Out of the Ashes (Ashes (Dh Audio))

Rating:
Summary: Atrociously Bad
Review: Regardless of your political leanings, this book is an ill-conceived mess. The writing is barely above the fourth grade level, the characters are cardboard cutouts and the kindest thing that can be said about the plot is that it's absurdly choppy and uneven. The political views espoused by the author are so bizarre as to define explanation. The protaganist is presented as a far-right conservative who proceeds to excorciate the rich for failing to support the poor and seems to champion near-communistic wealth redistribution. Huh? Despite a right-wing, 'superpatriot'-initiated, worldwide military coup that has brought on armaggedon, every character is happy to blame the evil liberals for everything that has ever gone wrong in the history of the world. But it's not just the politics that make no sense: picture the scene where the protagonist calmly loads up on .45 ammo at a sporting goods store after complaining loudly several pages earlier that those damn liberals outlawed all personal firearms over three years ago. Johnstone creates such a lame apocalypse that the electicity is still on and his characters can cheerfully get gas at every gas station a full ten days after the nukes landed. If you absolutely must read right-wing, post-apocalyptic survivalist paperbacks, do yourself the favour of checking out James Axler's Deathlands books instead of this irredeemable drivel. Still, I have to give credit when it's due: most of this book is unintentionally hilarious.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful novel
Review: This is by far my favorite novel of all time. I have two copies, one which I have read over and over again, and one which I am saving in mint condition. The themes helped shape my views when I was a teenager, and offered some sort of moral and politcal focus as well. I have given it as a gift to friends and family in the past. I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: I love you Ben
Review: This is one of the first post-apocalyptic series of books ever published. This book preaches self reliance, common sense government, a unified health care system and I almost forgot the Right to Bear arms. The stories revolve primarily around the adventures of one Ben Raines who I have to admit kicks more [bottom] then Dirty Harry. The series is primarily his own personal Eden The "Tristates"(a cool name). I can agree with enough of what these books are saying(and the action scenes) to enjoy them. If you want to read good pulp fiction go ahead and read these books.