Tread: Fallen Nation
by Jeff DeMarco
Available on Amazon Kindle
Tread: Fallen Nation is a post-apocalyptic tale set in a near-future America. Sergeant Evan Decker returns from Afghanistan to an America changed. The government has fallen due to the spread of a lethal virus, and the remnants of the Federal government have withdrawn all troops from around the globe. Decker returns home to biological de-contamination and a city that has become a warzone. Soon, he and and his buddies, along with a few mysterious strangers, are pressed into service against what the current government calls "Al-Qaeda in America," civilians who are fighting against the remnants of Federal power. During this unsavory duty, they learn the current Powers That Be are ruthless and are not planning for the recovery of the country, but the enslavement of the remaining population. Not happy at being forced to ignore the Constitution and its defined liberties, Decker and a few others manage to escape their predicament, vowing to fight for their freedom.
The action in this tale is fast and furious, the descriptions chaotic and gritty, the violence unsparing. The author's descriptions also evoke feelings of claustrophobia and paranoia. A few characters are not what they seem, and the villain is straight out of central casting. DeMarco also sprinkles the tale with a little romance and humor, sarcastic or otherwise. Sergeant Decker and his companions are not automatons; they are motivated by justice and love for their countrymen. The characters speak in plain language with military slang but few profanities. The characters react to hardship realistically, and as (I imagine) soldiers would. A detailed background to the events in the story is not provided, though I think Mr. DeMarco will probably provide that in future tales in the series, letting the reader learn what caused the downfall of America along with the characters. This is always the best way.
One quibble. A prologue sets the philosophical and political themes of the story. While such themes are necessary to the plot and characters, in my humble opinion the words of this prologue would have been better coming from the mouths of the characters.
All in all a good read, but a quick one. This tale is ideal for an afternoon at home or a domestic flight. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.