Your only regret will be that you don’t have the sequel in front of you. #bookreview

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Collapse

New America
Book One


Written by Richard Stephenson



Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian


Book Synopsis

What would it take for the United States to fall from within? In a not too distant future, America is put to the test. With the American people deep in The Second Great Depression and two of the most powerful hurricanes on record to contend with, the United States is in no condition to deal with hidden terrorists on its soil, maniacal politicians, and the most formidable military threat the world has seen since the Third Reich.

This is the story of three men from three very different walks of life: Howard Beck, the world's richest man, also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome; Richard Dupree, ex-Navy SEAL turned escaped convict; and Maxwell Harris, a crippled, burned-out chief of police of a small Texas town. At first, they must overcome their own struggles and fight for their survival against impossible odds. In the end, the unlikely trio must band together to save their beloved country from COLLAPSE.

Empires topple. Nations crumble. Civilization is fragile. In 2027, America will fall.

Saffron Bryant's Rating





Saffron Bryant's Review


America has been crippled by the Second Great Depression, Obamaville in Central Park is full to bursting and the Iranian Empire has eyes set on Europe, this is Collapse by Richard Stephenson.

It is an apocalyptic fiction novel which is just a little too non-fiction for comfort. You watch the world crumble through the eyes of a cast of characters and it all seems too real. Through the novel you learn of America’s decent from power to anarchy and the little steps and mistakes that lead it there. The manner in which the story is told you can see it happening before your eyes.

The novel is especially relevant today with the world only recently recovering from the GFC and the fear of terror rampant in American hearts. It is only a few small steps from the state of fear elicited by recent terror attacks to the rioting and panic which features so prominently in Collapse.

The characters are life-like and I found myself cheering them on, despite their obvious flaws (murderers etc.). The story switches from character to character in such a way that I just had to keep turning the pages.

I have very little criticism for this book, it’s well written and if you enjoy apocalyptic fiction, go and buy it. Your only regret will be that you don’t have the sequel in front of you.

The only nit-picks I can find is that another round of editing wouldn’t go astray, there were a few errors (enough for me to notice and I’m flat out spelling my own name right!), but I doubt there’s enough to really worry anyone. The story does jump a bit, it’s easy to follow from character to character but sometimes it goes back in time with no warning. I found these segments a little difficult, it took me a while to realize it was the same character only at a younger age. I think they are great in terms of story development but more of a warning would be nice; e.g. 10 years ago… but now I’ve told you the time jumps are there they shouldn’t be a problem!

So 4.5 out of 5 stars for this one (because there always has to be room for improvement). If you like apocalyptic fiction, go out and buy it. If you don’t, go out and buy it anyway, you might discover a new genre.

Review Disclaimer: The book was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Content Disclaimer: Marked mature due to violence.