Review: Above average "end of the world as we knew it" novel
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 29, 2012
This is a pretty good novel in the "TEOTWAKI" or "The End Of The World As We Knew It" genre.  The characterizations are a bit below-average, but there is plenty of action and there is a coherent storyline here that keeps the reader's interest.  The best part of this novel in my opinion is that it contains numerous useful tips for how to prepare for at least a temporary shut-down of civilization.  Most of us are not in a position to construct a self-sufficient redoubt up in the mountains with enough farmland to survive indefinitely.  But tips such as "canned food is usable for up to fifty years after the expiration date on the can" are useful, and the author really does seem to "know his stuff" about things like this.  Anyone can store 3 or 4 weeks of canned goods, at only modest expense or trouble.  This novel has numerous useful tips and insights along these lines.  And few people will finish this novel and not want to own a firearm with a reasonable store of ammunition.The "end of the world" genre of novel has become increasingly popular of late, which is kind of odd since the threat of a civilization-ending nuclear war has receded somewhat from its high point during my young adult and military years.  This apparently is a reaction to the Federal Government's devaluation of the dollar and a sense that multi-trillion dollar deficits cannot go on indefinitely without consequences.  Whether you share that concern or not, some of these novels are pretty interesting, and this one is one of the better ones.  RJB.