living out of a backpack, driving a school bus for a living, and volunteering on a chase team while her husband raced the Baja 1000.
She spends her free time off-roading and hiking the many trails of the Black Hills, and also enjoys traveling and having as many adventures as humanly possible.
Her life has consisted of one adventure to the next, including racing monster trucks in her early twenties, raising three strong children, riding around Mexico on her four wheeler while living out of a backpack, driving a school bus for a living, and volunteering on a chase team while her husband raced the Baja 1000.
She spends her free time off-roading and hiking the many trails of the Black Hills, and also enjoys traveling and having as many adventures as humanly possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 16, 2022
Highly Recommend!
Great read, loved the community coming together as family, and most importantly as patriots! Highly recommend not just as a SHTF book but as good fiction that will give you the warm fuzzies.
Great read, loved the community coming together as family, and most importantly as patriots! Highly recommend not just as a SHTF book but as good fiction that will give you the warm fuzzies.
September 11, 2025
The book was a little slow going, but once it took off it really did. I love when authors play with my emotions 😅🤣 go from relief, to mixed feelings to sadness in the span of a couple of pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
Excellent!
A consistent plot with well developed characters and not gruesome. I like the prepping and scavenger activities so I enjoyed this book.
A consistent plot with well developed characters and not gruesome. I like the prepping and scavenger activities so I enjoyed this book.
March 6, 2022
An excellent read
This book takes you to the Black Hills as only a native can. The description and overall story can be read by looking at a map for the most part. The characters show the strength that we would hope that all Americans show.
This book takes you to the Black Hills as only a native can. The description and overall story can be read by looking at a map for the most part. The characters show the strength that we would hope that all Americans show.
June 11, 2022
Loved this book!
Great story, easy to follow. I love that America's small towns pulled together. All the characters were very likable . I want more books.
Great story, easy to follow. I love that America's small towns pulled together. All the characters were very likable . I want more books.
April 4, 2022
The team joins with other patriot’s to kick the invaders out.
The team reaches out to another local radio operator who is a prepper they join together to monitor the Russians and form a plan to force them out. The plan takes back the area’s that are controlled by Russia on invader stoped two more to deal with.
The team reaches out to another local radio operator who is a prepper they join together to monitor the Russians and form a plan to force them out. The plan takes back the area’s that are controlled by Russia on invader stoped two more to deal with.
Read
April 19, 2022A very good tale of what the USA can do, when United for a common cause!
I liked this story because the got the story told in one book! I'm used to that, and only got used to the "series" format while reading books on my Kindle. Don't get me wrong! I enjoy the series format too, but it's A pleasure to just read a "book" again!
I liked this story because the got the story told in one book! I'm used to that, and only got used to the "series" format while reading books on my Kindle. Don't get me wrong! I enjoy the series format too, but it's A pleasure to just read a "book" again!
March 24, 2024
No more
I just couldn't finish. Not that it's a bad book. In fact, I recommend it.
It's just that these TEOTWAWKI stories are all the same. Same stuff, different day.
I've read so many of these by different authors, but it's all redundancy. It's time to stop reading about it and being about it.
I just couldn't finish. Not that it's a bad book. In fact, I recommend it.
It's just that these TEOTWAWKI stories are all the same. Same stuff, different day.
I've read so many of these by different authors, but it's all redundancy. It's time to stop reading about it and being about it.
April 2, 2022
Black Hills Fall
I loved reading this book. The author engaged the reader in the first few words of the book. Characters were believable, easy to follow.
I loved reading this book. The author engaged the reader in the first few words of the book. Characters were believable, easy to follow.
October 31, 2022
This was in the October Fall storyline, focused on an interesting area of South Dakota. There were a few editing errors (ex. "We have to know many of them there are", should be how many), but nothing terribly distracting. There was a prominent fascination with the word "makeshift" and it appeared many, many times. A thesaurus would help. The Jackpine neighborhood, most especially Bob and Maggie, was fairly well stocked and prepared, mostly due to unpredictably weather etc. Bob clearly thought about EMPs in his preps which was lucky for his neighbors. He declared that people will some time to figure out the event is not a normal power failure, so outsiders would not be dangerous for a few days. I've generally been put off by other books that have society going from normal to anarchy in just a few minutes/hours, so tended to agree with Bob, but guys...at least get in the habit of having someone keep watch early on in the aftermath. Or failing that, don't be surprised when you get attacked in the "goldilocks" timeframe. In their first journey out to rescue a neighbor's brother in another town, the group left their homes sparsely defended and this was after an attack had just happened. Even after adding some much needed help to their neighborhood, they leave it over and over, though they do feel smug about how good they have it. Jeris was an interesting character since he was not in the normal demographic of most protagonists in this genre; even he did not escape the rightwing whiffs. Just once, someone needs to acknowledge that there are people on the left that are patriotic, own guns and take preparation and responsibility as seriously as their counterparts on the right. Even with that, I actually did come to like the Jackpine folks (Tiny became a favorite) and always am pleased when people work together. With the rapid wrap-up at the end, this seems to be a single volume for the Black Hills.
December 2, 2022
Black hills fall by Robyn VanDerSys , Wow.
This was not a good read, it was a great read ! ! ! I read the entire October Falls series, Then started binge reading a dozen similar books. After after a while they all blended into one long battle scene. Each was so similar that nothing stood out. I had to stop reading this genre before burnout set in. Then two days ago I saw a ad for Black Hills fall and thought to myself that I liked Black Hills ammunition and figured why not read a book set in the neighborhood. Now I have eyestrain and have hardly slept. I could not stop reading until it was done.
Men, well we talk about things. I can talk your ears off about how much better a 308 Sierra Match King is than a Hornaday 168 grain bthp. My buddy can talk an hour about how full of shit I am and why I should be shooting 175 grains or heavier.
Women talk about people, feelings and life itself. That is what sets this book apart. It isn't a battle, it's the people in it. The consequences of each decision they make and how it will effect everybody in the community. You feel you are apart of this community and it becomes important to you too. Robyn has raised the bar it will be something I look for in other books, I hope I can find it.
This was not a good read, it was a great read ! ! ! I read the entire October Falls series, Then started binge reading a dozen similar books. After after a while they all blended into one long battle scene. Each was so similar that nothing stood out. I had to stop reading this genre before burnout set in. Then two days ago I saw a ad for Black Hills fall and thought to myself that I liked Black Hills ammunition and figured why not read a book set in the neighborhood. Now I have eyestrain and have hardly slept. I could not stop reading until it was done.
Men, well we talk about things. I can talk your ears off about how much better a 308 Sierra Match King is than a Hornaday 168 grain bthp. My buddy can talk an hour about how full of shit I am and why I should be shooting 175 grains or heavier.
Women talk about people, feelings and life itself. That is what sets this book apart. It isn't a battle, it's the people in it. The consequences of each decision they make and how it will effect everybody in the community. You feel you are apart of this community and it becomes important to you too. Robyn has raised the bar it will be something I look for in other books, I hope I can find it.
June 8, 2023
Good story
First I want to say that overall the book is well crafted. I enjoyed the story. There were some parts that weren't well thought out and therefore lessened the believability of characters. Spoiler..an example is, they group has a tried combat veteran. But he allows 5 villains to enter their neighborhood and almost gets people killed. It literally made zero sense. I still can't figure out why the author would play it out that way. The other issue (which got markedly better towards the end) was the use (on repeat) of the term patriot. Unfortunately this term has been weaponized and implies that anyone not far right leaning wouldn't stand up and fight for America. "Like minded patriots" This is such a ridiculous stereotype that detracted from an otherwise pretty good book. There were other minor flaws that were similar but I'm not going to beat a dead horse. Maybe the take away for the author is that, contrary to many, mid lefters do have guns and absolutely would stand up to foreign invasion. Heck, we stand up for much less constantly. So maybe dial back on the stereotypes.
First I want to say that overall the book is well crafted. I enjoyed the story. There were some parts that weren't well thought out and therefore lessened the believability of characters. Spoiler..an example is, they group has a tried combat veteran. But he allows 5 villains to enter their neighborhood and almost gets people killed. It literally made zero sense. I still can't figure out why the author would play it out that way. The other issue (which got markedly better towards the end) was the use (on repeat) of the term patriot. Unfortunately this term has been weaponized and implies that anyone not far right leaning wouldn't stand up and fight for America. "Like minded patriots" This is such a ridiculous stereotype that detracted from an otherwise pretty good book. There were other minor flaws that were similar but I'm not going to beat a dead horse. Maybe the take away for the author is that, contrary to many, mid lefters do have guns and absolutely would stand up to foreign invasion. Heck, we stand up for much less constantly. So maybe dial back on the stereotypes.
July 16, 2024
red dawn redux
This was a good storyline. Many characters were well drawn out and there was good social interaction.
Fight scenes, battle scenes and related elements were not well done. It needed more realism from Derek the army vet or one of the other ex military persons, either that or a more technically and strategically written survivalist.
The conflicts were set up a bit woodenly, the shooting of heads as the pop up or around were to many.
There was never any credible competency other than prepper/hunter. Needed more grit, more credible action and it’s ok to have a beloved character die instead of a straw character like John.
There is some really good stuff here but it was like a three legged stool missing a leg.
This was a good storyline. Many characters were well drawn out and there was good social interaction.
Fight scenes, battle scenes and related elements were not well done. It needed more realism from Derek the army vet or one of the other ex military persons, either that or a more technically and strategically written survivalist.
The conflicts were set up a bit woodenly, the shooting of heads as the pop up or around were to many.
There was never any credible competency other than prepper/hunter. Needed more grit, more credible action and it’s ok to have a beloved character die instead of a straw character like John.
There is some really good stuff here but it was like a three legged stool missing a leg.
August 13, 2022
Another great book from Robyn VanDerSys!!
First off, I absolutely love the cover of this book!
Where to start?? This book was a fun read and I enjoyed the different Narration that VanDerSys went with. With her first book 75 Miles, was one POV. However, in Black Hills Fall you get a community and their POV. VanDerSys can give you a story that is very Engaging and keeps you wanting more. I enjoyed the Easter eggs in this book as well. You’ll have to read it to find out what I mean. ;-)
I have definitely fallen in love with “in the October fall world” and looking forward to continuing with the series.
First off, I absolutely love the cover of this book!
Where to start?? This book was a fun read and I enjoyed the different Narration that VanDerSys went with. With her first book 75 Miles, was one POV. However, in Black Hills Fall you get a community and their POV. VanDerSys can give you a story that is very Engaging and keeps you wanting more. I enjoyed the Easter eggs in this book as well. You’ll have to read it to find out what I mean. ;-)
I have definitely fallen in love with “in the October fall world” and looking forward to continuing with the series.
July 19, 2023
Dakota Proud!
Stationed at Ellsworth AFB twice and eventually retired to the Black Hills. That's the reason I picked this book first. As an Air Force Historion and an Alumina of Black Hills State, I was fully immersed in this all too real tale. The ones who were prepared and the ones who were not. The heroes and the creeps. Those protecting their own and those who were thieves. These are all real people. Fictional in the story, but we all know the true life counterparts. Love, heartaches, supporting neighbors, and loving families are included in this strong story of America at it's worse. But, even more so, Americans at their best!
Stationed at Ellsworth AFB twice and eventually retired to the Black Hills. That's the reason I picked this book first. As an Air Force Historion and an Alumina of Black Hills State, I was fully immersed in this all too real tale. The ones who were prepared and the ones who were not. The heroes and the creeps. Those protecting their own and those who were thieves. These are all real people. Fictional in the story, but we all know the true life counterparts. Love, heartaches, supporting neighbors, and loving families are included in this strong story of America at it's worse. But, even more so, Americans at their best!
November 15, 2024
The story is a great idea and a magnet force taking out our electric , internet and infrastructure is highly likely. The concept of this being done by china and Russia is a bit more far fetched and plays into American paranoia.
The book is well written in some parts and not in others . There is a lot of factual telling. Too many characters . It’s a bit un real to believe that a street of neighbours get on so well together in a time of immense stress
The book is very patriotic and I guess plays for the American reader of various ages. There’s not much true emotion but alot of sentimentality.
There’s not a massive amount of plot tension and it gets boring in places. But a great idea over all
The book is well written in some parts and not in others . There is a lot of factual telling. Too many characters . It’s a bit un real to believe that a street of neighbours get on so well together in a time of immense stress
The book is very patriotic and I guess plays for the American reader of various ages. There’s not much true emotion but alot of sentimentality.
There’s not a massive amount of plot tension and it gets boring in places. But a great idea over all
October 18, 2022
A Very Entertaining Tale.
I enjoyed meeting the cast of characters in this story. All of them made a place for themselves in my heart. I cried for their losses, and cheered for their victory. I could imagine my friends doing the same stuff. After a day of dealing with inflation and recession, it was very much welcome.
A quick note: in some ways I liked this book better than the original October Falls. I appreciate the fact the author did not have me invest hours getting to care about the main characters only to kill them off. Thank you for a great story!
I enjoyed meeting the cast of characters in this story. All of them made a place for themselves in my heart. I cried for their losses, and cheered for their victory. I could imagine my friends doing the same stuff. After a day of dealing with inflation and recession, it was very much welcome.
A quick note: in some ways I liked this book better than the original October Falls. I appreciate the fact the author did not have me invest hours getting to care about the main characters only to kill them off. Thank you for a great story!
January 15, 2023
Great book
This was my first time reading about a SHTF situation that involves not only an EMP but also invasion by foreign nations. And for a first time foray into this type of writing, I think Robyn, Boyd and LA have done an excellent job. The story line is well written, flows very well, and the editing is spot on.
I also like the fact that this is a stand alone book…while it could have been drug out to be a series, I am very happy that scenario didn’t occur.
Thank you for such an interesting read!
This was my first time reading about a SHTF situation that involves not only an EMP but also invasion by foreign nations. And for a first time foray into this type of writing, I think Robyn, Boyd and LA have done an excellent job. The story line is well written, flows very well, and the editing is spot on.
I also like the fact that this is a stand alone book…while it could have been drug out to be a series, I am very happy that scenario didn’t occur.
Thank you for such an interesting read!
April 19, 2023
Great apocalyptic thriller!
Black Hills Fall is set in a universe where each book relates action in a particular area. It is a standalone novel that covers what happens in Black Hills, SD to a group of Americans that answered the apocalyptic with patriotism and determination.
There’s great detail of the characters and the Black Hills area. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Black Hills Fall is set in a universe where each book relates action in a particular area. It is a standalone novel that covers what happens in Black Hills, SD to a group of Americans that answered the apocalyptic with patriotism and determination.
There’s great detail of the characters and the Black Hills area. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
June 18, 2022
No spoilers! One of the best books out there. The EMP story
is unlike any that I have read.
This could be in any town in America. This is a wonderful display of Americans that join together to fight those that threaten our country. There is fear, tears and love. There is respect for our flag and what it stands for.
You won't be wasting your time when you turn the first page.
is unlike any that I have read.
This could be in any town in America. This is a wonderful display of Americans that join together to fight those that threaten our country. There is fear, tears and love. There is respect for our flag and what it stands for.
You won't be wasting your time when you turn the first page.
September 9, 2023
Wow
An engaging read. The Red Dawn of it was definitely a great example of people of a certain age knowing the what.and how to go about taking back the patriotism our country has seemed to lose. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the others in this "world". A definite recommend.
An engaging read. The Red Dawn of it was definitely a great example of people of a certain age knowing the what.and how to go about taking back the patriotism our country has seemed to lose. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the others in this "world". A definite recommend.
July 14, 2022
The Black Hills of Dakota
A different local for this yarn. Makes quite a difference from previous stories. As an Australian I am constantly amazed at the number of rifles and pistols owned by Americans. Used to good effect in this tale.
A different local for this yarn. Makes quite a difference from previous stories. As an Australian I am constantly amazed at the number of rifles and pistols owned by Americans. Used to good effect in this tale.
November 21, 2022
Black Hills Fall
A very good read. I liked the connection to the other October Fall books and the ability to see how different communities and people react to an EMP crisis and an invasion by Russian troops.
A very good read. I liked the connection to the other October Fall books and the ability to see how different communities and people react to an EMP crisis and an invasion by Russian troops.
January 4, 2023
Great Patriots in South Dakota
While robin claims to not have any knowledge she wrote masterfully About incidents and What could happen when people stand up. I am glad that she wrote this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it
While robin claims to not have any knowledge she wrote masterfully About incidents and What could happen when people stand up. I am glad that she wrote this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it
July 14, 2024
Extremely interesting but frighting story about EMP attack. Something we have been warned about.
I would recommend it to everybody I know. Hopefully many would do at least some preparedness for the possibility of an barrack such as this.
I would recommend it to everybody I know. Hopefully many would do at least some preparedness for the possibility of an barrack such as this.
August 13, 2024
A good read
It’s so refreshing to have a book authored by someone who does research. While not an American, I find the rhetoric and flag adulation a smidge annoying but that aside, there were likeable characters in believable scenarios.
It’s so refreshing to have a book authored by someone who does research. While not an American, I find the rhetoric and flag adulation a smidge annoying but that aside, there were likeable characters in believable scenarios.
August 20, 2024
Great story, pray it never happens!
This was a really good story kept me engaged and breathless at times! I enjoyed it a lot and am going to look forward to reading others in the series!
This was a really good story kept me engaged and breathless at times! I enjoyed it a lot and am going to look forward to reading others in the series!
March 21, 2022
Black Hills Fall
This book deserves a 5 star rating, but I couldn't getting board to cooperat. Very inspiring and fascinating book. Thanks.
This book deserves a 5 star rating, but I couldn't getting board to cooperat. Very inspiring and fascinating book. Thanks.
March 26, 2022
BLACK HILLS FALL
So good really enjoyed this book. Got very excited in reading things that were happening. Nice to see the people getting to fight for their country.
So good really enjoyed this book. Got very excited in reading things that were happening. Nice to see the people getting to fight for their country.
March 27, 2022
Good Book
I liked the characters and their actions with each other. The book started out fast and never slowed down! Interesting book makes you think especially in these times!
I liked the characters and their actions with each other. The book started out fast and never slowed down! Interesting book makes you think especially in these times!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews