The Struggle

The Survivalist #18

by Jerry Ahern

IF CIVILIZATION WERE DESTROYED TODAY—WOULD JOHN THOMAS ROURKE BE ABLE TO SURVIVE…? In the post-apocalyptic world, consumed by World War III, right and wrong, virtue and vice have skewed their meanings. Old animosities remain; new and deadly alliances are formed. But one need remains constant—the need to survive.

John Thomas Rourke—ex-CIA Covert Operations officer and weapons specialist—has become an expert at the arts of survival in a peril-strewn world. But now, in a desperate attempt to render impotent his arch-enemy, Colonel Antonovich, leader of the tyrannical Soviet forces aligned against the Free world, Rourke has no choice but to lay his life on the line against insuperable odds.

Antonovich is plotting an alliance with Russians at their underseas base—an alliance which would doom the cause of freedom. Reaching Mid-Wake, focal point of the world's free forces, Rourke learns of the plot and plans his bloody counter-attack, it's a desperate measure, with the survival of the Free world hanging on the outcome. But Rourke is... THE SURVIVALIST.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

About the author

Jerry Ahern (born Jerome Morrell Ahern) was a science fiction and action novel author best known for his post apocalyptic survivalist series The Survivalist. The books in this series are heavy with descriptions of the weapons the protagonists use to survive and prosecute a seemingly never-ending war amongst the remnants of the superpowers from pre-apocalypse times.

Ahern was also a firearms writer, who published numerous articles in magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Handguns and Gun World.

Jerry Ahern passed away on July 24, 2012 after a long struggle with cancer.

Ahern also released books under pseudonym Axel Kilgore.

Reviews

[Joseph B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Struggle has been the lowest point in the Survivalist series so far for me; as the pacing grinds to a near halt with character arcs stuck in limbo. Natalia mental breakdown continues, and much of the book focuses on an island with the plot only inching forward. This book and The Ordeal very much feel like they're setting the stage for a future book to wrap things up.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite adventure series. Dr John Thomas Rourke leads his family and friends through a post apocalyptic world fighting ever step if the way. Fantastic characters and plots. Very detailed weapon descriptions. Excellent series. My highest recommendation

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review under "Total War," Survivalist Book 1.

[Nick Grayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving the character development. Everyone has difficulties in life but these characters take it up a level.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was fun easy reading in my teens. Would actually like to pick one up again and see what I think now. :D