American Apocalypse

I am a great reader of apocalyptic and disaster fiction and non-fiction. What interests me the most in this genre are the changes wrought to society and the way individuals cope with this. While most books of this group see one event or an inter-connected cascade of events that causes the collapse of the known society, this book differs in that there is no flash point which starts the slide. This is much more frightening and absorbing than the known disaster - the unknown crisis, whether financial, political or ecological, which echoes so much of what is occurring in our current society and situation. I agree with the reviewer who found this book poorly edited, but do not think these problems prove as jarring to the ordinary reader as implied in that review. This is a chilling book which should act as a cautionary tale to those waiting for the BIG BANG. It may come as a small slide, that slowly avalanches everything in its path, including us.

I have enjoyed reading this. I love the questions that popped into my head as I read. A stripped down description of this book is what happens when the american machine and dream stops and is a nightmare. How would people react and what would it look like. As you watch the bonds that help create civilisation dissolve the heaping mess that is left is astonishing. Some of the questions that float around in my head after reading this are if civilisation is really so fragile what are my responsiblities and obligations to keep it functioning; how long would the water in the pipes and electricity on the wires flow into my house; how would I keep my family safe. They are good questions to ponder and try to come up with some form of answer. I look forward to the next. rsj

Volume 1 hypothesizes a possible future after an extended economic crash in the United States. Things slowly get worse for our protagonist Gardener and the rest of the country, but Gardener does a better job than most at adapting to changed circumstances. Effectively he embraces violence and sets himself up as a survivor and future warlord in an increasingly Mad Max style universe. OK, I admit I got hooked on the story after reading Volume 1 and am now in the middle of Volume III (which you can read right now on Nova's website). So I'm projecting a bit. But just a bit. In Volume 1 the future is not quite post-apocalyptic although it is getting there, and you can see and believe in the devolution of society happening through Gardener's observations. I don't necessarily see the future heading this way myself, but American Apocalypse is a profound vision of a potential future that cannot be lightly dismissed. And if it does come to pass (or anything like it) you'll appreciate having seen a glimpse from Nova before getting there yourself. Perhaps more importantly, the book is an excellent page turner and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. If I could I'd give the book four and a half stars. The downgrade comes from the relative lack of editing and the fact that the stream of consciousness style leaves you wondering a bit about some things. (Why for example do none of the characters get any news from the radio and learn about what is happening outside of the US?) But since I can't and it's either four or five, I'll go with five stars because it makes you think in a way that few other books can.

A gripping narrative of an all too plausible outcome of economic collapse - and the transformation of the main character, as the world spins out of control - kept me turning the pages until all too quickly volume 1 was finished and I was left wanting more!

A fantastic and riveting read from the first time we meet the Gardener until the last page. Nova starts with the economic meltdown and unemployment problems of today and describes a beliveable and very possible vision of the near future. Not for the faint of heart, the vision has a very dark side, but also a ray of hope emerges as his main charactor evolves. An outstanding tale.