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The Survivalist #5
Battle Lines
Battle Lines is the fifth book in Dr. Bradley's Survivalist series. It features six full-page illustrations. (Series Order: Frontier Justice, Anarchy Rising, Judgment Day, Madness Rules, Battle Lines, and Finest Hour).
Description: Convinced that a militia leader holds the key to finally exacting justice, Deputy Marshal Mason Raines enters the destroyed city of Lexington. Traveling with the unlikeliest of allies, he must confront mutated survivors of the Superpox-99 virus as well as an elite group of military assassins sent to clean up evidence of President Pike's crimes.
Meanwhile, Tanner and Samantha discover that their Naval Observatory hideaway isn't as safe as they would have liked to believe. Forced to once again travel the roads, they face all new threats, including bloodthirsty animals, and survivalists with a twisted system of justice. When they come face-to-face with patient zero, not only does the origin of the virus become clear but also a glimmer of hope for mankind's last survivors.
With sanity continuing to slip away, President Pike orders the abduction and murder of General Carr. As plans falter and allies depart, he is forced to accept that a larger showdown is coming. Battle lines are being drawn, and in the end, only the most ruthless will be left standing.
To find out about the next book in The Survivalist saga, or to sign up for Dr. Bradley's FREE Practical Prepper Newsletter, go to disasterpreparer.com.
Description: Convinced that a militia leader holds the key to finally exacting justice, Deputy Marshal Mason Raines enters the destroyed city of Lexington. Traveling with the unlikeliest of allies, he must confront mutated survivors of the Superpox-99 virus as well as an elite group of military assassins sent to clean up evidence of President Pike's crimes.
Meanwhile, Tanner and Samantha discover that their Naval Observatory hideaway isn't as safe as they would have liked to believe. Forced to once again travel the roads, they face all new threats, including bloodthirsty animals, and survivalists with a twisted system of justice. When they come face-to-face with patient zero, not only does the origin of the virus become clear but also a glimmer of hope for mankind's last survivors.
With sanity continuing to slip away, President Pike orders the abduction and murder of General Carr. As plans falter and allies depart, he is forced to accept that a larger showdown is coming. Battle lines are being drawn, and in the end, only the most ruthless will be left standing.
To find out about the next book in The Survivalist saga, or to sign up for Dr. Bradley's FREE Practical Prepper Newsletter, go to disasterpreparer.com.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
217 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Arthur T. Bradley
66 books171 followersEvents have made me who I am, neither a hardcore survivalist nor an all-trusting soul. I am a Boy Scout in the truest sense of the word—dedicated to family, country, and good citizenship. As you may already know, an enabling element of those ideals is being prepared.
It took the horrific events of 9/11 to wake me from my routine complacency. In one single moment, I came to realize that our world is not as safe as we would all like to believe. We have no guarantee of safety in this world. Disasters occur on an almost daily basis all around the globe. Major events in recent years have included the devastating tsunamis striking Japan and the coast of Sumatra, the rash of tornadoes that swept across the U.S. in 2011, Hurricane Katrina, the deadly earthquake in Haiti, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to name just a few.
I believe with all my heart that we have a duty to prepare our families for the dangers they face. I started my preparation by reading nearly every disaster preparedness book currently available. If you check Amazon, you will see that I am the #1 reviewer for many of these books. Even with all the material out there, I could not find a single book that offered a complete, well-reasoned approach to practical preparedness. As a NASA engineer, I took up the challenge by conducting very careful research – disecting fact from folklore. Three years and many thousands of dollars later, I have finally released a handbook that offers well-researched advice that can be put into practice in the real world by normal families.
I wrote this handbook for my own family, but I would be honored to share it with yours. If you are not fully satisfied with the Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family, send it back, and I’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
Arthur T. Bradley, Ph.D.
It took the horrific events of 9/11 to wake me from my routine complacency. In one single moment, I came to realize that our world is not as safe as we would all like to believe. We have no guarantee of safety in this world. Disasters occur on an almost daily basis all around the globe. Major events in recent years have included the devastating tsunamis striking Japan and the coast of Sumatra, the rash of tornadoes that swept across the U.S. in 2011, Hurricane Katrina, the deadly earthquake in Haiti, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to name just a few.
I believe with all my heart that we have a duty to prepare our families for the dangers they face. I started my preparation by reading nearly every disaster preparedness book currently available. If you check Amazon, you will see that I am the #1 reviewer for many of these books. Even with all the material out there, I could not find a single book that offered a complete, well-reasoned approach to practical preparedness. As a NASA engineer, I took up the challenge by conducting very careful research – disecting fact from folklore. Three years and many thousands of dollars later, I have finally released a handbook that offers well-researched advice that can be put into practice in the real world by normal families.
I wrote this handbook for my own family, but I would be honored to share it with yours. If you are not fully satisfied with the Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family, send it back, and I’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
Arthur T. Bradley, Ph.D.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 17, 2015
I incorrectly assumed that this epic dystopian series concluded with book #6 "The Finest Hour" (not included by Goodreads) but since subsequent book or books are not yet published, I'll comment on the first six as chapters in the same book. Book #1, "Frontier Justice", sets the stage for a post apocalyptic world devastated Superpox-99, a pandemic that killed 90% of the world's population. US Marshal Mason Raines is vacationing at his family cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains and returns to a world desperately trying to survive. As the title indicates, Mason takes his badge seriously and steps up to protect and serve and in an homage to the marshals of the old west, meets out justice where applicable as civilization crumbles.
Meanwhile, Mason's father Tanner Raines, while serving a life sentence for murder, is freed by a prison guard when the power grid fails. Tanner Raines is basically a good man with an explosive temper. On separate plot tracks, Tanner, Mason and his giant wolfhound Bowie, become parallel forces of stability in a violent and chaotic world. Their journeys through the Eastern US and the people they interact with are the basis for this epic page turning thriller series that takes the genre to another level.
Meanwhile, Mason's father Tanner Raines, while serving a life sentence for murder, is freed by a prison guard when the power grid fails. Tanner Raines is basically a good man with an explosive temper. On separate plot tracks, Tanner, Mason and his giant wolfhound Bowie, become parallel forces of stability in a violent and chaotic world. Their journeys through the Eastern US and the people they interact with are the basis for this epic page turning thriller series that takes the genre to another level.
January 2, 2015
End Game Approachs
Father and son, two extreme ends of justice, have decided President Glass has challenged Pike for a final roll of the bones. Whoever comes out on top will assume leadership of the U.S. and have control during this first part of Reconstruction, ensuring their ideals will be the prevailing ones when the smoke clears.
Father and son, two extreme ends of justice, have decided President Glass has challenged Pike for a final roll of the bones. Whoever comes out on top will assume leadership of the U.S. and have control during this first part of Reconstruction, ensuring their ideals will be the prevailing ones when the smoke clears.
February 20, 2017
very good series
One of the best as far a storyline & characters but the way the disease turns people n2 creatures is for the birds. Other than that a good solid read with down to earth characters
One of the best as far a storyline & characters but the way the disease turns people n2 creatures is for the birds. Other than that a good solid read with down to earth characters
May 11, 2022
Fun story and practical ideas
It's a really enjoyable story, so far. I wouldn't call it great literature or literary fiction, but it is well written and edited. I saw Dr. Bradley interviewed on YouTube a few months ago regarding EMPs. As a NASA scientist, I'm pretty sure he knew what he was talking about and it was very helpful and interesting. During the interview, this series was mentioned, so, of course, I had to check it out. I'm hooked. The books are a bit shorter than I would like, for the price. I would feel differently, if I were paying that for a paperback to add to my real library. Yes, mass market paperbacks are even more expensive now, so the price really isn't terrible. I just prefer to read a real, hardcopy book whenever possible. I enjoy the prepper/survivalist aspects of the story. I live in southeast Louisiana, so I have prepped for hurricanes, flooding and the failure of water and power my whole life. This series is engaging as a story, and it has also given me some ideas for more ways we can prepare for our anticipated disasters and the unexpected ones. I nearly forgot to mention that sporadically, throughout all the books so far, there are really terrific illustrations. Best wishes, y'all.
It's a really enjoyable story, so far. I wouldn't call it great literature or literary fiction, but it is well written and edited. I saw Dr. Bradley interviewed on YouTube a few months ago regarding EMPs. As a NASA scientist, I'm pretty sure he knew what he was talking about and it was very helpful and interesting. During the interview, this series was mentioned, so, of course, I had to check it out. I'm hooked. The books are a bit shorter than I would like, for the price. I would feel differently, if I were paying that for a paperback to add to my real library. Yes, mass market paperbacks are even more expensive now, so the price really isn't terrible. I just prefer to read a real, hardcopy book whenever possible. I enjoy the prepper/survivalist aspects of the story. I live in southeast Louisiana, so I have prepped for hurricanes, flooding and the failure of water and power my whole life. This series is engaging as a story, and it has also given me some ideas for more ways we can prepare for our anticipated disasters and the unexpected ones. I nearly forgot to mention that sporadically, throughout all the books so far, there are really terrific illustrations. Best wishes, y'all.
February 22, 2020
Having narrowly escaped a nuclear blast, Mason and Bowie head into the remains of the city searching for the man named Lenny who was to receive the cache of weapons that they destroyed.
It doesn't take long for him to find trouble and and picks up a few survivors along the way.
For Tanner and Sam, things are just as complicated when they make a pit stop for a toilet break and before you know it, they are hip deep in trouble. Their back and forth quips are funny and add a lightheartedness to an otherwise dark series of events.
Lots of information on survival tricks are shared again in this book though hopefully none of us would ever have to use them. They are weaved into the story in a good and useful way that makes perfect sense and adds to the adventure happening in the story.
It doesn't take long for him to find trouble and and picks up a few survivors along the way.
For Tanner and Sam, things are just as complicated when they make a pit stop for a toilet break and before you know it, they are hip deep in trouble. Their back and forth quips are funny and add a lightheartedness to an otherwise dark series of events.
Lots of information on survival tricks are shared again in this book though hopefully none of us would ever have to use them. They are weaved into the story in a good and useful way that makes perfect sense and adds to the adventure happening in the story.
November 2, 2024
The Survivalist 5: Battle Lines is a solid addition to the series, delivering a long-awaited reunion and setting the stage for the story’s larger conclusion. Filled with surprising twists and gripping moments, it maintains a steady pace with plenty of gore and intrigue.
While some suspension of disbelief is needed, particularly around Bowie the dog’s abilities and the lack of focus on radiation concerns, the emphasis on survival remains compelling. The writing has improved, and despite some challenges for readers less familiar with the weapon-heavy setting, it’s a rewarding read that keeps me fully invested in the characters.
While some suspension of disbelief is needed, particularly around Bowie the dog’s abilities and the lack of focus on radiation concerns, the emphasis on survival remains compelling. The writing has improved, and despite some challenges for readers less familiar with the weapon-heavy setting, it’s a rewarding read that keeps me fully invested in the characters.
September 6, 2017
Staying Alive
I've enjoyed the characters and the plots. Once I started reading I couldn't stop till I finished that section of the book, but also I'm only on book five and I have gone over my monthly budget for books. So here is where I leave Tanner, Sam, Mason and Bowie. It was entertaining while it lasted.
I've enjoyed the characters and the plots. Once I started reading I couldn't stop till I finished that section of the book, but also I'm only on book five and I have gone over my monthly budget for books. So here is where I leave Tanner, Sam, Mason and Bowie. It was entertaining while it lasted.
October 23, 2017
I love this series.
This series is one of the best I have ever read. Normally I only read stand alone novels. But I have gotten totally immersed in these stories. I love the characters. I love the writing. Great action scenes.
This series is one of the best I have ever read. Normally I only read stand alone novels. But I have gotten totally immersed in these stories. I love the characters. I love the writing. Great action scenes.
January 9, 2018
Expensive, for the series, but the books are worth the price.
Good read. Keeps your interest. Plot keeps you guessing about what is coming next. Sometimes I'm right and sometimes the book surprises me.
Good read. Keeps your interest. Plot keeps you guessing about what is coming next. Sometimes I'm right and sometimes the book surprises me.
March 27, 2018
Really like this series
I’m stuck on dystopian books right now. Not a prepper but the concept is fascinating. Seeing how people react on a social/community level is amazing-from taking leadership by force to cooperative communities and everything in between.
I’m stuck on dystopian books right now. Not a prepper but the concept is fascinating. Seeing how people react on a social/community level is amazing-from taking leadership by force to cooperative communities and everything in between.
July 28, 2019
Excellent
I am captivated by these characters Mason, Tanner and Sam! Each character is so well developed with strength and courage. Fighting to protect themselves but also a world and government gone very wrong. I am on to the next book. Happy reading
I am captivated by these characters Mason, Tanner and Sam! Each character is so well developed with strength and courage. Fighting to protect themselves but also a world and government gone very wrong. I am on to the next book. Happy reading
June 12, 2022
lively read
A continuous humor is a must for the apocalypse apparently. I loved it. Kids, big dog, honorable men and in incorrigible convict. What more do you need. Great story line.
A continuous humor is a must for the apocalypse apparently. I loved it. Kids, big dog, honorable men and in incorrigible convict. What more do you need. Great story line.
February 26, 2018
Great as always
Wonderful suspenseful story. Great story. Recommended. 5 stars. Love Bowie, Tanner and Sam. The lines have been drawn. Read it
Wonderful suspenseful story. Great story. Recommended. 5 stars. Love Bowie, Tanner and Sam. The lines have been drawn. Read it
April 22, 2018
Great Book
Another great book in the series the story line is great can't wait to read them all. Great characters and a great plot.
Another great book in the series the story line is great can't wait to read them all. Great characters and a great plot.
May 10, 2018
Good book
Great read and a page turner for sure. The author did a great job again. Got to get the next book in the series soon........
Great read and a page turner for sure. The author did a great job again. Got to get the next book in the series soon........
September 1, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed the action and most of the description and educational efforts, but, it was a very short time for the price.
I enjoyed the action and most of the description and educational efforts, but, it was a very short time for the price.
April 3, 2019
Can’t wait to read the next one
When reading this series the pages just fly by and you’re at the end before you know it and ready for the next book.
When reading this series the pages just fly by and you’re at the end before you know it and ready for the next book.
June 4, 2019
Good series
June 26, 2019
Im hooked
Enjoyed this one also as the saga continues. Nothing is held back in fight scenes, like interaction with characters, especially father daughter with Sam and Tanner.
Enjoyed this one also as the saga continues. Nothing is held back in fight scenes, like interaction with characters, especially father daughter with Sam and Tanner.
November 12, 2021
Still keeping me entertained
March 17, 2017
Note: this review is based upon a complimentary copy of the novel tendered by the author.
Arthur Bradley's latest installment to The Survivalist series is both a return to form and a sign of the author's evolution as a writer. Concise, fast-paced, high energy and emotion fill nearly every page of Battle Lines. Dr. Bradley employs a formulaic approach to his novels--one that fails to grow old and is undoubtedly appreciated by his readers; fans of the series know what to expect going into each book. The beloved protagonists of the previous four novels return facing new threats and unexpected perils as they pursue their respective aims; the reviled antagonists grow ever darker and more heinous in their villainy.
I felt like the previous novel (The Survivalist Madness Rules) represented a brief departure from what had made the previous three books so exciting: believable characters struggling to survive in a hauntingly realistic post-apocalyptic world rife with danger both environmental and circumstantial. It was the only book of the series that felt forced, filled with scenarios that left this reader scratching his head and wondering what was to come in the next installment.
Battle Lines not only allayed those fears--it far surpassed the expectations that I had going in. The requisite action moments were page-turningly engaging but the emotional pull of numerous instances caught me off-guard and caused me to realize how much I care for the characters involved. With three incredibly strong novels and a serviceable one to stand up against, Battle Lines might just be the best of the series; I recommend it highly.
As always, I suggest working your way through the series from the very beginning as well as exploring Dr. Bradley's equally well-written, informative non-fiction works available on both Amazon and B&N.
Arthur Bradley's latest installment to The Survivalist series is both a return to form and a sign of the author's evolution as a writer. Concise, fast-paced, high energy and emotion fill nearly every page of Battle Lines. Dr. Bradley employs a formulaic approach to his novels--one that fails to grow old and is undoubtedly appreciated by his readers; fans of the series know what to expect going into each book. The beloved protagonists of the previous four novels return facing new threats and unexpected perils as they pursue their respective aims; the reviled antagonists grow ever darker and more heinous in their villainy.
I felt like the previous novel (The Survivalist Madness Rules) represented a brief departure from what had made the previous three books so exciting: believable characters struggling to survive in a hauntingly realistic post-apocalyptic world rife with danger both environmental and circumstantial. It was the only book of the series that felt forced, filled with scenarios that left this reader scratching his head and wondering what was to come in the next installment.
Battle Lines not only allayed those fears--it far surpassed the expectations that I had going in. The requisite action moments were page-turningly engaging but the emotional pull of numerous instances caught me off-guard and caused me to realize how much I care for the characters involved. With three incredibly strong novels and a serviceable one to stand up against, Battle Lines might just be the best of the series; I recommend it highly.
As always, I suggest working your way through the series from the very beginning as well as exploring Dr. Bradley's equally well-written, informative non-fiction works available on both Amazon and B&N.
January 3, 2015
In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense. - Sallust
This is one "killer" of a post-apocalyptic series. BATTLE LINES is the fifth book in the series and the author is ramping up for the grand finale.
I have read the entire series to date:
1. "Frontier Justice (The Survivalist)"
2. "Anarchy Rising (The Survivalist)"
3. "Judgment Day (The Survivalist)"
4. "Madness Rules (The Survivalist)"
In this Book 5 of the series, the "Battle Lines (The Survivalist)" are being drawn. Marshal Mason Raines and his giant dog Bowie, head to Lexington, Kentucky trying to track down the reasons behind the slaughter of the other U.S. Marshals. They end up saving and picking up strays along the way.
Mason's father, Tanner Raines, is doing his best to protect young Samantha Glass, daughter of President Glass, and teach her survival skills along the way, and they are always running into some kind of trouble.
The book is about 50/50 Mason and Tanner's stories with some politics thrown in. Fast moving, too believable, the book ended much too quickly and now I have to wait for book 6, "Finest Hour: Survivalist" - which will hopefully bring a sense of closure to everyone's stories.
Fantastic cover art and illustrations as always.
This is one "killer" of a post-apocalyptic series. BATTLE LINES is the fifth book in the series and the author is ramping up for the grand finale.
I have read the entire series to date:
1. "Frontier Justice (The Survivalist)"
2. "Anarchy Rising (The Survivalist)"
3. "Judgment Day (The Survivalist)"
4. "Madness Rules (The Survivalist)"
In this Book 5 of the series, the "Battle Lines (The Survivalist)" are being drawn. Marshal Mason Raines and his giant dog Bowie, head to Lexington, Kentucky trying to track down the reasons behind the slaughter of the other U.S. Marshals. They end up saving and picking up strays along the way.
Mason's father, Tanner Raines, is doing his best to protect young Samantha Glass, daughter of President Glass, and teach her survival skills along the way, and they are always running into some kind of trouble.
The book is about 50/50 Mason and Tanner's stories with some politics thrown in. Fast moving, too believable, the book ended much too quickly and now I have to wait for book 6, "Finest Hour: Survivalist" - which will hopefully bring a sense of closure to everyone's stories.
Fantastic cover art and illustrations as always.
May 23, 2015
Mason, Tanner, Samantha, and the new gal Lelia finally all get together towards the end of the book. Mason's investigation is complete but for dispensing justice to the guilty parties of the U.S. Marshal's massacre. Tanner and Samantha have completed all their tasks and have settled down at the Raines' cabin.
Some of the names used within the book are pretty funny. There is a peanut butter monster (yes, I said peanut butter) called a "fish taco" and then there's a militia villain named "Lenny Bruce". Tongue-in-cheek fun?
No closure here; one more book to go to get all the juicy details; "Finest Hour #6". As Tanner said at the close, "One more good deed for the Marshal and one more dirty deed for the convict." I'll look forward to it.
Some of the names used within the book are pretty funny. There is a peanut butter monster (yes, I said peanut butter) called a "fish taco" and then there's a militia villain named "Lenny Bruce". Tongue-in-cheek fun?
No closure here; one more book to go to get all the juicy details; "Finest Hour #6". As Tanner said at the close, "One more good deed for the Marshal and one more dirty deed for the convict." I'll look forward to it.
June 2, 2015
Better on every read!!
I can not say enough about this series of books, superbly written and just found myself in each book wanting to experience every well written word. I read many books but few go so quickly as Mr. Bradley's books. Then when done just can not wait for the next in the series.
Keep up the great writing Mr Bradley!
I can not say enough about this series of books, superbly written and just found myself in each book wanting to experience every well written word. I read many books but few go so quickly as Mr. Bradley's books. Then when done just can not wait for the next in the series.
Keep up the great writing Mr Bradley!
January 27, 2016
Day of the underdogs
If you think nice people finish last and you only help someone if they can give you a credit point return, you know who you are, I dare you to read this series.
This continues to be a great readers escape series. So entertaining and thought inducing.
I bought it all.
If you think nice people finish last and you only help someone if they can give you a credit point return, you know who you are, I dare you to read this series.
This continues to be a great readers escape series. So entertaining and thought inducing.
I bought it all.
Read
June 6, 2016As the rouge president launches nukes into Lexington a true u.s marshal is going to capture a man named Lenny as the nukes reach the city before him and now ventureing into a radiation filled city just to search if there is anything left of this lenny guy with black dogs around the city its up to him to find him before the black dogs
January 3, 2015
Need more Supergrade
Well written. A few illustrations. A little less gunslinging in this one; the Supergrade didn't get much action. I'm enjoying this series. Would love to know what's going on outside the circles of Mason, Tanner, Pike, and Glass.
Well written. A few illustrations. A little less gunslinging in this one; the Supergrade didn't get much action. I'm enjoying this series. Would love to know what's going on outside the circles of Mason, Tanner, Pike, and Glass.
May 28, 2015
When is the next one
So much going on that it takes you from interested to mega page Turner to not being able to put it down. The whole series is this way. I can hardly wait for next book!
So much going on that it takes you from interested to mega page Turner to not being able to put it down. The whole series is this way. I can hardly wait for next book!
August 3, 2015
As the story progresses it becomes more intricate. The characters continue to grow and develop more. Hopefully there will be more purpose in the next installment and the story can move along some more.
October 9, 2015
Battle Lines survivalist BK 5
I am anxious to get to the next book to see how this all ends, on the other hand, I will be sad that it is over. The characters are wonderful and I catch myself both laughing and crying through out the book.
I am anxious to get to the next book to see how this all ends, on the other hand, I will be sad that it is over. The characters are wonderful and I catch myself both laughing and crying through out the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews