The Battle Begins

Defender #1

by Jerry Ahern

The toughest gangs from America's inner cities have been trained and given sophisticated weaponry, holding the country under a reign of terror. But when they murder David Holden's family, the ex-special forces commando gathers an army of cops and veterans and initiates a war of justice.

245 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Jerry Ahern (born Jerome Morrell Ahern) was a science fiction and action novel author best known for his post apocalyptic survivalist series The Survivalist. The books in this series are heavy with descriptions of the weapons the protagonists use to survive and prosecute a seemingly never-ending war amongst the remnants of the superpowers from pre-apocalypse times.

Ahern was also a firearms writer, who published numerous articles in magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Handguns and Gun World.

Jerry Ahern passed away on July 24, 2012 after a long struggle with cancer.

Ahern also released books under pseudonym Axel Kilgore.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

The USA is attacked from within by domestic terrorists, but with outside help. An ex Navy SEAL and ex cop turned college professor ends up in the middle of the fight to save America.

This has Ahern's patented action. The first part, which sets up the story, is really good, but I must say I prefer his Survivalist series quite a bit. A good solid adventure read but not as interesting a premise to me as the Survivalist.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alternate world view of a possible future events by the writer of the Survivalist series. Citizens finally have had enough of the gangs and inept government and band together as patriots and fight back. Recommended

[James Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun and nostalgic flashback to the late ‘80s, when I was still in high school and devoured all the “men’s action” novels I could find. The Executioner, the Death Merchant, The Destroyer, Kill Squad, MIA Hunter … all slightly silly in retrospect, but double-barreled fun nonetheless.

I remember seeing this book back in the day, but I never read it This is a mistake I wish I had rectified sooner.

The first book of what would be a 12-volume series introduces us to college professor and family man Dr. David Holden. His somewhat idyllic life turns tragic when a wave of terrorism sweeps the country, guided by unknown sources and all seeming to involve violent gang members. The feds (believably) do little to prevent this uprising, seemingly more concerned with stamping out civil rights in the name of security.

But when his family is affected by this brutality, Dave eventually realized he must stand against this evil. Calling on skills he learned as a SEAL in Vietnam, David finds like-minded citizens willing to risk their own safety and security to protect their country, and is soon (at first, reluctantly) drawn into the battle.

Formulaic? Yes. Occasionally featuring thinly developed characters? Also yes. But in the hands of a veteran like Ahern, the headlong rush of the novel makes you forget all those minor concerns and just enjoy the ride. Now it’s time to track down the second installment ….

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start to a series I expected more from.

[Mirko Unipan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre right-wing prepper yarn