The Legend

The Survivalist #29

by Jerry Ahern

vg+ 1st NEL 1992edition paperback book In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: Post Apocalyptic

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

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 4 out of 5]

One of the non-numbered books in the series, and double sized. It occurs after #21.

[Joseph B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend is a non-numbered entry in the Survivalist series, taking place between books 21 and 22. It is a double length special that akin to The Awakening, sees a time jump towards the end. Also like its counterpart Mid-Wake, it changes up the status quo of the various political factions that have survived the apocalypse.

The Soviet forces have allied just as Rourke has rallied those who believe in freedom as the world is seemingly poised for another nuclear one. Scientists warn that any use of nuclear weapons might result in worldwide annihilation. John is desperate to stop the Soviet threat. He believes one last battle will be paged.

The second half of the novel focuses on a different storyline. LIGHT SPOILERS Forced to take cryogenic sleep once more; John and his family awaken over a century later to a changed world. Technology has developed. Old enemies are friends, and old friends enemies. This change up to the status quo is a welcome refresher to the previous seven books.

Ahern writes a compelling pulp narrative in The Legend. He lampshades about how John Rourke is a vertiable demigod of the post-apocalyptic world. But it isn't far from the truth. I continue to enjoy his immersive writing style. The characters are all given their own story beats that feel natural and are appreciated. The book does drag quite a bit in the middle... and it goes on for what feels like awhile. Then the time skip happens. Leading to a fresh new world for the Survivalist series.

The Legend is a solid four out of five stars for pulp fans. From here on out, it is the homestretch to the end.

[Mr Greig Ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the best one in the series for quite a while. The story progression and action sequences are good. There is an interesting time jump which I enjoyed and therefore the introduction of some new characters. FYI, I read this on my kindle, there were a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes, also, this us the 29th book in the series according to kindle, but it should be read after number 21 to keep continuity.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dwudziesta i jednocześnie ostatnia część cyklu. Przyjemna i szybka lektura, choć niektóre akcje były dziwaczne i trochę bez sensu.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite adventure series. Dr John Thomas Rourke leads his family and friends through a post apocalyptic world fighting ever step if the way. Fantastic characters and plots. Very detailed weapon descriptions. Excellent series. My highest recommendation