• Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller

  • The SHTF Series, Book 1
  • By: L.L. Akers
  • Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
  • Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,519 ratings)

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Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller  By  cover art

Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller

By: L.L. Akers
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
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Publisher's summary

As a prepper, Grayson Rowan was prepared for almost anything.

...anything other than being totally alone when the sh*t hits the fan.

While he sat back and watched the United States rattle swords with Korea, play chicken with Russia, and strong-arm China, he felt sure if the lights went out that he and his family would be ready and safe - whether it was due to a natural disaster or a man-made event. They had everything they needed at their homestead.

What he wasn't prepared for was his family not being home if it ever happened.

Olivia Rowan is with her sisters, Gabby and Emma, on a girls-only trip to Myrtle Beach. When chaos erupts and there's no gas, their journey home is a nightmare, filled with predators and danger - and apparently, Olivia hadn't learned a thing her husband tried to teach her.

When your neighbors run out of water and turn on each other, what will you do?

Jake, a country boy mechanic, never believed in TEOTWAWKI, but he'd heard his brother-in-law preach about it many times. He knew what to do, but he didn't prepare. He lazily left it all up to Grayson - he was the prepper after all. When catastrophe strikes, will he continue to keep his head stuck in the sand while his clueless neighbors destroy each other, and his wife is stuck out on the road, or will he stand up and fight like a man?

And if you're alone? Bug in or bug out?

Graysie Rowan, a freshman at university, just wants to go home. When no word comes from the government, and the state capital is overrun with looters, chaos, and mayhem, the college administration puts the students on lockdown. But her dad, Grayson, had prepared her for this. Now, if she can only remember what it was he said to do....

If they want to survive this post-apocalyptic event, they'll all have to learn to fight like a man.

©2017 Lisa L. Akers (P)2017 Lisa L. Akers

What listeners say about Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller

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    2 out of 5 stars

Excellent Performance

It's been a while since I've listened to a decent EOTWAWKI book so when the surprise opportunity to review "Fight Like a Man" came up I was excited to dive into another post-apocalyptic novel featuring an epic reading by Kevin Pierce. I was not disappointed one bit by his narration, it was excellent as usual. This is the kind of story I believe Kevin does best and, honestly, it was the only reason I was able to complete the book.

I love listening to this kind of novel and I really, really wanted to like it. Right from the beginning I was concerned simply because of the the name of the book but I went for it anyhow because...well...it was free and hey, Kevin Pierce is the narrator! It started off fine and after a while I even began to think that my initial reactions to the title were unfounded; it wasn't half bad!

But somewhere along the way it got lost. Character and personality development from early on seemed to be ditched leaving the various protagonists responding and acting in ways that made no sense after what the listener had been setup to expect. Many actions became completely frustrating and unbelievable while the characters got dumber and dumber before my very eyes.

I was willing to put up with these inconsistencies just to get my "prepper fix" presented by the great Mr Pierce but there were two things that finally killed it for me.

First, and it's probably just nitpicking, I don't like it when an author ends a chapter by telling the reader what's about to happen. For example, lines like "They thought their troubles were over, but soon they would realize just how wrong they were" drive me nuts. They remind me of Dukes of Hazard episodes, circa 1980, when leading into a commercial break leaving the General Lee suspended in mid-air after rocketing off yet another uncannily placed jump over a washed out Hazard County bridge while Waylon Jennings says "you know, them Duke Boys might've got themselves in a heap o trouble this time..."! I prefer that an author let the reader discover what's going to happen on their own, otherwise why keep reading (or listening of course).

Second, the political ranting. Akers went on, and on about Trump and Clinton and Sanders, his thoughts about the election, etc. It was annoying and made absolutely no addition to the progression of the story. I could care less about the authors political views to begin with so having to sit through his "schpeal" multiple times almost made me give up altogether. Even with an epilogue to claim that these views were those of the characters in an attempt to give them depth and credibility (my words, not his) made absolutely no sense.

So unfortunately I could only give the story itself 2 stars. I really appreciated the listen but it just didn't cut it.

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

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55 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Well written, suspenseful - a rising author!

Initially, I just thought it would be a quick read with a so-so plot. However, that was not the case. The book was among the best I've read as related to SHTF. The characters were real, the situation was real and, admittedly, I found myself in my car, after arriving to work just listening to the audio and waiting until the chapter finished. Yes, it was suspenseful, unexpectedly enjoyable and she, the author, is able to entertain without the need to add sex or profanities. I only follow a couple of authors and Mrs. Akers is one to follow.

I look forward to her next book and rumor has it that her next book will be ready next month (12/25/2017).

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Real Life Tips

Gracen has prepped over the years and thinks he has everything ready to go when the SHTF. The only thing he didn't count on is that no one would be with him when it happened. The wives are on a girls' trip to the Florida coast, his daughter is at college, his brothers are in town. They all have their bug out bags and should make it home in no time if they leave as soon as they realize this is real. He's trained them all, right? He just has to get everything going and wait for them at the homestead.

There are some real moments in this listen. There are also some really great tips for someone who isn't into prepping and doesn't know what to do when things go bad. The list of items in the bug out bags was something I haven't seen before and would be extremely helpful, filling up all available containers and draining your pipes is another. Cooking everything in your refrigerator and freezer, having a compass, and a small water filtration device. Turning all electical appliances to off or unplugging them. All of these things are common sense but no one thinks of them. They just wait for the lights to come back on.

I liked how the women in this story were as prepared as the men (except Olivia who was irritating beyond belief) and sometimes more so. For a hardcore prepper, I would have thought Gracen would have a CB setup to communicate with his family. That was a little disappointing but forgiveable. I would also have thought he would have checked that his reluctant prepper wife had brought the bug out bags he had carefully prepared for all the wives. I was also disappointed that it took sooooo long for everyone to realize this was real and get moving towards the homestead. Denial is not an attractive trait in a prepper.

Having said all that, the story was plotted well and flowed between the different characters and their situations well. My only true disappointment was that the ending did not wrap up the story very well and seemed rushed, with not all story lines concluded in a satisfactory way. Would I read a second book? Most definitely. But when you're writing a series the ending of each book should resolve the current section of the story.

The narration by Kevin Pierce was fantastic, as always. His voice is tailor made for this genre. He doesn't try for the female voices and yet weaves the tale in a way that you know who each character is each time they speak. His voice in general is so sublime that I could listen to it for days on end. And do every chance I get. He is one of my favorite narrators and has not disappointed me yet.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

When SHTF What Will You Do?

3.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the cover of this book a month or two ago I knew I was interested. I was hoping that it was going to feature more of a woman’s point of view. It did, but it’s so much more than that. Akers is able to throw in practical advice (go bags, how to make fire, what to keep/rotate), etc) to make this a more than just a story. I think that’s what she was going for — making an entertaining story that could also help teach and help others prepare.

The cast of characters in this were all pretty likable and were all getting out of their own bad times. The “bad guys” and antagonist were pretty stereotypical and one-sided but it didn’t bother me. Their interactions weren’t as often as I expected them to be, but when they did happen it felt like Akers was a little nervous to get too much into violence or full out panic mode.

This book has a fair amount of cursing and vulgarities in it which doesn’t bother me in the slightest. People can be crude and vulgar. It’s a part of life. But, if that sort of things bugs you, you should know by the SHTF and what that stands for that this story might trigger you a bit. Just a word of warning.

I liked the story enough that I definitely want to continue reading the series, especially with Kevin Pierce narrating it. He gives is an air of authority since he narrates so many post-apocalyptic books. Akers and Pierce made a nice team and really helped bring this book to life.

Overall, a nice “starter” PA book. It had a lot of elements (and a lot of unknowns left for the readers’ interpretation) which could make some readers love it and others feel like something was missing. The biggest misstep, in my opinion, I’ll cover last.

This is a solid 4 in my book if one thing were to change. If Akers were to take out the mention of Trump. I completely understand what she was going for and why she used him to write the story, but he’s so polarizing that some people might either think you’re making fun of them or just stop reading the book for being too political. I heard the parts about Trump and the MAGA stuff and I was trying to ignore them but it frustrated me and I only think it did because it was actually about Trump. She could have written about a polarizing President and pretty much wrote about the campaign and people with mentioning Trump. He could have even been named something similar like President Johnald Drammp or something. Using a real political figure in a book (one that is still around) can be a gutsy move. In my opinion, it didn’t work in this, but others could disagree.

I was given a free copy of this book which has not affected my review in any way.

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14 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • TU
  • 11-16-17

A decent, if not groundbreaking, SHTF series

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

This was a good, if not unique, book about a prepper and his family surviving the collapse of society. I liked the realism the author went for, but again, this was definitely not groundbreaking material. It was written well, and entertaining, though it was a bit political for me. The narrator was fantastic, so I would consider this a credit worthy audio book.

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

first book of the series and I am already hooked

I really like this book series so far and I'm a fan of this narrator as well he doesn't excellent job of reading

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Non-stop listen... thrilling novel!

Immediately upon completing this novel, I searched Audible to see if the sequel was available... unfortunately it wasn't in audio format but I'll definitely be purchasing it when available!

I thought the writing was well done. The storyline and character development had me hooked and I completed this in one sitting. If you're a fan of post apocalyptic fiction, then you're familiar with Kevin Pierce... and you'll really enjoy the book.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Post apocalyptic beginning story of series

I was given this book by the narrator and I am reviewing it based on my own opinion of the quality and enjoyment of this novel

Kevin Pierce is a great narrator and I always find his narration very enjoyable and inthralling.

The beginning novel like most beginnings is an attempt to get the reader to invest in the believability and crisis that the author has created . I found this book interesting and informative but not being a prepper myself felt the world fell into chaos faster than I find believable. If you accept the premise of the chaos I found the general character’s events believable though they have taken on the character of most post apocalyptic novels filled with biker gangs, meth heads and long journeys home that require shooting people and lack of resources.

All that being said I think there is some character development and If I continue to read I think that they need to to expanded. I like the learning aspect of how to prepare without having one character being Uber prepared and “running “ the whole show.
I would like seeing more merging of knowledge between characters to address the crisis and retooling of everyday living and security.

I enjoyed this book and will read the next to see if this story continues to develop

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great start to a new series!

I love end of the world’ stories! Whether the 'end' is via zombies, flu, whatever. Anything that is WSHTF. I enjoy reading and thinking about how one copes with harsh new environments, trying to survive. The drama that is involved. and I love learning new tips. though most stores don’t have a lot of new tips, this one did! totally- refreshing.

The was good! and starts off good right off the bat. I did enjoy listening to this, but I did have a few small issues with it. I thought the main Prepper was a bit whiney in some parts.
but other then that, great story and amazing, wonderful charactersI I can't wait to read more of of this series

Kevin Is by far one of the best to readers of when SHTF stories, and he did a great job bring this story to life for me.

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

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Great Book!!! Finally Normals VS the Apocalypse!

I really loved this book!!! It truly was the every mans story of the apocalypse. There are no super preppers, no magic bags with everything they need inside. Basically it was regular people with their own phobia's and failings having to deal with TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it).

The Characters were normal's, just like the rest of us having to deal with a disaster outside of what they ever really believed would happen. Even though they attempted to "prep for it". The story shows our everyday complacency when faced with the busy-ness of our daily lives vs our prepping choices.

The characters were well developed and made you want to root for some and scream at others - a definite trait of a well written book. I am not sure of where Puk fit in to the overall story line but I hope to see that fleshed out in the next book.

I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

Kevin Pierce is a fantastic narrator and ads a huge amount to any book he narrates!

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

While I was given this book in exchange for a review, I have reviewed the book honestly to the best of my ability. I would never recommend a book to someone else if I would not purchase it myself

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6 people found this helpful