Based on several other reviews I was apprehensive about getting this book. I am not religious and not a fan of religion being shoved in my face. Christianity plays an enormous role in this book, but if you took the religious aspect out, it would have no plot. Its the very basis of the story and is essential. With that being said, I never felt like I was being preached to. There is a lot of bible quoting, but the stories being quoted are relevant to the plot and I actually found many of them interesting.
I enjoyed that the characters are flawed, both in their faith and ignorance on the topic of prepping. Several times I found myself frustrated at the mistakes the characters were making, but then thought twice. The author was just keeping in line with his characters. I will give an example.
***spoiler alert*** While still in the pre apocalyptic world, the trio decided they needed a car that would run after an EMP. They decided against anything rusty because they wouldn’t have time to get it painted before the event?! They also figured it meant it wasn’t well taken care of and wouldn’t run. As an owner of a ’51 Chevy with patina, that drove me crazy, but then realized it was just good character development by the author. These 3 are having a hard time wrapping their heads around the idea of a post apocalyptic world and made decisions on a vehicle as they would in the before. In the end they wasted 28k on a 67 Camaro because it was completely restored (paint and engine). Again, most well versed preppers would immediately see the issues with this choice, but the author decided to keep true to his characters and not go the route of the ‘instant uber knowledgeable prepper’ like so many other books do.
So I say take the plunge if you aren’t completely offended by religion and listen to the complete series. The action amps up in book 2 and 3, although the character development unfortunately tapers off too.