Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse

by James Wesley Rawles
Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 4990
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781569752296
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2009-04-07
  • Reviews: 3

Patriots is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller that follows a group of American friends as they embark on a perilous journey to a safe-haven ranch in northern Idaho amidst a full-scale socioeconomic collapse. The novel vividly depicts the unraveling of society, with hyperinflation, riots, and the breakdown of law and order. The friends must rely on their survivalist techniques and training to navigate the treacherous landscape and fend off attacks from outsiders. Once at the ranch, they join forces with other groups aiming to restore Constitutional law, making this a thrilling narrative of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Author James Wesley Rawles brings authenticity to the story, making it a compelling read that could one day be a survival guide.

Reviews
Reddit - Behind the Bastards · 2021-01-21
mixed 2.50

They found the book's focus on equipment lists tedious, but acknowledged its popularity in prepping circles. The entertainment value is compromised by the extensive detail on survival gear.

This reviewer had a bit of a mixed experience with the book. They appreciated its popularity and the practical advice it offers to preppers, but they found the constant lists of equipment and gear to be a bit dry and not particularly engaging from an entertainment standpoint. It's clear that the book is more of a manual for survivalists than a thrilling novel, which might not be what everyone is looking for in a story. However, if you're into prepping and survival, you might find this book to be a valuable resource.

Quick quotes

    The problem with Rawles work from an entertainment perspective is that it's literally half just him listing various pieces of equipment that his heroes have.

    It's a bit dry and not particularly engaging from an entertainment standpoint.

    If you're into prepping and survival, you might find this book to be a valuable resource.

Prepare and Protect · 2014-01-21
good 3.50

The storytelling is good but not superb, and the book is highly recommended within prepping circles. It's seen as a valuable resource for those interested in survival techniques.

This reviewer enjoyed the book overall, finding the storytelling to be engaging, though not exceptional. They highlighted that within the prepping community, this book is often recommended and holds a significant place. The practical advice and survival techniques presented are seen as valuable, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in preparedness. However, they noted that the narrative might not be compelling enough for those strictly looking for a thrilling story.

Quick quotes

    Among prepping circles this will typically be among the top recommended books.

    Personally I think the story telling is good but not superb; but ...

    This book is a compelling, fast-paced novel that could one day mean the difference between life and death.

Goodreads · 2010-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its thrilling narrative and authentic survivalist techniques. It's seen as an engaging and practical guide for those interested in survival scenarios.

This reviewer was quite impressed with the book, highlighting its thrilling narrative and the authentic survivalist techniques it portrays. They found the story to be engaging and practical, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in survival scenarios. The book's ability to depict realistic situations and provide useful advice was particularly appreciated. It's clear that the reviewer found the book to be both entertaining and informative, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Patriots is a thrilling narrative depicting fictional characters using authentic survivalist techniques to endure the collapse of the American civilization.

    The novel explores a group of characters who must rely on their wits and preparedness to survive in a world where society has collapsed.

    It's a compelling, fast-paced novel that could one day mean the difference between life and death.

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