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The Economic Collapse #2

American Meltdown

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Written from a Christian constitutional worldview, American Meltdown, Book Two of The Economic Collapse Chronicles uses dystopian fiction to take an in-depth look at the economic and political trends that have taken America to the edge of bankruptcy. The book assesses the current course of the nation and projects it into the near future.
In Book Two, America has entered into a full scale financial meltdown. The members of the Bair family do the best they can to navigate a complete currency collapse and the social disruptions that come with it. Having relocated to a rural area in Kentucky, the Bairs fare much better than the unfortunate masses still trapped in the cities.
In an effort to cling to power, President Anthony Howe announces the confiscation of provisions and guns. Several states, led by liberty-loving Senator Paul Randall, stand up to assert their sovereignty.
Knowing the intentions of the Federal Government, Matt, Adam and Wesley Bair train with the local militia who have determined to draw a line in the sand and defend the last remnants of liberty. The political conflict escalates into military aggression and the gloves come off.

303 pages, ebook

First published January 3, 2014

266 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

About the author

Mark Goodwin

107 books411 followers
Mark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.

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5 stars
333 (55%)
4 stars
182 (30%)
3 stars
60 (10%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah Wilbanks.
10 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2015
Absolute Best Book

Of all the recent books I have read, this series is by far the best I have read. I love the scriptures at the beginning of each chapter and the faith emphasized in the characters of the book, about to begin Book Three and can't wait. You can't put the book down, it keeps you glued to it, my hat is off to Mark Goodwin, keep up the awesome talent of writing for those who are prepping and encouraging our faith to press on.
4 reviews
September 2, 2014
Great book

I didn't leave a remark for the first book but I would have to go back and leave a 5 star for that also. these 2 books make you stop and realize it could very well happen. Our country has turned her back to God's way and have gone on to expect the government to take care of to many. This book will really make you rethink how you live.
63 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2015
Good read

Enjoyed book two as well as book one, I am looking forward to book three. I appreciate the chapter preferences, the ones from both the founding fathers and from the bible.
57 reviews
May 5, 2015
A Great Number Two!

Mark has written a great number two in his series...with a cliffhanger finale.

I am thankfully ready with three, already purchased and downloaded.

Thanks, Mark!
17 reviews
April 16, 2014
Need more

Great read. Looking forward to book three. Keep the faith and hope nothing like this happens in the U.S.A. With all of the news today, it is scary.
Profile Image for Joe Orozco.
249 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2021
If you ever get into the prepper mindset and want to know what equipment you should pack, and what strategies you should follow, pick up this series. But, as I may have mentioned in my review of the first book in the series, I think Goodwin wants badly to write a text book on the subject. I think he figures fiction would be easier to swallow, but I would much rather read a straight up blueprint. He clearly knows his stuff. Plot though? It’s not working for me.

Now, having written that, I’m going to pick up the third book. The writing is just good enough to make me curious about what will happen to the characters next. That would suggest a certain contradiction, but actually, the end is just compelling enough to make me wonder what will happen next with the captured characters.

If I could send a note directly to the author, it would be to create more of a bond between me and the protagonists. I want to feel closer to them and care the way they do. Right now the plot feels a bit too one-dimensional.

If you’re naturally into doom’s day scenarios, give this a shot. There are better books out there, but this one will make for a good transitional piece.
Profile Image for Shanna Tidwell.
742 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2021
I could t even get through book one!
Kevin Pierce is one of my favorite narrators of all time and not even he could save this book! I was rolling my eyes within five minutes. I am not Republican Democrat or libertarian I don’t really know where I fall. Probably a lot of my ideas do lineup more with libertarian. I am a registered gun owner who carries. I’m also a tiny bit of a prepper. What I am not is religious. I am an atheist but I do live by the Golden rule. I can imagine that Mark, the author, is a southern preacher in an area where not a single person of color has ever felt safe. He’s also probably never been close with anyone who works 2-3 jobs to survive. Do yourself a favor and skip this series. I can’t even get through an hour of this crap.
If I wanted the Bible to be read to me line for line I ’m sure I could buy that on audiobook or go to a church!
If I’d paid for this I’d be asking for a refund!
Really the book gets zero stars!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for John.
957 reviews13 followers
January 7, 2021
Picking up after "American Exit Strategy," this is the story of how the government loses its mind. President Howe goes full scale Tyrant against anyone who dares disagree. States who resist the current regime have formed coalitions and the nation is in complete civil war. The story is pretty good, but (for me) a bit heavy on the religion and prayers. I also think there is an unrealistic view of patriots that lumps them all under a righteous and God fearing church group. However, given the times we are in, I can see this unfolding here in the US and it's not hard to imagine it will happen sooner than later.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
465 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2020
The thirst for power is all consuming

When you have a dictator who wants more and more power everyone suffers. Is there a shadow government? Most likely yes. But if you keep the masses in the dark you can manipulate almost everyone. Those who know the Bible know what's on the horizon. This scenario is not unrealistic. Prepare and pray.
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
324 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2021
It’s not too late

Terrible things are on the horizon but The Lord will help you prepare yourself and your loved ones for those trying times. This book will give you insights into some of the things that matter most... Family, Shelter, Protection and Vision... Good job here by Mark Goodwin. I’m staring book 3 right away!
24 reviews
June 24, 2018
This is the second book in the series and again it’s very real very thought-provoking. You have to read the third book because I will just say you don’t know what’s going to happen to the characters until you do.
Profile Image for Matthew Kropp.
20 reviews
May 23, 2019
Great read

I’m just getting more and more into this series and will move on to the 3rd and final book! The characters are great and enjoyable and the story is not too in-depth and rambles on like some writers. Overall I haven’t read a Mark Goodwin book I didn’t like!
295 reviews
November 25, 2019
Usual excellent Goodwin

Frightening and exciting at the same time. I can turn on the news and hear so much of what has transpired in the story that it takes my breath away. I hope and pray that this tale will wake up many- I know it has awakened me.
119 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2020
Mark Goodwin is my favorite author!!!! The senareo are down to earth and realistic...The religious aspects and historic quotes of our founding fathers put the story line into realistic senareos..... More than five stars......
Profile Image for Douglas Phillips.
105 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
pure and holly in a desperate time

Makes sense, the scenarios are believable and possible. The characters are relatable and endearing. Mark Goodwin has a Biblical world view and an understanding of what the world may become in the future ahead.
4,416 reviews28 followers
May 31, 2018
American Meltdown is the second post apocalyptic book in The Economic Collapse series written by author Mark Goodwin.
Profile Image for Amber.
189 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2021
I had to knock off a star for some grammar and editing problems. For example, a character is named Carissa, but for a few pages, it was spelled Karissa. Otherwise a great read.
Profile Image for Lauren Johnston.
138 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2025
Living in a post-currency world starts to hit home in this sequel. Karen and Matt try to help their fellow neighbor while former president-elect Randall tries to build back a nation.
Profile Image for Robert Chapman.
501 reviews55 followers
September 9, 2016
This is the second book in The Economic Collapse Chronicles. I loved the first book and as a result I had high expectations for this second installment. Fortunately I was not disappointed.

The story continues to unfold with both the Coalition forces and Federation forces becoming more entrenched in their respective beliefs. The Coalition remains stead fast in their adherence to the US Constitution while the Federation continues to murder and coerce in order to maintain their insatiable desire to enslave the population.

The emphasis on Christianity and the reciting of religious passages is somewhat annoying, but it does follow the story line.

I'm eagerly awaiting the third book.
Profile Image for Stephen.
1,241 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2023
Ok, in this one we have more Christian themes including a deathbed battlefield conversion. Goodwin seems to be making an effort to use the Christianity themes as a tool instead of beating you over the head with them as he has in other books. I'm very very pleased.

Our story continues as the US is fractured. We delve into hints at a greater "Illuminati" style conspiracy of globalists running the government vs. the free states. The hints are tantalizing and very well done.

The combat operations are well put forward and I appreciated the E&E sections. Goodwin has put a lot of effort and emotion into this story. He develops characters and then puts them in danger. You are never sure which ones will get the ax.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,112 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2014
Story is standard fair, writing is very weak. Mark is not really a writer. I won't waste any more time reading book 3.
2 reviews
January 8, 2015
Not Bad

Good book. Not quite as good as the first book but still an interesting read. There are a few holes in the author's storytelling but nothing you can't get past.
Profile Image for Johnathan.
Author 4 books2 followers
January 27, 2015
This series is entertaining and thought provoking.
Profile Image for Daniel.
172 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2016
Fantastic continuation this series is a fascinating look into a slower onset of an economic collapse, really entertaining, heavy Christian overtones in case you aren't into that sort of thing.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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