One Man's Opus

A refreshing and authentic apocalyptic tale

I wasn’t sure what genre that this book should fall into. It has a lot of pieces that could go into this genre or that one, but overall I felt that this was what I’ve called a “pre-apocalyptic” book mixed in with a Thriller and a little romance. But not that “new adult” kind of romance — actual friends falling for each other romance.

A lot of post-apocalyptic books have the “these are the last two people, so of course they fall in love” or similar storylines. One Man’s Opus was completely different. The love story in this was easily one of the most authentic and real I’ve ever read. Throw in Opus’s reaction to the two of them and I’m sold.

Now, add in the different scenarios and issues that come up during Rick’s prepping — now I’m even happier. I know that fictional books are just that: fiction. But sometimes a book can be written so well and is made to be so realistic that it feels like it actually happened to the author. The way that Craven writes about Rick — it was like it was an alter-ego mixed in with a mini version of himself. The different intricacies that were included like when an author is paid from Amazon or the time of day that Rick decides to write really added to the realism and authenticity.

Disclaimer: I’m a dog person. I freaking love dogs. Opus is easily one of the best characters I’ve ever read, and he’s the dog. He was weaved so well into the story that this story wouldn’t have been enjoyable without him. I have a dog who does similar vocalizations when you talk to him like a human and One Man’s Opus has me cracking up late into the night with all of the different interactions between Rick and Opus.

Overall, One Man’s Opus was one of the most refreshing and realistic “apocalyptic” stylized books I’ve ever read. I loved every character and I even enjoyed having the wool pulled over my eyes with the big reveal near the end. (I won’t spoil anything, but it was not at all what I expected).

I received a free copy of this audiobook -- it has not affected my review in any way.

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21 of 22 people found this review helpful

Middling in Action, High in Story

Well, if it isn’t one thing it's another. Choose your poison— except you can’t. Our protagonist Rick tells us early in this first-person tale that he is an absolute loner (which I totally get because, well, I am one too). But nothing is really absolute, as we soon learn. Our protagonist, Rick, is also a writer who actually makes enough money from his Amazon sales to, well, to survive. I really liked this idea, so serious points were scored there. Rick believes in self-sufficiency, and although I am a closet prepper at best, I am onboard with this idea. So in a word, Rick does not sleep on ANYTHING. He’s not perfect, but he is alert. He remains aware (not paranoid) of the infinite number of ways life as we know it is under constant cataclysmic threat, and how to live a relatively normal life, regardless.

For Rick, one threat comes from the nation’s racial unrest; another comes from within his very own “Garden of Eden”— the newly found haven where he sought shelter from potential madness, and where assumed he would be safe; and yet another comes in the form of a natural disaster, all of which proves one has no idea from whence trouble will come so best-be-PREPPED.

This loner is lucky in at least one way. Despite his aversion to most social situations, he chances upon excellent companionship in the form of a tight squeeze. She is packaged with a “fuzzy buddy”— a German Shepard named Opus who practically steals the show!

This was an enjoyable listen— as intelligent, educational, and entertaining as Hoyt's "Devil Dog" installments. "Opus" also has constant movement. Be warned though, this story does not tons of action per se.

As demonstrated in Hoyt’s “Devil Dog” series and Franklin Horton’s ”Borrowed World,” series, Kevin Pierce’s narration is a total win. He nails Rick and the other characters, male and feel, and with cadence and pitch and that certain intangible “something,” he depicts the moods without off-putting over-dramatizations or related missteps. The only thing I note is, for particular story (“One Man’s Opus”) Pierce’s voice sounds a bit older than the age of our main character, Rick,

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Excellent Story!

Where does One Man's Opus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10%

What other book might you compare One Man's Opus to and why?

Hard to say.

Which scene was your favorite?

Near the end...

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

“I was provided this free review copy audiobook by the author or narrator." This review is for the audio copy of One Man's Opus: A Survival and Preparedness Story by Boyd Craven III and Narrated by Kevin Pierce.
First off, it was narrated by Kevin Pierce so I knew it was going to be a good story. Little did I realize it was a great story! I smoked through this book. The character development was great, the story line consistent, and the story was one I could relate to. It was a very enjoyable read and it was a stand-alone story. You don’t find that very often anymore. I highly recommend this book!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Opus!!!

I have to say that I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this! It was different to what I thought it would be, but a good different. This focuses on Rick, an author who has made it big in the world of Paranormal Romance and is able to live off his sales. He is happy to be a loner and loves nothing better than to go camping by himself and only coming back to reality when he has to check email or send off his newest books! He knows that being prepared is important, but with riots happening near where he lives, he stumbles upon a prepper site that piques his interest. What follows is his journey into being prepared, just in case!

This isn't a post apocalyptic book, it's simply a book showing Rick's life and why he got into prepping. It's the everyday story of one man's journey and how he goes about starting to stock up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and getting to know Rick. I loved seeing him open up to Tina and figure out what he wanted from their relationship. I also enjoyed learning a few bits from him!!

I have to say that I absolutely loved Opus!! He is definitely the star of the show and stole my heart. I have always wanted a German Shepherd but we have 2 terriers and they are more than enough to handle!! But reading about Opus and his training just makes me want one more. You can see that the author loves dogs :)

In all, this was such an easy to listen to, and relatable read. It makes for a nice change of pace from all the post apoc fiction out there!! The characters make the book and I really hope we see more from them!

What can I say about Kevin Pierce, that I haven't already. His performance is flawless and he is easy to listen. He knows how to preform these kind of books and always does it well.

I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Good Story - Very Enjoyable

Any additional comments?

Very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable. I was really looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it. Not really sure if I would classify it as post-apocalyptic story. It's more in the realm of civil unrest just bordering on a society changing event. It was refreshing take on events as far as a post-apocalyptic scenario. It was nice change that the story didn't dive right into a SHTF scenario. Even though it is a "Apocalyptic " type of story it's not full of violence and gore. It has some moments of suspense, mystery, drama, romance and death but it's on the lighter side, not intense constant mayhem.

Great cast of well rounded and likable characters. Rick, Tin and Sarge were all great characters. Opus pretty much stole the show at times. You can't help but fall in love with Opus he had a personality all his own.

The story itself felt "real" in the sense it's a scenario that you could really see yourself in if things started to collapse.

Rick sees the way things are going in the world and decides to make preparations/ prepare himself "just in case". Since he is a writer and likes to be alone at times camping with only his computer these preps fit right in with his life. As he gets farther into his prepping, things start to happen. Even though he has given himself an edge with his preparations there are some things you just never expect to happen. Rick's location is one of those things that will have an impact on his situation.

This is not the first Boyd Craven book I have listened to and as with the others I was not disappointed. Not sure if this is intended to be a series or a standalone story. If it is going to be a series, I will definitely be continuing with it.

Once again Kevin Pierce does a fantastic job with the narration. Perfect voice for narrating books. His voice just draws you into a story. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. Great character voices. He brings the story and characters to life through his narration. One of the most enjoyable narrators to listen to no matter what type of book it is.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Unique Prepper Story

Rick is a isolated loner by choice, happiest when he's camping alone with his laptop for company. He's a paranormal romance writer who recently became successful. When the riots break out after the death of Freddie Gray, Rick stumbles on a prepper site and his interest is piqued. He lucks into an RV, a prime spot to park it, and with his new income starts to stock up on supplies. His new lady friend Tina and her "fuzzy buddy" German Shepherd Opus tag along, and when a police ambush causes riots and fires across the state, Rick is ready.

Even with no large apocalyptic event causing the world to go to hell, this one still kept my interest. This book is all about the little day to day details, and I think a newbie prepper could learn a lot from it. If you read to escape politics or current events, this book is loosely based on the riots and run up to the presidential election, and doesn't treat liberals kindly.

A lot of book lovers will relate to Rick and his social awkwardness, and wish they had an awesome woman like Tina by their side. As likable as Rick and Tina are, the real star of the book is Opus. Boyd Craven is obviously a dog lover and his descriptions of Opus bring the book to life. There's also Sarge and Annette, a hilarious older couple who bring some comic relief.

The narrator's pace and tone were perfect. He does sound quite a bit older than Rick's 26 years, but it didn't detract from the performance at all. I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

OK I feel in love with Opus

I wouldn't call this really a prepper story. Yes, Rick does prep here and there but he is not a hardcore prepper. He's smart enough tho to have water, and beans etc. and kind of fell into a bugout location.
That said, I loved this story! All the relationships were enjoyable. I also really enjoyed the characters. They were all developed very nicely.
My favorite of all of course was opus. I believe he stole the show in the book.
This was a short read and Very enjoyable. I would recommend it, for me it had everything from a little bit of properness, great character, and an amazing dog all wrapped up in a great Book.

As always, Kevin P did a great jobs the narrator.


I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great story

As a daughter of a veterinarian, I've been with animals all my life. I've been around dogs that cost 50k some of the smartest dogs are the mutts. What is so interesting is how the book is following the news.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful, heartfelt story!

This is a wonderful, heartfelt story about relationships, both human and canine. Our human hero Rick, who finds his talent in writing and who also, finds the need to become a prepper. Our canine hero Opus, who has a way of making his wants and desires known and watches out for the people he loves. Ricks girlfriend Tina, is a wonderful woman who has overcome her fears with the help of Opus and is just what Rick needed. Great writing and Kevin Pierce makes it that much more enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected, but a great book!

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

So, by reading the synopsis, and from the title, I expected a different story than what I got. It wasn't a particularly fast paced story, nor was there a ton of action, but I found myself completely engrossed in Rick's story.

Kevin Pierce was an incredible narrator. He has such a captivating voice, full of personality. The characters in the story were dynamic and fun. The story was quite realistic, I thought, and think this would appeal to most readers. I'll look for more from both Boyd Craven III and Kevin Pierce.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful