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How lonely sits the city that was full of people. How like a widow is she,
who was great among the nations. The princess among the provinces has become a slave.
Lamentations 1:1
Caleb Webb is the dictionary definition of disadvantaged, and surviving on his own is nothing new. When the apocalypse hits, his rugged skill set for staying alive on the mean streets of Los Angeles comes in handy. Unfortunately, he's on a collision course with the worst criminal cartel in the city, unless someone intervenes.
After his addict mother dies of a fentanyl overdose, Caleb is forced to strike out on his own. He’s hit with the reality that the lifestyle he’s been living and the one that was modeled for him at home are both dead ends. Being catapulted into homelessness, Caleb determines not to get sucked into the despair and poverty that are ravishing the city of Los Angeles.
Caleb is willing to put aside his delinquent ways and work hard to make a better life for himself. However, no one has ever taught him what it means to be a respectable citizen or how to have a solid work ethic.
His dogged determination finally lands him a position working as a construction laborer. He dedicates himself to learning the trade and quickly wins the respect of his co-workers. Unfortunately, soaring inflation strikes the US economy with a catastrophic blow. Caleb’s employer is forced to shutter the business as are so many others.
Caleb is unable to find work and risks going back to the streets. When he happens upon an opportunity to continue providing for his basic needs, Caleb slips back into criminal behaviors in order to survive.
Yet, something or someone won’t let him have any peace as long as he is involved in these illicit activities. He has few options. Z-Bub, the gangland kingpin that Caleb has fallen in with, is comfortable with violence and no stranger to killing those who cross him. If Caleb does the right thing, it could cost him his life. If he doesn’t, he fears it may cost him his soul. Whatever he decides, he’ll have to reach his conclusion amidst the backdrop of rolling blackouts, a complete currency collapse, food shortages, and a society that is coming unglued.
Don't miss this action-packed post-apocalyptic thriller set in America's near future. Get your copy today!
As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
who was great among the nations. The princess among the provinces has become a slave.
Lamentations 1:1
Caleb Webb is the dictionary definition of disadvantaged, and surviving on his own is nothing new. When the apocalypse hits, his rugged skill set for staying alive on the mean streets of Los Angeles comes in handy. Unfortunately, he's on a collision course with the worst criminal cartel in the city, unless someone intervenes.
After his addict mother dies of a fentanyl overdose, Caleb is forced to strike out on his own. He’s hit with the reality that the lifestyle he’s been living and the one that was modeled for him at home are both dead ends. Being catapulted into homelessness, Caleb determines not to get sucked into the despair and poverty that are ravishing the city of Los Angeles.
Caleb is willing to put aside his delinquent ways and work hard to make a better life for himself. However, no one has ever taught him what it means to be a respectable citizen or how to have a solid work ethic.
His dogged determination finally lands him a position working as a construction laborer. He dedicates himself to learning the trade and quickly wins the respect of his co-workers. Unfortunately, soaring inflation strikes the US economy with a catastrophic blow. Caleb’s employer is forced to shutter the business as are so many others.
Caleb is unable to find work and risks going back to the streets. When he happens upon an opportunity to continue providing for his basic needs, Caleb slips back into criminal behaviors in order to survive.
Yet, something or someone won’t let him have any peace as long as he is involved in these illicit activities. He has few options. Z-Bub, the gangland kingpin that Caleb has fallen in with, is comfortable with violence and no stranger to killing those who cross him. If Caleb does the right thing, it could cost him his life. If he doesn’t, he fears it may cost him his soul. Whatever he decides, he’ll have to reach his conclusion amidst the backdrop of rolling blackouts, a complete currency collapse, food shortages, and a society that is coming unglued.
Don't miss this action-packed post-apocalyptic thriller set in America's near future. Get your copy today!
As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2023
275 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Mark Goodwin
129 books417 followersMark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 7, 2023
Straight out of the headlines.......
This is a story of what our nation is heading for and what is happening in today's society. Our world is changing so rapidly on a daily basis, it is scary for everyone. No one is safe from the calamity that is heading towards us like a run away train with no brakes!! Prophecy is being fulfilled rapidly and only those who read and study the Bible are aware what is taking place. Once again, Mark Goodwin has written an eye-opening novel to make people sit up and take notice of what is really happening in our world, with our government and society. I would highly recommend this book for all those who have questions of how we are to survive as we face tomorrow and the coming world darkness surrounding us. God is the answer, and He will never fail us!!!
This is a story of what our nation is heading for and what is happening in today's society. Our world is changing so rapidly on a daily basis, it is scary for everyone. No one is safe from the calamity that is heading towards us like a run away train with no brakes!! Prophecy is being fulfilled rapidly and only those who read and study the Bible are aware what is taking place. Once again, Mark Goodwin has written an eye-opening novel to make people sit up and take notice of what is really happening in our world, with our government and society. I would highly recommend this book for all those who have questions of how we are to survive as we face tomorrow and the coming world darkness surrounding us. God is the answer, and He will never fail us!!!
June 18, 2023
Christian Futuristic Fiction that rings far too true and too close to home. Though this is fiction, the scarily plausible financial trends and government corruption are realistically and skillfully woven through the story. The Christian themes threaded through and brought out more fully by the end of the book as Caleb works through his budding faith are well handled and not heavy handed. I recommend Urchin and look forward to reading the next book in this series. Although it may give me nightmares.
March 24, 2025
Huge parts of Urchin should resonate with each of us, as world wide the urban situation has in many ways descended to a low common denominator. In travels since the Covid border lockdowns were lifted, first hand I've seen the same urban blight in a dozen cities in a half dozen countries.
In many instances what once was major-metro has arrived to the small town.
So don't pretend that Caleb's (Urchin's) world is some other place that we need not be concerned about.
The godlessness or Urchin's world is ubiquitous.
As is those god fearing folk who are in denial that the stage is being set for depopulation exercises, governments that have become prison guards rather than help for the people.
And most of all we've allowed a wedge to be driven between our historic & natural values, including religious values, peeling away our very humanity to favor the social justice at the expense of our souls.
To understand redemption through faith, a creditable description of the depraved world including plot specific insights into some of the mischief people undertake, is a required background setting. Luckily Author Goodwin minimizes the reader's exposure to the underbelly of the beast to only enough to set the stage for a description of God's work.
I did not read Urchin in a single session as some have reported, as I found too much that I needed to ponder over in the pages. A street preacher put me into thinking about what would motivate them, Urchin's mother's death and background behind it was another trigger for some more deep thinking.
A good read and recommended!
In many instances what once was major-metro has arrived to the small town.
So don't pretend that Caleb's (Urchin's) world is some other place that we need not be concerned about.
The godlessness or Urchin's world is ubiquitous.
As is those god fearing folk who are in denial that the stage is being set for depopulation exercises, governments that have become prison guards rather than help for the people.
And most of all we've allowed a wedge to be driven between our historic & natural values, including religious values, peeling away our very humanity to favor the social justice at the expense of our souls.
To understand redemption through faith, a creditable description of the depraved world including plot specific insights into some of the mischief people undertake, is a required background setting. Luckily Author Goodwin minimizes the reader's exposure to the underbelly of the beast to only enough to set the stage for a description of God's work.
I did not read Urchin in a single session as some have reported, as I found too much that I needed to ponder over in the pages. A street preacher put me into thinking about what would motivate them, Urchin's mother's death and background behind it was another trigger for some more deep thinking.
A good read and recommended!
June 8, 2023
No swearing or explicit sex ( tho two young unmarried people live together).
I did have 2 'issues':
One:
was a little too much info for me concerning the various cons, and uncaring, unsavory ways ungodly people made money.
However, it was pretty much what is real today.
The 2nd issue was the prepping. On the one hand I do understand we cannot sit around and expect, no demand God supply all our needs. We need to work, and be prepared to help others if we have extra.
Even IF we prepped perfectly, so that we could survive without a care during the tribulation ( If left behind...or even a terrible time before the rapture).
and we could thus have much left to help others...
there would not be a chance for God to perform miracles and provide for us. We would have done it all by ourselves. And yet in the Bible we see God providing for many many people and that is uplifting.
So I have mixed feelings about prepping. I do not want to miss seeing what the Lord intends by being completely self-sufficient.
Still it was well written, and I loved the verses, before each chapter. And God did work on behalf of the main character! So that was good!
I did have 2 'issues':
One:
was a little too much info for me concerning the various cons, and uncaring, unsavory ways ungodly people made money.
However, it was pretty much what is real today.
The 2nd issue was the prepping. On the one hand I do understand we cannot sit around and expect, no demand God supply all our needs. We need to work, and be prepared to help others if we have extra.
Even IF we prepped perfectly, so that we could survive without a care during the tribulation ( If left behind...or even a terrible time before the rapture).
and we could thus have much left to help others...
there would not be a chance for God to perform miracles and provide for us. We would have done it all by ourselves. And yet in the Bible we see God providing for many many people and that is uplifting.
So I have mixed feelings about prepping. I do not want to miss seeing what the Lord intends by being completely self-sufficient.
Still it was well written, and I loved the verses, before each chapter. And God did work on behalf of the main character! So that was good!
February 7, 2023
Stayed Up all Night!
I knew better than to start a new Mark Goodwin book in the evening, but I did it anyway! So, here I am at almost 2:00 a.m., having just finished Book 1 of Lamentations for the Fallen. I also listened to Matthew 1 on the app for The Word for Today. I trust Mr. Goodwin’s suggestions and try to follow them all. I can hardly wait for Book 2 of Lamentations for the Fallen!
I knew better than to start a new Mark Goodwin book in the evening, but I did it anyway! So, here I am at almost 2:00 a.m., having just finished Book 1 of Lamentations for the Fallen. I also listened to Matthew 1 on the app for The Word for Today. I trust Mr. Goodwin’s suggestions and try to follow them all. I can hardly wait for Book 2 of Lamentations for the Fallen!
March 6, 2023
Biblical based fiction is long overdue
Mark Goodwin has done the EOTWAWKI crowd a huge service in centering the story around the saving grace available through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The protagonist had no future, no hope, and no knowledge of God. The story was not obvious, and his coming to Christ was authentically portrayed. I will be reading the rest of the series. Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for acknowledging the power of God.
Mark Goodwin has done the EOTWAWKI crowd a huge service in centering the story around the saving grace available through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The protagonist had no future, no hope, and no knowledge of God. The story was not obvious, and his coming to Christ was authentically portrayed. I will be reading the rest of the series. Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for acknowledging the power of God.
June 13, 2023
Are you ready? Excellent info in novel format
This book has very interesting info in an easy to read novel. You will learn about the coming economic and societal collapse, what happens to the money? Mark Goodwin explains economics 101 in an easy to understand way. Excellent start to a series. Can be read as stand alone as the first book, but hoping the characters continue in next book. There is also a gospel message, that hopefully will bear fruit!
This book has very interesting info in an easy to read novel. You will learn about the coming economic and societal collapse, what happens to the money? Mark Goodwin explains economics 101 in an easy to understand way. Excellent start to a series. Can be read as stand alone as the first book, but hoping the characters continue in next book. There is also a gospel message, that hopefully will bear fruit!
March 10, 2023
Mark Goodwin will keep you entertained in his writings.
The collapse of the U.S. brings disaster to everyone. When a young gang member can take a chance encounter with a street person who is trying to preach the gospel and eventually takes the words to heart to search the meaning and how this may impact his life. It can be a parallel example for now.
The collapse of the U.S. brings disaster to everyone. When a young gang member can take a chance encounter with a street person who is trying to preach the gospel and eventually takes the words to heart to search the meaning and how this may impact his life. It can be a parallel example for now.
June 12, 2023
A great read
This is a great clean read. I recommend it to readers of all ages from 13 to 100. It involves much of what goes on in today’s society. I especially recommend it to teenagers and college age students. Great work, Mark Goodwin. Please forgive my grammar in this review. I am blind and dictating this on my iPhone.
This is a great clean read. I recommend it to readers of all ages from 13 to 100. It involves much of what goes on in today’s society. I especially recommend it to teenagers and college age students. Great work, Mark Goodwin. Please forgive my grammar in this review. I am blind and dictating this on my iPhone.
June 25, 2023
Great beginning to another series
Caleb is one heck of a resourceful young man/teen. Doing his best to survive wasn't always the right way but the words of a street evangelist stuck in his brain. Trying to make things right doesn't always go as planned and this cliffhanger ends with him on the run. Great job. Thank you.
Caleb is one heck of a resourceful young man/teen. Doing his best to survive wasn't always the right way but the words of a street evangelist stuck in his brain. Trying to make things right doesn't always go as planned and this cliffhanger ends with him on the run. Great job. Thank you.
June 15, 2025
Always good reading!
What a good book. Riveting read. I felt for Caleb, the main character. Kids out there should read this, instead of what is being pushed by schools.
Our kids need a light in this dark world. What a way to get young adults exposed to the realities of the world and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
What a good book. Riveting read. I felt for Caleb, the main character. Kids out there should read this, instead of what is being pushed by schools.
Our kids need a light in this dark world. What a way to get young adults exposed to the realities of the world and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
February 6, 2023
Another gripping read
Where do i start? Believable well fleshed out characters. The verses and quotes at the beginning of every chapter are almost the best part. It's going to be a long wait for the next book.
Where do i start? Believable well fleshed out characters. The verses and quotes at the beginning of every chapter are almost the best part. It's going to be a long wait for the next book.
February 15, 2023
Another excellent story
I have read other books from Mark Goodwin and they are all very good. This book is possibly his best yet. They story seems to be straight from our current circumstances as our world continues to degrade. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I have read other books from Mark Goodwin and they are all very good. This book is possibly his best yet. They story seems to be straight from our current circumstances as our world continues to degrade. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 1, 2023
Another winner from Goodwin
Like all of Mark Goodwin's books this is another page turner, this one wrapped in today's world of Evil verses man. Will God come to the rescue in time? He is calling this teen but sometimes the evil wins or does it?
Like all of Mark Goodwin's books this is another page turner, this one wrapped in today's world of Evil verses man. Will God come to the rescue in time? He is calling this teen but sometimes the evil wins or does it?
April 23, 2023
Urchin lamentation for the fallen
The author has done it again! Expertly woven today's headlines into a very believable expose of what is happening in the world. Kept me on the edge the whole time! Well done Mark Goodwin!
The author has done it again! Expertly woven today's headlines into a very believable expose of what is happening in the world. Kept me on the edge the whole time! Well done Mark Goodwin!
June 19, 2023
Just Read Lamentations For the Fallen
This summarizes by thoughts. I read all of Mark Godwin's books and Lamentations is good reading like all his novels. It's well written, obviously researched and unpredictable. I'm going to read Book 2 now. 😊
This summarizes by thoughts. I read all of Mark Godwin's books and Lamentations is good reading like all his novels. It's well written, obviously researched and unpredictable. I'm going to read Book 2 now. 😊
September 12, 2023
Another amazing read
Always enjoy Mark’s books. Eye opening. Thought provoking. His books have definitely made me read the Bible more, which has been a huge blessing in my life. I’ve also applied some prepping tips.
Always enjoy Mark’s books. Eye opening. Thought provoking. His books have definitely made me read the Bible more, which has been a huge blessing in my life. I’ve also applied some prepping tips.
September 28, 2023
lamentations for the fallen book 1
I loved this book. So real and lined up so well..I would recommend this book to anyone that feels this world is like it is because of satan. People have taken God out of there life and family’s life and the world is going to the dogs.
I loved this book. So real and lined up so well..I would recommend this book to anyone that feels this world is like it is because of satan. People have taken God out of there life and family’s life and the world is going to the dogs.
December 22, 2023
great book
I really enjoyed it. This book really gets down to the core of many problems in today’s society. Failure to read and believe in God and his Holy word is the main problem and leads to the breakdown in morals. Moving on to the next book.
I really enjoyed it. This book really gets down to the core of many problems in today’s society. Failure to read and believe in God and his Holy word is the main problem and leads to the breakdown in morals. Moving on to the next book.
January 8, 2024
Very convincing
Finally readable tale about our times and our slow but inevitable journey toward apocalypse. References to Biblical prophets somehow appear very organic, not forced. Very convincing , enjoyable yet alarming read
Finally readable tale about our times and our slow but inevitable journey toward apocalypse. References to Biblical prophets somehow appear very organic, not forced. Very convincing , enjoyable yet alarming read
February 10, 2023
Great story
Ready for the next book. Goodwin sure writes some great stories.... Fiction but definitely based on a lot of facts.
Ready for the next book. Goodwin sure writes some great stories.... Fiction but definitely based on a lot of facts.
February 11, 2023
I can't resist a new Mark Goodwin book, even when the next in the series isn't out yet... the wait is on for #2!
February 18, 2023
Edge of your seat suspense and situations .
Great story, strong characters and a rollercoaster ride of pain,love and faith. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Goodwin , don't miss this series .
Great story, strong characters and a rollercoaster ride of pain,love and faith. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Goodwin , don't miss this series .
Read
February 18, 2023Very close to current day
Every part of this feels very real
. A walk around San Francisco or L A confirms the evil that has erupted onto our country. Prepare. Pray. Help others.
Every part of this feels very real
. A walk around San Francisco or L A confirms the evil that has erupted onto our country. Prepare. Pray. Help others.
February 19, 2023
believable
As with Mark Goodwin's other books, this one isI well written. The characters are believable, and the happenings playing up to the big conclusions are believable.
As with Mark Goodwin's other books, this one isI well written. The characters are believable, and the happenings playing up to the big conclusions are believable.
February 21, 2023
This was a fun read, certainly different than Goodwin's other books. It was simple, educational and, a fun story. You'll be glad to have read it. Goodwin does it again!
February 22, 2023
interesting
Enjoyed the pace of the the story. Ready for more. Great characters interesting thoughts of the story line. Ready for next book!
Enjoyed the pace of the the story. Ready for more. Great characters interesting thoughts of the story line. Ready for next book!
March 16, 2023
Wonderful book
I loved the characters in this book. The storyline is interesting also. I'm very thankful for the scriptures before each chapter.
I loved the characters in this book. The storyline is interesting also. I'm very thankful for the scriptures before each chapter.
April 1, 2023
Magnificent
An awesome read! Full of realistic scenarios that keep you turning the pages to unveil what happens next. On to the next book!
An awesome read! Full of realistic scenarios that keep you turning the pages to unveil what happens next. On to the next book!
June 5, 2023
Mark Godwin’s book is terrific
I really enjoyed the story line. Even better the book was instructive on dealing with the precarious financial situation we now face.
I really enjoyed the story line. Even better the book was instructive on dealing with the precarious financial situation we now face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews