Ichabod: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Adventure (Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt) Paperback – July 9, 2016

Love the Lord and love the authors fiction writing. No garbage filth in the books and that is a blessing. Highly recommend all his books...can hardly put them down once the character line information is established. Remember, if you have issues with the story line, just read the Word and know that he is writing a story. If you want the exact biblical information... read the BIBLE--God's word.

This is another really good book from Mark Goodwin. It is book 2 in the series, in case it isn't clear in the Amazon description. The series is about a young man and fairly new Christian who has dreams and visions about the future of America and the world immediately before and after an EMP sends America back to the 1800's. He, his new bride, and others make their way to his Grandma's house in the country and try to stay alive. Yes, there are other "prepper" and dystopian novels with similar themes. This series, however, is different from most in two ways. First, these are more Christian themed books. They aren't preachy, but there is no mistaking it. The books are nearly devoid of foul language, too, which will please many readers. Second, which is related to the first, there are some great passages where the characters have to wrestle with their own consciences about just how far they are willing to go to protect their loved ones and defend their homes. In a scenario like this, that is something most of us will have to grapple with. The story is actually fairly light on the typical brand-name dropping of survival items and prepping/survivalist advice, and heavier on the story line and the moral questions that arise. So, if you love books by Glen Tate, A American, Joe Nobody, and others, you will really like these as well. On a side note, I would also highly recommend Goodwin's other book series', such as American Exit Stategy and Days of Noah. They are a bit closer to the 299 Days series, the Going Home series, the Holding Their Own books, etc, with a bit more tactical info and a little heavier on the prepping angle, but still without the language that some might find objectionable. They are all great!

It just keeps getting better! I'm not finished yet and it's really hard to put it down. It flows nicely into the first book. All of his books are wonderful and this one is no disappointment.  Ichabod: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP-Survival Thriller (Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt Book 2)  - Grab it up fast, you won't be sorry.UPDATE!I snapped up the Audible version and just finished it. I have a couple of important comments1. AMAZON YOU NEED TO HAVE 10 STARS AVAILABLE!!! Seriously, this book is one of the best of the best. Danny and crew are humans with frailties and faults, but they love GOD with all their hearts. The new characters are part of a fabric that winds through a perfectly plausible world. The new adventures come fast and furious and is not without loss. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and how Stephen deals with some hard choices. I also like how GOD is never far away in the story. The book isn't "preachy", just honest about how GOD affects our behavior whether we know HIM or not.2. Where is book 3?? Thank you to Mark Goodwin for knowing just when to end Book 2 and leave you longing for Book 3.Whether you like the printed copy in your hands, reading on a tablet, or phone, or want the excellent read from Kevin Pierce (my favorite mode), you will most certainly agree that Seven Cows Ugly and Gaunt is an excellent series. The way our world is today I wouldn't put this outside of the realm of possibility.

Very good story that is engagingly told. i read through both books one and two within 2 days or so. The books have a strong Christian tone, but it doesn't detract from, and usually adds to the story.I only have a couple small niggles I will mention.When pulling guard duty, you should almost never have one single person doing duty all night (or even all day for that matter). That person will be very tired and lose focus. It's MUCH better to rotate multiple people through. If you were worried about having the girls out there alone pulling guard duty, then one of the guys could sleep next to them in the barn when the rotate through. IE have 4 two hour shifts, but have couples go out and one person sleep while the other is on watch.Second point, the author didn't really do a good job spelling out the difference between scavenging and stealing. Scavenging is making use of abandoned resources (ie the owner has either died or moved on). Stealing is taking resources from someone. Scavenging is ok, stealing is not. I really think Danny should have pointed out this very important difference to Steven.Overall, though, great books, I look forward to reading part 3.

"Ichabod" was a good follow up to the first release in the series, "Behold Darkness and Sorrow". Overall, very well written with good character development and realistic bonding between characters as they struggle to adapt to the new world after EMP strikes. The action is fast paced, and realistic (i.e., the main characters can't kill a hundred men with their little pinky). On the plus side, I really enjoy it when the author gives a few ideas for readers to work into their own preparedness efforts. In that regard, as well as entertainment value, the book is well worth the price. Overall, I liked the story line - it was more involved than the first book in the series. I struggled to give the book 5 stars... it had just a little too much dialogue and conversation for my taste, but that's personal opinion. Overall, well done.If you're looking for additional stuff by Goodwin, I highly recommend his Days of Noah series. Much more family oriented and realistic level action with good dialogue about politics, moral viewpoints and a Christian world view. Probably one of my favorite series - and believe me, I've read more than a few in this genre.

Was on the edge of my couch, completely absorbed! Keep thinking about the plot, trying to figure out what's next. Was going to wait a week to read the next one...well, does 2 days count as a week?