The first page of each chapter has a picture of an American flag, in medium-dark gray, set as a background for the page. The result is a potential problem for some readers who have trouble reading black print on a dark gray background. In my opinion, this particular decision will create some stress on the reader. I know that my eyes don't deal well with the reduced contrast between the print and the background.
This is an exciting beginning to a new series. Valor Publishing is to be commended for bringing this book to life. Ryan, after many years of fine writing, still has a lot to say. We can all hope that he continues to put pen to paper for a long time to come. Jenny Hansen Review in Meridian Magazine I don't usually review a book until closer to its release date, but since I don't have a large number of other books this time, I'm going to talk about American Voices, State of Rebellion, Book One, by Gordon Ryan which is slated for release in May.
This political action thriller is just what one might expect from Ryan, who is well known for his political intrigue novels and his vast knowledge of political and military tactics. American Voices takes a young man, Dan Rawlings, a twelfth generation American and sixth generation Californian, and places him in the center of a political power struggle as California teeters on the brink of secession from the United States.
Recently widowed, Dan buries himself in his work as city administrator for a small Northern California City, captain in the National Guard and would-be author until the brutal murders of a National Guard lieutenant and a sheriff's deputy by a militia group who sees their actions as the same as those of the early rebels who revolted against British rule at our country's inception.
Suddenly he's involved with the FBI, particularly a young, attractive special agent, elected to the California Assembly, and assigned by the governor to write a new constitution for the Republic of California. Dan is torn between loyalty to his country and to his state. His ancestors fought in every war in which the US has been involved. His recently accepted novel is based on his family's experiences in supporting the Union, yet members of his family were among the first settlers in California, own a vast tract of Almond orchards, and have a large stake in California's future.
A senator from California is at the forefront of the secession movement, but is he capitalizing on popular sentiment or is there something else behind his effort to form a new nation? Are the militias' brazen bank robberies, murders, and intimidation tactics signs of mere extremists and raving misfits or are their actions being guided by a master manipulator?
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Is dissatisfaction with federal intervention the cause of the rebellion or is it just a log thrown on the fire to push the flames higher? The action is fast and enthralling and the premise is one that will appeal to many people, especially those familiar with political issues. I liked this book a lot and have never failed to enjoy any of Gordon Ryan's novels, but there were some points that didn't feel as smooth in this one as in the previous books by him that I've read.
There are a few annoying info dumps and Dan and Nicole could both be a little better developed, both are somewhat flat. The intrusion of material that will only matter in the next volume is distracting as are references to incidents in various characters' pasts that leave the impression the reader is starting in the middle of a series instead of with volume one. Some of the wrap-up events are a little too convenient. That said, let me go on to point out that Ryan paints one of the most realistic pictures of the issues that trouble Westerners concerning our Federal government, land use, illegal workers, and state rights without pushing an extremist agenda that I've seen.
His dialog is real. He's one of the few male writers who presents a truly strong female character who is still feminine. Both the physical background in the book and the political background are realistic and believable. I recommend this book to men and women with an interest in politics, history, action novels, or who just have an interest in the modern West. Jun 17, Jim rated it it was amazing. A book has to capture my interest in the first couple of chapters, or I'll likely move on to another book.
Gordon Ryan's "State of Rebellion" grabbed me in the first paragraph and never let go: As it was, the young California National Guard lieutenant twisted and conv A book has to capture my interest in the first couple of chapters, or I'll likely move on to another book. As it was, the young California National Guard lieutenant twisted and convulsed for a long, agonizing two minutes before he died. And Ryan's characters are real flesh-and-blood people compared to Clancy's cardboard cutouts. The storyline involves a move to bring about the secession of the State of California from the United States.
Within California, the secessionist movement is being championed by many of the state's politicians, as well as by local militias that are popping up around the state. The story covers both the political machinations and the actions of the militias to force secession. There are a number of major characters in the novel, but the story focuses on Daniel Rawlings, a county administrator and officer in the National Guard, and Nicole Bentley, an FBI agent assigned to keep watch on the local militias. Rawlings is still mourning the death of his young wife in an accident when he meets Special Agent Bentley, and over time they become involved romantically as well as professionally.
It's a sweet romance, one that blooms gradually as the two get to know each other, not the typical boy-meets-girl, hops-into-bed-with-girl scenario. As the political action heats up and the local militias become increasingly violent, the federal government becomes more and more determined to put an end to the secessionist movement and end the crisis, and this leads to even more violence by the militias.
Although the secessionist movement appears on the surface to be a populist rebellion against the intrusiveness and over-regulation by the federal government, the movement is secretly being orchestrated by a sinister businessman for his own purposes. Will Daniel Rawlings, Nicole Bentley, and others who are working to keep California in the Union succeed in learning the secret, and can they expose the fraud and quell the movement without it leading to another civil war?
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That's the crux of the plot, and there are a lot of suspenseful scenes along the way. I said that "State of Rebellion" reminded me of a Tom Clancy thriller. I was also reminded of the s classic "Seven Days in May. Think of a chessboard with each side moving its pieces in a grand scheme with checkmate as the goal.
That's "State of Rebellion. The title indicates that this is a "Pug Connor" novel. Pug Connor is a fictional former marine who has become a CIA operative. His role in "State of Rebellion" is relatively small until near the end of the novel, but apparently he plays a bigger role in subsequent books by Mr.
Feb 04, Linda rated it liked it. Ryan's description of the problems our country presently faces: I expected some kind of resolution regarding California's withdrawal from the Union and was disappointed when none came. The main character Mr.
State of Rebellion
The main character had no answer in the beginning nor at the end. The mastermind of the coup did kill his partners in crime, which was the most definitive action I found in the book. That "up in the air" ending leads me to believe a sequel is in the making. The book made me want to start over the American Experience, fresh and clean. After the cleansing, I wanted to make sure that the political power would stay with the majorityof the people. It made me want to throw away that handbag that is taking our country to hell.
It made me recognize my inability to help my country, except by voting and who knows how much good that will do. We hear cries of "voter fraud" after every election. What is being done about it? Home to us is the place where we put our heads in the sand. I eagerly read this book and kept some notes because I thought the ending might throw me a curve. I want to read more books by Mr. He is a talented author this coming from a person who will read the cereal box--forgive me Mr. I just could not resist that bit of levity. When a book makes the reader think, then it is a good book.
This book made me think. Jul 30, Pamela Brown rated it it was amazing. It seamlessly blends politics, history, love, family and page-turning action into a novel that, as the description promises, will keep you reading late into the night. Dan Rawlings is a decent, ordinary man who finds himself thrust into the midst the turmoil surrounding California's decision to become it's own Republic by not only outside pressures, but by his own conflicting emotions regarding his love of California "State of Rebellion A Pug Connor Novel " by Gordon Ryan is a fascinating read.
Dan Rawlings is a decent, ordinary man who finds himself thrust into the midst the turmoil surrounding California's decision to become it's own Republic by not only outside pressures, but by his own conflicting emotions regarding his love of California and his love of the United States of America.
Gordon Ryan
What unfolds is a story that reinforces the readers' own patriotism, while at the same time raises questions about what we think we know as oppossed to what we blindly believe about our government. Just when you think you know whom you can trust, the author throws in a twist that will leave you stunned at the depths to which humanity can stoop. This novel is also a vividly crafted portrait of the layers of good and evil that, depending upon the circumstances, can be found within us all. I would highly recommend this book for readers who, wherever your political affliations lie, love a good adventure-packed thriller that makes you think, smile and cheer.
Mar 26, Jim A rated it really liked it. This is Book One of three, soon to be four if the publishing schedule is kept.
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A pretty good political thriller with a twist, the secession of California from the Union. For those who like action, there are plenty of bodies left around throughout the book. The bad guys have a pretty good body count and the good guys get their licks in too. I almost gave up on this book. I was glad I stayed with it. When I reached Chapter Six, and the conspiracy was revealed, the book started to move along at a g This is Book One of three, soon to be four if the publishing schedule is kept.
When I reached Chapter Six, and the conspiracy was revealed, the book started to move along at a good pace. The first six chapters were, to me anyway, pretty boring. Too much reflection on the part of the protagonist Dan Rawlings. While Rawlings' ties to his family valley are an important part of the story, I think the author got carried away in the continued reflections by Rawlings, both of the land and of the death of Rawlings' wife in a ski accident.
With exception of mention of the formation of a counter domestic terrorist arm of Homeland Security, Pug Connor to head it up hence the designation of Pug Connor, Book 1 , this could be taken as a stand alone book. There really is nothing lost if a reader chooses to not continue the series, although I certainly plan to see where the Connor character leads. Another Kindle Freebee and boy was it a good one. Dan Rawlings is the town administrator in a small California agricultural town where his ancestors have lived for generations.
He is writing a book, fiction based on is family history and soon to be published. He lost his wife in a skiing accident and is still coming to terms with that. But what really matters in his life now is the behind the scenes of a multimillionaire who has plans to separate California from the US and create a new nation. By rigging polls and elections he has pushed through a secessionist agenda which with the help of some renegade militias and murders of those who stand in his way is becoming a reality.
Dan is opposed but events pull him into the middle of the state politics and at the same time working with the national Government to quell the rebellion. Well written and detailed this one kept me from other tasks as I read it to the end. Needless to say there is much more going on, but I hope this will whet your appitite. Apr 24, Gwendolyn Dabney rated it it was amazing. This was a very well written book.
I'm not usually drawn to political thrillers, but the characters in this book were very engaging. I was gifted this book and the third book in this trilogy by the author Gordon Ryan. I stared reading it during my prom season when I was making gowns, so I only read when I could get some time away from sewing.
Once I really got into reading I didn't put the book down until I finished. State of Rebellion is a book I'd recommend to others. I purchased the 2nd book This was a very well written book. I purchased the 2nd book in this trilogy, Uncivil Liberties and look forward to reading it and the 3rd book To Faithfully Execute. Jan 21, Christine rated it it was ok. The author provided it for free to those who would review it honestly, and I was one of the lucky winners. Honestly, it is just not my genre of fiction and I don't know if I've ever had such a difficult time getting into a book.
Maybe it was because I felt like I had to read it since it was given to me for free, but even that hardly inspired me to read it. The writing was good, but a bit disjointed at times. I thought the character development was very poor from the very beginning, though. Jul 23, Joyce rated it really liked it.
This novel takes place today and involves the separation of California from the US. There are a group of protagonists ranging from some Military to a female FBI agent and a California politician. The antagonists range from the 'civilian militia' to politicians to businessmen to members of the Mexican government. It is fast moving and fast paced, yet the time constraints of the novel are more realistic than fast. Pug Connor is the main Protagonist and will be well worth seeing more often.
Usually politics is not something I want to read about, but I have enjoyed other books by Gordon Ryan so I decided to read this one. Now, imagine that California decides to secede from the United States. That alone makes for a good story and then there are the characters that are very easy to get acquainted with.
I'm so glad this is the first book of a trilogy, because now I need to know the rest of the story. Thank you, Gordon Ryan, for another wonderful book! I picked up this book when I heard about the generosity of the author he was donating his royalties to Christchurch Earthquake Relief.
Boy am I glad I did. The plot was fantastic, the characters well developed and believable. I always enjoyed listening to him lay out his "bonafides" and watching the recruits focus intently on whatever he said. They knew he was the real deal. He'd speak of honor and integrity and I knew that anything I had to add was secondary to the message he conveyed in word and deed.
Sherm, it seems we were both blessed to have known Dan. I never did go with him to a speaking assignment, but speaking at his funeral was an honor. But he did not have the credentials that Dan sported. I have never before or since met anyone who carried five Purple Hearts and lived to tell the tale. Gordon, Thank YOU for your service to our country too. I hear you served in Vietnam. Without brave men and willing soldiers like you, we wouldn't enjoy the freedoms we have today. You're a true hero. Inappropriate language or flaming will be deleted. On rare occasion in life we are fortunate to meet a person who, although unheralded, is nonetheless larger than life.
Several years ago I was granted such a privilege. Yet sometimes the full extent of the story does not surface until the very end. He was standing outside our church in Victorville, California. The elderly man used an electric scooter and needed help transiting the slight incline on the ramp leading into the church.
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At seventy-six, rain or shine, every Sunday morning Dan Jackman waited to assist this gentleman in his passage. I came to learn this was only one of the things Dan did in service to his community. Born in , Dan was a farm boy from a small, central Utah community. In , at seventeen, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private. Under the watchful eye and firm hand of the Old Breed—China Marines and WWII veterans—he became familiar with legendary historic Marine battles; Tripoli, the Halls of Montezuma, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima, unaware that he would contribute to the legend of the Corps in yet another seminal and epic battle which would enter the annals of Marine Corps history.
As their company climbed the steep, rocky slopes of Hill and Horseshoe Ridge in the Chosin Reservoir of Korea, they had no idea of the critical nature of their mission. Their stalwart performance earned the praise of their division commander, General O. As Corporal Jackman loaded his wounded Marines onto a jeep, they left in search of a medical aid station. As this small group of desperate Marines proceeded down the snow-covered, mountainous trail, they came upon another cluster of wounded men scattered by the side of the road. A crusty sergeant raised his hand to halt the Jeep.
He looked at the occupants, back toward his squad, and then turned to face Jackman. With a deep, southern drawl and remnants of nineteenth century racism, he spat out his words at the young corporal.