Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse

This book is a real gem. It is both a gripping piece of fiction, as well as a useful resource on survivalism. I would not have thought it possible for a survival book to be so interesting, but this one really is. The storyline itself is very interesting and holds your attention, but in addition to that the book is full of little pearls of wisdom about how and where to acquire things that make one better prepared. When I was in the early stages of the book I was impressed by all of the references. Later when I was most of the way through the book and still kept finding more and more nuggets of wisdom I was truly amazed. The breadth of knowledge displayed by the author on a wide variety of subjects is truly amazing. This book is very well researched, and best of all, it is also very interesting to read. Several years ago this book might have been simply an interesting work of fiction, but now in the post-9/11 world it is something to think seriously about. Also, the opening chapter which focused on the start of the economic crunch reminded me of the summer of 1997 when Asia and Russia's economic crises coupled with the near bankruptcy of a large US firm called Long Term Capital Management and almost sent the world into economic collapse. Add to that some other recent events such as the bursting of the dot com bubble in 2000, the stagnation of the economy shortly after 9/11, and the high gas prices of 2004. It just goes to show, the circumstances in this book are quite possible, more so than any of us would like to admit.

In Patriots, Rawles fully develops the critical themes of the importance of self-reliance, teamwork, preparedness, and dedication to our Constitution and our God. That's what "Patriots" means, to me. But what really uniquely struck me (as someone who benefited from excellent training by VN era SEALs many years ago on Uncle Sam's dime) was Rawles unique emphasis on tactical awareness and readiness. His characters always "stay tactical" appropriate to the situation, and the importance of that cannot be overestimated! This is something glossed over in 99% of books, where the heroes go merrily "smoking and joking" along, and somehow always develop ESP, or get a lucky break, just in time to avoid disaster. It doesn't work that way! In reality, in a SHTF scenario, survivors must always "stay tactical" using 360% security and all of the other drills and SOPs Rawles lays out so well. If there is one thing I hope readers take from Patriots, it's that lesson! If they do nothing else, I hope that after reading Patriots, survivalists will be encouraged to include some very good military field manuals in their libraries, and learn the small unit tactics and SOPs laid out so convincingly in Patriots. The best "stuff" in the world is of no use if you can't keep it, because you left holes in your security, or you were careless. The tactical SOPs written about in Patriots are designed to make the survivor cover all of these bases at all times. Rawles entire book is a great reminder of the critical importance of incorporating brass-tacks tactical SOPs in any realistic survivalist preparations. I very highly recommend that it occupy a center space on every serious survivalist's bookshelf. Matt Bracken, author of "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" and "Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista."

More than a novel, this is a classic survival manual placed solidly within a plausible context of economic collapse and social unrest in our beloved United States of America.Granted, from a purely literary point of view, it is rough around the edges - but that can be forgiven since this is a first novel. In truth, as a practical manual and reference book relating to the Jeffersonian concept of eternal vigilance, it's hard to come by a better, more well-balanced book. When the credentials of its author - a former Army intelligence officer - are taken into account, its wisdom is further enhanced.Above all, this is a book that should appeal to a wide readership. It successfully distances itself from the ranks of the raving ultra-rightists and wide-eyed doomsday prophets with its excellent balance of practical skills and religious and political moderation.Whereas Rawles has been stamped as a "survivalist", don't take him to be another of the myriad Chicken Littles of modern times, running around and bemoaning the falling sky. More than mere survival, Rawles addresses the essence of our cultural and sociopolitical heritage, and shows us that surviving at the cost of those values is foolish - and for that insight, his book is to be praised even if it did not contain anything else of value. That it does contain much more of value makes it required reading for any serious citizen who understands the necessity of our collective patriotic duties.- Benjamin Gene Gardner

This book "Patriots" is the best novel that I've ever read in the survival genre. Unlike most others, it is not just gloom-'n-doom for just entertainment. The author weaves a whole lot of useful survival tactics and techniques into the storyline. He really knows his stuff--from small unit tactics, to ham radio gear, to makeshift surgery, to long term fuel storage, to weaponry, and on and on. I ended up reading it twice. (The second time through I was taking notes!) I cannot recommend a book more highly. I'm going to buy several copies for Christmas gifts. I think that those books will motivate my stick-in-the-mud relatives to get off their butts and get their survival gear and supplies "squared away."Another recent reviewer called this novel "formulaic and predictable." I highly disagree. Rather, "Patriots" breaks the mold of survivalist fiction. Unlike those countless Ahern "Survivor"-series and Johnstone "Out of the Ashes"-series novels, this book has some really useful content. The storyline is very original. The characters are believable. And its a great read, too! My 2 cents worth: Buy it. You WON'T regret it!

Excellent work by Mr. Rawles. In it he explores the possibilities and what ifs of a total collapse of the civilized world that we have come to know and upon which we depend. Imagine, if you will, that the economy spins out of control and takes civilized society with it. Imagine this event making the Great Depression look like a walk in the park. How would one survive or thrive during such a chaotic experience? Can it be done alone? What are the real problems and issues that might need to be overcome? Mr. Rawles novel explores those possibilites. His information is well presented. Obviously a lot of thought and research went into this novel. It reads more like a contingency plan and less like some escapist fantasy. It beats any sci-fi novel hands down. I strongly recommend "Patriots" to anyone who's ever wondered what would happen should the day come when they dialed 911 and nobody answered.(Remember Hurricane Andrew and the LA Riots?) Read "Patriots" and find out. It is definitely time well spent. However, let me offer a word of warning. Pick up "Patriots" and you won't want to put it down until its finished!