Customer Reviews

From The Ashes: America Reborn

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I've read the Ashes series when they first came out and started rereading them again in 2007. The new series I've saved so far and I'm up to #28, I thought I needed to have this one also to complete the series or to gain more info on the "Rebels" & their cause, boy was I WRONG.

If you are new to this series then by all means get a copy of it, if your further along in it, you do not need it.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Ashes series and Gen. Ben Raines out look on life. But I did not need to purchase this copy at $20 + S&H.

All it gives you is a Cliff Notes on books #1-#26.

This book is good for those of us who need a review of the Ashes series. It has been 13 years since I first started with Out of the Ashes. It was good to have a review of all the enemies/friends and locations, Raines has met/been through. I found it very interesting that Bill Johnstone portrayed himself as the reporter, younger and living outside the SUSA. You get a good feel of what Raines/Johnstone's philosophy is on politics, religion, crime, the environment...etc. Sounds like a Utopian society for me, and one that is unlikely...too good to be true, but that does not mean I have to change my views.

Most chapters have a map of the Rebel's campaigns. I'd have to say that the drawings were pretty pathetic, a kindergartner could do. Wished there was a little more map detail and in depth of each novel.

Seems this book does not match up with the original series. At least not the books I have.

If he had stuck to previously printed facts/series history, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more.

Also, the last chapter, concerning Rebel philosophy, was interesting, yet barely scratched the surface.

I really expected an outling of some sort, concerning the Reble way of life and laws.

Those who have followed the series, even loosely, will have enough knowledge about the views and beliefs of Ben Raines (Johnstone) and the Rebels to make this book unnecessary. The series has become nothing more than a soapbox for Mr. Johnson's views as opposed to the action-adventure series it was in earlier years. This book is nothing more than a collection of lectures already published a dozen times each in the series over the years.

I like a govt which is tough on crime but dont think the death penalty is appropriate for victimless crimes such as drugs. Mandatory conscription, a "maximum wage", and govt healthcare ala the Clinton plan which failed, all adds up to what Johnstone ealier called the philosophy: "right-wing socialism". I have written much on TS and the philosophy, and the subject is often discussed on misc.survivalism Email me for a more detailed review of my experience in the TS movement or my commentary on the FAQ. Johnstone's book was completely predictable for those who have followed the philosophy/movement over the years. So save your money if youve already read the first few books or _Breakdown_. Its the same ultra-rightism sprinkled with favored social programs.

My first line basically says it all. Buy it I mean it can't hurt and while it isn't packed full of excitement it does bring on a lot of insight.

I wonder if the gov. of Minn. has read this series and what he thinks of it.The book is a review of each book thus far in the series and not quite what I thought it would be.This series is now what to me seems like impossible outside of a world conflagulation,too bad.