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Victoria Emerson #1
Crimson Phoenix
An Action-Packed & Thrilling Novel
Brad Taylor meets The Stand in a riveting novel of suspense kicking off a brand new series perfect for fans of the page-turning novels of A.G. Riddle, Mark Greaney, and Matthew Mather.
“One of the most singular and compelling heroines to come along in years.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author
“Snaps with action from the very first page.”—Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Stone Cross and of Tom Clancy’s Code of Honor
From John Gilstrap, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Jonathan Grave novels, comes Crimson Phoenix—first in the new Victoria Emerson Thriller series. With America brought to the brink of destruction, one woman becomes the last hope of a nation and its people . . .
Victoria Emerson is a congressional member of the U. S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. Her aspirations have always been to help her community and to avoid the ambitious power plays of her peers in Washington D. C. Then Major Joseph McCrea appears on her doorstep and uses the code phrase Crimson Phoenix, meaning this is not a drill. The United States is on the verge of nuclear war. Victoria must accompany McCrea to a secure bunker. She cannot bring her family.
A single mother, Victoria refuses to abandon her three teenage sons. Denied entry to the bunker, they nonetheless survive the nuclear onslaught that devastates the country. The land is nearly uninhabitable. Electronics have been rendered useless. Food is scarce. Millions of scared and ailing people await aid from a government that is unable to regroup, much less organize a rescue from the chaos.
Victoria devotes herself to reestablishing order—only to encounter the harsh realities required of a leader dealing with desperate people . . .
“Just the thing for readers who feel oppressed by the pandemic lockdown.”— Kirkus Reviews
“A gripping page-turner.” —Taylor Stevens, New York Times bestselling author
“An explosive story that keeps your mind churning and pulse racing . . . Don't miss this powerful new series from a master thriller writer.” —Jamie Freveletti, international bestselling and award-winning author
Brad Taylor meets The Stand in a riveting novel of suspense kicking off a brand new series perfect for fans of the page-turning novels of A.G. Riddle, Mark Greaney, and Matthew Mather.
“One of the most singular and compelling heroines to come along in years.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author
“Snaps with action from the very first page.”—Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Stone Cross and of Tom Clancy’s Code of Honor
From John Gilstrap, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Jonathan Grave novels, comes Crimson Phoenix—first in the new Victoria Emerson Thriller series. With America brought to the brink of destruction, one woman becomes the last hope of a nation and its people . . .
Victoria Emerson is a congressional member of the U. S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. Her aspirations have always been to help her community and to avoid the ambitious power plays of her peers in Washington D. C. Then Major Joseph McCrea appears on her doorstep and uses the code phrase Crimson Phoenix, meaning this is not a drill. The United States is on the verge of nuclear war. Victoria must accompany McCrea to a secure bunker. She cannot bring her family.
A single mother, Victoria refuses to abandon her three teenage sons. Denied entry to the bunker, they nonetheless survive the nuclear onslaught that devastates the country. The land is nearly uninhabitable. Electronics have been rendered useless. Food is scarce. Millions of scared and ailing people await aid from a government that is unable to regroup, much less organize a rescue from the chaos.
Victoria devotes herself to reestablishing order—only to encounter the harsh realities required of a leader dealing with desperate people . . .
“Just the thing for readers who feel oppressed by the pandemic lockdown.”— Kirkus Reviews
“A gripping page-turner.” —Taylor Stevens, New York Times bestselling author
“An explosive story that keeps your mind churning and pulse racing . . . Don't miss this powerful new series from a master thriller writer.” —Jamie Freveletti, international bestselling and award-winning author
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
About the author
John Gilstrap
65 books1,097 followersA little bit about my background... I've always been a closet-writer. As a kid, I lived for the opportunity to write short stories. I was the editor of my high school newspaper for a while (the Valor Dictus, Robinson High School, class of 1975), until I quit ("You can't fire me! I quit!") over a lofty First Amendment issue that seemed very important at the time. My goal, in fact, was to become a journalist in the vein of Woodward or Bernstein. Okay, I confess, I wanted to be Woodward; Robert Redford played him in the movie, and chicks really dug Robert Redford.
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1979, and armed with a degree in American history, I couldn't find a job. I ended up settling for a position with a little-noticed trade journal serving the construction industry. They called me the managing editor and they paid me food stamp wages. I hated it. About this time, I joined the Burke Volunteer Fire Department in Fairfax County, Virginia, if only to find relief from the boredom of my job. Running about a thousand calls my first year with the department, I was hooked, and the volunteer fire service became an important part of my life for the next 15 years. In the early eighties, hating my job, I went the way of all frustrated liberal arts undergrads—back to graduate school. Earning a Master of Science degree in safety engineering from the University of Southern California, I started down a whole new road. For the next decade and a half, I became an expert (don't you hate that word?) on explosives safety and hazardous waste. Meanwhile, I kept writing. I didn't tell anyone, of course, because, well, you just don't share artistic dreams with fellow engineers. They look at you funny.
My first novel, Nathan's Run, was in fact my fourth novel, and when it sold, it sold big. At a time in my life when things were going well—I was president of my own consulting firm—things were suddenly going very well. Warner Bros. bought the movie rights to Nathan's Run two days after the first book rights were sold, and as of this date, the novel has been translated and published in one form or another in over 20 countries. With Nathan's Run in the can, as it were, I thought I might finally be on to something, but I didn't quit my "day job" until after I sold the book and movie rights to my second novel, At All Costs. I figured that while one-in-a-row might be luck, two-in-a-row was a trend. So, I started writing full-time.
More novels followed, and then a few screenplays. I was living the dream.
But I really didn't like it much. I learned pretty quickly that when you're born a Type-A personality, those extrovert tendencies don't go away just because you're practicing a craft you love. In fact, after just a couple of years of dream fulfillment, I was pretty friggin' bored with the company of my imaginary friends, so I did something that I've never heard a full-time artist do before: I went back to a day job. At first, it was just a matter of reactivating my consulting business, but then, in 2004, I was handed my ideal Big-Boy Job (that's what my wife calls it) working as the director of safety for a trade association in Washington, DC.
And I continue to write. In 2006, Six Minutes to Freedom was published to considerable acclaim. My first (and probably last) foray into book-length non-fiction, SixMin tells the story of Kurt Muse, the only civilian of record ever rescued by the super-secret Delta Force. Thanks to Kurt's cooperation (he is co-author), I gained access to people and places that lifelong civilians like me should never see. The heroic warriors I met during that research turned out to be nothing like their movie stereotypes. These were not only gentlemen, but gentle men, who remained free of the kind of boasting and self-aggrandizement that I was expecting. They were supreme professionals, and very nice guys.
And through them I got the idea for my new series character, Jonathan Grave. He's fo
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July 12, 2023
4.5⭐
I listened to the second novel last year through the Netgalley ARC program and really glad that I'm catching up with the first book, CRIMSON PHOENIX. Now I know what happened in detail before the world went to $@&! and love Vicky's family even more.
Victoria "Vicky" Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for West Virginia. A single mother of three. Her eldest son Adam is one of my favorite characters. They are separated because he went camping with his girlfriend when it all happened. Her children have survival knowledge but will that keep them safe and help them get through this madness? I can't wait to read Book 3 and find out.
If you're into survival or post-apocalyptic thriller then don't miss this series!
I listened to the second novel last year through the Netgalley ARC program and really glad that I'm catching up with the first book, CRIMSON PHOENIX. Now I know what happened in detail before the world went to $@&! and love Vicky's family even more.
Victoria "Vicky" Emerson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for West Virginia. A single mother of three. Her eldest son Adam is one of my favorite characters. They are separated because he went camping with his girlfriend when it all happened. Her children have survival knowledge but will that keep them safe and help them get through this madness? I can't wait to read Book 3 and find out.
If you're into survival or post-apocalyptic thriller then don't miss this series!
February 18, 2021
Crimson Phoenix
by John Gilstrap is shocking, disturbing at times, suspenseful, and definitely heart-pounding. I’ve seen it classified as dystopian and post-apocalyptic and it has aspects of both.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. When Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley Show up at her doorstep and uses the code phrase ‘Crimson Phoenix’, Vicky knows that the United States is on the verge of a nuclear war. She yells at her sons Caleb and Luke to get dressed and get their go-bags. They’ve prepped for this all of their lives. McCrea and Copley are to take her to a secure bunker in West Virginia. When they get there and she finds out her sons can’t come in, she resigns. They head west towards the military academy where her third son is attending school.
Vicky’s goal of protecting her family is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but Caleb seems to have grown the most during the course of the book. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to Caleb.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon, and much more.
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. Two phrases have stuck with me: concentric circles and actions have consequences. Are you intrigued? Then, I recommend that you read the novel.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. This is the first book that I have read by this author and the first in this series. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Vicky and her sons as well as Joe and Paul. I also want to read his Jonathan Grave series.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Victoria (Vicky) Emerson is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of West Virginia. When Major Joseph McCrea and First Sergeant Paul Copley Show up at her doorstep and uses the code phrase ‘Crimson Phoenix’, Vicky knows that the United States is on the verge of a nuclear war. She yells at her sons Caleb and Luke to get dressed and get their go-bags. They’ve prepped for this all of their lives. McCrea and Copley are to take her to a secure bunker in West Virginia. When they get there and she finds out her sons can’t come in, she resigns. They head west towards the military academy where her third son is attending school.
Vicky’s goal of protecting her family is clear. She certainly isn’t perfect and that adds realism to the story. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth, but Caleb seems to have grown the most during the course of the book. We also get insights into other characters as the points of view occasionally shift to Vicky’s third son, Adam, to the Congressional bunker, and to Caleb.
This book is exactly what one would expect from a well-written post-apocalyptic thriller with lots of concern over how to survive and protect one’s family, but it is so much more than that. It raises a lot of questions about justice, cooperation, leadership, desperation, political infighting, having to deal with the loss of all of the electronics we rely upon, and much more.
The author brought a strong sense of time and place to the events in the book. I felt as though I had been transplanted to West Virginia and was living through the events. Additionally, the triggers for this book felt all too real. Two phrases have stuck with me: concentric circles and actions have consequences. Are you intrigued? Then, I recommend that you read the novel.
Overall, this book was riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about. This is the first book that I have read by this author and the first in this series. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Vicky and her sons as well as Joe and Paul. I also want to read his Jonathan Grave series.
Kensington Books and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for February 23, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 3, 2021
If armageddon and debauchery is your thing, this is the story for you. This is mostly about and of survivalists and the degradation of humankind. 4 of 10 stars
January 17, 2023
Review coming soon.
February 17, 2021
Wow, this was a pleasant surprise. The first book in a new series about Victoria Emerson, a member of the US House of Representatives. The world is on the verge of nuclear war and Victoria is about to be relocated to a secure bunker. She refuses since she's not allowed to bring her kids and in the aftermath of the nuclear war we follow Victoria and her kids on her journey to survive in a post apocalyptic world where nothing is normal anymore. As Victoria said to her kids, "Everything that made sense yesterday seems wrong today, and much of what seemed wrong has become okay. This is a gripping page-turner that is impossible to put down. It's filled with action, interesting characters and moral dilemmas. From the first page you are thrown into the story and you are desperate to find out what happens. The book is a bit uneven and some questions are left unanswered but this series have huge potential and I'll definitely read the next book. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Kensington Books, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and share my honest review,.
Thanks to Kensington Books, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and share my honest review,.
December 30, 2020
Picked this book up because I've liked several of John Gilstrap's previous books - and the cover was eye-catching. I wasn't disappointed.
The first in a new series featuring Victoria Emerson, the book covers a political decision that perpetuates a devastating, worldwide nuclear war. Victoria is a member of the House of Representatives and gets shuttled to a bunker in case of nuclear war. However, when they refuse to admit her son - no family members allowed in the bunker; not enough room - Victoria makes the decision to leave and goes searching for safety elsewhere. Victoria has had survival training and is somewhat of a prepper - something she has also instilled in her sons. This is a story of survival and of bringing some semblance of order out of chaos. New decisions have to be made as to what is right and wrong in a new world. It was a fast-paced story and full of action and building tension.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
The first in a new series featuring Victoria Emerson, the book covers a political decision that perpetuates a devastating, worldwide nuclear war. Victoria is a member of the House of Representatives and gets shuttled to a bunker in case of nuclear war. However, when they refuse to admit her son - no family members allowed in the bunker; not enough room - Victoria makes the decision to leave and goes searching for safety elsewhere. Victoria has had survival training and is somewhat of a prepper - something she has also instilled in her sons. This is a story of survival and of bringing some semblance of order out of chaos. New decisions have to be made as to what is right and wrong in a new world. It was a fast-paced story and full of action and building tension.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
April 5, 2021
A grand dystopian tale — first in a series — featuring gutsy Victoria Emerson, West Virginia Congressional Rep. While Israel threatens Iran with a nuclear strike, members of Congress including Emerson are escorted to a nuclear shelter. The kicker: Family members are not allowed. She refuses to enter, quits Congress, takes her two accompanying sons away to find her third and tries to survive in any way possible. You’ll sit gobsmacked through to the end, cheering this courageous woman on and waiting breathlessly for book #2. I’d not read Gilstrap before but I’m a fan girl now!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 23 Feb 2021
#BetweenTheChapters #CrimsonPhoenix
Thanks to the author and Between the Chapters for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 23 Feb 2021
#BetweenTheChapters #CrimsonPhoenix
Thanks to the author and Between the Chapters for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 20, 2021
My God! Now I am as scared of surviving a nuclear war as I was of dying from one. The author is great. I look forward to his next book. Couldn't put this book down. Really had me think what if.
February 28, 2021
Concentric circles ... Wow!
Deeply disturbing and intense.
This is a dystopian novel involving nuclear attacks and the destruction of the government.
Country against country ... man against man. Well written.
Deeply disturbing and intense.
This is a dystopian novel involving nuclear attacks and the destruction of the government.
Country against country ... man against man. Well written.
February 9, 2021
I have read Crimson Phoenix by John Gilstrap. It is a somewhat apocalyptic story about Victoria Emerson and her struggles after some bombs exploded. This is one of the best stories in it's genre I have ever read. The author manages to describe some of the struggles like no one else. Gilstrap describes some of the struggles from a viewpoint I have never seen before and it makes the story really good. It is a book that is hard to put down. Ihave to thank @KensingtonBooks #Netgalley and #Kensington for giving me this arc.
October 22, 2020
A scary world in which all our fears come true. Follow the nuclear war and the aftermath of it and the amazing characters in the reestablishing of some kind of order in the presence of none.
I couldn't put this book down even though it made my chest tight at the fear of this actually happening.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't put this book down even though it made my chest tight at the fear of this actually happening.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only thing that stopped me from loving it was the political aspect. Due to that, I won't be continuing with the series. Shame, really.
December 14, 2021
Just a disaster. Terrible writing. Terrible character building. Unbelievable. And it was some sort of right wing vigilantly porn
February 10, 2022
3.4 Stars
Hmm this story is about our country being on the brink of destruction of a nuclear war.
Yikes not really a good idea while we are still trying to make it through what is nearly a year-long pandemic. It has been terrible; in fact, we learned NOT to say “What’s next?” As too many times what’s next would happen.
In this story Congresswoman Victoria Emerson from West Virginia (my home state) is a congressional member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is awaken at night and as a member of Congress is being rushed to a safe bunker. She is a widow with three boys, two are teenagers at home and she insists they go with her. She is told no family members! She again insists but once they arrive at the “Hilltop Manor Resort of Crimson Phoenix the no family member rule is enforced.
Congresswoman Victoria Emerson has a goal of being helpful to her community and not let the ambitious Washington politicians who are more interested in themselves and are ambitious in power plays. NOTE: This reminds of Joe Manchin a current Senator from West Virginia as he certainly is the voice of reason!
Situation is really very freighting. I did read and/or saw “On the Beach” It had me glued to my seat. This story had me interested but it really cannot say I like it!
This is the first in the Victoria Emerson Series so I knew she was going to make it for Book #2.
The other thing that interest me about this story since I am from West Virginia; I was familiar that
There was a real-life US Governments Relocation Facility located at the majestic 5-Star Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It was a secret until the Washington Post revealed its location in 1992.
The hotel is still majestic and actually has tours available to the public of the bunkers.
I did enjoy reading John Gilstrap’s “Author’s Note” I always find this information interesting and he did not disappoint!
Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 23, 2021
Hmm this story is about our country being on the brink of destruction of a nuclear war.
Yikes not really a good idea while we are still trying to make it through what is nearly a year-long pandemic. It has been terrible; in fact, we learned NOT to say “What’s next?” As too many times what’s next would happen.
In this story Congresswoman Victoria Emerson from West Virginia (my home state) is a congressional member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is awaken at night and as a member of Congress is being rushed to a safe bunker. She is a widow with three boys, two are teenagers at home and she insists they go with her. She is told no family members! She again insists but once they arrive at the “Hilltop Manor Resort of Crimson Phoenix the no family member rule is enforced.
Congresswoman Victoria Emerson has a goal of being helpful to her community and not let the ambitious Washington politicians who are more interested in themselves and are ambitious in power plays. NOTE: This reminds of Joe Manchin a current Senator from West Virginia as he certainly is the voice of reason!
Situation is really very freighting. I did read and/or saw “On the Beach” It had me glued to my seat. This story had me interested but it really cannot say I like it!
This is the first in the Victoria Emerson Series so I knew she was going to make it for Book #2.
The other thing that interest me about this story since I am from West Virginia; I was familiar that
There was a real-life US Governments Relocation Facility located at the majestic 5-Star Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It was a secret until the Washington Post revealed its location in 1992.
The hotel is still majestic and actually has tours available to the public of the bunkers.
I did enjoy reading John Gilstrap’s “Author’s Note” I always find this information interesting and he did not disappoint!
Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 23, 2021
August 22, 2021
Where to begin? This surface level post-apoctalyptic felt very formulatic, as most characters came off as flat and stereotypical. What was an interesting start, ended up being mismanaged and disappointing. Threads were started and abandoned until much later (or completely), scenes happened so abruptly whole sections had to be re-read (not being "fast paced"- just abruptly written). Resulting dialogues and conflicts were surface level, repetitive, and eye roll worthy. A great deal of ink was spent for inner monologue-ing about the past or current state of things, indicating what the author mostly seemed to think about the subject. Though to be clear, there's plenty of spoken monologues too. Differing view broke into weird intermittent, unnecessary, and redundant vulgarity written in the most inane terms.
And to boot, the billed main protagonist is overwhelming written about, rarely written from the perspective of. The first time the narrative is from her perspective is over 230 pages in, and only happens 3 or so times from there. So we get lots of *other* characters input into what she's doing and how she is *the woman in charge*, but seldom actually get to hear from her. And I read to the end just to make sure. I wish I cared more about this character to want see what happens next, but alas. Will definitely be looking for another series for a post-apocalyptic fix.
And to boot, the billed main protagonist is overwhelming written about, rarely written from the perspective of. The first time the narrative is from her perspective is over 230 pages in, and only happens 3 or so times from there. So we get lots of *other* characters input into what she's doing and how she is *the woman in charge*, but seldom actually get to hear from her. And I read to the end just to make sure. I wish I cared more about this character to want see what happens next, but alas. Will definitely be looking for another series for a post-apocalyptic fix.
February 21, 2021
A fascinating read! This was a book I saw on Goodreads and was so excited to see there was a Giveaway. And what were the odds that I would win? Slim to none; but I did win! This thriller shows just how reliant we are on technology. And how a simple computer virus can shut down the grid and cause chaos on society. It’s what would happen if all the luxuries we take for granted just disappeared. And it will fall on a single mother, a Congresswoman to rebuild America and will make you question what you would do if faced with this reality if you were the one to have to piece together the world as we once knew it.
February 1, 2021
This book reminded me why I almost exclusively read fantasy. It was not good. I hated the main character, and almost everything about the book. This is clearly the first in a series, because this book had no ending, but I won't be continuing.
February 19, 2022
An absolute struggle to get through. I don't typically read thrillers so I thought that may have been my problem, but honestly it wasn't that "thrilling." Mainly everyone goes around murderering each other and saying how stupid and mean people are.
March 2, 2022
Imminent nuclear war and one Senator, Victoria Emerson, refuses to take shelter with the rest of Congress because they won't allow her children in the bunker with her. She promptly resigns and with her 2 teenage sons and the 2 Army soldiers who were tasked with getting her to the bunker (who never had a spot in the bunker either) take off in the search of shelter. This book follows their first weeks following the worst disaster to date, as well as her 3rd son who was away from his military school on a camping trip with his girlfriend at the time as they try to reconnect unsure that the other is still alive. It also follows what's taking place in the bunker with the remaining members of Congress, which is an angle which I've only seen on Designated Survivor, a show I was disappointed to see canceled after only a few seasons.
I really enjoyed this book, as I do this type of book/movie in general. I like hearing about the logistics of starting over in a zero tech/industrial world and how different people handle the challenges it faces. I enjoyed it right up to the end. It just ended. I was so sad. Thankfully this is a series so I know there's more which I will be diving into soon.
I really enjoyed this book, as I do this type of book/movie in general. I like hearing about the logistics of starting over in a zero tech/industrial world and how different people handle the challenges it faces. I enjoyed it right up to the end. It just ended. I was so sad. Thankfully this is a series so I know there's more which I will be diving into soon.
February 22, 2022
This is not my normal go-to for books. I try to stick to light, cozy mysteries so this is definitely out of my usual comfort zone but I received book 2 from NetGalley and I wanted to start at the beginning. Despite the depressing premise, I really enjoyed this: nonstop action and a truly thrilling but terrifying read. The story details the breakdown of society after an attack. I loved the characters and I could not put this down. Looking forward to the next one.
October 29, 2021
What a ride. It was frightening to think about but I was unable to stop reading. Gilstrap has another great series for us.
WW lll. Family. A horribly “staffed” government. So many things to scare us. Unfortunately, all of it believable. Congresswoman Emerson must be at least a distant cousin of Digger Grave. A fantastic character and story. Can’t wait for the next one.
WW lll. Family. A horribly “staffed” government. So many things to scare us. Unfortunately, all of it believable. Congresswoman Emerson must be at least a distant cousin of Digger Grave. A fantastic character and story. Can’t wait for the next one.
February 19, 2023
Crimson Phoenix, by John Gilstrap, is a near future account of an apocalyptic nuclear war following a series of socially diverse characters. Crimson Phoenix was excellent, a spell binding read. I didn’t want to put it down. The text was super well written with vibrant characters. I was most taken by the description of the structure of society as a series of concentric circles and how these characters fit into that series of circles. The story line was well constructed and ran the gambit from senators to survivalist. I have been a Gilstrap fan for quite some time and will continue to be. For me, five stars. Jeff Bailey, author of the thriller Not On MY Watch.
December 25, 2020
Crimson Phoenix introduces a new series from John Gilstrap - Victoria Emerson.
"Victoria Emerson is a member of the US House of Representatives. When Major McCrea shows up at her door and uses the code word, Crimson Phoenix, she knows that the US is on the verge of nuclear war and she is to be escorted to a hidden bunker with the rest of the House. When she realizes her family is not allowed in the bunker, she resigns and heads to West Virginia in search of saftey and her other son. Along the way she realizes there are things more dangerous than nuclear bombs..."
If you've read any books about Nuclear Armageddon, much will sound familiar. People are scared - they easily turn into a mob - no electonics work - everything is chaotic. What Gilstrap adds is that he takes you directly into the bunker that is responsible for continuance of government. What happens when politicians must make hard choices? Does partisan rhetoric ever end? Who does the private security contractor report to? The dynamics are interesting...and deadly.
Victoria Emerson is a bit of a prepper, which comes in handy when you're fleeing for your life and other people want to take what you have. As a parent, there are some scary moments when you see what she is having to tell her young son what to do to protect himself and the family.
There's a great scene where Gilstrap shows what happens when people must decide between justice and truth - innocent and not guilty.
Gilstrap does not spend much time on the big picture but chooses to focus on small groups. There is still plenty of his outstanding action.
Fast-paced read from Gilstrap. There are many open story lines so it sets up for the next book. Fans of Gilstrap and strong female characters will enjoy this one.
"Victoria Emerson is a member of the US House of Representatives. When Major McCrea shows up at her door and uses the code word, Crimson Phoenix, she knows that the US is on the verge of nuclear war and she is to be escorted to a hidden bunker with the rest of the House. When she realizes her family is not allowed in the bunker, she resigns and heads to West Virginia in search of saftey and her other son. Along the way she realizes there are things more dangerous than nuclear bombs..."
If you've read any books about Nuclear Armageddon, much will sound familiar. People are scared - they easily turn into a mob - no electonics work - everything is chaotic. What Gilstrap adds is that he takes you directly into the bunker that is responsible for continuance of government. What happens when politicians must make hard choices? Does partisan rhetoric ever end? Who does the private security contractor report to? The dynamics are interesting...and deadly.
Victoria Emerson is a bit of a prepper, which comes in handy when you're fleeing for your life and other people want to take what you have. As a parent, there are some scary moments when you see what she is having to tell her young son what to do to protect himself and the family.
There's a great scene where Gilstrap shows what happens when people must decide between justice and truth - innocent and not guilty.
Gilstrap does not spend much time on the big picture but chooses to focus on small groups. There is still plenty of his outstanding action.
Fast-paced read from Gilstrap. There are many open story lines so it sets up for the next book. Fans of Gilstrap and strong female characters will enjoy this one.
March 15, 2021
Crimson Phoenix by John Gilstrap
Victoria Emerson #1
I started reading and could not stop and after reading the first few pages I contacted my sister by email telling her to look for this book in her lending library, sent her the book description, and since it was not listed, she requested they purchase it. I read her email response and kept reading until the wee hours of the morning and then tried to sleep although I first looked to see how soon book two in the series might be coming out. I never did find that information but know I will be reading it when it is published.
What I liked:
* Victoria “Vicky” Emerson: strong, independent, resourceful, tough, leader, intelligent, mother, and more. I am eager to see what she will do in book two.
* Vicky’s sons: Adam, Caleb, and Luke. Need to know more about this trio of intriguing young men.
* Major Joe McCrae: professional, dedicated, loyal, strong, capable, interesting.
* 1st Lieutenant Paul Copley
* The three threads of the story: The political group in the bunker, Adam and his girlfriend, and Vicky with her two younger sons and the two military men.
* The dystopian world created by a scenario I hope never occurs in real time.
* The plot and writing
* The pace and action.
* The character development
* That I felt I was there, and all senses were engaged.
* Thinking about what I would do if in a similar situation.
* Being reminded of books by Wyndham, Shute, and others borrowed long ago from my father’s library.
* The gritty feel of it – no sugar coating – tough decisions made.
* The concentric circles theory and how it applied to the situation.
* The Vicky had prepared her sons so well.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The Grubbs Gang
* More than one of the politicians
* The group overseeing the bunker
* Having to wait for the next book.
Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I read more in this series? As soon as possible!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Victoria Emerson #1
I started reading and could not stop and after reading the first few pages I contacted my sister by email telling her to look for this book in her lending library, sent her the book description, and since it was not listed, she requested they purchase it. I read her email response and kept reading until the wee hours of the morning and then tried to sleep although I first looked to see how soon book two in the series might be coming out. I never did find that information but know I will be reading it when it is published.
What I liked:
* Victoria “Vicky” Emerson: strong, independent, resourceful, tough, leader, intelligent, mother, and more. I am eager to see what she will do in book two.
* Vicky’s sons: Adam, Caleb, and Luke. Need to know more about this trio of intriguing young men.
* Major Joe McCrae: professional, dedicated, loyal, strong, capable, interesting.
* 1st Lieutenant Paul Copley
* The three threads of the story: The political group in the bunker, Adam and his girlfriend, and Vicky with her two younger sons and the two military men.
* The dystopian world created by a scenario I hope never occurs in real time.
* The plot and writing
* The pace and action.
* The character development
* That I felt I was there, and all senses were engaged.
* Thinking about what I would do if in a similar situation.
* Being reminded of books by Wyndham, Shute, and others borrowed long ago from my father’s library.
* The gritty feel of it – no sugar coating – tough decisions made.
* The concentric circles theory and how it applied to the situation.
* The Vicky had prepared her sons so well.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The Grubbs Gang
* More than one of the politicians
* The group overseeing the bunker
* Having to wait for the next book.
Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I read more in this series? As soon as possible!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
March 14, 2021
To be honest, I don't typically read post-apocalyptic stories but b/c I'm a fan of this writer, I went ahead & read it.
I did look forward to his starting a new series especially since this time it was a female protagonist.
In the descriptions of the government bunker, I did wonder how much was factual research & how much fictional imagination. And the whole thing was very scary. Nuclear war....I don't think I'd survive very well as reading this I realized I've got no clue about outdoor survival skills. (Yeah...girl scouts was too long ago.)
It was action packed & full of suspense.
I started it on audio & I would recommend it that way. It really helped with making it more entertaining & dramatic.
I will read the next one in the series but mostly b/c I want to find out what happens with Adam.
I did look forward to his starting a new series especially since this time it was a female protagonist.
In the descriptions of the government bunker, I did wonder how much was factual research & how much fictional imagination. And the whole thing was very scary. Nuclear war....I don't think I'd survive very well as reading this I realized I've got no clue about outdoor survival skills. (Yeah...girl scouts was too long ago.)
It was action packed & full of suspense.
I started it on audio & I would recommend it that way. It really helped with making it more entertaining & dramatic.
I will read the next one in the series but mostly b/c I want to find out what happens with Adam.
February 14, 2022
Crimson Phoenix is a very different genre than I usually read. This is a post apocalyptic story which is a genre I swore I would never read. John Gilstrap has done an incredible job with this subject. The story line feels so real and you can literally picture what the words on the page are conveying.
What would happen if all the major cities in the country were destroyed? What would you do if you had no electricity, no infrastructure? These are things that are tackled within this story. We follow a mother and her sons and a group of people that survived the worst possible scenario.
This story is extremely well written and done in such a way that it was completely believable. I look forward to reading book 2 in this series.
If you get an opportunity to read any of John Gilstrap, I highly recommend him. He’s a fantastic storyteller and there isn’t anything I’ve read by him that I haven’t enjoyed.
What would happen if all the major cities in the country were destroyed? What would you do if you had no electricity, no infrastructure? These are things that are tackled within this story. We follow a mother and her sons and a group of people that survived the worst possible scenario.
This story is extremely well written and done in such a way that it was completely believable. I look forward to reading book 2 in this series.
If you get an opportunity to read any of John Gilstrap, I highly recommend him. He’s a fantastic storyteller and there isn’t anything I’ve read by him that I haven’t enjoyed.
April 13, 2022
So I am a fan of John Gilstrap. I have read all of his Jonathon Grave series. When I heard he started another series, I was intrigued. But after reading the synopsis, it didn't sound like I would like it. Then I got a free copy, had a window of opportunity to read it, and loved it. It is so many things, that's why I have it on so many diverse shelves. But it is really just great fiction. It is an epic story, but I love that Gilstrap did not choose to put it all in one book. The premise is good, the set up is a little slow, but the payoff is worth it. And the promise is substantial. It feels kind of like The Walking Dead without Zombies. I am hooked and can't wait to read book 2.
April 1, 2022
You know every now and then a book appears and once you start reading it you can't put it down?
This is one of those books.
Apart from a much needed toilet break, I read this in one sitting. I was totally oblivious to anything happening around (good job I was at home on the sofa!)
I found myself invested in the characters and the story. I *needed* to know what happens next.
Now I have to get book 2 to continue. My only mistake was not ordering it during my toilet break so I didn't have to wait so long.
This is one of those books.
Apart from a much needed toilet break, I read this in one sitting. I was totally oblivious to anything happening around (good job I was at home on the sofa!)
I found myself invested in the characters and the story. I *needed* to know what happens next.
Now I have to get book 2 to continue. My only mistake was not ordering it during my toilet break so I didn't have to wait so long.
January 31, 2023
A shocking and suspenseful story of America falling to a nuclear hit in multiple locations Washington DC and main cities. A single Mom of 3 boys is a Congresswoman who refuses the safety of a bunker because they won’t let her sons in. She takes off with them to join her oldest boy but the insanity of no structure hits them in the small town in the Appalachian mountains. She because a guiding light for this town. Recommend
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August 16, 2021DNF
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