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Bleed Out: When Reason Dies, Book 1
This intense thriller will take you out of your comfort zone, placing you right on the front lines of America's next civil war. In his debut novel, Straughn Bowman paints an unsettling portrait of the violence and mayhem that has overtaken America following "It". The story follows five main characters as they learn to survive in their dangerous new reality.Here's what some Amazon readers are saying about "Bleed When Reason Dies":"... it haunted and riveted me... It is fiction but seems all too real and can be viewed as a cautionary tale...""... a timely and thought-provoking story...""... takes you out of your comfort zone...""I couldn't put it down""I had to remind myself to breathe when reading""This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride! You will almost immediately connect to the characters.""Intense, claustrophobic read!""Such a great read! Very interesting story. Lots of great action and detail. Some unforgettable scenes. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it!!!"
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
121 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 18, 2018
Lurking within the twisted pages of this novel are some of the most graphic, violent scenes guaranteed to turn your stomach. It did mine. Humanity, as it had been known had taken a detour to slither on down the dark side. In this well-written narrative Bowman alluded to the depths that some of our population would sink to under stressful conditions. Live or die, it was every man for himself. Sad.
America had become unhinged. Our nation had unwittingly entered into an undeclared second Civil War. Millions of Americans perished at the hands of their neighbors. Lawlessness spread throughout the land. An apocalypse had engulfed the country.
There was no peace. In the danger zones, it was a relentless struggle just to see another day. The maddening, scenes traced the lives of several groups of wary survivors from different parts of our embattled country; agonizingly, they attempted to claw their way through this horrific tragedy. In the end, there were no winners. There never are.
My thanks are offered to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
America had become unhinged. Our nation had unwittingly entered into an undeclared second Civil War. Millions of Americans perished at the hands of their neighbors. Lawlessness spread throughout the land. An apocalypse had engulfed the country.
There was no peace. In the danger zones, it was a relentless struggle just to see another day. The maddening, scenes traced the lives of several groups of wary survivors from different parts of our embattled country; agonizingly, they attempted to claw their way through this horrific tragedy. In the end, there were no winners. There never are.
My thanks are offered to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 20, 2019
Although this is billed as Book 1, it’s really not. There is a Book 0 which details the mysterious “It” mentioned throughout the pages of this story. Because the author never even drops a hint, it is difficult to believe anything could have led to the situations that are introduced in the beginning of “When Reason Dies.” Thus, the story begins as a political fantasy that could never come to pass, which reduces the potential thriller aspect.
The story begins with a long information dump, the first of many. The author misses many opportunities to have the characters tell the story rather than the prose. The biggest issue I found with the book is that Mr. Bowman credits almost all his characters with the potential to kill another person at any time, even with the slightest provocation. Although unrealistic, this does lend itself to supporting the plot, which is loaded with fight and battle scenes. Be warned, this contains a cliffhanger ending, requiring readers to buy the next book. To each his own, although that is usually a turn-off for me. If a writer's talent won't help me decide to buy the next book, this ploy won't either.
This is classic 21st century pulp fiction, perfect for the adrenaline junkies who like their stories chockful of action, blood, and gore. None of these bother me in a story, as long as the plot is fairly believable and the characters are fleshed out, allowing readers to understand their reasoning and motivation. Without these, the characters become predictable and one can guess where the plot is headed. If you crave non-stop action, you will probably like this story. If you seek deeper characterizations and realistic plotlines, you will do better to look elsewhere. Three stars.
The story begins with a long information dump, the first of many. The author misses many opportunities to have the characters tell the story rather than the prose. The biggest issue I found with the book is that Mr. Bowman credits almost all his characters with the potential to kill another person at any time, even with the slightest provocation. Although unrealistic, this does lend itself to supporting the plot, which is loaded with fight and battle scenes. Be warned, this contains a cliffhanger ending, requiring readers to buy the next book. To each his own, although that is usually a turn-off for me. If a writer's talent won't help me decide to buy the next book, this ploy won't either.
This is classic 21st century pulp fiction, perfect for the adrenaline junkies who like their stories chockful of action, blood, and gore. None of these bother me in a story, as long as the plot is fairly believable and the characters are fleshed out, allowing readers to understand their reasoning and motivation. Without these, the characters become predictable and one can guess where the plot is headed. If you crave non-stop action, you will probably like this story. If you seek deeper characterizations and realistic plotlines, you will do better to look elsewhere. Three stars.
June 21, 2018
Disturbing
I do understand what the author was trying to get across with this book. Our nice, relatively safe lives could be gone in a flash. The more divided we become, the closer we get to another civil war on American soil and the evil that swims just under the surface now could be set upon us in full force. I don't criticize the authors writing abilities. I just want to warn others that this is a very disturbing account of a future I pray we never see. Strong and vivid scenes unfold and not for the faint of heart or queasy stomachs.
I do understand what the author was trying to get across with this book. Our nice, relatively safe lives could be gone in a flash. The more divided we become, the closer we get to another civil war on American soil and the evil that swims just under the surface now could be set upon us in full force. I don't criticize the authors writing abilities. I just want to warn others that this is a very disturbing account of a future I pray we never see. Strong and vivid scenes unfold and not for the faint of heart or queasy stomachs.
June 27, 2019
Intense
This story will intrude into your comfort zone and might make you wonder if we need to modify the way the country is headed. This author, writes a unsettling example of what might happen.
Wake up. I highly recommend this story..
This story will intrude into your comfort zone and might make you wonder if we need to modify the way the country is headed. This author, writes a unsettling example of what might happen.
Wake up. I highly recommend this story..
June 21, 2018
Intense!!
This was a look at our probable future if things continue as they are. This was a good story with believable characters.
This was a look at our probable future if things continue as they are. This was a good story with believable characters.
September 2, 2021
Great read!
Highly recommend it you like apocalyptic novels! Could not put it down. Will be reading book 2 as soon as I can download.
Highly recommend it you like apocalyptic novels! Could not put it down. Will be reading book 2 as soon as I can download.
June 16, 2018
When Reason Dies review
When Reason Dies is the first post apocalyptic book in the Bleed Out series about the second Civil War written by author Straughn Bowman.
When Reason Dies is the first post apocalyptic book in the Bleed Out series about the second Civil War written by author Straughn Bowman.
February 10, 2024
Bleed Out is a roller coaster that takes knocks your breath out in the first chapter and doesn’t let up to let you breathe until the end. It was a cross between post-apocalyptic America and The Red Wedding, and isn’t for the faint of heart. I kept thinking that the author had a twisted imagination until you realize the things happening in this dark fictional world have, at one time or another, happened in the real world to innocent people. I highly recommend this novel for anyone curious about what happens to ordinary people when rules fall away and base instincts are allowed to flourish. But be warned, this is a novel you won’t want to read before bed!
May 27, 2018
Good Read
I've never read a book of this genre so I thought I'd give it a try out. I'm pleased to say, I enjoyed most of the read but sometimes I lost my way. The characters felt so real, it was scary. This is a dark story of the dystopian future envisioned for America, but in reality, it could happen in all the countries of the world. It would make a great film.
I've never read a book of this genre so I thought I'd give it a try out. I'm pleased to say, I enjoyed most of the read but sometimes I lost my way. The characters felt so real, it was scary. This is a dark story of the dystopian future envisioned for America, but in reality, it could happen in all the countries of the world. It would make a great film.
August 20, 2018
This novel takes place in the near future of the United States. An event happens that is labeled “it.” What the event is was never really described. There are five characters in this novel that you will follow as they experience the United States after “it.” There are two major warring groups — one is what is left of the United States government and the Republic of Texarkana. There are other groups that have emerged but there are still parts that are no-man’s land. Those lands are governed by anarchy. There is violence in those lands with no laws.
The novel is well written. As I read this novel, my being became fearful. Why? I could easily see the United States becoming this. The description of the United States for the average person is scarey if you not live in the right area. However that area can be taken over by the wrong groups. There is much violence, destruction and sex slavery. It is a dark novel. It giave me a view of a stark reality which has given me much to think about.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The novel is well written. As I read this novel, my being became fearful. Why? I could easily see the United States becoming this. The description of the United States for the average person is scarey if you not live in the right area. However that area can be taken over by the wrong groups. There is much violence, destruction and sex slavery. It is a dark novel. It giave me a view of a stark reality which has given me much to think about.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
April 18, 2018
Not so much a thriller as a prophecy of what is to come, if things don't change in the world of the political class.
This is a well thought out read and the way things are going in the world, may not be so much a novel as it could be a prophecy. Straughn Bowman has certainly got an eye for detail when it comes to the economical, political and social climate in the world today and reflects it through this often violent, intense thriller.
Travis is one sick individual with absolutely no redeeming features and just the type to rise to the top as he does when It happens. Cullen and Chambliss are typical of the sniveling, conniving back stabbing political vermin that will cause this scenario to come to pass in real life, all for the advancement of their own political ambition.
All in all a good thriller, with all the elements needed to bring the story to life, which finished on a cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This is a well thought out read and the way things are going in the world, may not be so much a novel as it could be a prophecy. Straughn Bowman has certainly got an eye for detail when it comes to the economical, political and social climate in the world today and reflects it through this often violent, intense thriller.
Travis is one sick individual with absolutely no redeeming features and just the type to rise to the top as he does when It happens. Cullen and Chambliss are typical of the sniveling, conniving back stabbing political vermin that will cause this scenario to come to pass in real life, all for the advancement of their own political ambition.
All in all a good thriller, with all the elements needed to bring the story to life, which finished on a cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
June 25, 2018
Very good read
Story kept my interest all the way through till the end And I was sorry to see it end.Will be looking out for the next segment in this series. Definitely a recommended read as it is not far from what is happening today. Scary
Story kept my interest all the way through till the end And I was sorry to see it end.Will be looking out for the next segment in this series. Definitely a recommended read as it is not far from what is happening today. Scary
July 8, 2018
A very bleak and interesting futuristic alt-history tale riddled with unscrupulous characters. It's dark and well written. I would have liked a brief explanation of IT, the event that brought it all to a head. I will be checking out the sequel.
August 21, 2018
Didn't find finish. Trafficking women was more than I could take in a read.
July 15, 2019
Interesting
With the turmoil the country's in this could be real. Enjoyed this an easy read. Quite taken with the book.
With the turmoil the country's in this could be real. Enjoyed this an easy read. Quite taken with the book.
April 20, 2025
I picked up this book since I am an avid reader of Civil War historical fiction and this seemed a good twist on the genre. However it was so much more. Much of this book is an allegory for what's happening in present day of America and what could come if we don't have a major course correction soon. Well written, intense, and riveting, I firmly believe all people should read this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews