3.5 out of 5 stars
When I first saw the cover of this book a month or two ago I knew I was interested. I was hoping that it was going to feature more of a woman’s point of view. It did, but it’s so much more than that. Akers is able to throw in practical advice (go bags, how to make fire, what to keep/rotate), etc) to make this a more than just a story. I think that’s what she was going for — making an entertaining story that could also help teach and help others prepare.
The cast of characters in this were all pretty likable and were all getting out of their own bad times. The “bad guys” and antagonist were pretty stereotypical and one-sided but it didn’t bother me. Their interactions weren’t as often as I expected them to be, but when they did happen it felt like Akers was a little nervous to get too much into violence or full out panic mode.
This book has a fair amount of cursing and vulgarities in it which doesn’t bother me in the slightest. People can be crude and vulgar. It’s a part of life. But, if that sort of things bugs you, you should know by the SHTF and what that stands for that this story might trigger you a bit. Just a word of warning.
I liked the story enough that I definitely want to continue reading the series, especially with Kevin Pierce narrating it. He gives is an air of authority since he narrates so many post-apocalyptic books. Akers and Pierce made a nice team and really helped bring this book to life.
Overall, a nice “starter” PA book. It had a lot of elements (and a lot of unknowns left for the readers’ interpretation) which could make some readers love it and others feel like something was missing. The biggest misstep, in my opinion, I’ll cover last.
This is a solid 4 in my book if one thing were to change. If Akers were to take out the mention of Trump. I completely understand what she was going for and why she used him to write the story, but he’s so polarizing that some people might either think you’re making fun of them or just stop reading the book for being too political. I heard the parts about Trump and the MAGA stuff and I was trying to ignore them but it frustrated me and I only think it did because it was actually about Trump. She could have written about a polarizing President and pretty much wrote about the campaign and people with mentioning Trump. He could have even been named something similar like President Johnald Drammp or something. Using a real political figure in a book (one that is still around) can be a gutsy move. In my opinion, it didn’t work in this, but others could disagree.
I was given a free copy of this book which has not affected my review in any way.