What do you think?
Still Surviving #4
Dark Hope: Still Surviving
Wes and Raider have found themselves in the thick of things once again. The KGR are hitting back relentlessly and, with Jessica’s group feared to be wiped out, the homestead falls into a quiet panic. Paranoia is running rampant, and rightly there’s a mole who has been working for Spider in their midst. After learning more about how the KGR operate, and where some of their caches are, Wes’s group goes on the offensive. Everything changes with Jess’s revelation; they know they have to keep the pressure up to keep their freedom. Even with Spider’s taunting and the knowledge that he has more moles planted within Wes’s inner circle, the group pushes on. They are outmanned, outgunned, and running low on supplies. It’s time for them to become even more unconventional. Wes has to go back to his roots to come up with a plan to not only flush out the traitors, but to put a major hurt on their foes. The group has underestimated the ruthless nature of the KGR and is thinking they are finally getting ahead of their enemies, when Emily starts to unravel. There’s hope, but will that dark hope be enough for everyone to still survive?
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
278 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 8, 2019
Dark Hope is the fourth book in the Still Surviving series, it continues on from the cliffhanger ending in Darkest Hour; things continue to worsen for Wesley's compound who have now come into open conflict with the KGR group. In this installment however Wesley begins to regroup and rather than merely reacting to circumstances starts to formulate plans to seek retribution on the KGR group.
This and Darkest Hour are the two most action filled books of the series and the detailed characters seen throughout the series continue to develop here with further revelations about some of the compound members being uncovered and Emily's subplot becoming a larger part of the story.
Whilst this one ends in the midst of Emily's subplot unfolding further, I felt that for once it managed to not feel utterly abrupt as the others had and actually felt like a complete story. The prior books had the rather undesirable feature of cutting off mid-action or as a vital plot point unfolded and offering a mailing list to sign up for the next book when it was written. Not a fan of that at all. So in terms of that aspect, this was quite a step forwards also.
If any of the story outlines are of interest I would say it's worthwhile to pick up all four to read them, as despite the earlier books abrupt cliff hangers together as a unit of four books the contained story is excellent and enthralling. Whilst four books might seem onerous, they are all actually quite quick reads, I'd go as far as to say the four took about as much time as TC Sherry's 700 page Deep Winter book. They're definitely worth a look if you enjoy post apocalypse/survival stories.
This and Darkest Hour are the two most action filled books of the series and the detailed characters seen throughout the series continue to develop here with further revelations about some of the compound members being uncovered and Emily's subplot becoming a larger part of the story.
Whilst this one ends in the midst of Emily's subplot unfolding further, I felt that for once it managed to not feel utterly abrupt as the others had and actually felt like a complete story. The prior books had the rather undesirable feature of cutting off mid-action or as a vital plot point unfolded and offering a mailing list to sign up for the next book when it was written. Not a fan of that at all. So in terms of that aspect, this was quite a step forwards also.
If any of the story outlines are of interest I would say it's worthwhile to pick up all four to read them, as despite the earlier books abrupt cliff hangers together as a unit of four books the contained story is excellent and enthralling. Whilst four books might seem onerous, they are all actually quite quick reads, I'd go as far as to say the four took about as much time as TC Sherry's 700 page Deep Winter book. They're definitely worth a look if you enjoy post apocalypse/survival stories.
June 18, 2019
Unless Mr. Craven indicates he is writing more in the series, I have to rate the Survival series 3 stars! This was one of the best survivalist stories I have read but to end the series with Emily leaving the compound is a giant let down! Their is no indication that there is going to be more books in the series as it was said it was a 4 book series! Nothing was resolved! Emily was a major character but not the focal point of the series C'mon Mr. Craven are you going to finish the story or is this it. I was prepared to give this series 5 stars but if this is all of the Westley and Jessica saga then it has been a waste of time and a major disappoint me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2019
Fantastic Read - A new favorite author to follow
Wow!
What a thrill ride. Multifaceted characters that pull you in. I’ve read many books in this genre, and lost myself in the story. I found myself pulling up references online to learn more about the chemistry, cooking, and preparation that our hero’s and villains practiced.
Almost makes me look forward to an apocalyptic scenario to put my newfound knowledge to the test.
Wonder if I’d be noticed in Boca Raton if I start running my own still! 😎
Wow!
What a thrill ride. Multifaceted characters that pull you in. I’ve read many books in this genre, and lost myself in the story. I found myself pulling up references online to learn more about the chemistry, cooking, and preparation that our hero’s and villains practiced.
Almost makes me look forward to an apocalyptic scenario to put my newfound knowledge to the test.
Wonder if I’d be noticed in Boca Raton if I start running my own still! 😎
May 22, 2019
Things are getting interesting!
Boyd is excellent at character development!
Wes is coming to the realization that he IS the leader of the group at his homestead and is growing into the role. Jessica and Linda are settling in to life at the homestead. Marshall is acquiring new skills and friends.emily is spiraling.
Such a wonderful group of characters and the dogs have their own personalities too!
Boyd is excellent at character development!
Wes is coming to the realization that he IS the leader of the group at his homestead and is growing into the role. Jessica and Linda are settling in to life at the homestead. Marshall is acquiring new skills and friends.emily is spiraling.
Such a wonderful group of characters and the dogs have their own personalities too!
May 17, 2019
Well now
The Saga continues. I had a feeling she was going to go. She didn't disappoint. So many twists and turns in this book. You think one thing and poof your theory is squashed. All I can say is this ending isn't like the one when I thought Raider died.
Definitely enjoying this series. Looking forward to reading the next book.
The Saga continues. I had a feeling she was going to go. She didn't disappoint. So many twists and turns in this book. You think one thing and poof your theory is squashed. All I can say is this ending isn't like the one when I thought Raider died.
Definitely enjoying this series. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 25, 2019
Wouldn’t You Know It!
He’s gone and done it again! Left us hanging up in the air - just hanging till the next book in the series. Luckily, the book is so good, you find yourself so immersed that all track of time is lost. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, here comes the curve ball! Some of Boyd Craven’s best work & I’ve read them all!
He’s gone and done it again! Left us hanging up in the air - just hanging till the next book in the series. Luckily, the book is so good, you find yourself so immersed that all track of time is lost. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, here comes the curve ball! Some of Boyd Craven’s best work & I’ve read them all!
January 12, 2020
On My, Geez Louise!!!!
This series just gets better and better.....every page is interesting, every character is valuable to the whole....it has ups and downs and a few loopty loops. This is going to be short because I'm anxious to get going on the next. Don't hesitate to start this series......you won't be disappointed!! Happy reading y'all!
This series just gets better and better.....every page is interesting, every character is valuable to the whole....it has ups and downs and a few loopty loops. This is going to be short because I'm anxious to get going on the next. Don't hesitate to start this series......you won't be disappointed!! Happy reading y'all!
February 8, 2020
This is a generally good book, though there is a lot of banter presumably for some comic relief. Emily has gotten stranger and more erratic and what happens towards the end seems off and strange. There are a few editing issues, especially with punctuation. I assume that there is another book since this takes a lot of time to build a confrontation with KGR and Spider.
July 16, 2021
Dark Hope: Still Surviving. Boyd Craven III
The Chaos and fighting has become more intense. A lot of people are being KIA. Decisions are being made by Wes that are extremely hard and have a great impact on him and others.There's also a traitor in his group that has to be found. Non stop action. Another excellent read in this series!! Enjoyed immensely!!
The Chaos and fighting has become more intense. A lot of people are being KIA. Decisions are being made by Wes that are extremely hard and have a great impact on him and others.There's also a traitor in his group that has to be found. Non stop action. Another excellent read in this series!! Enjoyed immensely!!
September 3, 2021
Review
In the first book Jess had a younger sister who has disappeared from the story. The characters do a lot of drinking, more than normal. I’m glad there’s only one more book. The series is interesting but I tired of these super villains that seem to populate apocalyptic stories.
In the first book Jess had a younger sister who has disappeared from the story. The characters do a lot of drinking, more than normal. I’m glad there’s only one more book. The series is interesting but I tired of these super villains that seem to populate apocalyptic stories.
May 18, 2019
You did it again Boyd!
Excellent book. Once again Boyd has brought Wes and Jess back together! Fast paced, page turning suspense and action. Boyd has proven himself to be an excellent story teller.
Excellent book. Once again Boyd has brought Wes and Jess back together! Fast paced, page turning suspense and action. Boyd has proven himself to be an excellent story teller.
June 10, 2019
Excellent
The author does an amazing job with character development all through the series adding new characters, villians and the good guys. Could not put this book down from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one
The author does an amazing job with character development all through the series adding new characters, villians and the good guys. Could not put this book down from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one
July 9, 2019
Looking forward to the next one
And the adventures of Wes and Jessica continues. I love how the arthur keeps family members close in the storyline, it really rounds our the main characters. I can picture them and the story like a movie in my head. Read this, you will love it.
And the adventures of Wes and Jessica continues. I love how the arthur keeps family members close in the storyline, it really rounds our the main characters. I can picture them and the story like a movie in my head. Read this, you will love it.
July 16, 2019
Awful ending/last book? I hope. This series was disappointing and really washed out at the end. For those just starting, my advice, don't wast your time. The author ran out of steam about the middle of the second book but I kept on reading, hoping for a turnaround. No luck. Sorry.
August 5, 2019
Dark Hope
Bob Craven did it again with Dark Hope: Still Surviving. He grabs your attention in the first paragraph and keeps your attention through out the rest of the book. He makes his characters real to the reader. He keeps each characters story straight. Such a joy to read.
Bob Craven did it again with Dark Hope: Still Surviving. He grabs your attention in the first paragraph and keeps your attention through out the rest of the book. He makes his characters real to the reader. He keeps each characters story straight. Such a joy to read.
January 28, 2020
Good story
This story is a good end of the world as we know it story. The characters are well developed and are people that you would want to have your back. I would like to read more stories by this author.
This story is a good end of the world as we know it story. The characters are well developed and are people that you would want to have your back. I would like to read more stories by this author.
March 18, 2020
Good reading
I quit reading the series for a while after his third book and then picked it back up about 6months later and continued Reading book number four found it to be very easy to recapture the story line
I quit reading the series for a while after his third book and then picked it back up about 6months later and continued Reading book number four found it to be very easy to recapture the story line
March 27, 2020
Amazing
Well written. Character development was excellent Situations believable The Twist and turns of the plot Were just unbelievable and not Easily to see coming or expected My kudos to you sir. Can not wait for the next series
Well written. Character development was excellent Situations believable The Twist and turns of the plot Were just unbelievable and not Easily to see coming or expected My kudos to you sir. Can not wait for the next series
April 10, 2020
Fun series. Creative characters; the hero is a moonshiner/chemistry teacher/hunter/prepper who straddles the edge in a new world. Wow. Just finished book 5.
I actually fear for some of the characters in the world the author has created.
Cannot wait for more. Onward!
I actually fear for some of the characters in the world the author has created.
Cannot wait for more. Onward!
April 19, 2020
Emily
Well, Emily and her BFR are nothing to get toyed with. On another note, the other spy has not been found and the Flagg homestead are losing more people. Now, Emily has gone missing. What is she up to? What is Spider and the Keggars up to?
Well, Emily and her BFR are nothing to get toyed with. On another note, the other spy has not been found and the Flagg homestead are losing more people. Now, Emily has gone missing. What is she up to? What is Spider and the Keggars up to?
June 16, 2021
Oh my
This book was really good. Some really good things happened and some really bad things happened. Our group keeps working to make the homestead safe. I'm off to start the next one.
This book was really good. Some really good things happened and some really bad things happened. Our group keeps working to make the homestead safe. I'm off to start the next one.
June 22, 2021
Getting the spy
Wes is still having trouble with Spider and that faction. Getting everybody trained to survive and people having meltdowns. Losing good people and combining groups. Another great reads.
Wes is still having trouble with Spider and that faction. Getting everybody trained to survive and people having meltdowns. Losing good people and combining groups. Another great reads.
June 23, 2021
Great read
Well I stayed riveted again and once again I’ve been stuck with a cliffhanger. I am hoping there is another book here to go on with these characters I’ve become involved with. What’s next?
Well I stayed riveted again and once again I’ve been stuck with a cliffhanger. I am hoping there is another book here to go on with these characters I’ve become involved with. What’s next?
August 1, 2021
The story twists and turns
This story continues to surprise me with the twists and turns it takes.just when I think I know what will happen it goes down a side rail I didn’t know was there and so of course it is a surprise
This story continues to surprise me with the twists and turns it takes.just when I think I know what will happen it goes down a side rail I didn’t know was there and so of course it is a surprise
March 30, 2022
Awesome story!
I really enjoy this book! The people come alive and show true Humor,it
tenacity, Their mistakes. The engineunity of the people keep you interested enough that you don't want to put the book down.
I really enjoy this book! The people come alive and show true Humor,it
tenacity, Their mistakes. The engineunity of the people keep you interested enough that you don't want to put the book down.
May 18, 2019
5 stars
Another winner by one of my favorite authors. A little darker and a little scarier this book. The main character’s evolution is very interesting to follow.
Another winner by one of my favorite authors. A little darker and a little scarier this book. The main character’s evolution is very interesting to follow.
May 19, 2019
Great Series
I can't wait for the next book. Keeps getting better and better. Will keep you on the edge of your seat to see what gonna happen next.
I can't wait for the next book. Keeps getting better and better. Will keep you on the edge of your seat to see what gonna happen next.
May 21, 2019
Riviting
Such a great series with wonderful characters. Love Wes, Grandma and Raider. Eagerly awaiting on the next book! Hurry please.
Such a great series with wonderful characters. Love Wes, Grandma and Raider. Eagerly awaiting on the next book! Hurry please.
May 25, 2019
Very good
Wow! This is a very good series. It grabs ones attention and never let's go. You have made a fan for sure Mr. Craven.
Wow! This is a very good series. It grabs ones attention and never let's go. You have made a fan for sure Mr. Craven.
May 29, 2019
Some storylines are wrapped up, and more are added to the plot. There's tears, there's laughter, there's (dark) hope!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews