Good Fences

By a Prepper for Preppers…

I enjoyed this book much more that I thought I would. While I like the genre, I tend to be pretty critical of authors that are looking only to write a “how to” book with a thin veneer of fiction or write a “perfect scenario” for the prepper protagonist to flourish in. This book did have a bit of both of those issues but not to the extent that I couldn’t enjoy the story.

This book has really locked itself into a point in time (now) in mentioning names of current political figures and popular podcasts and Youtube channels, but for me that added some reality to it and illustrated that this author is genuinely interested in the topics he is writes about.

I also like the narration by Kevin Pierce. Pierce has narrated several books that I have listened to (The Borrowed World, Ashes of the Unspeakable, The Days of Noah and the "299 Days" series by Glen Tate). For some reason the genre has latched onto Pierce, and my only issue is that hearing his voice and having listened to several of his narrations the stories sometimes will run together in my mind. But maybe that’s just me.

“Full Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.”

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I'm Surrounded By Idiots

Which character – as performed by Kevin Pierce – was your favorite?

Kevin Pierce does an excellent job with all the characters without distracting from the story. I've listened to quite a few books that he's narrated and often search for books by good narrators instead of subject or author.
Kevin Pierce is one of those narrators.

Any additional comments?

The book points out the difficulties in having a prepared environment in the middle of a urban/suburban area. The main character is forced to make difficult decisions when dealing with looters, neighbors, HOAs and other idiots.
The book is well written book with more focus on relationships than the event. The characters all have flaws and discover that life is better together than alone. It seems that the EMP crises actually ends up being good for several of the characters as they find each other, find love and purpose as they learn to survive.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

GREAT STORY LISTENED IN ONE SITTING!!!!

What made the experience of listening to Good Fences the most enjoyable?

The story and narration...I love to listen to Kevin...he is very soothing...almost hypnotic....lol

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brian...I felt bad for how he was treated...he was a very decent man, kind and loving...and he was just put through some very terrible things!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Brian meets Jill...and they find out they are both widowed and form a support system for each other....I like it when people get to heal!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did! :)

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Brian is a good hard working man, and by a terrible accident, he loses his wife...this sends him into a spiral of horrible things...he loses his job, his old boss is out to get him because of a law suit against his son who caused the accident..and his ex boss George keeps torturing him every chance he gets....Brian moves to his families older farm and tries to heal...but George who lives behind his farm in an upper class community keeps trying to get Brians farm shut down for dumb and outright cruel reasons.

Then Boom an EMP strikes....well Brian is prepared, his close friends are prepared and have a place to go...BRIANS FARM! And the neighbors who signed petitions and rallied with George are kind of out of luck..even though Brian is a kind man, he has hard feelings..and his friends that are with him have his back....Just goes to show you, you never know whats going to happen...and who really will be there for you if needed...this was a very good, and detailed end of the world book...narrated to perfection and I loved it...I could not put it down, and completely recommend!!!!!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I'm a prepper, he's a prepper, she's a prepper...

What made the experience of listening to Good Fences the most enjoyable?

For starters, Kevin Pierce. He was made for reading this type of story. Add to this an author who does much better than the mediocre I've been listening to lately and you have a well spent chunk of time.

I like when this genre of book spends a lot of time on the homestead living day to day, building community, dealing with the struggles of a post-event life. I was disappointed that it was so short.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist, Brian, is a likable character and is reasonably well developed. His personal demons and his difficulties were relatable and written in a way that elicited empathy, this seams to be rare in a genre where the emphasis tends to be stoicism, God, and military prowess. I liked this.

Any additional comments?

All in all this was an enjoyable listen. As I mentioned before, it hit an itch for me; the rebuilding of a new life and community under the changed parameters in a SHTF world. I like to hear about the homestead, the group, the equipment, the implementation, and the grind of every day life.

Very little time was spent on the actual event, it was just pre-event setup and post-event life.

There were also some very specific references or "plugs" in the novel. I was torn on how I felt about hearing specific YouTube channels, web sites, and retailers mentioned but by the time I was done I was going back to find them again so I could check them out. I'm a sucker for information.

One slight annoyance, more comical than annoying maybe, was how the author portrays everyone coming together. It was starting to feel like every single positive relationship in the primary protagonists life turned out to be with yet another hidden prepper. "What? You're a prepper too?" - it was constant! I was able to look past this since there was so much more I enjoyed but there were a couple of times when I was riding in my car listening and said out loud "oh come on, another one? Really?" but it was fine. I think if the novel was more detailed, perhaps a little more drawn out, this wouldn't have been that noticeable.

On the note of length, although I have come to realize that I am almost always left wanting with these shorter EOTWAWKI novels (I just can't seem to get a fully satisfying story in only 5 hours) I was not ready for this to end, I wanted to hear more. There is definitely room for a book 2+, whether or not this is in the works I have no idea but I will definitely grab it if it is.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Survival, friendship, love...

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast. I would recommend this book, it's well worth a credit! I am not usually a fan of these types of books, but I must say I was engaged from beginning to end! The character were well rounded and animated to a tee by the narrator. This book was fiction, but in the event of an EMP, the events in this book could definately happen. So many ups and downs in this book and props to the author. I can't wait to hear more by this author and from this narrator!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent story and narration!

What did you love best about Good Fences?

I loved the story and Kevin Pierce was absolutely perfect for this title. Awesome job! I am really looking forward to searching out more of his works.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Good Fences?

The beginning really set the background and there were several memorable moments

What does Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's freaking perfect for this title! His voice seems to match this character dead on, I don't think the story would be the same without him.

Any additional comments?

I received this title in exchange for an honest review

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Good Fences is well researched and the story is fast paced. Dialog between the characters stands out as natural and at times humorous. Craven knows his subject matter and makes sure the reader is entertained beginning to end.

Brian Cartwright, the protagonist of the novel, personally knows tragedy. As a recent widower, he struggles with feelings of guilt and loss, made worse by unrelenting harassment from his wealthy neighbor. Cartwright desperately seeks to find forgiveness within himself, although the want for vengeance is often lurking beneath the surface. After an earth-shattering event, hope and forgiveness may turn out be the only way to survive.

Kevin Pierce expertly narrates the story. His voicing of the novel fits smoothly with both the characters and the genre.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good Characters and Strong, Engaging Story!

Brian Cartwright was happy with his life until his car was hit by a drunk driver, killing Brian’s wife. The teen driver was the son of Brian’s boss who arranged to get all charges dropped while he also cut Brian’s insurance and terminated his position. Brian moved to his family’s closed up farm where he could try to heal. Brian is a prepper and he is glad to rebuild the farm and store up supplies for days of trouble.

But all is not quiet on the farm. His old boss, George, built an upscale subdivision on the adjacent land. George is repeatedly sending the cops to the farm to complain of animal smells, gun shots or any other excuse he can make. Brian decides to raise his fences and set up a large gate trying to keep his neighbors out.

Then an EMP strike changes everything. Brian and a handful of his closest friends set up on the farm. This group includes a young widow, Lucy, and her toddler son, Spencer, who met Brian while he was building the bigger fence. The neighbors aren’t prepared for loss of power, water and food. They resent the fact that Brian and his friends have survival supplies and they begin to grumble and threaten the farmsteaders. Brian has to make hard decisions and tensions quickly build. News comes of a more brutal outside threat that is headed towards their community. Can the neighbors find a common ground and plans to help each other to move forward and to stand against the outside threat?

I was drawn in by Brian’s character and the story became even more engaging with the inclusion of Lucy and Spencer. Brian’s other friends are reasonably developed characters too. The story portrays real-to-life issues and mostly realistic difficulties and conflicts that would arise from an EMP strike. There are prepper sites and resources shared through the dialogue in addition to aspects of prepper survival. The story moves at a steady pace, is a nice length and I found it completely engaging.

I like this post-apocalyptic genre and I am interested in reading/listening to more of Mr. Craven’s Scorched Earth series. I suggest this is a must to add to reading lists for readers who enjoy the genre. I also recommend it to those who enjoy strong social and family drama. Caution – there is some foul language, which I found a shame but I still enjoyed the overall package.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a wonderful job of narration. He captures the different character voices and moves the story along. I was wrapped up in the listen and had a hard time turning it off.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wow! Where did this story come from?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is amazingly well written with superb narration. The story is introduced nicely with great character development and plot.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how the author really made the characters feel like real people with real issues and problems in dealing with a difficult situation.

What does Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration style makes me feel like I am in the background just listening to the characters talk to each other. He is an amazing narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! This story was hard to pause as it was so easy to get involved and feel like I was there.

Any additional comments?

This is a very good book and I hope there will be more like it in the future.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great prepper story with a few twists

Would you consider the audio edition of Good Fences to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

SPOILERS!!!






Does it make me a bad person to say my favorite part is when I found out George committed suicide? Seriously I connected with Brian Cartwright so much and I found myself loathing and despising George. What an awful human being. When the rules and structure of society broke down he could no longer hack it without bureaucracy to get his way and push his will on others. I hate injustice and that guy just reeked of it.

Additionally I just loved how the book highlighted something I think others don't: the way preppers are often afraid to talk about it for fear of seeming crazy. Granted, I feel the fact everyone Brian was running into after a time seemed to also be a prepper which seemed a bit far-fetched, but the fact there were several people all sort of keeping it to themselves I think is kind of accurate to real life.

What does Kevin Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is now my third book narrated by Kevin Pierce. The guy is great. He has the right tone and inflection to draw me in and get me interested in the book. His narration is perfect. He is a real find!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes absolutely. I really enjoyed the story and cared about the characters. That is difficult to do these days I find. Many of the books I listen to the characters start to run one into the next and feel disposable. In this book, the little group Brian forms at his farm mostly by accident were the kind of people I would hope I could find if things ever went south.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

2 of 2 people found this review helpful