Benjamin Wallace (3)

In the chaotic aftermath of the apocalypse, where the world has been reshaped by disaster, Benjamin Wallace introduces us to a ragtag group of survivors in “Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors.” This book is a delightful blend of humor, action, and unexpected camaraderie.

The story follows the Librarian, an unlikely hero armed with a card catalog and a penchant for witty one-liners. As he navigates a wasteland filled with raiders, mutants, and the occasional sea monster, he discovers that show more even amidst the chaos, there’s room for laughter and hope. The writing style is reminiscent of both Monty Python’s absurdity and Mad Max’s gritty intensity, creating a unique and captivating reading experience. And as the Librarian himself would say, “Even a mushroom cloud has a silver lining.” show less

Jerry, Erica, and their loyal mastiff find themselves in a post-apocalyptic world where bounty hunters pursue them relentlessly. Their truck breaks down in what was once southern Colorado, and suddenly, they’re swept into an epic quest at the behest of King Elias, ruler of the Kingdom of the Five Peaks. This kingdom, powered by gold and driven by steam, has risen from the ashes of the apocalypse into a realm of prosperity and relative peace. As our unlikely heroes encounter old friends, show more new foes, mutant cannibals, and savage mountain men, they must decide whether the prize—a fresh start within the kingdom’s walls—is worth the risks. Wallace’s blend of humor, adventure, and unexpected twists keeps readers hooked, and just like the first book, there’s a nugget of wisdom hidden in the madness: “Even when the world ends, laughter remains our greatest weapon.” show less

Jerry survived the end of the world, outfitted himself with all sorts of cool gear, a great big dog, and began his new career as a post-apocalyptic nomadic warrior. He finds it a frustrating and thankless job, especially when the people he wishes to save don’t think they need his help. The townspeople of New Hope most definitely do, but they don’t realize it.

This book is exactly what it is advertised to be, a short, light, entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This show more is something far too few books do, in my humble opinion. I like a book that can tell a good story and still maintain a healthy distance from reality, one that doesn’t pretend to be anything but fiction. A great book can do this AND still say something about reality. It leaves no doubt that the story isn’t real but the story behind the story is.

This book does not do that, and the author knows it. He’s not conveying any deep insights. There is no social satire. He has provided the reader with a good book, not a great one. It is what he set out to do. In the bio on his web page, this is what he says: “I don't want to shock you or change your mind. I don't even care if it makes you think. I just want you to squirt that drink out your nose.”

Well... This particular book is not quite that funny, but it will bring a smile or two. It’s a good book with a good guy who is actually good. He’s likeable. He’s admirable. The supporting characters, including his dog, have personality, too. They are interesting and believable (at least for the sake of the story), and it is easy to care about what happens to them.

The weakest part of the novel is the setting. The end of the world just seems to have happened, and no one apparently knows much about why except that it was a war with some really nasty and imaginative weapons. Perhaps there is a point here after all. Maybe it’s trying to say that it doesn’t matter who fights a war; it doesn’t matter what it’s about because the result is the same. If so, I don’t think the point is intentional.

It’s an odd apocalypse, in any case. Most of the survivors we meet seem to be doing quite well either living in small communities or scavenging from the abundance left behind by those who were not so lucky. There are, of course, challenges, but they seem to be limited to organized bad guys who come to steal from the small, reasonably peaceful communities. This is where the setting especially came up short for me. If our hero Jerry can have a lavishly equipped motor home and an overpowered sports car, if there is plenty of stuff lying about for the taking, why would anyone go through all the risk and trouble of raiding the living when the dead offer far less resistance?

On the technical side, the Kindle version I read was double-spaced, which I found distracting at first. The proof reading, editing, and the cover were all above average for a self-published work, however.

After a somewhat weak start, I found myself quite enjoying this story and empathizing with Jerry. I liked the character, and the expected cliché ending did not bother me at all. It fit. Nothing else would have been appropriate. I recommend this book to anyone in need of a light read and a few smiles. show less

Watch Your Junk and Other Advice for Expectant Fathers by Benjamin Wallace is a hilarious book that kept me giggling through out the book! So many true things that he twists around to word it so that I had to laugh, giggle, or snicker on every page. I needed this book! Great job! As a woman, I wondered what he would say and it really didn't diss women, much, but is was hilarious! Funny as heck! It was free too, so I was double happy!