The Dixie Apocalypse

by Richard Fossey

This “fast-moving” southern American dystopian novel is “full of twists and turns” and “perhaps an insightful vision of the second Texas republic” (W. Michael Gear, New York Times–bestselling author of Dissolution).

In this near-future, post-apocalyptic novel, retired lawyer-turned-professor Willoughby Burns finds himself trying to survive against hunger and deadly threats in southern Louisiana. The Dixie Apocalypse takes place in an America ravaged by natural disasters, lack of petroleum, plagues, and terrorism. What is left of the United States is controlled by martial law. Life itself becomes primitive and favors those who can grow their own food or handle firearms. Will befriends US General Merski stationed in Baton Rouge, LA, and founds a farming community of fifty farms on the eastern bank of the Mississippi river due south of downtown Baton Rouge. General Merski enlists Will as a civilian commissary officer, in charge of carrying out errands for his troops without arousing suspicion. When the general sends Will down to Texas on to bring back supplies for his garrison, Will’s survivals skills are put to the ultimate test.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2023

Reviews

[Owen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself worrying about all the catastrophes that realistically could befall the USA in the foreseeable future? Climate change, pandemics of treament resistant viruses, dirty bombs set off in major cities by terrorists, economic collapse, or a race war between white supremacists and people of color? In his first novel, author Richard Fossey envisions a not too distant future where all of these perils have converged, bringing about the downfall of American society and fragmentation of the Republic.

Former law professor Willoughby Burns is a survivor of the apocalyptic events who by necessity has become the farmer of a modest tract on the Mississippi River, just south of the deserted LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Being a resourceful man with a strong extended family network, Burns and his little tribe are managing to thrive despite the shattered infrastructure, the absence of law and order and the prevalence of murderous gangs and desperate individuals roaming the countryside. His alliance with the commanding officer of a US Army fort set up around the Art Deco State Capitol building in downtown Baton Rouge has provided his people with a stable, even satisfying life. All of this, however, is about to be threatened by an invasion from the east, a formidable force, formed by an alliance of convenience between the Redneckers and the Nubians, the parties to the ongoing race war taking place in the ruins of the Deep South, who are looking to pillage the various local farms and turn the farm families into slave laborers. Now, ex-professor Burns must become a civilian soldier and diplomat to help the Army hold back the onslaught. As all of this transpires, Army intelligence learns of a grassroots movement in Texas seeking to create a new nation built on the foundation of traditional values and the US Constitution. Will this prove helpful or harmful to the interests of the Louisianians?

Fossey paints the dire and fast-moving picture with clear and economical prose as the story barrels toward a climactic battle with the invaders and the possible emergence of a new Texas. The Dixie Apocalypse is an engaging story well told and a movie waiting to happen.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!

Willoughy Burns rises to the challenges. From the semi-cloistered environment of academia to confront, adapt, and lead in a quiet, unstated way in an America turned upside down by economic collapse brought on by an oil crisis, a plague, and climate change. The story unfolds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with Willoughby now farming after the collapse of his university and most all other institutions. From his cargo bicycle ride to sell sweet potatoes at the Farmer's Market next to Fort Sharpton, where he experiences a baptism unlike the one associated with his Catholic faith, to Austin, Texas where the "eyes of Texas" were upon him, Willoughby grows and changes.

This is Richard Fossey's first novel is simply superb. It caught my attention at the beginning and my interest never flagged. I found Willoughby to be finely drawn and not a cardboard character. He has depth and dimension. His actions and relations with others reflect real life and remain consistent with his character. His principles and sense of responsibility remain even though tested by challenges that would bend the knee and the bow the neck of many. The action is fast-paced and full of unseen twists and turns including a throw-down gun. The descriptions add texture without being leaden. Tidbits about everyday life in Texas add color.

I look forward to his sequel.

[Minette Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Richard Fossey’s, The Dixie Apocalypse, it’s not one disaster that strikes, leaving humanity in peril, but a lagnappe of misfortune that leaves the United States in ruins. In the new times, Willoughby Burns, a former lawyer and professor now turned potato farmer, is just trying to get by the best he can. With no family, little hope, and the danger of pickers and comancheros around every corner, Burns isn’t senseless enough to go the gauntlet alone. He’s woven himself into a farm community and helps Colonel Merski fill the pantry for what’s left of the military base in Baton Rouge. On a reconnaissance mission to Texas, Burns gets a taste of disaster, but also meets Cole Goodnight and hears his positive plan for the future.

This story was the perfect soup for catastrophe, with every possible bad thing that could happen. Bone chilling, its realistic narrative entrenches the reader into the humid climate of the deep south and shows our current culture turned wild. Don’t miss this fantastic read of one man’s quest to survive as he grapples with war, mortality, morality and a constantly changing society.
~Award winning author, Minette Lauren