L. Michael Rusin
Author.Philosopher.SurvivalistAvalon
The Retreat ReviewsAvalon is a read – November 23, 2010
Just finished Avalon and it is a book which will provide a great deal of food for thought when considering what might occur in a survival situation.
Richard G. ClearyAvalon is an eye opener – May 15, 2012
I’ve read the book numerous times and found it interesting every time. L Michael Rusin does a great job of taking a scary situation and turning it into a great story and a manual of sorts for survival.
RandyPerfect – December 9, 2011
I read the reviews prior to ordering this book from another site. I am really glad I bought this book. I will never get rid of it, it’s going in the library for sure. I read it again after I finished it. Perfect!!!
Future BloodlineAVALON – November 20, 2010
“I really enjoyed the action and also the friendships that developed. Beth was a great addition to the characters. She was a survivor by necessity not by advance planning. She was gentle enough to take on the children but definitely strong enough to lead and protect them”
MarilynAn Excellent Book – September 10, 2011
Avalon is truly an excellent book, a tragic tale of evil that a society can become. I read a pre-print copy and the heroic individuals who prepare for this are so deeply portrayed throughout–one feels like they are there. I couldn’t put it down. A superb topic and fantastic characterization, five stars for Mr. Rusin.
MaggieI Loved It! – November 18, 2011
This was a great book. The author sure knows how to convey a thought, directly yet colorfully. For me it was like watching it on TV, instead of reading it. The pace wasn’t awkward at all, it was realistic and methodical. This is what the characters were doing, this was why, this is how they got it done, and this was what they were setting it up for. I’m glad I bought it.
DETHMAULGreat Read! – October 23, 2010
“I have read many “survival” novels and this is one of the best. Previously I read a few chapters on the internet and the published book was definitely worth the wait. Once started I couldn’t put it down.
This story is both entertaining (if the end of our world can be called entertaining) and very realistic. The explanation of how an abandoned and long-forgotten holiday resort called Avalon was re-discovered and rebuilt over a number of years by a small dedicated group of people was very believable and the characters were not “cartoon” types but seemed like actual friends. An additional bonus for me was the wealth of practical info. His novel might serve as a blueprint for putting together a real world retreat and as you read you just can’t help but learn from it. The author is no mere “armchair” survivalist and obviously has something important to say about our world as it is and how it might become in the near future. However, the principle theme is not just gloom and doom but rather a receipt of hope for those who truly prepare.
When is Volume 2 coming out?”
This writer is on the rise! – October 26, 2010
I received an advance copy of this book, also…an advantage of being the author’s first cousin! I can tell you I was captivated by this book. This will not be the last novel by Mr. Rusin. He has an insight into this topic unlike most others, because he is a survivalist himself. No matter how bad the odds were stacked against him, he always came out on top. When you read this book and see what is going on in the world as we speak, the parallels are riveting and the potential for fiction becoming reality is not far fetched. Like the other reviewer, I believe this book is as much about hope as anything else. It is a cry for sanity in a modern world of extremists. Pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down.
Mark A. RusinAvalon Review – October 24, 2010
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book, so I had already read it by the time it came out in print. This book was so good, that despite having read it already, I ordered the print copy for my personal library.
The story begins prior to a devastating apocalyptic event where the main characters, seeing the fragility of their world, set out to develop a self sufficient survival retreat, so they find and convert an old ranch resort into their dream survival compound. Later the world goes apocalyptic and they put their plans into action.
The book it written by a real survivalist and goes into great detail on how, and often why, the characters set Avalon up the way they did, then offers a fictional adventure of surviving the journey to safety at Avalon.
You have tough female characters, cannibal bikers, and a final battle royal that is sheer literal genius. But as much as this book is an incredible fantasy story that must be experienced to appreciate, it is also a well written, step by step, how to survival manual that is a must have in any survivalists library. I would also greatly recommend it to anyone looking to establish an off the grid, low carbon foot print, sustainable life style.
All in all, no matter who you are, this book is a must read.
Avalon – June 1, 2011
I just finished reading “Avalon” by L. Michael Rusin. This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It had me captivated the very first chapter. This was written in a way that kept you hanging on with pure excitement and I could not put it down. The more I read the more I had to go on, It was so interesting that the characters in it stayed with me for days. It was written where you felt like you were right there and began to find the story so interesting and longing to find out more. I can’t wait for the sequel! I plan to read again it was so exciting and most of all, so logical. I have become a true fan of this author and plan to buy more books and send to everybody I know who will enjoy this most wonderful world of “Avalon”, Rebecca Cabral, Folsom, California
Rebecca CabralAvalon – L. Michael Rusin, – September 21, 2011
I have recently finished reading “Avalon” by L. Michael Rusin. This was one of the best books, of its genre, I have read in a long time. It kept me captivated from the very first chapter. This was written in a way that always kept me interested. Sometimes books of this genre are full of paramilitary & gun references, but in Avalon I found an interesting cast of characters & plot, that kept me entertained.
I am waiting for the sequel, so I can continue following the story….
One of the classics in the field, – August 12, 2012
It is always a pleasure to come across a novel by a new writer and find a diamond in the rough. Avalon in one of the best post-apocalyptic books I’ve read, and I read loads of them. It ranks right up there with Lights Out!, West of Sheridan, and One Second After. Avalon mixes some great characters and terrific exciting action and keeps it going until the end. It is not for the faint-hearted, as there are some truly gruesome, horrific scenes that I have not seen elsewhere. The house/town of Avalon is described in detail and the planning for any ‘event’ is outstanding and well thought out. Yet the novel doesn’t get bogged down, as some do, with minutiae of weapons or other items. It all works to develop the story.
PeglegSuspense filled !! – January 4, 2011
When I first picked up the book, I thought here we go again another fear filled apocalyptic drama. To my surprise there is a plot to this not just gloom and doom, although there is plenty of adventure, and heroes abound. It is a sort of how to survive drama, and I would like to hear more about these people, I’ve come to like, and look forward to their next attempts to help save a society and themselves. I’d say more, but why ruin your opportunity to get the true feelings for yourself. Happy reading, I’M POSITIVE you’ll be wanting more from this author.
Joann L. ZondorakI loved it!
Terrific, non-stop read. Great scope and characters – January 30, 2012
I read this virtually in one sitting, it was so captivating. As a young man, I read all the apocalyptic books of the 60’s and onward. My favorite was Alas Babylon by Pat Frank up until now. Avalon has eclipsed it by a long shot.
This book is full of great descriptive passages that encourage you to keep reading. It has a story line that is original for this type of book and not at all derivative. The main characters are well fleshed out and we know who they are, why they are who they are and what their goals are. All important things in a book of this genre. I encourage you to read it and encourage your friends as well.