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Surrender the Sun #1
Bishop's Honor
It's happened once before, and it will happen again.
In the year 2030 the Maunder Minimum, a period of solar inactivity, will cause a mini-ice age like it did between the years 1645 and 1710. When it does, Bishop will have to save her not only from the effects of severe weather but also from man himself.
Maeve Tilton and her son Ben live alone in the rural town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Since her husband died in the war, she's barely kept her head above water, and when the first freeze strikes in the fall, she's completely unprepared for what lies ahead. Only a war-torn man, one who prefers the solitude of the Kootenai National Forest, can rescue her and her son.
In the year 2030 the Maunder Minimum, a period of solar inactivity, will cause a mini-ice age like it did between the years 1645 and 1710. When it does, Bishop will have to save her not only from the effects of severe weather but also from man himself.
Maeve Tilton and her son Ben live alone in the rural town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Since her husband died in the war, she's barely kept her head above water, and when the first freeze strikes in the fall, she's completely unprepared for what lies ahead. Only a war-torn man, one who prefers the solitude of the Kootenai National Forest, can rescue her and her son.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2016
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807 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 26, 2016
This book gets high points for taking an actual low solar activity phenomenon that took place 400 hundred years ago, and accelerating it for a date about 15 years in the future. It was original. It was also a little unbelievable, particularly for people to be so caught off guard and for an area like Idaho to be so miserably prepared for poor weather. Shaw's society crumpled after just a few days of horrific weather. I just didn't buy it.
I was prepared for a survival story, but got Jason Bourne on a snowmobile. The book started out as a classic catastrophe scenario that morphs into an action adventure with a one-man detachment taking down the army of bad guys. Again, unrealistic. The switch to the dark side for the entire town took place in the matter of a week, which was also unrealistic. I guess I assumed the people in Idaho would be a little more free-thinking and own a few more guns. Vigilantes unite! But, no.....
The townspeople were as frightened as heroine Maeve. She was one terrified little woman. I actually gave high points again for Shaw creating a character that I thought would be more in line with a widowed woman with a six-year old who owns a bookstore. She knew where the safety was on the gun, but not much else. She was an English major, not Rambo. Like her, I don't have much beyond some cans on the shelf and some condiments in the fridge a lot of the time.
Sadly, I took points off for the romance. There isn't much. The dialogue detail is sketchy at best for a budding romance. Maeve's awareness of Bishop is almost nonexistent. The detail is about food and shelter; I wanted there to be more conversation and connection between Bishop and Maeve.
In the final analysis, I think this book had a little bit of a case of split personality. But was I bored? Not for a second.
I was prepared for a survival story, but got Jason Bourne on a snowmobile. The book started out as a classic catastrophe scenario that morphs into an action adventure with a one-man detachment taking down the army of bad guys. Again, unrealistic. The switch to the dark side for the entire town took place in the matter of a week, which was also unrealistic. I guess I assumed the people in Idaho would be a little more free-thinking and own a few more guns. Vigilantes unite! But, no.....
The townspeople were as frightened as heroine Maeve. She was one terrified little woman. I actually gave high points again for Shaw creating a character that I thought would be more in line with a widowed woman with a six-year old who owns a bookstore. She knew where the safety was on the gun, but not much else. She was an English major, not Rambo. Like her, I don't have much beyond some cans on the shelf and some condiments in the fridge a lot of the time.
Sadly, I took points off for the romance. There isn't much. The dialogue detail is sketchy at best for a budding romance. Maeve's awareness of Bishop is almost nonexistent. The detail is about food and shelter; I wanted there to be more conversation and connection between Bishop and Maeve.
In the final analysis, I think this book had a little bit of a case of split personality. But was I bored? Not for a second.
Read
December 4, 2017Fabulous cover and a believable premise.
Unfortunately I ended up hating Maeve, who was thoroughly irritating and useless. The real problem I had with the story was that, although Bishop was well-fleshed out Maeve and the others were vague and almost secondary. Jax for example? What went on with him?
There was a sudden change in pov at 56% when we were jerked back some days to a totally different place, and this really threw me. In the end I skipped over those chapters and simply read the ones focusing on Bishop.
Unfortunately I ended up hating Maeve, who was thoroughly irritating and useless. The real problem I had with the story was that, although Bishop was well-fleshed out Maeve and the others were vague and almost secondary. Jax for example? What went on with him?
There was a sudden change in pov at 56% when we were jerked back some days to a totally different place, and this really threw me. In the end I skipped over those chapters and simply read the ones focusing on Bishop.
July 15, 2023
Interesting take on the postapocalyptic subgenre. I have never heard of this phenomenon that would plunge earth into a long winter, but it is something to contemplate.
As a hero, I like Bishop a lot!
As a hero, I like Bishop a lot!
January 18, 2022
I thought the premise sounded cool, a new ice age, but I didn't like this as much as I'd hoped. The weather turns really quickly, but it seemed odd that people were so caught off guard, it's late October in Idaho! These people have snowmobiles, but seem so unprepared for cold weather. It takes only a couple of days for complete chaos to descend. Looting, burning and murder all over the place.
I thought the book would focus a bit more on the survival aspect, but it quickly morphed into a "lone soldier against the big bad guy" scenario. I've read that too many times and this was nothing new.
I thought the book would focus a bit more on the survival aspect, but it quickly morphed into a "lone soldier against the big bad guy" scenario. I've read that too many times and this was nothing new.
Read
May 17, 2018nice to learn....goooodddd
January 20, 2022
I didn't care for this story. Don't get me wrong, the writing is top-notch. I just couldn't connect with the characters and their motivations.
My Rating: 4 stars
My Rating: 4 stars
August 19, 2019
This is one of the best books you will read. Exciting and yet down to earth. The characters are very good and fleshed out so that you see them in your mind. I seldom give 5 stars, but this one deserves it.
February 10, 2021
The ice age cometh, can man survive!
A great read. Believable characters and situations. This first book was the magnificent entree to wanting to continue the feast with the next two sequels. Can Bishop change, from being the loner, to becoming part of a family? Can these survivors find refuge to survive this ice age? I’m definitely looking forward to finding the answers to these questions, and more.
A wonderful five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read, that adds a touch of warmth, to the chilling read.
A great read. Believable characters and situations. This first book was the magnificent entree to wanting to continue the feast with the next two sequels. Can Bishop change, from being the loner, to becoming part of a family? Can these survivors find refuge to survive this ice age? I’m definitely looking forward to finding the answers to these questions, and more.
A wonderful five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read, that adds a touch of warmth, to the chilling read.
December 14, 2018
Fast paced book. Didn't fall in love with the main characters. Bishop was intriguing though. I did get annoyed constantly being reminded of Maeve's loss, it felt rather repetitive. It was descriptive in describing the town so it was easy to picture. I did enjoy the overall development of how the world was beginning to change.
November 20, 2020
A mini ice age is on the horizon. Scientists think it'll happen around 2030. And why not? This decade hasn't been a real winner so far anyway. At least it might replace the glaciers. Anyway, interesting premise for a book.
January 20, 2022
Shock Therapy for Snowflakes
Wonderful tale about love at the end of civilization. It's NOT global warming that will get you, it's a Mauser Ice Age after sun spots stopped causing "climate change"????
Wonderful tale about love at the end of civilization. It's NOT global warming that will get you, it's a Mauser Ice Age after sun spots stopped causing "climate change"????
April 19, 2018
gooooddd
March 18, 2021
I liked that this dystopian event was based on a 'climate freezing' rather than a 'climate warming' as it throws the current narrative on its head.
October 5, 2022
I have long been a disaster lover. Movies, books, TV shows, if it is a disaster story, I'm in! I got the first three books in this series together and finished off the first one in just a couple of days because I was so riveted. Other reviews I've seen pointed out that there are some flaws and of course, there are, but they weren't egregious enough to distract me from the story. I really enjoyed this book and am eager to get going on the next one ASAP!
December 19, 2017
A soft three
There were things I liked about the story. Weather extremes bring around a new apocalypse. Not a new idea but done well. Crazies in the woods . Yep. They're out there. Ptsd hero getting back in the groove when it all hits the fan. Totally buying it.
Society breaking down in less then a week. I don't think so. A month maybe. But not a week. The bad guy himself said everyone in Idaho owns a gun. Plus there had been a draft so there had to be a wealth of experienced combat veterans in the area. We're supposed to believe a group of bellboys and hotel clerks in scary black uniforms made them all roll over and hand over their food then stood there waiting to be killed. Not buying it.
And then there's Maeve. A woman who's maternal instinct you could stuff in a flea's navel . She is a single mom. Who is used to being alone because her husband was in the military. No friends or family nearby. Yet she has less then a weeks supply of food in. In cold country no less. Suppose she or her son have a flu or cold and can't get to the store for a week? It happens. A million things could happen. They coul be snowed in. You don't have to be a survivalist to keep in a couple of weeks of macaroni and cheese or some canned soup on hand. Maybe even go all out and put a couple of packages of chicken nuggets or hot dogs in the freezer.
Pretty much anyone in a cold weather area could tell you when they start talking early dismissal or late start half the kids are kept home from school. He was 6. Not studying for his SAT's. She should have taken him to work with her. But Maeve's shining moment came when not once but twice when faced with protecting her child from murderous thugs who would certainly have killed her and the children or worse---puts down her glock(no less) and whimpers " I can't kill anyone". WHAT? The most timid women I know would have went after these guys with a chair leg if that's all they had before they would see their children hurt. Fortunately the first time the hero returns in time . The second time when the six year old sees her putting down her gun he picks up a rifle and saves himself. And her. And his little friend. Maeve is useless. She belongs in a Barbie doll book not a post apocalyptic. I'd buy the next book though if I knew for sure Maeve was killed off in the first chapter.
There were things I liked about the story. Weather extremes bring around a new apocalypse. Not a new idea but done well. Crazies in the woods . Yep. They're out there. Ptsd hero getting back in the groove when it all hits the fan. Totally buying it.
Society breaking down in less then a week. I don't think so. A month maybe. But not a week. The bad guy himself said everyone in Idaho owns a gun. Plus there had been a draft so there had to be a wealth of experienced combat veterans in the area. We're supposed to believe a group of bellboys and hotel clerks in scary black uniforms made them all roll over and hand over their food then stood there waiting to be killed. Not buying it.
And then there's Maeve. A woman who's maternal instinct you could stuff in a flea's navel . She is a single mom. Who is used to being alone because her husband was in the military. No friends or family nearby. Yet she has less then a weeks supply of food in. In cold country no less. Suppose she or her son have a flu or cold and can't get to the store for a week? It happens. A million things could happen. They coul be snowed in. You don't have to be a survivalist to keep in a couple of weeks of macaroni and cheese or some canned soup on hand. Maybe even go all out and put a couple of packages of chicken nuggets or hot dogs in the freezer.
Pretty much anyone in a cold weather area could tell you when they start talking early dismissal or late start half the kids are kept home from school. He was 6. Not studying for his SAT's. She should have taken him to work with her. But Maeve's shining moment came when not once but twice when faced with protecting her child from murderous thugs who would certainly have killed her and the children or worse---puts down her glock(no less) and whimpers " I can't kill anyone". WHAT? The most timid women I know would have went after these guys with a chair leg if that's all they had before they would see their children hurt. Fortunately the first time the hero returns in time . The second time when the six year old sees her putting down her gun he picks up a rifle and saves himself. And her. And his little friend. Maeve is useless. She belongs in a Barbie doll book not a post apocalyptic. I'd buy the next book though if I knew for sure Maeve was killed off in the first chapter.
December 4, 2016
Great beginning to a series. An entertaining and little bit different take on a post apocalyptic scenario. You never know what the SHTF scenario that changes the world we live in will be.
An interesting, engaging and well written story. When an unexpected event occurs not only do you have to worry about the current event taking place but you also need to think about what the long term consequences will be. Maeve Tildon and her son Ben are not prepared for anything beyond today. Without help they will not survive for long. Fortunately for Maeve and her son there is someone who is looking out for them. Even with help they may not survive.
Really liked Bishops's character from the beginning. Maeve was irritating at first because she seemed so naive, but she grew on me throughout the story. Ben was great from the start.
Originally being from a very cold part of the country in the winter, it's hard to believe that there are people who live in these areas that are not prepared even for just a normal blizzard. But, I know it's true. Having someone who is completely unprepared for this kind of event is very believable and realistic.
This is the first book by A R Shaw I have read. I will definitely be continuing with the rest of the series.
Once again Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. He has become my go to narrator. Anything that he narrates is just a little more interesting and enjoyable. His narration just pulls you into a story and makes it come to life. Great character voices. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
An interesting, engaging and well written story. When an unexpected event occurs not only do you have to worry about the current event taking place but you also need to think about what the long term consequences will be. Maeve Tildon and her son Ben are not prepared for anything beyond today. Without help they will not survive for long. Fortunately for Maeve and her son there is someone who is looking out for them. Even with help they may not survive.
Really liked Bishops's character from the beginning. Maeve was irritating at first because she seemed so naive, but she grew on me throughout the story. Ben was great from the start.
Originally being from a very cold part of the country in the winter, it's hard to believe that there are people who live in these areas that are not prepared even for just a normal blizzard. But, I know it's true. Having someone who is completely unprepared for this kind of event is very believable and realistic.
This is the first book by A R Shaw I have read. I will definitely be continuing with the rest of the series.
Once again Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. He has become my go to narrator. Anything that he narrates is just a little more interesting and enjoyable. His narration just pulls you into a story and makes it come to life. Great character voices. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
September 7, 2020
Excellent apocalyptic story with a unique and believable premise! The characters are richly drawn with depth and arc. I very much enjoyed this story and want to read more but the subsequent books are priced too high for ebooks.
August 30, 2016
Awesome
Love this book!! Can't wait for book two. Bishop is just the kind of hero I love. Silent but deadly. And Ben. what a brave little boy
Love this book!! Can't wait for book two. Bishop is just the kind of hero I love. Silent but deadly. And Ben. what a brave little boy
December 11, 2016
3.5 stars. Engaging enough. Just didn't tip me over the edge to 'really liked it'.
December 29, 2019
Interesting concept. Not sure on the science of it. Worth reading if you overlook the implausible storyline.
June 22, 2018
There's Bishop--a veteran with PTSD, living in a cave in Idaho. He knew Roger, a fellow soldier that was killed, and husband to Maeve, who lives in Idaho with her son, Ben.
I'm not sure if it would happen like this in reality, but one day an ice age starts. The temperature plummets and it snows almost continuously. Maeve and Ben are stranded in their house, with only a fireplace to keep them warm. Luckily for them, Bishop promised Roger he would take care of his family in case anything happened to him.
Typically in these books, the big, strong ex-soldier and the plucky heroine fall in love. The heroine is anything but plucky; she just not very bright. Everyone around her--on TV, her son, Bishop, her friends--warn her about the ice age, but she keeps saying, "Don't you think this will all just blow over?" Uh no. Bishop tells her people will do anything to survive, but she doesn't think people in her little town would ever hurt each other. Uh no. After a neighbor's house is burned down by scavengers, she starts to get the picture and goes off with Bishop for protection.
She spends most of the book crying, and she is really an annoying character. Nevertheless, she and Bishop start to fall in love. She feels guilty because her husband has only been dead a year, but since he asked Bishop to watch over her and Ben, she decides it's meant to be. Bishop is just a lonely guy and having Maeve and Ben around lets him feel like he is part of a family.
Things go bad quickly. The question no one knows the answer to is how long will this ice age last because they'll never have enough food and supplies to survive for 10-15 years. Of course, there have been ice ages before and primitive people somehow survived, but I guess that question will be answered in the next two books.
I did like the story. I don't think I've read a post-apocalyptic book about an ice age before, so that made it unique. I just don't think it would start in a day and the characters were annoying and shallow, even Bishop. I wanted to like him because of his history and his courage, but he is not written well enough to like. And Maeve? I already mentioned she's just annoying and dumb.
I am going to read the next book because I do want to see what people have to do to survive an ice age. Hopefully, the characters will be more thoughtfully written in the next books.
I'm not sure if it would happen like this in reality, but one day an ice age starts. The temperature plummets and it snows almost continuously. Maeve and Ben are stranded in their house, with only a fireplace to keep them warm. Luckily for them, Bishop promised Roger he would take care of his family in case anything happened to him.
Typically in these books, the big, strong ex-soldier and the plucky heroine fall in love. The heroine is anything but plucky; she just not very bright. Everyone around her--on TV, her son, Bishop, her friends--warn her about the ice age, but she keeps saying, "Don't you think this will all just blow over?" Uh no. Bishop tells her people will do anything to survive, but she doesn't think people in her little town would ever hurt each other. Uh no. After a neighbor's house is burned down by scavengers, she starts to get the picture and goes off with Bishop for protection.
She spends most of the book crying, and she is really an annoying character. Nevertheless, she and Bishop start to fall in love. She feels guilty because her husband has only been dead a year, but since he asked Bishop to watch over her and Ben, she decides it's meant to be. Bishop is just a lonely guy and having Maeve and Ben around lets him feel like he is part of a family.
Things go bad quickly. The question no one knows the answer to is how long will this ice age last because they'll never have enough food and supplies to survive for 10-15 years. Of course, there have been ice ages before and primitive people somehow survived, but I guess that question will be answered in the next two books.
I did like the story. I don't think I've read a post-apocalyptic book about an ice age before, so that made it unique. I just don't think it would start in a day and the characters were annoying and shallow, even Bishop. I wanted to like him because of his history and his courage, but he is not written well enough to like. And Maeve? I already mentioned she's just annoying and dumb.
I am going to read the next book because I do want to see what people have to do to survive an ice age. Hopefully, the characters will be more thoughtfully written in the next books.
June 29, 2020
Some parts of this novel were far-fetched, but I had a difficult time putting it down, so overall I'd consider it a hit.
What I loved:
~Maeve. She's brave and strong in the face of terrifying circumstances, while simultaneously humbling herself to the strength and wisdom of Bishop when she recognizes her deficits. Shaw recognizes that a woman expressing vulnerability doesn't take away from her strength of character, and I find that admirable.
~Bishop. He's a 'manly' man, yet somehow too gentle to pull off the whole alpha male cliche. He's quiet, traumatized from his time in war, untrusting, wary...but once he decides to care about something, look out! His depth of devotion toward Maeve and Ben tugs at your heart.
~Ben. Not too cutesy, not too 'adult'. He reminds me of my son at 6. I love the relationship between him and Maeve.
~The storyline. The concept of the Maunder Minimum is fascinating and has just enough scientific background to make it plausible.
What I struggled with:
~People hiking deep into the woods in subzero temperatures doesn't seem consistent with real human behavior. They'd try to get away from the weather, not travel deeper into it.
~Humanity transformed into animals way too fast (a common mistake I see in apocalyptic novels). Looting, slaughtering, and burning houses down on day 2 or 3? No way. The first week people would consider the weather nothing more than a freak storm and hunker down, waiting for it to pass. Also, that first week everyone would still be well-fed. The author wrote the events as if the town was already succumbing to starvation madness on the second/third day of the storm, which is unrealistic.
~Roman and his gang gained control of the town way too fast. The preppers in the town would have been able to handle this kind of threat better, or at least put up a good fight, especially since it was suggested by the sheriff that "everyone in Idaho owns a gun."
~The end of the novel.
I'd love to read the second book and have downloaded the sample, but it's $7.99 (damn it). We'll see. Overall book 1 was a fun, exciting read, and enjoyable for readers who don't get hung up on somewhat implausible scenarios.
What I loved:
~Maeve. She's brave and strong in the face of terrifying circumstances, while simultaneously humbling herself to the strength and wisdom of Bishop when she recognizes her deficits. Shaw recognizes that a woman expressing vulnerability doesn't take away from her strength of character, and I find that admirable.
~Bishop. He's a 'manly' man, yet somehow too gentle to pull off the whole alpha male cliche. He's quiet, traumatized from his time in war, untrusting, wary...but once he decides to care about something, look out! His depth of devotion toward Maeve and Ben tugs at your heart.
~Ben. Not too cutesy, not too 'adult'. He reminds me of my son at 6. I love the relationship between him and Maeve.
~The storyline. The concept of the Maunder Minimum is fascinating and has just enough scientific background to make it plausible.
What I struggled with:
~People hiking deep into the woods in subzero temperatures doesn't seem consistent with real human behavior. They'd try to get away from the weather, not travel deeper into it.
~Humanity transformed into animals way too fast (a common mistake I see in apocalyptic novels). Looting, slaughtering, and burning houses down on day 2 or 3? No way. The first week people would consider the weather nothing more than a freak storm and hunker down, waiting for it to pass. Also, that first week everyone would still be well-fed. The author wrote the events as if the town was already succumbing to starvation madness on the second/third day of the storm, which is unrealistic.
~Roman and his gang gained control of the town way too fast. The preppers in the town would have been able to handle this kind of threat better, or at least put up a good fight, especially since it was suggested by the sheriff that "everyone in Idaho owns a gun."
~The end of the novel.
I'd love to read the second book and have downloaded the sample, but it's $7.99 (damn it). We'll see. Overall book 1 was a fun, exciting read, and enjoyable for readers who don't get hung up on somewhat implausible scenarios.
October 22, 2017
Very possible
This book leaves one thinking of just how much a possibility, it is for this type of occurrence to become reality. If other very real situations don’t happen first. The evil that becomes evident in times of overwhelming circumstances, is the very evil that lives in many souls, waiting for just the moment to break loose. Nothing is more evident than seeing a peek of a subdue version of it, knowing-that law and order still exist. The actions of those that did not get what they wanted in the previous elections, groups of people taking to the streets enticing violence & destruction Or the very amount of mass killings. The very actions carried out by those who have given in and up. Nothing changing the laws on owning a weapon will change, because the non law abiding thugs will always get & use them. We see the actions of other Countries rising up taunting the US.
So knowing that a situation can be caused by a person or group very easily when scorned is very frightening, the powerful, sadistic behavior will be much worse than even could be imagined. Great book the character building is great, as is the roping in of the reader to read more. Thanks for such a great read. Usually I wait till I read another book or two before I go to the next in a series. In this case I am going for book 2 now, if it’s anywhere close to how I enjoyed this book, we maybe going for a trifecta.
This book leaves one thinking of just how much a possibility, it is for this type of occurrence to become reality. If other very real situations don’t happen first. The evil that becomes evident in times of overwhelming circumstances, is the very evil that lives in many souls, waiting for just the moment to break loose. Nothing is more evident than seeing a peek of a subdue version of it, knowing-that law and order still exist. The actions of those that did not get what they wanted in the previous elections, groups of people taking to the streets enticing violence & destruction Or the very amount of mass killings. The very actions carried out by those who have given in and up. Nothing changing the laws on owning a weapon will change, because the non law abiding thugs will always get & use them. We see the actions of other Countries rising up taunting the US.
So knowing that a situation can be caused by a person or group very easily when scorned is very frightening, the powerful, sadistic behavior will be much worse than even could be imagined. Great book the character building is great, as is the roping in of the reader to read more. Thanks for such a great read. Usually I wait till I read another book or two before I go to the next in a series. In this case I am going for book 2 now, if it’s anywhere close to how I enjoyed this book, we maybe going for a trifecta.
January 17, 2017
Maeve Tildon is a widow trying to make the best life she can for her son. Mark Bishop is ex-military and shuns most human contact. Bishop promised Maeve’s husband that he would always look out for her and her son. When a mini ice age suddenly places all of the world in dire straits Bishop will do whatever he can to keep that promise.
Shaw’s novel, Surrender The Sun: A Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Thriller (Volume 1), is a refreshing look at survival and the breakdown of society. The main characters as well as several of the supporting ones are well developed. The story itself is suspenseful and a cause for nail biting. What amazed me the most was how quickly man turned on one another. Maybe it was because of the sudden isolation caused by the weather. The darker side of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho took over in a matter of days.
This is a story about learning how to survive under harsh circumstances. It emphasizes the need for a long-term plan and provisions. With no end in sight for this weather phenomena the second book in this series will surely test the goodwill of those that have survived.
5 out of 5 stars.
Shaw’s novel, Surrender The Sun: A Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Thriller (Volume 1), is a refreshing look at survival and the breakdown of society. The main characters as well as several of the supporting ones are well developed. The story itself is suspenseful and a cause for nail biting. What amazed me the most was how quickly man turned on one another. Maybe it was because of the sudden isolation caused by the weather. The darker side of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho took over in a matter of days.
This is a story about learning how to survive under harsh circumstances. It emphasizes the need for a long-term plan and provisions. With no end in sight for this weather phenomena the second book in this series will surely test the goodwill of those that have survived.
5 out of 5 stars.
August 27, 2022
This book is about survival in Idaho during a mini ice age that has suddenly occurred. Maeve is a widow with a 6 year old son. Bishop is ex military and living off the grid in a cave in the forest. They meet when she nearly hits him on the icy road. Within 2 days of the Snow storm all power is out and chaos ensues. Evil men are quick to start looting and shooting (a bit too quick). Bishop decides he has to protect Maeve and her son and travels with them into the forest and his cave. He can see over a cliff to the town below and sees the destruction occurring and decides he has to save the town. This one man (Rambo like) takes on the army of young bell hops and others recruited by Ramon and Frank (the bad guy leaders). It was a bit confusing when Ramon & Frank are introduced about halfway through the book because we are back to the days before the snow storm. I was surprised to see that they could use the elevator when there is no electricity. Maeve is the damsel in distress and Bishop her protector. Romance between the two is budding. You actually feel cold as you read this book. Good descriptions of the surroundings and the weather.
July 1, 2020
This book delivered a quick exciting read which was just what I was looking for. It’s an action story that rollicks along.
An ice age happens over night. There’s no dramatic build up or slow moving sense of doom. BAM! It happens within 48 hours and the story is off and running.
A chance meeting (near accident) with a strange man in the woods. WHAM! Within 48 hours he becomes their savior and active protector.
The closest town? KABLAM! It’s also taken over within 48 hours with no successful resistance so it’s up to the stranger/hero/hermit to make it all right and this takes a few hours longer but not long. The bullet that goes through his shoulder seems to heal quickly (a couple of days?) and doesn’t slow anything down.
After reading about half the book I finished it in one sitting. The chapters are short and the action keeps moving forward at breakneck speed.
Believability is low with the speed that everything happens. The incompetence of just about everybody is sad and the real dystopian tragedy.
And yet I want to read the next installment.
An ice age happens over night. There’s no dramatic build up or slow moving sense of doom. BAM! It happens within 48 hours and the story is off and running.
A chance meeting (near accident) with a strange man in the woods. WHAM! Within 48 hours he becomes their savior and active protector.
The closest town? KABLAM! It’s also taken over within 48 hours with no successful resistance so it’s up to the stranger/hero/hermit to make it all right and this takes a few hours longer but not long. The bullet that goes through his shoulder seems to heal quickly (a couple of days?) and doesn’t slow anything down.
After reading about half the book I finished it in one sitting. The chapters are short and the action keeps moving forward at breakneck speed.
Believability is low with the speed that everything happens. The incompetence of just about everybody is sad and the real dystopian tragedy.
And yet I want to read the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
Although this is a A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller it is all too possible it might actually happen!! We really are due for the next ice age--actually over 10,000 years past time according to my environmental science professors! When the snow starts falling and the temperatures drop way below zero--what could possibly happen?
A widow and her young son are living in a remote place when things start happening. She is not exactly ready. Thankfully her late husband who died in the war had asked his buddy to watch out for his family if anything happened to him.
Bishop was an honorable man and even though he was somewhat of a hermit he kept his promise as you will read. He also helps the entire small town when the scavengers startup. What they go through is nothing short of amazing!
They are all somewhat safe for now----but there is more to come--in the next in this series. I can not wait to read it!!
I received this book from the author for my entertainment and possible review.
A widow and her young son are living in a remote place when things start happening. She is not exactly ready. Thankfully her late husband who died in the war had asked his buddy to watch out for his family if anything happened to him.
Bishop was an honorable man and even though he was somewhat of a hermit he kept his promise as you will read. He also helps the entire small town when the scavengers startup. What they go through is nothing short of amazing!
They are all somewhat safe for now----but there is more to come--in the next in this series. I can not wait to read it!!
I received this book from the author for my entertainment and possible review.
March 7, 2021
This book was ok. There were elements of the book that I enjoyed. I thought it had an interesting premise and a compelling plot.
I found that some of the ways the characters behaved and seemed to think were quite sexist however, which is a problem for me, and served to drag the rating down.
For example, at one point the male protagonist decides to show the young boy how to shoot a weapon, because "boys need to know to how to protect their family." This was regarding a small boy, 7 years old, while a grown woman was not given the same education, nor was the young girl, also 7 years old. This seemed both ridiculous to the plot, in a dangerous time, surely all people being able to defend themselves and their family is a good thing, but also oddly sexist given it was published in 2016.
Although the action and events were enough to keep me intrigued, I don't think I will be continuing with the series.
I found that some of the ways the characters behaved and seemed to think were quite sexist however, which is a problem for me, and served to drag the rating down.
For example, at one point the male protagonist decides to show the young boy how to shoot a weapon, because "boys need to know to how to protect their family." This was regarding a small boy, 7 years old, while a grown woman was not given the same education, nor was the young girl, also 7 years old. This seemed both ridiculous to the plot, in a dangerous time, surely all people being able to defend themselves and their family is a good thing, but also oddly sexist given it was published in 2016.
Although the action and events were enough to keep me intrigued, I don't think I will be continuing with the series.
May 19, 2021
Good and believable end-0f-world scenario.
It's the year 2030, and a mini ice-age hits the world. The story focusses on a small community now trying to survive, and in particular on widow Maeve, her little son Ben, and war veteran Bishop who seems to be the only one with the knowledge and expertise to help everyone survive - after single-handedly getting rid of the band of looters and their leader terrorising the small town.
Well written, fast-paced and with enough suspense to keep a reader turning the pages or swiping the screen as quickly as possible. A few stereotypes which made me smile (yes, the single-handed fight of Bishop against all the bad people is one), but which did not diminish the pleasure of reading this story. The characters were realistic, the plot plausible, and the narration style excellent.
I will definitely get the other books!
It's the year 2030, and a mini ice-age hits the world. The story focusses on a small community now trying to survive, and in particular on widow Maeve, her little son Ben, and war veteran Bishop who seems to be the only one with the knowledge and expertise to help everyone survive - after single-handedly getting rid of the band of looters and their leader terrorising the small town.
Well written, fast-paced and with enough suspense to keep a reader turning the pages or swiping the screen as quickly as possible. A few stereotypes which made me smile (yes, the single-handed fight of Bishop against all the bad people is one), but which did not diminish the pleasure of reading this story. The characters were realistic, the plot plausible, and the narration style excellent.
I will definitely get the other books!
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