The Rule of Three (The Rule of Three, 1)

When the power goes out for a few days, we get a real taste for how dependent we are on our technology, but if all technology crashed... and there was no end in sight? Then we would really witness just how thin our veneer of civilization truly is. In Eric Walters' The Rule of Three, suburban America gets a makeover it never asked for.When Adam's school releases the students after a power failure, he hops into his old jalopy to pick up his kid brother and sister. It starts right up (which is a miracle), but as he scans around the parking lot, he sees a lot of cars that won't start. In fact, all the new, computerized cars are completely dead. When he gets home, he is surprised to find the entire neighborhood without any power- even cellphones, laptops, cars, etc. that should run in a blackout are down. When his neighbor, Herb, comes to his house, he is skeptical of Herb's need for an emergency trip to the pool store... especially since Herb doesn't even have a pool! Quickly, however, Herb's decision to stockpile chlorine tablets becomes the start of a whole new way of living: pure survival.As the local police captain, Adam's mother has a lot more responsibility on her shoulders than the rest of the neighborhood, but her trust in Herb, even if she doesn't fully know the extent of his involvement in the government before his retirement, gives her the opportunity to take care of her precinct knowing her kids are safe at home. Herb knows things are going to get ugly, though. And fast. When he starts sharing more and more of his useful knowledge about how to protect themselves and prepare for longterm survival, not everyone is comfortable with his decisions. What they can't deny, however, is just how different their world has become. And in a ruthless world like this, there are tough decisions to be made if anyone is going to survive.I read a couple of reviews of this book after I finished it, and I was actually surprised so many people thought it was so derivative. Yes, I mean, we can't deny the deluge of disaster books out there anymore than we can deny the existence of a bazillion supernatural tales on the shelves, but still, I thought this was a really good book with some key surprises that made it even better than I originally thought it was going to be. For instance, Herb is your typical ex-"Black Ops" (or so they assume- he never tells!) government retiree who just happens to know how to survive a disaster. Convenient? Yep. Stereotypical? You would think so, but there is more to Herb than meets the eye. Instead, he is actually very keen on negotiations and finding ways to defuse the situation in a way that is mutually beneficial for everyone. In addition, he is willing to admit his notions might not be the best way. Even though he knows survival, he is willing to admit the cold heartless reality of their new world can truly be mitigated by friendship and a sense of community. And all that comes from his time with Adam. Usually you have the youngster learn from the old, wise man, but here we really see a shift in who Herb is as well, and that is pretty unique.I actually really enjoyed this story of the new apocalypse and survival, but there were some obvious plot holes that weren't fully explored. I did a little research and realized there is going to be a sequel, so I am looking forward to the caulk that takes care of these holes (like Adam's dad). Still, the story itself is pretty good in a league of many of its kind. Adam is an interesting kid who transitions just enough while not losing the type of person he was before the disaster, and Herb is a fascinating character. Since the story ends in a way that leaves you hanging and a little perturbed, I am grateful for the upcoming sequel! Adam and Herb's story isn't over, and I can't wait to see where this technology-less world takes them!

After reading this myself I’ll definitely be putting it on my pre teens reading list. Eric Walters, you have a good way of putting a mob mentality spin into a book.

I picked up the first book at my school library and was instantly hooked. Instantly hooked to the story line, but most importantly the characters. I read the whole series in about a week, more than I’ve read in a while. This series is one of hope, one of passion, and fighting for a better future. If there is one thing I can learn from this series it is this: even when the lights go off and the power goes out, there will always be good people, good people and hope. Hope for today, hope for tomorrow and hope for whatever else there is to come. I strongly suggest anyone looking for a good book that rarely has a dull moment to read this immediately.

This author is amazing. You can not put this book down. See what happens when the lights go out and never come back on. How does anyone survive without electricity or water or food ? Great story that could truly happen. I’m buying book two now. Whoop whoop 👏🏻👏🏻

An excellent ending to the rule of three. I enjoyed the entirety of the series and this would be no exception. Like the last book, Eric Walters made sure this book was just as great as the first. Yet I felt that Eric Walters gave Erin Mills too easy conditions and the final major battle was laughably easy. Still, all things considered this book continued to help us understand what to do when an actual blackout hits our world. Walters was at least generous enough to have some death in his books. I liked many characters like Herb, Brett, and Erine and any engagement has action-packed descriptions. This book has made the great ending that truly ends it all.

After reading the series I'd have to say I would recommend it to all of my friends that are looking for a book/series to read and enjoy. Not only had the book kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next move of what the neighborhood committee had planned, but it also kept me thinking, "What if there WAS an Emp-type device that wiped out the world as we know it? What would our technology evolved nation do? Would they honor the constitution as the neighborhoods had done or would they take a role related to that of Brett's? The book has left a stamp on me, and I would love to see a 4th book to see how the neighborhoods are doing, what has changed and what their next plan is to uphold justice and fairness across the neighborhoods.

This trilogy is timely reading for teens, and allows them to see the "What if...?" and "What can I do?" in the face of disaster. This series takes away all technology and modern transportation. Where will you get water, food, heat, etc., and what will you do when others want what you have? The current generation only knows a world with tech and the ability to get food and water whenever they want it. Walters sounds the survivalist mantra,which can incite fear and irrational thinking, but it also pushes the need for all of us to learn to cooperate and care about humanity.

I found this to be an amazing read - if a little short. Of course, it IS a novella. I just enjoyed it so much I want more! I really love the fact that a non-binary/gender queer character is presented as simply a character and gender isn't made into a "big deal" or a plot point. It just is. I really loved the jokes between the characters. This was a short sexy read that I really enjoyed - probably shouldn't have read it at work though....

My son (12 / 13) devoured all of this series - reckoned they were the best books he has read in a long time.

I was very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed this book, great story and well written.

Great

15 year old son loves it.

Excelent