This first book in a new series by Franklin Horton, ‘Bringing Down Boise’, has been anticipated by me for a while now. I’m subscribed to Mr Horton’s newsletter and he wrote that it would be a little different than some of the more typical post-apocalyptic survival stories. In it, Dan, the main character, would use the opportunity caused by the chaos to exact some personal retribution. I took a chance that a free review copy of this audiobook was available, at my request. I was generously provided with the book and made an agreement to post a review after listening to it.
The book opens with a quick chapter on Carl, Dan’s best friend. His perspective is shown very briefly, but we need this background to better understand later events. The story then moves to Dan’s perspective. Dan is informed of Carl’s death and asked to settle his estate in Idaho. Carl moved there from Nashville a few years prior. Dan agrees and prepares for his trip, despite the reports of a solar storm that may affect electrical functions. Once in Boise, he soon learns details that lead him to believe Carl was murdered. After the solar storm does indeed affect all electronic equipment, he makes the decision to seek some hillbilly justice on those responsible for killing Carl.
This story does have its great post-apocalyptic moments, but for me the more interesting element is the character study of Dan. Dan is a middle-aged man, recently widowed. He spent more than 30 years with the same employer. He raised two children that are now grown and living on their own. He’s now let himself go; his hair has grow out, he smokes weed and drinks whenever he likes. When he goes to Idaho, the reader sees the man he was for his wife and children; he’s a planner, he makes lists and knows how to prioritize. After learning that his friend was murdered, he starts to revert to who he was before he had a family. He sees it as inevitable if he is to revenge his friend’s death.
The reader also gets a lot of post-apocalyptic action. There’s a lot of suspense. There is ingenuity, well-thought-out planning, and violent encounters. Franklin Horton has given the reader plenty to anticipate in Book Two.
Kevin Pierce is one of my favorite narrators. Every book of his that I’ve listened to he has delivered a spectacular performance. This book is no exception.
Highly recommended. Come for the apocalypse; stay for the brilliant characterization.