Rating: 
Summary: Should be required reading!
Review: This book should be required reading (and re-reading) for every freedom-loving American, regardless of his membership in the "gun culture". It'll definately make you think about how far we've fallen from our quest for liberty.
Rating:
Summary: Send this to your elected officials for Christmas
Review: If you believe in the Second Ammendment and don't care for the direction the federal government is headed, this book is for you. This is a well written, well thought out novel that I found very entertaining and informative. It also made me realize that there's nothing wrong with loving to shoot. You may find your head beginning to spin at points when the ballistics of wildcat cartridges are discussed in painful detail, and you may be put off by the amount of sex and violence that appears in the book. Then again, revolution isn't for the weak of heart or stomach. If you don't own this book, buy it. If you already own it, buy a copy for your representatives in Washington. You just might get their attention.
Rating: 
Summary: An Epic Sullied by a Tacky Dustjacket
Review: Most of this massive book is actually a history lesson, leading up to the fictional modern-day story in the last fifth of the tome. If even half of what this books alleges about Waco, Ruby Ridge, and other incidents is true, then Americans should really see it as a wakeup call about their future under an incompetent government bureaucracy gone mad. The book also provides early history of the gun culture, and the origins of gun control in this country.
"Unintended Consequences" could have easily lost about 100 pages of gun details, and it might have reached a bigger section of the public. I'm sure its intended audience wants to hear about the differences between obscure 20mm cannons and of great speed-shooters in history, but as this information really means little in the end, it doesn't advance the story and may turn off the casual reader. The dust-jacket cover is a big turnoff as well- a startling image of a jackbooted Federal thug strangling a woman representing the Scales of Justice, while the Constitution burns in the background. Sadly they decided to get a statuesque Playboy Bunny-type to play Justice, showing off a bit more of her soft flesh than necessary. This may titillate some viewers, but helps assure the book won't be on your average Waldenbooks shelf.
The story itself is actually quite good, and I was sorry when it was over. With recent events and the government toppling personal freedoms once thought sacrosanct, what might happen when the current patriotic wave dies down? This book tells you what happened once before, when Prohibition ended and the federal agents suddenly needed new criminals to pursue, or lose their jobs. What about all those new wiretapping and secret search "security" measures in place now, if we run out of terrorists to fight? A wakeup call to those that think "it can't happen in America." It already has, and this book lets you know all the times it has throughout the last 80 years.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: John Ross is on target in this thought provoking novel. This isn't "gun rhetoric" It is about freedom and the constitution and government power out of control. It uses history as part of the story line and in a historical regard makes every effort to be correct. No matter where you stand on the second admendment, this book needs reading and is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. I am going to purchase copies for friends and senators.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I've ever read...
Review: This is a must read for anyone (pro or anti-gun) who is interested in understanding the "gun culture." It is not a perfect book (are there any?) but it is an important book. As a student of firearms issues, laws, and history, I felt like the first part of the book summarized the majority of the research and study that I've undertaken in the last 15 years. Many complain that the book is too long and that the first 600 pages move too slow. They complain that a good editor would not have allowed a novel to contain such lengthy technical and historical details. However, this isn't *just* a novel. It is a manuscript that is apparently designed to help even a reader that is completely ignorant of firearms history to *understand* the gun culture and why so many people identify so strongly with it. If you just read a novel containing the fiction of the story without the facts of the last 67 years to frame it, most readers would not "get it." Unintended consequences should be seen not as merely entertainment, but an education. By reading it one can more fully appreciate why the gun culture feels the way it does about several things: the right to personal defense (using firearms or whatever), the role of the Federal Government under the constitution, the power of a corrupt government (or at least corrupt elements), and the toll it takes on our faith in it. The completely fictitious novel portion at the end is well done and interesting. It provides the entertaining payoff after having done your homework and learned the technical and historical lessons necessary to appreciate it. Interestingly, some criticize the book at least partly because folks like Timothy McVeigh found it to be an important book. This is nonsense and can safely be ignored. Timothy McVeigh probably also felt the Christian Bible was an important book, but I haven't seen anyone denounce the Bible on that basis. The emotion laden "guilt by association" ploy is rather juvenile in my opinion. Finally, I reiterate that the book is not perfect. I recall a couple events that required at least some suspension of disbelief. There were some scenes here and there that you pondered what their purpose was. The fact that this was John Ross' first book easily dismisses these minor flaws for me. Further, the fact that this was his first book is amazing since it is such a powerful piece. I have never read a book that I found so difficult to put down. If you are a member of the "gun culture" and would like a history lesson on its roots - this book is for you. If you are an anti-gun and don't understand those "gun toting whacko" - this book is for you (but prepare to be offended.) If you, like me, have had a lifelong interest in the history of firearms ownership but need a convenient way to pass that knowledge on to another (be it a friend, loved one, son or daughter, etc.) - this book is for you. Buy the book, but cancel any other entertainment plans you may have. You'll likely spend all of your free time reading. That's not such a bad thing however, is it?
Rating: 
Summary: Unintended consequences reading book: headaches&little info
Review: This book should have been reduced to a 50 page pamphlet entitled "The Atrocities of the ATF". It is obviously Mr. Ross's first novel and a very amateuristic feel flows throughout the entire work. The basic information that Mr. Ross provided is very provocative and informative, but it in no way sanctions the repercussions that he deems necessary and just. It is also strewn with sophomoric themes of sex and unbeatable heroes. Most, if not all, of the characters are unrealistic and unbelievable. Spend your money elsewhere and do your own research on the ATF. It will take you less time and you can develop your own opinion of their actions without being propagandized into evil sentiments by an obviously prejudiced author.
Rating:
Summary: The Bible for the Patriot Movement
Review: If you are among those who understand the danger inherent in the direction(s) being taken by our government, read this book. There has yet to be written a more important piece of historical fiction on the topic of the "gun culture" that Ross' Unintended Consequences. While the book does contain a few passages which slow the pace, this book is, overall, an extremely engaging work that masterfully intertwines a very believable work of fiction with a healthy dose of history.
Rating:
Summary: Read this, and you'll have your Christmas shopping done.
Review: OK, I'll admit it. I'm a member of the gun culture, and I'm planning to spend my retirement complaining about the government full time. That being said, if you even have inklings or leanings like these, you need to read this. If you don't you should still read it to get a differant perspective. Between the (factual) history lessons and perspectives and the plot/action, you'll be hooked. It's true, I gave away about eight copies last year. The interesting thing is that nearly everyone I gave it to either bought more copies as gifts, or lent their copies out to others who disseminated it further. The first time I was exposed to it was by virtue of a loan from a "you gotta read this" friend. I am reviewing it now only because I just ordered a couple more gift copies, and clicked on the "review" button Yes, the author would have benefitted from a little editing. I don't care- I'm still waiting for the sequel. The film would be appealing, but it will never be made, at least in any form which can do justice to the novel. You just gotta read this.
Rating:
Summary: Your Country Needs You . . . . . . . To Read This Book!
Review: John Ross has written a clear expose of our country's (USA) ignominious trend toward oppression of individualism, integrity, and virtue. His book is informative, thorough and thought provoking, yet also serves well to entertain with a thrilling plot. "Unintended Consequences" is quite a lot of book, but well worth the effort to read thoroughly. Patience helps in the beginning because a lot of historic background is woven through the character development. Be assured the thrills do come later! Do a favor for both yourself and your country --- give a copy of this book to a friend.
Rating:
Summary: Great ideas, bad novel
Review: I agree with the principles that Ross shouts throughout this book, but I can't get past his lack of literary skill. From reading the reviews, I gather that people who enjoy the gun culture forgive the amateur writing. But those who come looking for another Atlas Shrugged had better look elsewhere. Unlike Ayn Rand, Ross won't win over new converts. He simply amuses those who think like him.
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