By Jorge Amselle
What is not to like about seeing preening, elitist, self-assured liberals get their comeuppance? Unfortunately, a lot of innocent people end up with the short end of the stick as well in the ensuing societal collapse that leftist policies create in Bryce Towsley’s no-punches-pulled novel The 14th Reinstated. The author is a highly regarded and opinionated lifelong hunter, outdoorsman, shooter and gun writer, and his expertise is well reflected in the prose.
While the topic of a Hobbesian and rudderless America, where life is nasty, brutish and short (not to mention cheap), is rather bleak, the book does maintain a hopeful element throughout. Towsley deftly describes how economic policies which reward failure and punish success drive the United States closer toward economic collapse. Meanwhile, a power hungry government run by freely elected but corrupt politicians uses the excuse of social unrest and terrorist attacks to increasingly crack down on civil liberties and eventually ban firearms and self-defense outright.
But this is no treatise on Adam Smith or J.S. Mill. Rather, the author finds his strides in weaving a tale of adventure and survival. The protagonist secures his rural community and arms and trains his neighbors to defend themselves from bandits. But when all seems at peace, or some reasonable semblance of it, word of a kidnapped family member sets him on a rescue quest. The hero jumps from one fire fight to the next, facing down hordes of armed bandits and highwaymen, as well as large crowds of starving city dwellers with ill-conceived plans to head for the hills. His every effort is dedicated to preserving his family and community and restoring some semblance of peace and prosperity.
The action is non-stop and electric, filled with accurate portrayals of firearms and the importance of good tactics and field craft mastered through years of hunting. Towsley’s novel also contains real world advice on surviving – not just earth shattering political incompetence and malfeasance, but any natural disaster that might cut one off from the necessities of modern life. The self-defense techniques are spot on, and the author reminds us that no man is an island (at least not if he wants to survive for long).
Indeed, besides the thrills, this seems to be a book more about hope for the future of America and the (forgive me) Yankee spirit that combines self-reliance with a strong sense of community. It is this American trait that will save us in the end and Towsley, despite his occasional pessimism, is a firm believer.
Some, such as economists, establishment Republicans, fellow gun owners, and most assuredly Democrats, may take issue with many of Towsley’s views on politics, economics, firearm preferences, etc. This is not a book for the easily offended, and the author’s critiques of those he sees at fault are scathing. The prose can in parts run on a bit, but nevertheless this is a very fast paced and entertaining book, and the author is at his best when diving into the action.
Editor’s Note: Take a moment to check out this book on Bryce’s site – click here. It is handbook for survival in novel form and a very interesting read. ~ Mike P. Guns & Gear editor