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23rd out of 182 books
—
159 voters
Collapse (New America #1)
by
Richard Stephenson (Goodreads Author)
America is falling, ready to join the Roman Empire as a distant memory in the annals of history. The year is 2027. Tired and desperate, the American people are deep in the middle of The Second Great Depression. The Florida coastline is in ruins from the most powerful hurricane on record; a second just like it is bearing down on the state of Texas. For the first time in his...more
Paperback, 484 pages
Published
July 5th 2012
by Stephenson & Powers Publishing House
(first published 2012)
Win a Copy of This Book
Collapse (New America, #1)
by Richard Stephenson (Goodreads Author)
by Richard Stephenson (Goodreads Author)
What would it take for the United States to fall from within? In a not too distant future, America is put to the test. With the American people deep i…more
Giveaway dates:
Jun 01
- Jul 01, 2013
5 copies
available,
209 people
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Countries available:
US
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Great book! Upon finishing, I felt sad like I always do when I've really enjoyed my book. I cannot wait for Resistance. Chief Petty officer Dupree was easily my favorite character and I hope he finds his daughter in one piece. I will be waiting patiently for the next installment. If it's not free, I'll gladly pony up whatever ;) one thing I won't miss will be the nightmares. I swear it seemed so realistic I thought I should make a Y2k-style stash of my own. EMP's are no joke! Read it. Good stuff
can't wait for the next one!
Update: Finally have a chance to sit down and write what I think of this book in (a little) more detail.
I did not realize it was part of a series and I'm glad I didn't know. Had I known, I would have put off reading it until book 2 was ready & I might have missed out! It was a page turner and kept me awake way past my bedtime.
The editing could be cleaned up a bit but nothing distracting. The author successfully transitioned between characters and locations withou...more
Update: Finally have a chance to sit down and write what I think of this book in (a little) more detail.
I did not realize it was part of a series and I'm glad I didn't know. Had I known, I would have put off reading it until book 2 was ready & I might have missed out! It was a page turner and kept me awake way past my bedtime.
The editing could be cleaned up a bit but nothing distracting. The author successfully transitioned between characters and locations withou...more
Regarding the collapse of authority and infrastructure of the country, there are better stories out there. Too many cliches and too much material that really wasn't germane to the story. Just padding the pages, in my opinion. Was a back story on a person already dead really necessary? While it wasn't lengthy, it wasn't needed, either. Just one example.
2 likes · like · see review
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I'm hooked! The preview chapters have left me hungry for more. Can't wait till the rest is available!
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. It’s the year 2027 and America is falling apart. America is in the deep in its Second Depression and Florida has experienced its worse hurricane in history, meanwhile a second one is heading to Texas. Now we have terrorists on our soil, a corrupt government, and the entire Middle East has banded together.
Although the story starts slowly, this was a really great dystopian novel. It was pretty interesting to get stories from d...more
Although the story starts slowly, this was a really great dystopian novel. It was pretty interesting to get stories from d...more
What I didn't like –
I thought the beginning was very slow. Would have like something big instead of just dull writing
Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? How so or how not?
The title was a good fit. It describes our world falling apart, as we know it. It shows how we must adapt, if survival is the only thing that really matters. We can and do become different people
What did you think of the story structure with the past revealed in short chunks? Did...more
I thought the beginning was very slow. Would have like something big instead of just dull writing
Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? How so or how not?
The title was a good fit. It describes our world falling apart, as we know it. It shows how we must adapt, if survival is the only thing that really matters. We can and do become different people
What did you think of the story structure with the past revealed in short chunks? Did...more
Did the book description relate to the story?
Thought the script was very edgy. It was right on point, put many events and questions in your head.
What were the main relationships explored in this book?
Beck with his his genius, but inability to connect with people. Richard with his vast knowledge about war and survival. Then him trying to protect his family. Chester trying to do a good job and get a head in the world. He tried to do what he thought was right. He tried to protect his employees &...more
Thought the script was very edgy. It was right on point, put many events and questions in your head.
What were the main relationships explored in this book?
Beck with his his genius, but inability to connect with people. Richard with his vast knowledge about war and survival. Then him trying to protect his family. Chester trying to do a good job and get a head in the world. He tried to do what he thought was right. He tried to protect his employees &...more
“Collapse” is a dystopian novel set in the near future—2027. America is in the second great depression, and is about to fall. The government is corrupt, and natural disasters have torn apart Florida and are after Texas. The story is told through many different character’s eyes, but the main three—Howard Beck, Richard Dupree, and Maxwell Harris—are the ones trying to save a falling America.
My favorite character was Howard Beck, the richest man in the world. His character was the most interesting...more
My favorite character was Howard Beck, the richest man in the world. His character was the most interesting...more
From my Amazon review:
Author Richard Stephenson has hit one out of the park with his novel, Collapse. Watch the America we know literally collapse under the weight of natural disasters, rouge nations and damned scary power-hungry politicians.
I found Collapse to be entertaining, intriguing and scary as hell. To say that the premise of the novel is believable would be an understatement. Although it takes place in 2027, there is not reason that most of this (except Beck's AI technology) couldn't ha...more
Author Richard Stephenson has hit one out of the park with his novel, Collapse. Watch the America we know literally collapse under the weight of natural disasters, rouge nations and damned scary power-hungry politicians.
I found Collapse to be entertaining, intriguing and scary as hell. To say that the premise of the novel is believable would be an understatement. Although it takes place in 2027, there is not reason that most of this (except Beck's AI technology) couldn't ha...more
Richard Stephenson's debut novel held me in its grip from start to finish. Based in the not so distant future, the background for Collapse is a frightening projection ripped from current headlines. In the context of today's Western financial crisis and Iran's nuclear ambitions, Stephenson's dystopian setting does not come across as a far-fetched fictional ploy, but rather one of several worst case scenarios developed by Beltway think-tanks.
The year is 2027. The war with the new Empire of Iran is...more
The year is 2027. The war with the new Empire of Iran is...more
COLLAPSE: NEW AMERICA BOOK 1
Richard Stephenson’s Collapse is a post-apocalyptic rollercoaster ride. Imagine the world right now, then imagine it again in the year 2027, except by then it is the America of your nightmares. The fact that is only 15 years in the future is extremely frightening to me because this book is so realistic. I could see most everything actually happening. I was hooked from the first page. The characters and supporting characters are so believable. The book revolves around...more
Richard Stephenson’s Collapse is a post-apocalyptic rollercoaster ride. Imagine the world right now, then imagine it again in the year 2027, except by then it is the America of your nightmares. The fact that is only 15 years in the future is extremely frightening to me because this book is so realistic. I could see most everything actually happening. I was hooked from the first page. The characters and supporting characters are so believable. The book revolves around...more
I think I'm the only person on goodreads who didn't like this book. I almost gave up two chapters in, but I love end-of-the-world books, and I just had to see where this one went.
To be fair, this book kept me up late reading which hasn't happened to me in awhile. I also brought my kindle to work so I could finish it during any down time I had. You'd think with all that, it would be a five-star book for me. Isn't that what books are supposed to do?
Yet, I think what kept me hooked was the same thi...more
To be fair, this book kept me up late reading which hasn't happened to me in awhile. I also brought my kindle to work so I could finish it during any down time I had. You'd think with all that, it would be a five-star book for me. Isn't that what books are supposed to do?
Yet, I think what kept me hooked was the same thi...more
1 like · like · see review
Aug 06, 2012
Susan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
dystopia,
fiction,
political,
thriller,
political-history,
kindle-edition,
historical-fiction
It has taken some serious brainpower to come up with all these strands of the story and to weave them into something that hangs together. And this author has done it successfully, producing a fascinating and complex story of dystopian intrigue, adventure and a vision for the United States in the year 2027. What struck me was how realistic the possibility was that these things could happen, while I wonder how many others would think that a collapse of the US economy would be terribly unlikely. Pe...more
I like dystopian fiction because there's a slightly sociopathic aspect of my personality that likes smashing the world to bits. Not the most honorable part of myself, to be sure, but definitely the most fun, kind of like that kid who builds Lego towers over and over again just to knock them down. Collapse is an excellent novel in that regard. I admittedly lawled a little bit over the idea of Iran being able to conquer anyone, but in the good-hearted way you laugh at the sillier aspects of action...more
How does the setting figure into the book? Does it come to life? Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set?
This book has several important settings in it. Felt they were very detailed and you were right there struggling with them. All the hurricane problems were especially close to heart from living thru Katrina.
What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
Wal-Mart, the employees, some of the big advantages, they had. The war issue with Iran....more
This book has several important settings in it. Felt they were very detailed and you were right there struggling with them. All the hurricane problems were especially close to heart from living thru Katrina.
What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
Wal-Mart, the employees, some of the big advantages, they had. The war issue with Iran....more
Feb 28, 2013
Pandora Farnum
marked it as to-read
Once I started the book I found it very hard to put down. The characters, even if you did not like their personalities, were amazing. With each turn of the page you are drawn further and further into each groups emotional turmoil on the events that were happening around them.
Of course, Beck was my favorite but all others were right at the top with him.
It took me 2 days to read this and I am anticipating the next book that is said to be out this summer.
Of course, Beck was my favorite but all others were right at the top with him.
It took me 2 days to read this and I am anticipating the next book that is said to be out this summer.
Overall I enjoyed the book. As it got started it seemed a bit disjointed. Bouncing around with a lot of different character development and in my mind minimal plot progression. As the novel continued I became more engrossed and involved.
I will read the sequel.
The concept is a serious look at one potential pathway for our nation at a time of severe crisis. I myself subscribe to the Black Swan Event hypothesis and the economic crisis, multiple severe hurricanes and threat of war could certainly...more
I will read the sequel.
The concept is a serious look at one potential pathway for our nation at a time of severe crisis. I myself subscribe to the Black Swan Event hypothesis and the economic crisis, multiple severe hurricanes and threat of war could certainly...more
SAFFRON'S REVIEW
4.5 STARS
America has been crippled by the Second Great Depression, Obamaville in Central Park is full to bursting and the Iranian Empire has eyes set on Europe, this is Collapse by Richard Stephenson.
It is an apocalyptic fiction novel which is just a little too non-fiction for comfort. You watch the world crumble through the eyes of a cast of characters and it all seems too real. Through the novel you learn of America’s decent from power to anarchy and the little steps and mistak...more
4.5 STARS
America has been crippled by the Second Great Depression, Obamaville in Central Park is full to bursting and the Iranian Empire has eyes set on Europe, this is Collapse by Richard Stephenson.
It is an apocalyptic fiction novel which is just a little too non-fiction for comfort. You watch the world crumble through the eyes of a cast of characters and it all seems too real. Through the novel you learn of America’s decent from power to anarchy and the little steps and mistak...more
I got this free book after reading all the glowing reviews here. I fail to see why there are so many. The story is too disjointed with far too many OMG HUGE HORRIFYING DRAMA HERE parts to it. There wasn't a single character that I felt I could connect with - but part of the reason for that is because you get slices of each character's experience, then it jumps track to an entirely different story. I get that it's trying to build up an overall "this is how America could fall", but it is just tryi...more
Describe 2 different settings or locations.
Iran signing the treaty with Europe. But later Iran broke its own treaty with them. Beck Castle, 2nd residence of Howard Beck. Where his beloved wife was buried. It also was a secret hide away from the world.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why?
Yes, love all new technology. He has a very driven man with big expectations from his self and others . I am much the same in many areas.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction...more
Iran signing the treaty with Europe. But later Iran broke its own treaty with them. Beck Castle, 2nd residence of Howard Beck. Where his beloved wife was buried. It also was a secret hide away from the world.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why?
Yes, love all new technology. He has a very driven man with big expectations from his self and others . I am much the same in many areas.
Which did you find more appealing, the introduction...more
When I picked up a copy of Collapse I knew I was in for a terrifying glimpse at the future of the United States. What I didn’t know was how it was going to look or if it was going to be realistic. By the time I finished the book not only did I believe Collapse could happen—I believe it is already happening.
Good books are usually written by intelligent people with a lot to say. GREAT books are written by people with extensive knowledge on a subject and a lot to say. Collapse was a great book bec...more
Good books are usually written by intelligent people with a lot to say. GREAT books are written by people with extensive knowledge on a subject and a lot to say. Collapse was a great book bec...more
Parts of this book were 4 star to me, and other parts were 3 star. Richard Stephenson has an interesting series going here. He develops a few characters and then brings them together (in a Stephen King sort of way, except not as squishy)to begin saving America.
The story revolves around the 2nd great depression and the rise of the "Empire" of Iran and their efforts to take over the world. I like Stephenson's plot line and descriptions - you could actually see credibility in some of these horrors....more
The story revolves around the 2nd great depression and the rise of the "Empire" of Iran and their efforts to take over the world. I like Stephenson's plot line and descriptions - you could actually see credibility in some of these horrors....more
"Collapse (America Will Fall)" is the first instalment of a dystopian series. American society is thrown into complete meltdown by the combination of a series of natural disasters, a war with Iran and internal political intrigue. The story follows the fate of a group of disparate characters - the world’s richest man, an ex-Navy SEAL convict, and a disabled police chief - as they try to survive the calamity.
As a Brit, I was a tad nervous about reading this novel. I thought it might be too jingois...more
As a Brit, I was a tad nervous about reading this novel. I thought it might be too jingois...more
I found out too late that this book is the first in a series. However, it does have its highs and lows. The highs - good character development, solid story line, good sense of tone and setting. The lows - the writer would have benefited from a writing critique group and a professional editor. The info-dumps and repetitions got old fast. Not many misspellings were in the narrative, but there were a few misused homonyms, which gets tedious. Also, I don't care how rich and powerful and convincing B...more
Richard Stephenson gave us a chance to get a taste of his new book Collapse. I breezed through the seven chapter preview in one sitting. All I can say is I can't wait to read the rest.
The year is 2027. A massive hurricane wiped out Florida, terrorists have attacked our soil relentlessly and our economy is beyond a downward spiral. Sound believable?
The scariest thing about this book is how believable it is.
Stephenson introduces us to a handful of characters. The richest man in the world, a small...more
The year is 2027. A massive hurricane wiped out Florida, terrorists have attacked our soil relentlessly and our economy is beyond a downward spiral. Sound believable?
The scariest thing about this book is how believable it is.
Stephenson introduces us to a handful of characters. The richest man in the world, a small...more
Tell five ways the main character is like you
He was very afraid of people and really had a dislike for them. He stayed totally secluded from everyone.
What lesson did you learn from the story?
We adapt and improvise. We become what we need to be.
If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why?
I would find Richard's daughter and spent time on them building a bond between them. Then he could have lead the army to take down the dictator...more
He was very afraid of people and really had a dislike for them. He stayed totally secluded from everyone.
What lesson did you learn from the story?
We adapt and improvise. We become what we need to be.
If you could only save one character from the book in the event of a disaster, which one would it be and why?
I would find Richard's daughter and spent time on them building a bond between them. Then he could have lead the army to take down the dictator...more
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No monetary compensation or promise of a positive review was given.
I was not really sure what I would end up rating this from the beginning until the very end, I still am not entirely sure that’s the right rating. This one was difficult for me since I honestly did enjoy the book very much. But even though I enjoyed it, I didn’t (and still don’t) feel it was as good as my usual 4 or 5 star book. So this is somewhere...more
I was not really sure what I would end up rating this from the beginning until the very end, I still am not entirely sure that’s the right rating. This one was difficult for me since I honestly did enjoy the book very much. But even though I enjoyed it, I didn’t (and still don’t) feel it was as good as my usual 4 or 5 star book. So this is somewhere...more
Favourite location / setting ...
Beck's castle. Beck's time at his wife's grave and connecting with his long lost son again.
Favourite scene...
"Beginning prophecy of things to come."
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
The book was a pretty good read. About half way through, it was hard to put down.
How realistic was the characterization? Did the actions of the characters seem plausible?
Thought it was very realistic. Could see those characters and...more
Beck's castle. Beck's time at his wife's grave and connecting with his long lost son again.
Favourite scene...
"Beginning prophecy of things to come."
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book?
The book was a pretty good read. About half way through, it was hard to put down.
How realistic was the characterization? Did the actions of the characters seem plausible?
Thought it was very realistic. Could see those characters and...more
What did you enjoy about this book?
We believe in our country. He likes things neat and orderly. He loves deep. Wanted his child to stand on his own. The ability to take charge and lead.
What are some of the major themes of this book?
Driven..... Protected his country. Tried to protect his children. Survived in prison. Did not turn into a horrible man in prison. Smart and cunning.
Who was your favorite character? What did you appreciate about him/her?
Maxwell the chief of police working with convic...more
We believe in our country. He likes things neat and orderly. He loves deep. Wanted his child to stand on his own. The ability to take charge and lead.
What are some of the major themes of this book?
Driven..... Protected his country. Tried to protect his children. Survived in prison. Did not turn into a horrible man in prison. Smart and cunning.
Who was your favorite character? What did you appreciate about him/her?
Maxwell the chief of police working with convic...more
If you were in a problem situation like one in the book, how would you have acted?
Would have done the same. Searched for food, shelter. Would have done whatever it took for me and my family to survive.
What did you think of the main character?
I love strong lead characters.
Which character could you relate to best?
Richard. He deserves to have his life restored.
What were the main themes of the book? How well did the author execute these themes?
The book Collapse shows, what could happen, if the wo...more
Would have done the same. Searched for food, shelter. Would have done whatever it took for me and my family to survive.
What did you think of the main character?
I love strong lead characters.
Which character could you relate to best?
Richard. He deserves to have his life restored.
What were the main themes of the book? How well did the author execute these themes?
The book Collapse shows, what could happen, if the wo...more
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| Making Connections: 437. COLLAPSE (New America, #1) by Richard Stephenson | 17 | 78 | Oct 06, 2012 07:51pm | |
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Richard Stephenson was born in 1975 in Denison, TX and spent his childhood in North Texas. In 1992, he graduated high school after only three years. He then pursued his degree at Oklahoma Christian University, once again accomplishing the task in three years. Richard then married his best friend before going off to basic training to be a military policeman with the US Army. With his new wife joini...more
More about Richard Stephenson...
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