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Brett Davis

  • 8
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  • 1
  • helpful vote
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Refreshing

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-15-25

This book falls into my favorite genre; apocalyptic times, EOTWAWKI (end of the world as we know it) and survivalism. However, after no less than 100 differing books on the topic, this stands out as an emerging frontrunner for uniqueness and is quite refreshing.

While there is conflict, we are spared from the genre norm of roving gangs and firefights where outmanned 20-1, the protagonist manages to outwit everyone and escape unscathed. We're also spared from immediate devolution, widespread chaos, looting and immense fires. A relationship evolves, but overtly sexual themes are spared. Cursing is common but is worked into typical blue-collar conversation rather than being forced into the story for shock and awe.

The title character Dan is a relatable laid back, self-proclaimed hillbilly whose upbringing lends to what I'd consider common sense survivalism. He isn't a "prepper" per se, rather a normal guy who has found how to live a life he enjoys. He's also quite funny, and comedy stands out in this series, which certainly adds to the refreshing factor.

After finishing this book, I had no less than five unread titles in my library and a week before my next credit populated. I chose to buy 3 credits to immediately continue this series. Franklin Horton has been a bit "hit-and-miss" author for me, but this is a home run of a series. Book two has proven to be even better thus far and I'm excited to continue. As always, Kevin Pierce is outstanding.

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Narrator for Kids Books

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-05-25

As many others have noted, the narrator change was just a poor, poor choice. The first three of this series were read for adults. The final three seemingly read for children.

Voice inflection was off for the scenarios they were facing. Jax and Bishop were transformed from wise survivalist-type men, into grumpy old angry men. Ben and the younger crew from the first three books were transformed from young intelligent-sounding boys to whiny adults, some rather effeminate. It felt as though the narrator hated the book, genre or premise and was mocking the author's work. Repeated mispronunciations of common words added to the bad narration.

It's really a shame as it was quite distracting and deflected my focus from the story. Truly a shame.

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I couldn't tell you what happened

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-29-25

After 11 hours and 7 minutes of listening and two weeks removed from the end of my listen, I can't tell you a single character or much about the storyline. I remember it being an average run of the mill apocalypse story. Mindless entertainment with no lasting effect.

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AI Voice is a no from me...

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-06-24

The AI voice is just too much, I couldn't get through 30 minutes, No inflection or feeling, incorrectly pronounced words, phrases...just terrible.

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Good Bedtime Story

Overall
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-21-23

I had hope for this book after seeing the overall (and number of) ratings and a brief skim through the reviews. As for the narrator, I had no issues and felt he did a fairly good job, but the story just left me ....blank. I don't know how else to explain it. There were some interesting parts, but at completion I feel as though I can't name more than a character or two, and didn't retain the overwhelming majority of the story.

I listened to this book while commuting and while at work which is no different than any other listen. Somehow, this failed to garner my attention and while my mind will drift from time to time through any listen, I typically rewind to catch up. With this book, I had no interest in catching up. I found myself listening less and less frequently and finally "sucked it up" with a two hour "marathon" to finish it in hopes I could be drawn in. I was stubborn enough to finish it, but won't continue with the series.

I won't call this a bad book, but I don't feel it aligned with my preferred "survival" books such as the Survivalist series author by A. American. Should I find myself struggling with insomnia, I may give it another listen,.

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Optimism isn't for everyone!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-24-23

Some of the reviews mention "nothing goes wrong," and while it's relatively true of this story I found it refreshing.

Too many apocalyptic, end of the world, SHTF stories revolve around genocidal, maniacal sociopaths terrified of everyone who crosses their path. This story takes a much more optimistic approach and - believe it or not - it works! This isn't too different from our world at this very moment. If you do nothing but listen to the media, everyone is at arms and we're on the brink of a (US) civil war and WWIII, but if you power off your TV or social media and speak to people, you'll find we're all much more similar than portrayed.

My recommendation, power off the TV, put down whatever device you use to scroll through the negativity, sit back and enjoy this refreshing take on the "end of the world." I thoroughly enjoyed Brad Manuel's take on societal collapse and hope this is how more people will envision the world should we ever be faced with a similar situation.

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Just a fantastic listen

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-24-21

I found this story to be such an easy listen. The storyline was concise, performance was fantastic and the characters were very relatable and likable. If eotwawki stories are your cup of tea and you’ve not listened to/read this book, I highly recommend it. It’s a story of survival and preparedness without the zombies.

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Confusing and hypocritical

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-13-18

This book started off with interesting, but very confusing stories of a small handful of individuals. Maybe these experiences were tied into the story later on, but unfortunately I couldn't make it through the book in its entirety.

The author lost me when he mentioned (in the same breath), that we spend $4.4 billion (if memory serves me correct) of taxpayer money on the National Weather Service yet claims it's "free." How a publisher and proofreader can allow this glaring mistake baffles me. If something is funded by taxpayer dollars it absolutely is Not free. Please take an Econ class...

There were interesting stories - still don't know how that tie into the story - and some decent information, but it seemed he lost his train of thought and just delved into Trump-bashing. The whole thing felt lazy.

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