Review of Survival Camp 12

[Veronica Hunter]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Survival Camp 12" by Bill Wetterman.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Mary Kenton watched her husband, BK Kenton, as he raked the leaves in their front yard. Mary’s thoughts drifted to how her husband loved her despite his not-so-expressive self. Her thought was cut short when the earth grumbled below her. Sprinting in with the confirmation of the third earthquake that month, her husband sent a message of convergence to their survivalist clan. Being someone whose beliefs do not align with her husband's survivalist beliefs, she declined the meeting and thus never attended any of their meetings, but she begins to wish she had when she’s thrown into a world of disarray and faced with a new harsh reality that will shape her beliefs and her life. How will Mary overcome and navigate through the new reality that has been set upon her without her permission? Read this overwhelming tale titled Survival Camp 12 by Bill Wetterman to learn how Mary navigates through her ordeals.
 
The book depicts a nation's collapse and the struggle to maintain order and survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The book discusses the themes of leadership, moral dilemmas, war, rape, suicide, grief, loss, loyalty, sacrifices, and the resilience of individuals facing overwhelming challenges. The protagonist navigates personal and communal trials, highlighting the harsh realities and difficult decisions necessary to survive. The author crafted a gripping and intense narrative that portrays the intensity of war, its consequences, and the continued challenges and setbacks that come with a state of unrest. The book also explores the theme of politics and how politicians come together to protect the citizens or disperse to protect their heads when things get out of political order. This is seen in how the book also highlights that in times of war or unrest, opportunists come together to take advantage of the situation. The worst of humanity comes out when the opportunity presents itself; this is depicted in the actions of the gangs that come together to wreak havoc, kill, rape, and disrupt the little air of peace left hanging.
 
I love the book as it discusses various situations that occur in our society and how each turns out to affect us all. I admire the author’s way of writing and keeping the reader intellectually and emotionally engaged in the book. The tone of the book is serious, suspenseful, and light at times, but the focus is always on the characters' experiences and emotions. The author's employs a descriptive and vivid writing style, thus painting a picture of the war-torn landscape and the intensity of the battles. The author also uses dialogue and internal monologues to reveal the characters' thoughts and feelings, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Despite the grim reality, I love how BK and Mary still found a way to connect both physically and emotionally, and this helped build their relationship in the face of adversity. Both might not be overly expressive couples, but BK's military training helps him set his ego down when needed, and this helps him to be more understanding and compassionate towards Mary. Finally, I also love that the book raises important questions about the nature of conflict and the psychological, emotional, and mental costs of war.
 
Personally, there is nothing I dislike about the book, but I would appreciate it more if a sort of disclaimer or caution were put at the beginning of the book to show readers what to expect as the book progresses. For me, the book evokes emotions, and I have had various moments where I gasped for air while reading it because of the level of intensity and the unexpected twists and turns in the book.
 
This book is exceptionally well-edited. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because this poignant and gripping book tells the tale of resilience, friendship, strategic planning, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of relentless adversity. Each chapter builds on the characters' experiences, building a complex narrative of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. I recommend this book to lovers of military-style and apocalyptic books.

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Survival Camp 12
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[NetMassimo]

In recent years, I grew wary of post-apocalyptic stories but this one seems well-constructed, addressing important issues through well-developed characters. Thank you for your great review!

[Sandre Lamar]

An interesting book to read.

[Cynthia Pence]

Survival Camp 12 sounds like an incredibly intense and gripping read. The blend of personal struggles, societal collapse, and the fight for survival is exactly the kind of story that pulls me in. I’m particularly intrigued by how the author captures the emotional depth of the characters, especially Mary’s internal conflict as she is thrown into this new reality. The idea of exploring moral dilemmas in a post-apocalyptic world is always thought-provoking, and I can imagine how the harsh conditions challenge not only survival but personal beliefs and relationships as well.