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Highway #1
Highway: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Survival
2016 International Readers Favorite gold medal winner.
A flash of light crippled society in an instant...
For young Lexi Broadmoor and her brother Travis, the detonation not only took their father away, but their future as well. Now stranded on a highway far from home without any survival skills or someone to protect them, staying alive will depend on their wits, a single bug-out bag, and a map to a stranger's house.
With the grid down and a nation quickly descending into chaos, they'll need to hurry, because the lawless are taking over.
But a larger threat looms. A mysterious foe has set in motion a countdown to Armageddon; unknown to Lexi and Travis, they're part of the plan.
A flash of light crippled society in an instant...
For young Lexi Broadmoor and her brother Travis, the detonation not only took their father away, but their future as well. Now stranded on a highway far from home without any survival skills or someone to protect them, staying alive will depend on their wits, a single bug-out bag, and a map to a stranger's house.
With the grid down and a nation quickly descending into chaos, they'll need to hurry, because the lawless are taking over.
But a larger threat looms. A mysterious foe has set in motion a countdown to Armageddon; unknown to Lexi and Travis, they're part of the plan.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2016
483 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 21, 2016
"Highway" an intoxicating post-apocalyptic tale of survival begins with a flash of light and a car crash that kills Lexie and Travis Broadmoor's father and sets them on a journey to find a safe haven with their uncle. With only a map, a bug-out bag and no survival skills the two set out across a landscape marred by burning homes, looters, gangs, thieves and rapists towards a destiny that will have them facing a deadly foe and a plan to unleash Armageddon.
Set in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the U.S. after nuclear explosions, the loss of power and a societal and economic breakdown, Lexie and Travis weighed down by the gravity of their situation, fatigue and grief face a three-day trek along the highway facing violence and death that's erupted along the way. Skilfully M.L. Banner and John Q. Prepper weave strands of a plot that follows not only Lexie and Travis's journey, but Frank Cartwright's fight in Stowell Texas to protect his home against Islamic jihadists and his mission to alert the soldiers of Ft. Rucker to a terrorist invasion. With twists and turns as secrets and schemes begin to unravel, the authors masterfully draw the threads of this gripping and intriguing plot together to climax in an explosive confrontation and cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
Fast-paced and action-packed intensity and suspense builds when Lexie is kidnapped by a brutal gang, her escape to find Travis leading to death and danger at the hands of those she's suppose to trust. Similarly John Cartwright struggles to unveil the invaders plan to the army facing a cruel death with those held hostage at Ft. Rucker. Realistic and heart-pounding this is a story that holds you breathless until the end.
Infusing the heart-stopping action with passion, excitement and drama are complex characters like Lexie Broadmoor a teen haunted by the abandonment of a father who suddenly turns up to sweep her and Travis to safety. Rebellious with her Gothic style, cold indifference, self-absorption and insensitivity she begins to change becoming open, caring and accepting of the father she once hated. Ten year old Travis damaged and detached by his schooling and the events that rupture his world is frightened and confused, clinging to hope by keeping father's medal for bravery close. Ex-military Frank Cartwright is focused and resourceful although he seems not very sociable and unemotional at first. Tough and determined although hampered by an old injury he shows warmth, kindness and devotion to the godchildren he loves.
I liked the way the authors wove not only threads of the plot together at the end but drew in past events to a tale that seems too eerily realistic in our modern day. "Highway" is a post-apocalyptic tale that's a must-read and I can't wait to see what horrors Abdul Raheem Farook will unleash on America and the Broadmoors in the next book.
Set in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the U.S. after nuclear explosions, the loss of power and a societal and economic breakdown, Lexie and Travis weighed down by the gravity of their situation, fatigue and grief face a three-day trek along the highway facing violence and death that's erupted along the way. Skilfully M.L. Banner and John Q. Prepper weave strands of a plot that follows not only Lexie and Travis's journey, but Frank Cartwright's fight in Stowell Texas to protect his home against Islamic jihadists and his mission to alert the soldiers of Ft. Rucker to a terrorist invasion. With twists and turns as secrets and schemes begin to unravel, the authors masterfully draw the threads of this gripping and intriguing plot together to climax in an explosive confrontation and cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
Fast-paced and action-packed intensity and suspense builds when Lexie is kidnapped by a brutal gang, her escape to find Travis leading to death and danger at the hands of those she's suppose to trust. Similarly John Cartwright struggles to unveil the invaders plan to the army facing a cruel death with those held hostage at Ft. Rucker. Realistic and heart-pounding this is a story that holds you breathless until the end.
Infusing the heart-stopping action with passion, excitement and drama are complex characters like Lexie Broadmoor a teen haunted by the abandonment of a father who suddenly turns up to sweep her and Travis to safety. Rebellious with her Gothic style, cold indifference, self-absorption and insensitivity she begins to change becoming open, caring and accepting of the father she once hated. Ten year old Travis damaged and detached by his schooling and the events that rupture his world is frightened and confused, clinging to hope by keeping father's medal for bravery close. Ex-military Frank Cartwright is focused and resourceful although he seems not very sociable and unemotional at first. Tough and determined although hampered by an old injury he shows warmth, kindness and devotion to the godchildren he loves.
I liked the way the authors wove not only threads of the plot together at the end but drew in past events to a tale that seems too eerily realistic in our modern day. "Highway" is a post-apocalyptic tale that's a must-read and I can't wait to see what horrors Abdul Raheem Farook will unleash on America and the Broadmoors in the next book.
September 16, 2021
This was OK, but a lot of plot issues etc. The dialogue was often difficult to follow, given the propensity to try to emulate a regional accent. Some of the prose tended to be overblown ("uncontrollable earthquake of emotions rumbling inside of him"). The invaders are all Middle Eastern, with apparently a lot of technology to knock out the United States so easily and then attack on our land. Lexi was acting like a mid-years adolescent and I was surprised she was actually in her twenties and in college. Travis acted like he was 7 and not 10. Frank had an amazing compound having prepared for years, yet it never occurred to him to have caches or put supplies in other locations as opposed to all in one spot. Oops. These retired military guys are able to subdue the terrorists in their area and later at a military base overrun with the invaders. Wow. This attack apparently has immobilized the US military so that they are not a factor until the end? After this kind of event, the base would have been locked down with more than 2 guys guarding the gate and acting like it was a normal business day. Just wow. The whole past lives of Stanley, Sara and Abe was very murky and it was not clear to me if or how Stan could have been trying to get to Abdul for so long, including using his family as a cover in Seattle, and not realize it was his brother? Really wow. Society breaks down way too fast in small town America. Literally hours after the event, guys are kidnapping people off the street. Nope. Other than Frank, most of the characters are not very relatable or likable. The ending was rushed and of course, set up the surprise for the next book. I will stop with this one.
August 2, 2016
This book was recommended to me and caught me by surprise as it had a very well-developed an interesting backstory. I finished a quick quickly and found that there were parts of the book that were very well done and others that I thought it could do without. The author was clearly a baseball fan as he mentions the raise million dollar man as well as the comfy confines of a certain landmark stadium. This one has a lot of twists and turns and will keep you guessing long after the epilogue. I liked our main characters especially Frank and his determination. The landscape were well described and a bit out of the norm as it kind of took place in America's backyard. I found the brother sister relationship to be pretty realistic for the ages of the two and really enjoyed the multiple points of view this book offers. I listen to the audiobook version of the story and the narration was done very well. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for a male narrator, in this case to do a female voiced main character and this was done very well especially for the fact that it was a teenage to 20 year-old girl as well. A younger adolescent male voice would also be difficult I'm going back-and-forth between the two would be especially difficult. I cannot wait for the second book in the series as I hope it picks up rate wear this one left off. Grab your walking shoes because we got a long road head of us.
August 8, 2016
An excellent post-apocalyptic book! Two kids, Lexi and her brother, Travis are left alone, stranded on a highway without their father. His wisdom and preparations are the only gifts that they can carry with them as they begin a journey to expecting friends. With their father's dying words, "follow the highway", they must continue on while trying to survive the other people stranded after an EMP.....
A great story with a definite relationship between a self-absorbed young adult girl and her intelligent, yet pesky little brother. Some absolute cliffhanger chapters kept me going to finish this in one sitting. Lots of action and a bit of deception all rolled in to one. Well done!
A great story with a definite relationship between a self-absorbed young adult girl and her intelligent, yet pesky little brother. Some absolute cliffhanger chapters kept me going to finish this in one sitting. Lots of action and a bit of deception all rolled in to one. Well done!
July 1, 2016
A fast paced story with plenty of plot twists
An awakening of a girl with an attitude to a brave new world, the USA after a devasting nuclear attack. Her father did not abandon her but rather left her the roadmap to her survival after the attack he knew was coming. Her trip down the highway of life unveils to her her father's true love and enables her to love in return.
An awakening of a girl with an attitude to a brave new world, the USA after a devasting nuclear attack. Her father did not abandon her but rather left her the roadmap to her survival after the attack he knew was coming. Her trip down the highway of life unveils to her her father's true love and enables her to love in return.
July 14, 2016
Highly recommended
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it left me wanting more! Having read more than my fair share of prepper style books I felt the authors did a credible job with the settings and characters. It was easy to get immersed in the story line and I liked the background jumpbacks on several of the characters. Hope to see more of this continued.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it left me wanting more! Having read more than my fair share of prepper style books I felt the authors did a credible job with the settings and characters. It was easy to get immersed in the story line and I liked the background jumpbacks on several of the characters. Hope to see more of this continued.
September 10, 2025
This was disappointing.
For the genre I don't really expect great literature but I do want to be entertained.
It was strange because frequently the action and the characters are very well done.
The writing was pretty good.... But the story itself was so frequently .... stupid that
I couldn't care about it. I won't be reading any sequel. It could have used some kind of
editor who could say.... "That seems stupid can we change it up a bit?"
So frequently I was confronted with such STUPIDITY that it took me out of what were actually some decent characters.
The flashbacks were well done. The suspense was well done. The writing and characters were good.... But there was just sooooo much stupid I couldn't appreciate any of it.
For the genre I don't really expect great literature but I do want to be entertained.
It was strange because frequently the action and the characters are very well done.
The writing was pretty good.... But the story itself was so frequently .... stupid that
I couldn't care about it. I won't be reading any sequel. It could have used some kind of
editor who could say.... "That seems stupid can we change it up a bit?"
So frequently I was confronted with such STUPIDITY that it took me out of what were actually some decent characters.
The flashbacks were well done. The suspense was well done. The writing and characters were good.... But there was just sooooo much stupid I couldn't appreciate any of it.
October 29, 2019
Could have been better
It was an ok book but I think it could have been a whole lot better. The “accent” of some of the characters was a bit phony. This should have been researched a bit more. I live in the south and I don’t know anyone that speaks like that. It was a bit annoying to read. I also feel the characters could have been filled out a bit more it was almost as if their personalities were over the top and stiff yet muffled at the same time. It was disappointing.
It was an ok book but I think it could have been a whole lot better. The “accent” of some of the characters was a bit phony. This should have been researched a bit more. I live in the south and I don’t know anyone that speaks like that. It was a bit annoying to read. I also feel the characters could have been filled out a bit more it was almost as if their personalities were over the top and stiff yet muffled at the same time. It was disappointing.
August 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had some twists in it I didn't see coming. Always a nice surprise. It was realistic enough to get my blood boiling @ times. After reading a lot of these apocalyptic novels, I start to wonder if this could ever happen. Maybe we should all start to prepare for this type of event.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had some twists in it I didn't see coming. Always a nice surprise. It was realistic enough to get my blood boiling @ times. After reading a lot of these apocalyptic novels, I start to wonder if this could ever happen. Maybe we should all start to prepare for this type of event.
November 24, 2018
too many names of people using different names for the same individuals.. too gory, too gross, not for the faint of heart. Probably will skim through the second book since i already have it. You would need a note pad to keep up with all the individuals names that change throughout the book. would not read again. and not recommend this book at all.
September 29, 2018
This could happen
Realistic, tale of surviving. Easy read that goes quick because it keeps you wanting to find out what happens. Plays in with problems in todays society and connects with what many fear will make this become nonfiction. Looking forward to what happens next!
Realistic, tale of surviving. Easy read that goes quick because it keeps you wanting to find out what happens. Plays in with problems in todays society and connects with what many fear will make this become nonfiction. Looking forward to what happens next!
November 11, 2018
A fast and fun read!
Pepper draws you in quickly and disbelief is suspended nicely until the author reveals that the protagonist's father and the head terrorist are brothers. Had fun reading it though!
Pepper draws you in quickly and disbelief is suspended nicely until the author reveals that the protagonist's father and the head terrorist are brothers. Had fun reading it though!
February 3, 2019
Thrilling page turner!
I read the book straight through today, like so many others, I couldn’t put it down. It was surprisingly realistic for fiction, as a prophetic warning. This fiction could very well become our future.
I read the book straight through today, like so many others, I couldn’t put it down. It was surprisingly realistic for fiction, as a prophetic warning. This fiction could very well become our future.
September 6, 2021
A rush of action
This book is not one that I would typically read, but I am so very happy I found it. The characters are wonderfully unique and the storyline is chilling in today's world of terrorism.
This book is not one that I would typically read, but I am so very happy I found it. The characters are wonderfully unique and the storyline is chilling in today's world of terrorism.
January 11, 2018
the reviews were very misleading will not be reading book 2
January 19, 2018
Good read
Kept my attention and was a fast read. Had just the right amount of suspense to keep me wanting more.
Kept my attention and was a fast read. Had just the right amount of suspense to keep me wanting more.
February 17, 2018
zero stars
March 19, 2018
Action packed from start to finish. What would you do if the world shut down? Lots of twists and turns. This is the first book in a series.
October 31, 2018
Wow!
Could not put this book down. I am about to start the next book. Highly recommend this to all. It is a good reminder of some of the things going on around us.
Could not put this book down. I am about to start the next book. Highly recommend this to all. It is a good reminder of some of the things going on around us.
April 9, 2020
Unusual for the protagonist of a post-apocalyptic story to be a 16 year old girl. Too bad she keeps leaving maps around alerting the enemy to her planned destinations.
March 2, 2017
Nowhere near as good as other books in the genre. Lacking in realism, which is what I really want in SHTF books. I will read the second book in the series to give the author a second chance, but I have my doubts. The storyline is too predictable and typical.
February 24, 2018
Good standard thriller
This is a good thriller that follows the story or a brother and sister trying to survive and find safety after a surprise nuclear attack, that includes an EMP attack that cripples the nation's power grid, against the US by Islamic jihadists aided by the Russians.
Parallel to these the story of these 2 are the stories of the surviving US forces and the forces attempting to invade the US and turn it into an Islamic state.
The main story follows the journey of the brother and sister trying to reach the safety of their distant uncle's compound in central Florida. As is normal for these stories, there are threats and dangers they must overcome in order to survive. When they finally reach their uncle's compound, they do not find the safety they were expecting.
There are also the parallel stories of the other groups that all converge for the climax of the story.
This is the first book in a series, so it does not end in a conclusion of the war, and our 2 heroes are not completely safe.
Overall, a good, but standard, thriller for those that like these stories.
This is a good thriller that follows the story or a brother and sister trying to survive and find safety after a surprise nuclear attack, that includes an EMP attack that cripples the nation's power grid, against the US by Islamic jihadists aided by the Russians.
Parallel to these the story of these 2 are the stories of the surviving US forces and the forces attempting to invade the US and turn it into an Islamic state.
The main story follows the journey of the brother and sister trying to reach the safety of their distant uncle's compound in central Florida. As is normal for these stories, there are threats and dangers they must overcome in order to survive. When they finally reach their uncle's compound, they do not find the safety they were expecting.
There are also the parallel stories of the other groups that all converge for the climax of the story.
This is the first book in a series, so it does not end in a conclusion of the war, and our 2 heroes are not completely safe.
Overall, a good, but standard, thriller for those that like these stories.
March 14, 2016
I loved this story. I was allowed to be an advanced reader on this book and was so happy I took the time to read it. It has great action and is easy to get caught up in the story. It doesn't get to bogged down in technical information yet does a good job of explaining stuff so you don't feel like you are reading a book for kids. Stellar performance from M.L.Banner again. He keeps the story moving by giving you glimpses of the characters pasts so you understand their motivations.
If your looking for a good, fast read, this is the book. If you want to read about Americans stepping up to the challenge after their country is attacked, this the book. If you like stories of people who are prepared for the collapse of society, read this book. You won't be disappointed!
If your looking for a good, fast read, this is the book. If you want to read about Americans stepping up to the challenge after their country is attacked, this the book. If you like stories of people who are prepared for the collapse of society, read this book. You won't be disappointed!
August 8, 2016
Fast paced start dumps you right into the action. Suitcase nukes destroy three major U.S. cities while two submarine delivered airborne nukes take out the grid and electronics via EMP. Lexi and her brother Travis must make their way alone as their father is killed in an ensuing car accident. Last minute instructions from her father, his bug-out bag, map, and revolver is all they have to start their journey. Following the map and the highway will take them to their father's friend Leo. Thus starts an interesting story with several twists and turns reminiscent of an mystery-thriller. A bit of secret agent subterfuge is employed by our militia to infiltrate invaders as they take advantage of the situation. A decent read all-in-all. I look forward to book two.
October 19, 2016
I'm sorry, but I really tried to like this book. I'm in the minority because I just didn't. Everyone failed at every turn. Nothing seems to go right in this story. I mean any good that happened you couldn't plan on it Lasting. Good grief!!!
It didn't help the believability of the story either since people were at their worst, kidnapping, killing, and claiming unwilling women the same day (within a few hours) of the emp. The plot and situation with the brother issue was confusing and kind of silly. I don't want to harp on all the reasons I didn't like this book because i just didn't and that's my prerogative.
It did have wonderful elements to it because of Frank. Frank was about the only character I I really liked and he basically failed at everything he did, too.
It didn't help the believability of the story either since people were at their worst, kidnapping, killing, and claiming unwilling women the same day (within a few hours) of the emp. The plot and situation with the brother issue was confusing and kind of silly. I don't want to harp on all the reasons I didn't like this book because i just didn't and that's my prerogative.
It did have wonderful elements to it because of Frank. Frank was about the only character I I really liked and he basically failed at everything he did, too.
August 15, 2016
At first I wasn't really getting into the story as it was seeming to be much too similar to many of the others in this genre, but as the story went on I started to pay a bit more attention. By the end I ended up liking this one. The twist of the two kids' father being related to the head terrorist in charge of the attacks on the US and his willful removal of himself from their lives for their protection ended up being a cool little twist. Their godather who suffers defeat after defeat, finally comes to be in the right place at the right time to rescue them from their Islamist uncle.
For fans of the genre, this one's worth reading; and, I will definitely seek out and read the second.
For fans of the genre, this one's worth reading; and, I will definitely seek out and read the second.
March 13, 2016
Another fantastic book for ML Banner!!!!!
There were a lot of characters in this book you need to keep track of, but how they were brought into the story was seamless.
I was onboard right away and couldn't wait to find out who was behind everything.
What was also great about this book was that it jumped back in time to give you a bigger insight as to what was really going on.
I would love to see another book come out following one of the characters that made it through everything.
I would highly recommend!
There were a lot of characters in this book you need to keep track of, but how they were brought into the story was seamless.
I was onboard right away and couldn't wait to find out who was behind everything.
What was also great about this book was that it jumped back in time to give you a bigger insight as to what was really going on.
I would love to see another book come out following one of the characters that made it through everything.
I would highly recommend!
April 11, 2016
I would love vet to give it ten srars!
What an incredible story. I was hooked by the first few pages and never let go. These are the kind of real people we love to read about. Please finish it up soon! Thank you for a truly enjoyable roller coaster ride....
What an incredible story. I was hooked by the first few pages and never let go. These are the kind of real people we love to read about. Please finish it up soon! Thank you for a truly enjoyable roller coaster ride....
April 12, 2016
Please, not the end.....
This book was a good read. The way it ended though left me wanting more! Good story from start to finish and yet it needs a wrap up. Fantastic characters! Please please please write another book to follow this one up....
This book was a good read. The way it ended though left me wanting more! Good story from start to finish and yet it needs a wrap up. Fantastic characters! Please please please write another book to follow this one up....
April 18, 2016
I truly hope there is another book on the way.
At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. Lexi is not a nice person. She grew on me. All the twist and turns kept me reading. I can't wait for the next book
At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. Lexi is not a nice person. She grew on me. All the twist and turns kept me reading. I can't wait for the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews