An alarming insight into U.S. attitudes and mindset?

This isn’t the kind of book I would normally listen to if I’m honest, but I have a long job to do in complete, working on my own, and I needed something long to listen to. Also I would never normally write a review such as this but aspects of this story struck me so much I feel compelled to do this...
So, my interest was definitely sustained by the writing and the excellent narration. The writing drew me in and it wasn’t long before welfare of the characters in the story began to matter to me. Having said all of that it’s not a very demanding plot...but may be it doesn’t need to be.
The threats outlined in the story are very real I’m sure and it’s not difficult to imagine the outcomes of this type of aggressive act on any first world country.
What struck me throughout the story though, and what compelled me to write this, is the constant reference to the loss of American lives, with the emphasis it seems to me, on the American. I live in the UK, have grown up in the UK, but have travelled to numerous counties around the world and experienced numerous cultures. What comes across in these books is an attitude that American lives are in some way more valuable than other lives. Is this really how citizens of the U.S. see the world? If it is then I salute the author in his accurate representation of this. It is, however, a concept quite alien to me. We all live on the same planet under the same sky and one human life to me is just as valuable as any other, regardless of nationality or any other demographic. So how accurately the author has represented the attitudes and mindset of the people of the U.S. I just can’t say, but he has put forward an accurate representation here then I find that quite scary.

11 people found this helpful

Serious end of the world scenario done right .

This is a great book series from a favourite author of mine , Hell Divers being the books that introduced me to Nicholas’s work . The Trackers series follows the struggle of a small town community after an EmP attack on the USA . From the intro introducing the scenario and Nicks background in disaster preparation you know it’s going to be a serious look into the effects of an emp Attack . But it’s not a documentary , there are some fantastic characters you come to know, love and hate with some Brilliant Native American culture woven into this post apocalyptic thriller via one of the main characters . It’s a hard book to put into one category, there’s is great military action with gunfights and how the US government tries to cope with the situations and fallout from the chaos . Excellent character and world building (you really feel like you know the town and it’s people ) interesting and often worrying factual stuff about the emp and it’s horrific effects on wentern civilisation, great reluctant heros and heroines and perfectly evil bad guys . There is Lots more I’d love to say about the books but i would not want to give any spoilers. The narrator is perfect for the roles and makes every character unique , his voice and way of story telling really pulls you in . it’s 5 stars all around for the series .
Great work Nick Smith !

5 people found this helpful

Overwrought, low rent Tom Clancy

The narration is horrendous - supposedly hardened marines sounding like panic stricken children, delivery not matching the specific description of tone and volume in the text, cartoonish accents.

The basic premise of the story is great - a plausible attack using current tech, but then it’s spoiled by all the tired old cliches of seaparated children, troubled veterans trying to redeem themselves, herds of clueless campers just waiting to be preyed upon by the instantly coalesced paramilitary gangs.

All that could be forgiven if the text didn’t try so damn hard with pointless detail. The model designation of a helicopter, the specs of a piece of equipment - all sorts of minutiae just sprinkled into the narrative for no purpose. It all comes across as if the author is looking up amthings on wikipedia to sound like he knows what he’s talking about, rather than using information he ubderstands to drive the plot.

2 people found this helpful

Average if I'm honest.

too many flaws in and inconsistencies in the subplots of some of the characters. fails to make you absorb the story in too many places. just does not deliver for me.based on a good idea though.

Excellent Series

I loved this series and help but think that it would make an outstanding TV series.

Loved it, is there more?

Loved the whole book series from start to end.
Couldnt it put it down!

Excellent story telling and performance.
If you love post apocalyptic fictions youre tonna love this series.

A Bit slow

A bit slow and predictable. I found it to be the usual American improbable no guts no glory with the hero taking on a whole army of storm troopers. That said worth a listen and the writer had some good comments.

Had to work to finish this

I think the story is stronger than the reader, I got this on a recommendation and it’s really quite poor, it’s obvious plot lines, inarticulate writing and continuity errors pale under the syntax of the reader whose inflections mislead the intent and annoy like someone reading a script for friends with an Aussie accent. If you’re thinking of getting this sample it first, you will quickly know wether you can endure the reader. My advice, just don’t. And I usually love this sort of thing.

Exciting yarn

Not my usual listening fare . Good story , very well narrated . Lots of tension and characters you worry about . Loved the dog . Enjoyed .

Definitely would recommend this one!

I loved this set of books and I found it hard to put down! The characters feel real and the situation and apocalyptic world is very well done in my opinion. By the last book it is decidedly more violent and graphic, but it doesn’t drop you off into that straight from the beginning, so if you’re not so used to that sort of content it isn’t a huge shock to the system. After listening to this lot I’m definitely going to be taking a look at the other works by this author and narrator.