Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse

James Wesley Rawles

Apr 2009 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In this post-apocalyptic thriller, a group of American friends search for safety following disaster, but danger is hunting for them.

America faces a full-scale socioeconomic collapse—the stock market plummets, hyperinflation cripples commerce, and the mounting crisis passes the tipping point. Practically overnight, the fragile chains of supply and high-technology infrastructure fall, and wholesale rioting and looting grip every major city.

As hordes of refugees and looters pour out of the cities, a small group of friends living in the Midwest desperately tries to make their way to a safe-haven ranch in northern Idaho. The journey requires all their skill and training since communication, commerce, transportation and law enforcement have all disappeared. Once at the ranch, the group fends off vicious attacks from outsiders and then looks to join other groups that are trying to restore true Constitutional law to the country.

Patriots is a thrilling narrative depicting fictional characters using authentic survivalist techniques to endure the collapse of the American civilization. Reading this compelling, fast-paced novel could one day mean the difference between life and death.

Praise for James Wesley, Rawles

“Rawles is an amazingly gifted author who has singlehandedly reignited the postapocalyptic thriller.” —Brad Thor, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

Ratings and reviews

I like the storyline, the characters, and the theme. But geez, it reminded me of how you just add words to an essay in school to meet the 1000 word requirement. The descriptions of every little door and window and gun were a bit much and took away from the story. By the time I finished reading now they added a door to the house I forgot where we were going in the story. I Dont recommend it if your looking for a pleasant read.

More of a book / survival manual. Had to flip ahead a few pages numerous times since it was like reading some weapon brochure. Story line is somewhat unbelievable too with the "real" patriots in Idaho fighting against the evil Belgian British German empire. But I guess whatever it takes to find reason the case that an nation needs to be armed to the teeth....

Try though I did, I couldn't make it past 80 pages into this. While it undoubtedly contains good information, the information, it is presented with extreme specificity (down to makes and model numbers of equipment that is surely obsolete 10 years after the book's release). It seems like the author wanted to write a book about his toys. Furthermore, the useful information is buried in a weak story full of extreme right wing political views. If you're apolitical, an Independent, or (gasp) a Democrat, this book will make you feel as if you're not welcome to read it. All in all, a weak attempt written for a very, very narrow target audience. Would have been better off as a straight survival manual. Maybe the legitimate survival manual by the same author is better but it's doubtful I'll waste more of my money to find out.

About the author

James Wesley, Rawles has been an enthusiastic survivalist since his teenage years. He is now a survivalist author and lecturer and the editor of www.SurvivalBlog.com. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University with minor degrees in military science, history, and military history. A former U.S. Army intelligence officer who held a Top Secret security clearance (with Special Background Investigation) and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), he was awarded Officer specialty 35A (tactical all-source intelligence officer), and the additional skill identifier 5M (electronic warfare officer). He achieved the rank of Captain, attended the Army NBC defense officer's course, as well as Northern Warfare School at Fort Greeley, Alaska.