A Post-Apocalyptic EMP-Survival Thriller (Seven Cows

"Ichabod" was a good follow up to the first release in the series, "Behold Darkness and Sorrow". Overall, very well written with good character development and realistic bonding between characters as they struggle to adapt to the new world after EMP strikes. The action is fast paced, and realistic (i.e., the main characters can't kill a hundred men with their little pinky). On the plus side, I really enjoy it when the author gives a few ideas for readers to work into their own preparedness efforts. In that regard, as well as entertainment value, the book is well worth the price. Overall, I liked the story line - it was more involved than the first book in the series. I struggled to give the book 5 stars... it had just a little too much dialogue and conversation for my taste, but that's personal opinion. Overall, well done.

If you're looking for additional stuff by Goodwin, I highly recommend his Days of Noah series. Much more family oriented and realistic level action with good dialogue about politics, moral viewpoints and a Christian world view. Probably one of my favorite series - and believe me, I've read more than a few in this genre.

I have a strong personal connection to Prophetic, forth-telling dreams and their interpretations. Having spent time in Savannah, the first book had a large visual impact. I couldn't wait for the second book, and I'm not disappointed! Well done!

I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the previous series In the Days of Noah and I am also a fan of Mark Goodwin's podcast. Unfortunately this book had little plot, nothing new, and really weak characters. The characters are all stereotypes like the ones in the Simpsons (ex-cop, country granny, gung ho girl, preachy guy, and slob). Some of the actions make no sense. You have a group that is supposed to be Christian who shoot first, torture prisoners, and worse. No new concepts or ideas you have not seen if you have read other books in this genre. What I liked about in the days of Noah was it merged prepping with bible prophecy. This book had no new ideas like that. It was hard to finish and I will probably not finish the series.

Very good story that is engagingly told. i read through both books one and two within 2 days or so. The books have a strong Christian tone, but it doesn't detract from, and usually adds to the story.

I only have a couple small niggles I will mention.

When pulling guard duty, you should almost never have one single person doing duty all night (or even all day for that matter). That person will be very tired and lose focus. It's MUCH better to rotate multiple people through. If you were worried about having the girls out there alone pulling guard duty, then one of the guys could sleep next to them in the barn when the rotate through. IE have 4 two hour shifts, but have couples go out and one person sleep while the other is on watch.

Second point, the author didn't really do a good job spelling out the difference between scavenging and stealing. Scavenging is making use of abandoned resources (ie the owner has either died or moved on). Stealing is taking resources from someone. Scavenging is ok, stealing is not. I really think Danny should have pointed out this very important difference to Steven.

Overall, though, great books, I look forward to reading part 3.

Overall, I have enjoyed this series and it does contain some valuable information for possible SHTF scenarios. SPOILER ALERT about the climactic battle.
The decision by the group leaders to simply wait for an assault is/was tactical nonsense. (Lets dig a few fox holes and tell the women to stay inside... good grief Charlie Brown!) Experienced military leaders would never have done that. If you know a numerically superior force, with an advantage in heavy weaponry , is headed your way, you do NOT just sit still. You either melt away and/or you stage some harassing encounters (IEDs, sniping, route sabotage at choke points) on the oncoming force. A few well placed sniper shots, miles from the farm, into the radiators of the oncoming opfor vehicles would have left the bad guys on foot. Far away from any support. You whittle them down and YOU pick the final battle topography to your advantage. Our heroes did none of the above and yet still prevailed. Utter military nonsense.

Mark Goodwin has great insight into what things could be like if the power grid goes down, the economy collapses, or our government turns it's back on it's citizens. He also has a good understanding of both the Bible and the Constitution, and things we can do to be prepared in advance, without fear, yet with faith in God, for whatever the future may hold. These books are definitely worth your time to read. God bless!

I just finished Ichabod, the second volume of prolific author Mark Goodwin's "Seven Cows Ugly and Gaunt" series. The first book was great, but this one was better. The action really picked up. I appreciate the variety of character types that Mark employs to teach principles that we can use to be better prepared. This book delves deeply into the ethics of potential situations we may face in crisis situations, and the conflict that may arise within a group regarding the morality of available choices. As always, Mark teaches reliance on faith in the Lord and miracles as the most vital aspect of preparedness. Helpful prepper tips are weaved into the narrative of this book, but in a subtle way. Check out Mark's other book series and his twice weekly interviews of leading preparedness experts at PrepperRecon.com

I just finished this book and enjoyed the story and characters. Mr. Goodwin is a talented story teller and I enjoy how he weaves in preparedness and faith. I am eager to get book 3 and see how the group contends with all the tribulations before them. Great job Mark!

Quite good. Slow to begin, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Once the lights go out it was game on and I enjoyed every word. Interesting add of biblical presentation, that I didn't think I'd like, but I truly did. This and book 2 are winners.

Read book one after being notified Ichabod came out. I enjoyed the first book which rejuvenated my motivation to improve my family's preps and also my spiritual preparedness. The first is not worth much without the second. Ichabod was an excellent continuation of the series. I was immersed in the relationships between the characters and the battle sequences routinely got my heart rate going. Having survived my share of combat I felt the author did an excellent job depicting the realities of bullets flying around you and the fog of war. And like the characters, I related to the humbling effect of realizing it was God's grace that got me through. Whether an EMP or other disaster it is clear the hard times are coming. Books like this should act as a wake up call and a primer to help people start to prepare. I'm looking forward to book three and will be starting on the author's other series in the meantime. Highly recommend.

If you think "this couldn't happen to ME!" - you need to read this book.
If you think "This COULD happen to me!" - you need to read this book!
Book 2 in the "7 Cows" series from the pen of Mark Goodwin, continues the story of the aftermath of an EMP attack upon the United States and the abrupt endings of everything we've come to accept as "normal" in our way of life. Now that Daniel, his wfe & friends have managed to make it through the immediate effects, they must learn new ways of "thinking old" to stay alive.
As in his other book series, "The Economic Collapse Chronicles" & "The Days of Noah", Mark writes "Ichabod" in a style that is "family friendly" so that anyone can pick it up and read - grandma or grandkids - without the sex scenes and profanity so common in today's media, and delivers a timely message of faith and Christian values, set against a backdrop of plausible scenarios that could come from tomorrow's headlines. I urge everyone to read "Ichabod", book 2 of the "7 Cows, Ugly & Gaunt" series and then share it's message with someone you care about - you won't be disappointed, and you could help save their life!

Although this series' books seem to go a little quicker than previous, Goodwin continues to produce excellent material. Part 2 finds our group just after their arrival at Nana's house. Although this particular installment covers a short period of time with less massively world-changing events, it is one of the first depictions of the settling into post-EMP life that has truly looked at the morality and self-examination of the decisions that must be made in such a time. As always Goodwin's writing ability is nothing short of first class, and his characters remain deep and believable. The next book is looking like it should be even better than the second. I'm curious to see if he goes past three parts with this one, although, I would rather see a fourth to the Days of Noah series ahead of anything else.

First book was good, entertaining and informative. This one I am struggling with a bit. I don't want to spoil, but the whole conversation about the dead cow was just weird...it was forced and ripped me out of the story. Apparently the characters all took a course in bovine forensic pathology? To make the leap from a cow with no legs to rustlers using bow and arrow was just off-putting. Also, the author misquoted the bible, quoting The Lord's Prayer as coming from Matthew 5 v. 11-12 when it is actually Matthew 6. That is a pretty big miss to me. Also the insistence on KJV and NKJV is detrimental to not only the story, but to believers at large. I don't know I can continue with this story.

I love Mark Goodwin's books. That being said, the second book in his latest series is a departure from what he usually writes. As a Christian I have always enjoyed the way he presents his concepts and ideas. In this book he becomes much more real. There are graphic depictions of prisoner interrogations suggested . Mr. Goodwin is very careful not to expose his readers to the true nature of what is going on during these interrogations, but the implications are very clear. That a Christian is performing such extreme interrogations is difficult to stomach. I'm not sure how I feel about this departure, though I understand it is much more realistic . Tying these portions back to biblical battles carried about by Joshua and David might help.

There are several places that I take issue with his presentation as well. Abandoned material that is available to anybody and everybody is left lying about in the wake of the apocalypse of the EMP which was generated causing this disaster, seems to cause ridiculous problems. His Christian leader considers it theft for this material to be taken. The other characters are willing to pay for the material or exchange it for barter, so I do not see how in any way, shape, or form this could be considered theft. It bothered me that the author represented it as such by creating doubt in the mind of the reader through the stalwart claims of the Christian ministerial leader of this book , Steven.

We have quite a juxtaposition in this latest book between the Christian viewpoint and the world viewpoint as well as the very realistic portrayal of what it will take to survive in this new world. It is equally clear that if he is to do this series justice he cannot end it in book 3 as he usually does. Opting out with the rapture should not be considered in my opinion, as it will defraud the reader of a real conclusion to the problems presented.

I hope Mr. Goodwin can remain true to his vision of keeping this a clean Christian novel without compromising the storyline. I do have faith that he will do so. My final concern is, " When will the next book come out? I can't wait!"

Another fabulous book from mark! The Christian side of me loves the Christan aspect presented here and I find myself relating more to the story than most other TSHTF books. We all know if (when?) It happens it will be horrible for us and with God's help and mercy maybe we will survive. Once again the survival manual and comments that just might save people's lives is a indicator of what a good man mark Goodman is... Thanks!

Good story. I like the characters and how they handle the impossible situation they find themselves in after an EMP weapon so completely changes how they must live to survive. It is suspense filled and keeps you reading to the end.

Terrific. Scary to know about the future of our once God centered America. So many will continue to ignore what is waiting in the darkness. Even knowing who wins the war, my insides tremble. Keep writing, keep telling and maybe another soul will be saved

Another GREAT read by Mark Goodwin. The realistic scenarios presented in this book are very thought provoking. Although they are works of fiction, there are tidbits of factual information weaved throughout the story on preparing for what the future holds. How would your family survive in a Post-Apocalyptic world? I have read all of Mark Goodwin's books and I highly recommend all of them.

A gripping vision of post EMP living. Much of the violence is left to the imagination however suggests brutal torture. Moral questions create raw conflict between characters as they navigate necessary actions to protect the ones they love. Where does one draw the line between "self defense" and "offense as defense".

This was an absolutely FABULOUS book!! I enjoyed reading it from front to back, and was "glued" to the story. I also loved that it contained survival tips throughout the reading. You will truly enjoy if you purchase!