W.R. BLOCHER
Survival
in a
Dystopian
World
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Sam wakes up in a cemetery, not knowing where he is, what his last name is, or anything about his past. He finds himself in a dystopian world run by a vicious military seeking to destroy all life. He finds Sarah and six others who break free of this brutal world. They run for their lives, finally finding refuge with a brother and sister in a valley, seemingly safe from the forces seeking to destroy them. Eventually, the Enemy comes for them. They flee from what was once the United States on a sailing ship they built. Finding refugee in England, where Sam and Sarah join the fight against the Enemy, finally returning to the land of their birth.
Sam and Sarah's story is told in The Dead Side trilogy. All three volumes are available on Amazon for Kindle, paper back and hard cover.
REVIEWS
From Amazon
THE DEAD SIDE
4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing book with pacing problems
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022
This one gets four stars for the premise, an original take on the dystopian/post-apocalyptic genre, and the dialogue which is interesting and believable. However, the big problem is that nothing much happens besides that. This book feels almost like the script for a dialogue-based play; there's very little in the way of action and events. Some people will dig it. Many will hate it. I kinda enjoyed it but I'm sure I will be in the minority. Get a free sample and judge for yourself, the full book is not much different from the starting 10%. :)
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4.0 out of 5 stars Survival story that could have used more “story”
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
I was really hoping this would be a five star read for me. The opening few chapters got me hooked, and I eagerly turned pages dying to know what happened next. But that was kind of the problem: after the first few chapters, there isn’t a whole lot of “happening”. The vast majority of the book is a group of strangers literally just surviving; for the book’s premise and length, there isn’t a whole lot of story to fill it. I didn’t mind the fact that *spoiler alert* most of the reader’s questions go unanswered. Like any apocalyptic story, it really isn’t important HOW a world-ending event happened, just that it happened and now you have to figure out how to survive it.
I give this one four stars, because I really did like the premise, and the writing style suited the book (it’s written in third person present-tense, which I normally despise, but in this book it strangely works). But at the end of the day, I found myself craving more story.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Jason Bourne meets I Am The Storm
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022
This book opens loops and keeps you reading for the answers with great captivation. It is interesting, fast-paced and engaging, tense and emotional at times, adventurous, sometimes, satirical, and very creative throughout.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Similar to Bourne Identity
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
If you like the Jason Bourne movies, this would probably be a good fit. It revolves around a Marine who is both tough but has a soft-side. Overall, a good read with a nice twist over a traditional story.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A bit confusing
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2022
A great read overall! And I personally really liked the author's writing style, but I feel like the plot lacks something. Some questions didn't exactly get answered by the end of the book. The story also deals with some dark topics such as rape and violence, just a headsup for those that might not like it.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2021
I liked the story line. When our hero wakes up, we find him with no memory of the world around him. He goes on to be conscripted into a dystopian military.
I was a touch confused at parts of the book but over all, i thought it was an interesting read into a pretty interesting world.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Keeps you guessing
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2021
Overall, this book was creative and well-written. It's one of those books that you just have to keep reading to figure out what happens next. It certainly keeps you guessing. Additionally, the author paints the picture of a solider quite well. Everything is described in great detail.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
Really appreciated this novel. It was enjoyable to go through the process of a 'lost memory' while wondering what would happen next. Of course, at times things were confusing but this was necessary given the plot structure. All in all, a compelling book by a talented author. Recommend.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Full of unexpected twists
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2022
This book is full of unexpected twists. I was hooked with more questions unanswered. I will surely wait if there's a sequel for this book. While reading this book, you will keep asking for more to answer all those questions lingering in your head. Definitely worth a 5-star.
FLIGHT
5.0 out of 5 stars Military science fiction with realistic touches
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2023
I liked the first installment of this series a lot and really enjoyed this one. You can tell the author has some military experience and there are lots of realistic touches rounding out the fantastic tale. I hope he has a plan to keep going and to explain the situation!
PACIFIC BOOK REVIEW OF FLIGHT
The Dead Side by W.R. Blocher is a truly exciting novel that beguiles with aweinspiring action all through its captivating storyline. It features a squad of deserters who have found it hard to survive the Enemy's excruciating brutality and tense savagery which comprises rape, insults, and whipping amidst other deadly ordeals in the course of forced army training. In its first pages, Blocher introduces stressing memories that are taking a toll on Sam's mind, as he recalls repeated difficulties such as being hunted and killed for trying to flee the murderous exercises. As is famously quoted, a man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire it. Such is the case for this group whose further stay in the Enemy's domain, The Dead Side, poses more risk to their very existence and that of their children. Unintelligible desperation and an esoteric desire to survive have seen some of Sam's colleagues take on heartless sergeants in brutal brawls that saw both sides suffer casualties. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty grip the deserters as they hop on the Hope, a ship constructed by one of the squad members whose father specialized in making boats. The squad's adrenalizing voyage sees them navigate unfamiliar waters without being detected by the Enemy's search parties while at the same time facing challenges such as lack of fresh water, and the occurrence of unforeseen strong tides and winds. Will the enemy invade them before they set out for a sail, or will he wait till they are offshore? Blocher's novel shines with a distinct level of creativity as revealed in the cordial but deeply engaging dialogues among its characters. The text also poses a compelling but twisty plot that feels different and original from the very beginning. The ingenious characters such as George, Sarah, and Debbie are relatable and for that readers are able to root for them easily as they fight against the barbarous antagonist. The inclusion of children and a pregnant woman aboard the Hope is a nice addition to the already enticing composition. Flight: The Dead Side is a uniquely plotted read chockfull of exhilarating scenes and quick-paced activities. As the text comes to an end, readers will confirm that Blocher is an author who has mastered his craft in offering a satisfying story, whose components undoubtedly add complexity and depth to the title. The novel's setting involves a part of the world where readers have not been, and this aspect of creative writing and imagination will hugely contribute to the book's undeniable fate of becoming a best seller!