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The Ranch: Evolutions
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by Sean Liscom“Tell me, Tara. You do know you can’t win now. The only ending here is gonna be a bullet to the head when I’m done messing you up. Trust me, you’ll beg for it to end,” he let a broad grin play across his face.“Right now, you’re just boring me to death.”“See! There’s that spunk again! Death is staring you in the face and yet, you’re defiant! I love that! Too bad we couldn’t have met under different circumstances. I’m betting we could have been good friends and associates!” he lunged forward but stopped short of getting within engagement range. Instead, he started circling.“Are your knees getting weaker? I think they are. You’re as white as a ghost. Honestly, I don’t know how you’re still standing,” his taunts weren’t far from the truth. The knife in my hand was growing heavy, my feet were slow to move, and my vision was beginning to blur.My legs finally buckled, no longer able to support my weight I collapsed to my knees. My blade clattered to the pavement. I was done. I knew I’d lost too much blood; I couldn’t take enough oxygen into my lungs. I raised my head and tried to focus on Keith. He walked toward me, kicking the knife well out of my reach. He put the tip of the bat in the middle of my chest and pushed. Unable to resist either him or gravity, I toppled over backward.ExcerptJanuary 12th, 2023I remember the day the gates closed and stayed closed. I remember it like it was only yesterday. Standing on the sidewalk in front of the medical building, the American flag gently flapping in the breeze behind us, my father’s hand on my shoulder. I’ll never forget the way he apologized to me, the sadness in his eyes. He said he wished he could have done more to prevent what happened; he felt a horrible guilt about the way things turned out.While the ranch had been a virtual beehive of activity, when that front gate closed with a metallic clang, everyone froze. There was a silence casting a pall over the entire ranch. No one spoke nor did they dare move. Even the livestock were unusually quiet. It was as if they too had sensed what had happened. The dire consequences of human actions had stunned every living thing at the ranch into silence.It would be months before the cloak would begin to lift. It was an abnormally harsh and early winter that followed the mellow days of September. Over the course of the winter, we finally began to understand the magnitude of the devastation outside of our walls. One by one, our contacts on the HAM radio fell silent as the plague took its hefty toll on humanity. Before they went dark, the HAM stations all reported the same frightful conditions. While things had been bad for most, those not immune to the plague were about to have a much harder time.The plague, as it had been dubbed, spared very few who came in contact with it. Those who were spared were left wishing for death to come. When January rolled around, the only contacts left on the airwaves were other immune outposts.When it was finally time to plant the spring crops, the farmers were only allowed through the gate under heavy guard. It was the same when the cowboys went out to bring in the cattle or the wild horses. Hunting parties, scavenging parties, they were all heavily guarded. You see, to have the blood of an immune meant you had a target on your back. There were groups of survivors who held the belief that our blood could bring them the same immunity from the plague. However false their beliefs, it was the last shred of hope they had, and they clung to it ferociously, violently even.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2021
279 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 7, 2022
Not as good as the first books
I didn't really care for how the whole book was dedicated to just one story. Some of her poor decisions I thought showed her lack of maturity and selfishness, maybe that was the point nevertheless not my favorite in the series.
I didn't really care for how the whole book was dedicated to just one story. Some of her poor decisions I thought showed her lack of maturity and selfishness, maybe that was the point nevertheless not my favorite in the series.
July 2, 2021
Boring
Lost me within the first 3 chapters. Felt like some new author was writing. Characters were bland. Plot was too plodding.
Lost me within the first 3 chapters. Felt like some new author was writing. Characters were bland. Plot was too plodding.
April 26, 2023
Didn't like it nearly as well as first 4 books. Seemed more fanciful or forced
April 14, 2025
“I told you why I’m out here, right?”
“You said something about writing people’s stories down.”
This story takes place five years after the twins’ (Olivia and William) births.
Tara Sterling, 18, is Jason and Jill’s adopted daughter.
The choice for Tara as a narrative MC—when Jason is strong—baffles. And Tara just…wants to see what’s out there.
Good dialectic and colloquial speech.
Dawson, 18.
The blood hunters.
The lack of editing remains a weakness. When the story is not as compelling, the mistakes become even more glaring.
Juno, Tara’s dog, is far and away the best character in this book.
Eureka: the town of those left behind after Ray Judge’s massacre. The “ghost kids.”
Action finally begins around 57%. Improves drastically from here. (It’s slow AF before that.)
Attack. Defense. Rescue mission.
Great scenes with Keith and his merry band of ingrates. Tara’s ingenuity is impressive.
Major Jackson. Melissa.
Marshal Service.
The ending is solid.
Sean may be a victim of his own success. Jason Sterling is such a compelling narrative MC…and Tara flails in comparison. The first four books are filled with conflict and intrigue. This is some young girl wandering around after the apocalypse. The contrast would not be so stark if the first four installments weren’t excellent.
Sean’s stellar world-building and the nostalgia for the last four books can only take this one so far…
“I’ll say it again; you understand that because you understand the way things used to be. It’s your generation that can be a bridge to the past.”
“You said something about writing people’s stories down.”
This story takes place five years after the twins’ (Olivia and William) births.
Tara Sterling, 18, is Jason and Jill’s adopted daughter.
The choice for Tara as a narrative MC—when Jason is strong—baffles. And Tara just…wants to see what’s out there.
Good dialectic and colloquial speech.
Dawson, 18.
The blood hunters.
The lack of editing remains a weakness. When the story is not as compelling, the mistakes become even more glaring.
Juno, Tara’s dog, is far and away the best character in this book.
Eureka: the town of those left behind after Ray Judge’s massacre. The “ghost kids.”
Action finally begins around 57%. Improves drastically from here. (It’s slow AF before that.)
Attack. Defense. Rescue mission.
Great scenes with Keith and his merry band of ingrates. Tara’s ingenuity is impressive.
Major Jackson. Melissa.
Marshal Service.
The ending is solid.
Sean may be a victim of his own success. Jason Sterling is such a compelling narrative MC…and Tara flails in comparison. The first four books are filled with conflict and intrigue. This is some young girl wandering around after the apocalypse. The contrast would not be so stark if the first four installments weren’t excellent.
Sean’s stellar world-building and the nostalgia for the last four books can only take this one so far…
“I’ll say it again; you understand that because you understand the way things used to be. It’s your generation that can be a bridge to the past.”
September 10, 2021
It does evolve
This review is not only for this book but the entire series of the ranch books. They start out with a couple of brothers and evolve into a large group of people that find that they all turn into family . They go from one crisis to another looking out for each other and the people that keep adding to their family. Now I'll be waiting for the next installment. Hopefully it will be as good or better than each book. Thanks for all the entertainment. Keep the stories coming and I'll keep reading them.
This review is not only for this book but the entire series of the ranch books. They start out with a couple of brothers and evolve into a large group of people that find that they all turn into family . They go from one crisis to another looking out for each other and the people that keep adding to their family. Now I'll be waiting for the next installment. Hopefully it will be as good or better than each book. Thanks for all the entertainment. Keep the stories coming and I'll keep reading them.
August 15, 2023
New eyes on the world.
The young, almost always, think that they know what is best for them. You did a great job of getting into the head of a young girl. My granddaughter read this and wants more of Tara, me too. This was a great change from the other books and keep things going in a good direction. I don't think that everyone will like this, because of the things that she has to do. Most people don't think that young girl could do anything like this. Boy are you wrong, I have seen them, all over the world, do things worst than this. Get out of your dream world.
The young, almost always, think that they know what is best for them. You did a great job of getting into the head of a young girl. My granddaughter read this and wants more of Tara, me too. This was a great change from the other books and keep things going in a good direction. I don't think that everyone will like this, because of the things that she has to do. Most people don't think that young girl could do anything like this. Boy are you wrong, I have seen them, all over the world, do things worst than this. Get out of your dream world.
June 23, 2024
Sean Liscom is an amazing writer, he just expanded on his series The Ranch, by taking us out into the world outside the Ranch. This book covers Tara Sterling, the adopted daughter of Jason and Jill Sterling taking off on her own to write the story of the survivors and to explore. It covers less than a month but it is thought provoking and a page turner. She learns many new lessons as her adventure takes into dangers that she had not thought about about and also found out about herself. Exact read and highly recommended.
July 15, 2021
Amazing
This is another great addition to The Ranch series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a young woman going out on her own in a violent world and taking all the lessons that she learned and her unstoppable spirit, going against the odds and becoming a warrior. I would highly recommend the series and especially this book. Looking forward to more in the series and more from this author!
This is another great addition to The Ranch series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a young woman going out on her own in a violent world and taking all the lessons that she learned and her unstoppable spirit, going against the odds and becoming a warrior. I would highly recommend the series and especially this book. Looking forward to more in the series and more from this author!
July 21, 2021
Awesomeness
I have just finished reading all 5 books. I could stop reading as I felt the need to do my part. As I read, a lot of thoughts came to mind, I miss the adrenaline rush of the battle field and the thought that this very situation could easily become a reality in today’s society…. Great reading!!!
I have just finished reading all 5 books. I could stop reading as I felt the need to do my part. As I read, a lot of thoughts came to mind, I miss the adrenaline rush of the battle field and the thought that this very situation could easily become a reality in today’s society…. Great reading!!!
July 24, 2021
Yet another great book and story.
With few exceptions mostly amounting to grammatical errors, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from the author. I await the next offering in this series if it isn't already out.
Keep up the good work. You weave a good,credible story.
Thank you.
With few exceptions mostly amounting to grammatical errors, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from the author. I await the next offering in this series if it isn't already out.
Keep up the good work. You weave a good,credible story.
Thank you.
August 2, 2021
Tara goes astray
After being told no, Tara S Snakes out of the house in the middle of the snow storm To start her journey. She gets Detoured by a snow storm You should find nearly frozen to death Finds herself Going to the town of endeavor And from there it gets exciting. This is well red and well thought out hard to put down.
After being told no, Tara S Snakes out of the house in the middle of the snow storm To start her journey. She gets Detoured by a snow storm You should find nearly frozen to death Finds herself Going to the town of endeavor And from there it gets exciting. This is well red and well thought out hard to put down.
December 19, 2021
So worth the time to read this whole series!
Sean has not only a natural way of writing, but the ability to deliver so much information you can't put this series down!
It has it all, adventure, depth, and real insight.
Thank you so much for the work you've put in Sean Liscom... It's been such a pleasure to find your books!
Sean has not only a natural way of writing, but the ability to deliver so much information you can't put this series down!
It has it all, adventure, depth, and real insight.
Thank you so much for the work you've put in Sean Liscom... It's been such a pleasure to find your books!
January 26, 2022
5 Books of The Ranch series in 5 days!
Every book in this series draws you in quickly and keeps you anticipating the next page until the end. Throughout the entire series, when I had to stop and put the the book down, I could not wait to get back to it - the quicker, the better! I see the rating on this series as a 4.5 … what??? It’s totally deserving of a 5 star plus! I think your competitors must be up to some unscrupulous business!! 😂 Thanks for the great writing, keep it up!!!
Every book in this series draws you in quickly and keeps you anticipating the next page until the end. Throughout the entire series, when I had to stop and put the the book down, I could not wait to get back to it - the quicker, the better! I see the rating on this series as a 4.5 … what??? It’s totally deserving of a 5 star plus! I think your competitors must be up to some unscrupulous business!! 😂 Thanks for the great writing, keep it up!!!
February 23, 2022
Well researched and put together
This is an amazing series, well put together, well researched. Since birth I've been inculcated in survival and living. I come from a long line of mountain hillrods, originally Arkansas/Illinois, now the southwest since 86. These are solid books, entertaining and incredibly well written
I could read them once a year.
This is an amazing series, well put together, well researched. Since birth I've been inculcated in survival and living. I come from a long line of mountain hillrods, originally Arkansas/Illinois, now the southwest since 86. These are solid books, entertaining and incredibly well written
I could read them once a year.
February 12, 2023
The Ranch, Book 5
The Ranch, Book 5, was, like it's predecessors, an exciting and excellent story. Having finished the series now, and coming back to place reviews, all of the stories to this time have been quite a read. Except for a couple of books with typos, one of the best end of time series out there.
The Ranch, Book 5, was, like it's predecessors, an exciting and excellent story. Having finished the series now, and coming back to place reviews, all of the stories to this time have been quite a read. Except for a couple of books with typos, one of the best end of time series out there.
September 11, 2023
Life
I was talking to my adult daughter about this book. We agreed that there's a missed generation. People her age (40 something) that don't know how to do things, like gardening. Just like in the story. People since COVID have started to learn some of these life lessons.
It's great to be able to relate how life is after having major events.
I was talking to my adult daughter about this book. We agreed that there's a missed generation. People her age (40 something) that don't know how to do things, like gardening. Just like in the story. People since COVID have started to learn some of these life lessons.
It's great to be able to relate how life is after having major events.
November 5, 2023
Back to the edge of unbelievably awesome
This reminds me a bit of Book 1 in the way that it was almost unbelievable and unbelievably awesome! This is Book 5 of 7. It is not a standalone. While Books 1-4 were the parents, these next three seem to be about the kids.
I will definitely continue the series. I would definitely recommend for anyone 13ish or older.
This reminds me a bit of Book 1 in the way that it was almost unbelievable and unbelievably awesome! This is Book 5 of 7. It is not a standalone. While Books 1-4 were the parents, these next three seem to be about the kids.
I will definitely continue the series. I would definitely recommend for anyone 13ish or older.
September 1, 2021
The story never ends
I choose this rating Because it tied lot some Loose ends To the series. There is always Good And bad Now and afterwards. It is up to all of us 2Take part In making life better.
I choose this rating Because it tied lot some Loose ends To the series. There is always Good And bad Now and afterwards. It is up to all of us 2Take part In making life better.
February 22, 2022
Good over evil
Well written it's taken me 4 or 5 days to finish the 5 Ranch books armies so far. You have to do what you have to do to protect you and yours. Yea Sean Liscom well written and it touches the good within.
Well written it's taken me 4 or 5 days to finish the 5 Ranch books armies so far. You have to do what you have to do to protect you and yours. Yea Sean Liscom well written and it touches the good within.
December 11, 2022
Very good read!
Loved Tara and her go get it nature. It is nice to have a story With so much agony that it is still uplifting. Often this genre gets to negative and it is a bummer to watch everyone in agony or death! Having an uplifting plot is so exhilarating!
Loved Tara and her go get it nature. It is nice to have a story With so much agony that it is still uplifting. Often this genre gets to negative and it is a bummer to watch everyone in agony or death! Having an uplifting plot is so exhilarating!
December 16, 2023
Oh, how I loathe when an author creates a series that I enjoy as an adult then suddenly book 5 turns it into YA. Look if I wanted whiney teens trying to prove they are all that doing stupid things, if I wanted all that angst I would select YA books.
June 22, 2021
Fascinating
The twist and turns of this plot are amazingly placed and unpredictable. To not read this is a loss for you.
The twist and turns of this plot are amazingly placed and unpredictable. To not read this is a loss for you.
June 25, 2021
Great series!
Captivating and realistic. You can see yourself right there and living the situation with them. Can't wait for the next book.
Captivating and realistic. You can see yourself right there and living the situation with them. Can't wait for the next book.
July 5, 2021
Fantastic series
Start from the first book, trust me you won't be able to put them down!
I can't wait for the next one!
Start from the first book, trust me you won't be able to put them down!
I can't wait for the next one!
July 5, 2021
I love this series! Highly recommended.
I have eagerly waited for each volume since the first. I'm so happy that it's being carried forth into the next generation.
I have eagerly waited for each volume since the first. I'm so happy that it's being carried forth into the next generation.
August 9, 2021
Lots of action
I loved all five of these books. Was always satisfying and suspenseful for what would happen next. I hope that there will be a sixth book soon!
I loved all five of these books. Was always satisfying and suspenseful for what would happen next. I hope that there will be a sixth book soon!
August 19, 2021
Great Series!!
Enjoyed the series of books. They story line kept it interesting along with the characters and the parts they played in the books. Well worth a read.
Enjoyed the series of books. They story line kept it interesting along with the characters and the parts they played in the books. Well worth a read.
August 28, 2021
The best
Loved this series of The Ranch it is everything one might need to read as the world we know is so ever changing. Hope to get more soon.
Loved this series of The Ranch it is everything one might need to read as the world we know is so ever changing. Hope to get more soon.
August 31, 2021
Good read
I started reading this book because I have read several other books by MrLiscom and enjoyed them and I'm here to say this was no exception. Really a good read
I started reading this book because I have read several other books by MrLiscom and enjoyed them and I'm here to say this was no exception. Really a good read
September 9, 2021
Great read
I so enjoyed this book. I was worried it wouldn’t be as exciting as the other books since they had changed the story more to Tara. Well I was mistaken. Read on.
I so enjoyed this book. I was worried it wouldn’t be as exciting as the other books since they had changed the story more to Tara. Well I was mistaken. Read on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews