When I’m contacted about reviewing a book, I normally have the same dread. In reading a book to review, I normally come to the end of the book, only to find there is going to be another book in the series…and I have to wait to find out what happens. In this society of instant gratification, I get annoyed to have to wait for the next in the series…well G. Michael Hopf’s next book was delivered to me several weeks ago, and in less than a weekend, I had read through it.

Sanctuary, book 3 of The New Word Series, continues the story of Gordon Van Zandt’s trials and tribulations. The setup from the previous books has the main character, Gordon, dealing with the societal breakdown after an EMP attack.

(Incidentally, Gordon is portrayed as the Marine involved in the incident involving a Marine killing an unarmed Iraqi in Fallujah. This is a true story, though more than likely, NOT the Marine’s real name. I love that real incidents are part of the back story, it makes immersing yourself into the story much easier. Nice touch…)

The story in Sanctuary picks up six months after the EMP attack, with Gordon separated from his family, trying to avenge the death of his son, who was killed by a cult leader. The country is shattered into the start of smaller countries and/or city-states. Gangs have become more organized. And an army is occupying our soil, trying to carve out a piece of what was once the United States to become part of his kingdom.

With dwindling supplies, limited acting government, and almost no law and order, day to day survival is become more difficult. Sanctuary expands the plot on the previous two books, and runs with it. The storyline has several twists I didn’t expect, and more than once I felt my anger rising as the plot unfolded. I was sucked in.

The writing style has improved, and character development is better. I liked the previous two books, and this one shows Hopf has stepped up his writing game. I struggled a bit with his first book, but have seen an improvement in writing styles and content as the series unfolds. I’m looking forward to the next book, and must sadly say that again, I am stuck having to wait for the next entry.

Worth reading? I’d say yes. To gauge its value as “Prepper Fiction”, I need to let you read this from my first review of the series:

I’ve mentioned before that I really enjoy “Prepper Fiction”, and that when I’m reading it, I tend to expand on my preps, based on how much the story draws me in. For instance, I ended up buying 50 pounds of rice and vacuum sealed it, cleaned my guns, did and ammo inventory, went over my water barrels and 12v solar setup, and got started on my HAM license when I read the Survivalist series by A. American. I was spooked.

For The End, and The Long Road, I only went through my flashlights and tested the batteries. And bought a second lantern, dehydrated some veggies for long term storage, and cleaned my guns. I was troubled, but not quite spooked. But I DID improve my position. Hard to argue with that.

For Sanctuary, I had to step up my preps, and worked towards getting my General class license in Amateur radio. I also upgraded my solar panel setup, purchased more long term storable food, and improved my house security system. Color me spooked after reading Sanctuary. Nuff said.

Sometimes the best thing to say about a book series is that it sucks to have to wait for the next one.

If you are interested in reading this, I have good news! The promotional company is giving away the entire New World Series to one lucky winner!

Post a comment below to be included. I will randomly draw names on July 10 at 8pm. Limited to entries from the U.S. and Canada only.

And, if you read my blog, odds are, you’ll enjoy this series…

As always…

Peace,
db

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