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When The Well Runs Dry
In a country divided by civil war, one city stands above the chaos. Since the system collapsed, citizens are struggling to survive. Marauders are destroying what little is left. However, not everyone is quite ready to surrender. The Alder and her loyal supporters find themselves caught in a life or death struggle to save, not only themselves but also those around them. The future of the nation is at stake. When The Well Runs Dry is the first book in M J Dees' dystopian series set in a future where resources have all but run out. Read this book while there is still a future in which to read it.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 29, 2018
In this world there are good guys, and there are bad guys. Usually by the end of the book I can tell who is who - but not this time. There are so many characters and the plot is so convoluted that it is impossible to be sure of anything despite the fact that there is an explanation given at the end. AND - there is no resolution at the end of this novel. The main character does not even know who the bad guy is. Sorry - I didn't like this one. I WANT GOOD TO TRIUMPTH. I want to understand the end of the book.
August 10, 2018
Really liked the first part where it talks about surviving and sustainability. Wished the author had included references at end of book. He researched it, you can tell.
The next parts of the book get into the political aspects of creating new societies for survival. You think you have it and then it twists on you. Trying to figure out who is playing who. Nice attempt I clarifying what happened. However I must admit that I am still a bit confused. Even the ending says will have to see. So it seems to be more coming.
I received an ARC and this is my honest and freely given review.
The next parts of the book get into the political aspects of creating new societies for survival. You think you have it and then it twists on you. Trying to figure out who is playing who. Nice attempt I clarifying what happened. However I must admit that I am still a bit confused. Even the ending says will have to see. So it seems to be more coming.
I received an ARC and this is my honest and freely given review.
August 10, 2022
2,25☆ I thought the story was redundant, and the characters not very likable :( I wanted it to end. Also, the use of the expression "very mature trees" to describe the landscape was used at least 5 times, it felt very odd to read the same wording again and again.
October 6, 2018
This is an unusual book in that it begins as a 'letter' from a father to his daughter, and ends with a hint of another adventure.
The letter hopes for a reunion, but in the meantime, the father details his days now that the luxuries of the human race have all gone. He still has his home, his garden, chickens, a goat, and his greenhouse. Having been living a good way outwith the nearest village, he was rarely bothered. As a result, he learned to grow everything he needed to survive. A very accomplished nurturer, indeed. This part of the book is slow as you learn his routines, what vegetables grow when, and how to tend the seedlings and the soil. It goes slowly because he has nothing else to do, nothing else to tell his daughter. He doesn't even know if she is dead or alive, so all his hard work writing, may be for no point whatsoever. The author clearly has meticulously researched this subject and it shows. But this part of the book also lulls you into a false sense of security.
I won't spoil the rest of the story for you as it is well-paced and well-written, but when things happen to change his life, by God, they don't half! It's like a spy novel - you don't know who to trust, the characters don't even know. You think you know the characters? You don't. The plot is very unexpected and cleverly done, however the book does feel a wee bit too long.
With the ending of the book the way it is, there are many adventurous scenarios that could take place in the future with these characters.
The letter hopes for a reunion, but in the meantime, the father details his days now that the luxuries of the human race have all gone. He still has his home, his garden, chickens, a goat, and his greenhouse. Having been living a good way outwith the nearest village, he was rarely bothered. As a result, he learned to grow everything he needed to survive. A very accomplished nurturer, indeed. This part of the book is slow as you learn his routines, what vegetables grow when, and how to tend the seedlings and the soil. It goes slowly because he has nothing else to do, nothing else to tell his daughter. He doesn't even know if she is dead or alive, so all his hard work writing, may be for no point whatsoever. The author clearly has meticulously researched this subject and it shows. But this part of the book also lulls you into a false sense of security.
I won't spoil the rest of the story for you as it is well-paced and well-written, but when things happen to change his life, by God, they don't half! It's like a spy novel - you don't know who to trust, the characters don't even know. You think you know the characters? You don't. The plot is very unexpected and cleverly done, however the book does feel a wee bit too long.
With the ending of the book the way it is, there are many adventurous scenarios that could take place in the future with these characters.
August 13, 2018
My first read from author MJ Dees. Slow & methodical in plot development, builds speed for the first third of the book, never the less a good, enjoyable read. Reminiscent of the writing style of author Eliza Green I look forward to the continuation of the story in the next book. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)
March 15, 2019
Wow! This book began as a journal about surviving when the world's economy collapses. Odd, but a bit interesting.
Then it switched to another guy...
Then to the daughter of the man who's trying to survive.
I think the word "intrigue" would fit this book.
A coup? Who are good guys? Who are the bad guys?
Then it switched to another guy...
Then to the daughter of the man who's trying to survive.
I think the word "intrigue" would fit this book.
A coup? Who are good guys? Who are the bad guys?
January 3, 2020
This book could so easily be the future we're facing and will only be avoided if we take heed of the results of running out of resources. Other than that this book keeps you guessing all the way through with so many twists and turns you're never quite sure who is really working for or against who. It's a great read in so many ways, thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more
July 19, 2019
A really interesting and different take on the usual dystopian world. The characters were nicely fleshed out and the intrigue was fantastic. I stopped to look up a map so I could picture where it was set. I really enjoyed this and will definitely read more of this author.
September 21, 2019
Great book! It is very up to date with present climate/human/tech relations. Makes one think about how the future can be if we do not start to take care of this planet and our actions properly. Highly recomended.
February 16, 2019
A very well written end of the world, with twists & turns to keep you guessing! Really enjoyable read!
I like this writer, something a bit different!
I like this writer, something a bit different!
June 6, 2019
A very entertaining story with lots of twists and turns.
June 19, 2021
This is the first story I read by this writer. I was not disappointed! Brilliant! So well written, great plot & story line. It grabbed me from the start & kept me reading until the end! I did enjoy this very much, a pleasure to read! I will look for more by this writer & do recommend!
December 12, 2023
Moments of brilliance; within a convoluted plot
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews