Category Archives: Books

The Last Degree

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The Last DegreeIn her book The Last Degree, Dina Rae gives us a fascinating, sometimes frightening glimpse into the inner workings of the secret societies and their evil apocalyptic conspiracy.

This is a very enjoyable book. Normally, I do most of my reading at night, but I’ll admit parts of this book were read in the daytime as the occult and satanic subject matter was keeping me awake.

The Last Degree refers to the highest level of achievement in Freemasonry. As it turns out, at least according to the author, Freemasonry is deeply involved in the occult and is working behind the scenes to implement a “New World Order” under the rule of the devil and his/her followers. Different books from the bible, including Revelations are skillfully interwoven with Freemason mythology and world history to create a seamless apocalyptic scenario.

At first, The Last Degree has elements of a crime story and mystery as detectives and a reporter investigate the murder of the highest ranking Freemason in Chicago. As the story unfolds, Dina Rae expertly adds elements of religion, espionage, war and politics to create a complex and multidimensional world. For this reason, The Last Degree will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Clearly, Dina Rae has considerable knowledge and has done a lot of research in writing this book. Conspiracy buffs will be delighted! From the survivalist compounds in the Smokey Mountains to the intricate details of the Freemason rituals, The Last Degree will keep you in suspense from start to finish. This is a 5 star book that I can easily recommend!

Giveaway – Win a Copy of Glen Tate’s 299 Days Book One The Preparation

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299 Days Book One The Preparation

This cat knows a good book when he sees one!

We just got a copy of 299 Days Book One: The Preparation. There’s still time to enter our giveaway to win a free copy of the first book in the 299 Days Series! Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On the Beach

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on the beach

On the Beach, written by Nevil Shute and published in 1957 is a somber post apocalyptic novel that follows survivors in Australia after a nuclear war and subsequent radioactive fallout has contaminated most of the world. 

Much of the story revolves around an American nuclear submarine, the last of the US Navy, docked in Melbourne and under the command of Captain Dwight Towers. The post apocalyptic world has been contaminated with high levels of radiation stemming from the use of cobalt bombs by the Russian and Chinese military forces. 

This story is character driven, focusing on the struggle for people to maintain some sense of purpose in spite of their doom. It was slightly disappointing that most of the people in On the Beach basically give up and passively accept death. Why didn’t they attempt to create a shelter in which some people could survive until the levels of radioactivity decreased? (scientists mention several times that the radioactive cobalt has a 5-10 year half-life)

Released at the height of the Cold War, On the Beach has elements of a warning or cautionary tale and is clearly written with some political intentions in mind. While On the Beach is a well written novel that explores some important ideas worthy of consideration, it is slow-paced and uneventful at times. If you are looking for excitement and entertainment you may want to look at some other reading options.

Collapse

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Collapse by Richard Stephenson

Collapse, written by Richard Stephenson, is a highly entertaining apocalyptic  action/adventure novel that follows the fall of the United States some fifteen years into the future. A series of catastrophic natural disasters, an ongoing war with a rising power in the Middle East and multiple terrorist attacks forces the US to the brink of destruction. Collapse is a unique mixture of geopolitical intrigue, advanced technology and nature’s destructive forces. Taking place fifteen years into the future, this story contains a heavy dose of a science fiction. Science fiction fans will be particularly delighted with the frequent references to Star Trek and 2001: A Space Odyssey. If you are looking for a very realistic apocalyptic scenario, Collapse might not be for you for a couple of reasons. First, while the idea of a rising Middle Eastern power is not hard to imagine, it seems unlikely that such a power would be on the verge of world domination any time soon. Additionally, in terms of realism, it is hard to imagine so many catastrophes happening in such a short time span. To those of you that don’t get too hung up on realism (which I suspect is the vast majority, considering the popularity of zombie apocalypse fiction) I would highly recommend this book. Collapse is a thoroughly entertaining, engaging and compelling action driven story that is told through a number of fascinating, well-developed and likable characters.

299 Days

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299 Days Book One

299 Days is an exciting new book series written by Glen Tate that is set to be released in the beginning of September, 2012. 299 Days is a fictional series based on current events which follows the progression of the economic collapse of the United States. This will be a unique series in that it does not portray the complete and utter destruction of civilization, but rather a smaller, somewhat more realistic economic decline, similar to what occurred in the Great Depression of the 1930’s. While I haven’t had the opportunity to read the first book in the series, I have listened to a number of podcast interviews in which the author Glen Tate discusses his new series (see below for links to those interviews). I was impressed. As a matter of fact, one of the most fascinating interviews that I have listened to in some time was when Glen Tate is interviewed by Jack Spirko on The Survival Podcast. This series is truly a case of fact meeting fiction. From what I have learned about 299 Days, people in many areas of the US will continue to have electricity and other utilities provided. The government will also remain in control in the early stages of the breakdown, though it is forced to accept a less significant role due to its lack of resources and crushing debt. I am really looking forward to reading this new series. The publisher, Prepper Press, will be releasing a total of ten books over approximately a one year time span. In honor of what I believe will be an excellent shit hits the fan, semi-apocalyptic book series I will be giving away a copy of Book One:The Preparation to a lucky person that participates in the Rafflecopter giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the links below to listen to Glen Tate’s recent podcast interviews:

…with Jack Spirko on The Survival Podcast CLICK HERE

…with The Gun Runner Podcast CLICK HERE

…with The Gun Dude’s Podcast CLICK HERE 

…with The Bad Quaker Podcast CLICK HERE

Also check out http://299days.com for the latest updates on the series.

Update – Book 1 and 2 of the 299 Days Series is Now available at Amazon through the links below:

 

 

The Gathering

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The Gathering

In second book of the After the Fall series by John Phillip Backus, Hunter and his newly pregnant wife, Elise, leave the relative comfort and safety of their mountain home and travel to the West Coast to live with Elise’s sister Anna in post apocalyptic British Columbia.

The West Coast of North America is bustling with economic activity, organized around an enormous marketplace that is known as The Gathering. Unfortunately, along with the renewal of economic activity, trade in human beings has become commonplace. Women and children are frequently kidnapped and sold to the highest bidder. The novel revolves around the quest to rescue Elise’s sister, who is kidnapped by these slave traders.

Backus has created a truly fascinating post apocalyptic land. Vivid descriptions of the beautiful West Coast landscapes and a uniquely detailed, even plausible, burgeoning economy make for a thoroughly entertaining read. A fully restored steam locomotive, female ninja vigilantes and a rich Native American cultural element will keep you anxiously flipping through the pages until the shocking, catastrophic conclusion!

The Postman

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 The Postman

The Postman is an insightful and inspiring story of a man in his quest to protect the flickering flame of civilization from the imposing dark ages of a post apocalyptic world.

As Gordon Krantz makes his way across the apocalyptic wasteland, barely surviving among the ruins of civilization, he stumbles upon an old United States Postal vehicle that forever changes the direction of his life.

What starts out as a lie to simply gain shelter and food becomes an idea that ignites a revolution. This is a story more about ideas that any particular ideology. In fact, David Brin often presents ideology as being part of the reason for civilization’s demise. For instance, the term “survivalist” becomes derogatory as some radical elements of the community have embraced the fall of civilization as an opportunity to subdue, pillage and conquer. Don’t fret preppers: The Postman was written in 1985, before the more recent, positive culture of self-sufficiency and permaculture which has become more widespread in recent years spreading through good people like Jack Spirko at The Survival Podcast.

The power of ideas should not be underestimated. While it is easy to focus on the more negative examples of crooked idealism gone astray such as the case with hitler and the nazis (disrespect intended), Brin proposes that ideas can have an equally positive effect as he presents the United States as a successful society structured upon ideas that actually lead to a decrease in human suffering. Civilization is presented as an idea or a collection of ideas rather than a physical manifestation.

The Postman is a substantial work of fiction that will provide you with considerable grist for the mill of contemplation, if you are so inclined. Alternatively, if you are simply seeking a great story with likable characters, you will not be disappointed.

And if you want to listen to the audiobook follow the link below:

The Postman (Unabridged)

Poll 1 Results on the Most Realistic Post-Apocalyptic Book

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Well it is clear that most of you feel The Road is the most realistic post-apocalyptic book from the list of choices. In many respects, I would agree with you all. The Road certainly presents one of the bleakest scenarios possible. It doesn’t go into a lot of detail about the initial disaster event but whatever occurred killed most of the plant life and led to the starvation of most of the survivors. The widespread cannibalism present in this book is most disturbing. The Road is frightening and will certainly leave a haunting impression in your mind. I hope for all of our sakes that an event such as the one that occurs in The Road never happens. A lifetime of prepping wouldn’t prepare us for a world so bleak. Thanks to all of you that participated and stay tuned for the next Apocalyptic Fiction Poll.

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Poll 1: Realistic Apocalyptic Books?

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The Most Realistic Apocalyptic Book

What are the most realistic apocalyptic books? I find books portraying widespread pandemics to be most believable. Although zombie books are certainly enjoyable, I have left them out of the poll due to the unlikelihood of their existence (at least I hope). I have listed some of the most popular apocalyptic books below. Please vote from the list and feel free to leave comments. Thanks!

[poll id=”1″]

After the Virus

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A famous actress meets a star college football quarterback, they fall in love and adopt a nine-year old girl…the only problem is that the world has ended,  a devastating virus has killed 99% of the human population, some portion of the population has become bloodthirsty zombies and most of those that are immune are ruled by psychopathic lunatics. After the Virus by Meghan Ciana Doidge is not your typical love story. In fact, it ranks up there with some of the more violent and gruesome post apocalyptic fiction. The female protagonist is seriously bad ass and is fueled by pent-up anger after suffering a lifetime of abuse. The female perspective provides a uniquely fascinating glimpse into the post apocalypse. The author envisions an evil, twisted world in which surviving women are held captive to be used as “baby factories” to repopulate the earth. Though some of the choices made by characters in the story are questionable, After the Virus is a uniquely entertaining and action packed post apocalyptic adventure. It is well worth picking up on Kindle for $2.99 . Get it through the link below:

Learn more about the author at her web page: http://www.madebymeghan.ca

The Solitary Man

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solitarymanThe Solitary Man is Ron Foster’s latest adventure into a post-electric, post apocalyptic world. Ron’s protagonist Donald is quite similar to David from the Prepper’s Trilogy. He is an expert in emergency management that has spent a considerable amount of his time and resources preparing for a collapse of civilization following a solar storm or coronal mass ejection (CME).

While The Solitary Man does not have as many of the laugh out loud moments that were ever-present in the Prepper’s Trilogy, it does convey a new sense of urgency. Apparently, Ron Foster believes that we are getting very close to large solar event entering into 2012-2013 during what is called the solar maximum period. In fact he references the upcoming solar maximum period specifically numerous times. In the epilogue he even suggests that the next book in the series might never be released due to this impending solar event. The premise of The Solitary Man is certainly plausible but I found the plot and fictional aspects to be a little thin. It’s almost as if the story was secondary to the information contained within the book. As always though, Ron Foster, for whom I have much respect, includes some very solid advice on preparing for any type of widespread disaster. You can get it through the link below:

 

Cell

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Over the years, Stephen King has created a number of fascinating apocalyptic tales. Indeed, most of his stories lead to the end of the world for somebody. It is as though he has some unworldly insight into the apocalyptic realm. Though the specific circumstances may change, his novels frequently share in his apocalyptic vision. For example, Randall Flagg, a character that appears in many of Stephen King’s stories, has a mysterious involvement in the apocalypse. While Randall Flagg is not a specific character in Cell, Stephen King once again shares his unique vision of the end of modern civilization through one of mankind’s most prized possessions, the cell phone. An event that comes to be known as “the pulse” somehow wipes clean the minds of those using a cell phone and transforms them into a type of telepathic zombie that is intent on eliminating those that have been left unchanged. The zombies in Cell share the viciousness of your typical zombie but are able to communicate telepathically and seem to be developing a common agenda. Cell is certainly an enjoyable read and will be quite satisfying for those of you that share in this strange apocalyptic preoccupation.

Also available in audio on Audible through the link below:

Cell (Unabridged)

Alas Babylon

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Alas Babylon

Perhaps one of the best known post apocalyptic novels, Alas, Babylon, written by Pat Frank and released in 1959, paints a grim picture of what life might be like after a full-scale nuclear war between the US and former USSR.

The protagonist, Randy Bragg, a relatively carefree bachelor, is forced to take a leadership role in the survival of his Florida town, Fort Repose, which narrowly escapes destruction from the ultimate in nuclear catastrophes.

Surprisingly, many of the issues presented in Alas, Babylon, over 50 years ago, are still very relevant today. For example, Frank’s writing is clearly influenced by the Civil Rights movement that was gaining momentum during the time that this book was written. Alas, Babylon frequently references the still widespread segregation and racist sentiment that still existed in parts of the southern US during the 1950’s. The book portrays the complete collapse of civilization as the ultimate “leveling” of human beings, as each survivor shares in the struggle to stay alive, regardless of skin color, ethnic origin or social class. Though the Civil Rights movement has certainly altered the landscape of the US in a number of ways, racial tensions continue to be high today, especially with the recent death of Trayvon Martin.

From a survival perspective, the issues associated with a total breakdown of civilization remain the same. Without electricity, public water, law enforcement, medical treatment, transportation, fuel, etc, people are forced to accept more personal responsibility for the safety and survival of their families.  

Nuclear tensions have changed in some ways since the end of the Cold War but with more countries in possession of “the bomb” than ever, the risk for a nuclear conflict continues. Alas, Babylon may be a little optimistic in terms of its somewhat “happy ending” but it serves as a reminder to us that we were once very close and that we are never very far away from the ultimate destruction of civilization.

Buy the audiobook through the link below:

Alas, Babylon (Unabridged)

Cathartes Aura and the Apocalypse Zoo

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turkey vulture

Fantastic! Watch the apocalypse through the eyes of a turkey vulture! Cathartes Aura and the Apocalypse Zoo is truly a “one of a kind” post apocalyptic story, written entirely in verse and told from the perspective of a turkey vulture.

The orderly world of caged animals falls into chaos when the zoo is left unattended. The turkey vulture is left to discover its true purpose as nature’s perfectly adapted scavenger, surviving on the death and destruction that is the apocalypse.

Cathartes Aura, written by Eighty Six, stands as a testament to human imagination, which is most certainly one of our few redeeming qualities.

World War Z

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Welcome to the zombie apocalypse. World War Z shows the progression of a zombie apocalypse through a series of interviews that explore the experiences of survivors from around the world. Each interview or chapter further develops the story to paint the larger picture of a worldwide catastrophic event. Zombie fans and those that like post apocalyptic fiction in general will enjoy this book. You could substitute “zombies” for any number of apocalyptic events. It just so happens that zombies are the perfect enemy. A zombie acts on instinct alone, has no fear or conscience and will never stop until their brain is destroyed. World War Z (WWZ) is unique in a number of ways. First of all, the story is conveyed through a series of interviews and shows a wide variety of perspectives from people with different cultures and geographic locations. Unlike most stories in the genre, World War Z is not confined to one geographic location. Max Brooks takes us all over the world from China, Russia, Britain, Siberia, US and even to the ocean’s floor. Another unique feature of WWZ is that it covers the entire war, from the early stages of the outbreak right up until the end where humans develop efficient ways to destroy the zombie hordes and take back much of the planet. WWZ also proposes some interesting ideas. For example, government authorities conclude that they cannot save everyone and that in order to save some people, others must be sacrificed. Although one could criticize the way in which the author proposes that “government authorities” would find and implement a solution for the vast majority, the harsh, pragmatic decision is logical in the context of this post apocalyptic scenario. WWZ is a unique, well written and exciting tale that I highly recommend you add to your list of “must read” post apocalyptic fiction.

World War Z is also available as an audiobook through the link below:

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War