Alone and Unafraid: Patriot Defense and Survival Guide

by Jason Hanson

Genres: Survival

Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Keith Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good: There are many good tips and tricks that are worthwhile to know and even Amazon urls so that you can buy the equipment mentioned in the book. The chapters are short enough so that if you only have a few minutes to read, you can knock out a chapter or two quickly.

Bad: The book is extremely repetitive and could have been a whole lot shorter than it's 520 pages. When I say repetitive, I'm not just talking about covering some of the same information in different chapters, which happens more than it should. I'm referring to the EXACT same wording from one chapter to another. For instance, the exact same information found at the end of page 139 through the first third of page 141 is copied WORD FOR WORD on pages 149-150! If that isn't bad enough, the paragraph breaks for the same information isn't even the same.

Ugly: There are quotation marks where there shouldn't be, missing words, and bad punctuation. If Jason Hanson is going to write another book (many of these chapters are written by other people), then he needs to invest in a good editor.

[Karl Pedersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly bullshit.

[Steve Cran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if everything hit the fan? Are you prepared for a natural disaster like a flood or earthquake? What if civil unrest, riots, or widespread chaos erupted across the country? In Alone and Unafraid: Patriot Defense and Survival Guide, former CIA officer Jason Hanson delivers a comprehensive, no-nonsense manual to help everyday people survive and thrive in crisis situations.
This 520-page guide covers a wide range of practical topics, from building bug-out and bug-in bags to fortifying your home against intruders. It includes spy techniques (such as lock-picking, avoiding scams like “wine, dine, and duped,” and maintaining situational awareness), online security tips (including setting up secure apps and preventing hacks), personal defense strategies (firearms, combat tactics, and home protection), disaster preparedness, emergency medicine, and survival skills for when the grid goes down.
One of the standout sections details a five-step plan for creating an “invasion-proof” home:
1. Identify tells that signal vulnerability — Things like an unkempt yard, overflowing mailbox, or overly friendly dogs can tip off burglars that no one is home or the house is an easy target.
2. Know your neighborhood — Stay aware of your surroundings, as wealthier areas can sometimes attract more crime.
3. Use deterrence signs — Posting notices for a guard dog, alarm system, or security service can make intruders think twice.
4. Install security cameras and adequate lighting — Modern options allow remote monitoring via your computer or phone, while bright lights expose anyone approaching your property.
5. Upgrade your locks — Replace cheap hardware with high-quality options like Schlage deadbolts for better protection.
The book goes beyond basics, offering recommendations for self-defense tools, first-aid kits, and other gear to turn you into a well-prepared “prepper.” Hanson draws from his CIA experience to provide real-world, actionable advice without unnecessary alarmism.
While the content is packed with valuable insights and specific brand recommendations, note that some readers have pointed out issues like typos, formatting inconsistencies, and a structure that feels like a compilation of blog posts or contributions from others. It reads more like a practical reference guide than a narrative page-turner.
Overall, if you’re serious about personal security, home defense, and being ready for emergencies, Alone and Unafraid is a solid resource. It empowers you to take control of your safety and protect your family in an unpredictable world. Highly recommended for anyone looking to build resilience and preparedness.

[Mickey Bits · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ordered this book on impulse from a YouTube ad.... which should have been the first warning.

The book had some useful information. However, I was put off by the lacklustre book design. It seems like this was a compilation of a series of blog posts. There are many typos and formatting errors and often the chapters/blog posts refer to visuals that do not accompany the book version.

Meh.

[Virginia Boylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a reference book than one to read for pleasure or necessarily to read straight through. It's crammed with useful information and advice on preparing for, surviving, and even being comfortable, when possible, in crises. The specific references to good brands and makes is appreciated. I also appreciate Hanson's practical, no-nonsense approach without being alarmist.