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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38 people found this 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,

16 people found this 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!

4 people found this 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.

7 people found this helpful

Basic low level fiction

I got this book because it is on Kevin Pierces resume. He does a great job as always. He also does a lot of disaster / preeper / dystopian fiction. I would put this in the catalog of Preeping.

As for the book, I will not continue with this series. It is very basic and lacks any adult complexity. Very black and white, characters are very simple as the story is told with a comical Christian morality. Even though they stress the main character is not political, he is obviously a conservative, at they constantly paint liberal people as crazy, like his rivals parent just cause they want gun control and all the civil unrest is caused by unstable liberals? The book is filled with basic preeper fear of modern day life. Kevin does a lot of books by Christian authors like Tom Abrahams. Tom does the best in terms of creativity if you can get pass the Christian undertones and fear. But this author doesn’t have the same level of creativity. The main character has everything goes his way and is just ridiculously boring and simple. His girlfriend relationship is like a high school relationship. Other characters keep telling him he needs to make a honest women of her, like this is the 1900. If you like Kevin and want to here something interesting try DustFall.

2 people found this 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 people found this 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 people found this helpful

Prepper Fiction with Differences

Have you listened to any of Kevin Pierce’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Kevin Pierce has a very distinctive voice and style. I've listened to many of his performances and is one of the few performers along with Ray Porter that I will seek out. This book is no exception.

Any additional comments?

This book is an interesting exploration of the main character's general dislike of people and his coping methods both prior to and during a breakdown. He learns to reach out to people and form relationships that are beneficial to both himself and those he meets. That gives things a different flavor. His profession as a writer also adds dimension. A budding romantic relationship is handled well, tastefully and rounds out the character development perfectly.
He is a pretty realistic representation of what an average prepper oriented person would do and think in a breakdown. There are a couple scenes where I was thinking no, don't do that or are you crazy, but most of the time things are plausible.
Kevin Pierce does his usual excellent job of narration and covers a variety of characters well. Kevin owns this genre for a reason and this book is no exception. That being said, every other book outside this genre has been well done as well.
I hope there will be a part two of this book as it lends itself to expansion of the situations and characters..
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

2 people found this 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 people found this helpful

This is a charming romance with a great dog too!

Rick is a serious introvert and sort of a geek author. He thought he would write a different genre but, on a dare, he started writing paranormal romance which provides a decent living. A friend offers him an old RV and Rick re-meets Tina when he goes to ask to park the unit at her storage facility. In an unexpected situation he is surprised to meet her guard dog, Opus.

Rick goes camping and begins to set up a campsite/bug out place. He thinks he may need to be more prepared for rough times. Rick, with Tina visiting, spends more time at the RV especially as unrest and riots spread in the city. Most of the campsite neighbors are friendly but one man and his unpleasant friends object and look to cause trouble.

The relationship between Rick and Tina develops slowly, always with Opus making his presence known. Rick and Tina are very relatable, real to life characters and Opus is a gem. This is a charming romance story which moves along at a nice pace with the decisions of life and impact of friends added in.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of post-apocalyptic tales by Mr. Craven. This story is not truly post-apocalyptic but rather a preparedness story as stated. I was pleased to find this engaging even though it is not full of tension and action. It is not a steamy romance either; just a nice, warm love story. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a natural life, warm romance and might like the touch of prepper elements.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a solid job of narrating. He creates voices for characters and provides appropriate emotion while being a very easy listen. I enjoy his portrayal which added to my enjoyment of the book.

1 person found this helpful