Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of the Coming Collapse series, where survival isn’t just a choice—it’s a way of life! Authored by James Wesley, Rawles, this collection of survivalist novels throws readers into a chaotic future where a global economic collapse has shattered society. Blending practical survival tips with thrilling narratives, these books follow resilient characters navigating a world of looting, lawlessness, and hope.
With Rawles’ background as a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and survivalist guru, the series feels like a roadmap for enduring the unthinkable. Whether you’re a prepper or just love a good dystopian tale, Coming Collapse offers a unique mix of action, strategy, and heart.
How Coming Collapse Began
The Coming Collapse series, also known as the Patriots series, kicked off with Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse, first shared as shareware in 1995. Rawles, a passionate survivalist and founder of SurvivalBlog.com, drew inspiration from his military experience and concerns about economic instability. His goal? To craft a story that entertains while teaching real-world preparedness skills. The debut novel’s cult following among survivalists led to its paperback release in 1998, sparking a five-book saga.
Rawles’ vision was shaped by his belief in personal freedom and self-reliance, themes woven into every page. His novels aren’t just fiction—they’re a call to action for readers to think critically about society’s fragility.
The Heart of Coming Collapse
The series spans five gripping novels, each set in a near-future world ravaged by hyperinflation and societal breakdown. Patriots follows a group of friends fleeing Chicago’s chaos to a fortified Idaho ranch, using survivalist tactics to fend off looters and restore order. Survivors, running parallel to Patriots, tracks ordinary people—like a missionary family—grappling with the collapse’s global ripple effects. Founders shifts to resistance fighters, including a U.S. Army captain infiltrating a corrupt government, while Expatriates explores an American family caught in an Islamic invasion in Australia. Liberators wraps up with guerrilla fighters battling foreign occupiers in a fallen America.
Themes of resilience, faith, and constitutional values shine through, often with a Christian lens that resonates with Rawles’ prepper audience. The series’ style is heavy on technical details—think gun specs and tactical SOPs—but it’s this authenticity that hooks readers. Settings range from Idaho’s rugged hills to international battlegrounds, painting a vivid picture of a world unmoored.
While some critique the books for stilted dialogue or heavy-handed politics, fans praise their practical survival insights and relentless pace. It’s less about literary polish and more about preparing you for the worst while keeping you on edge.
Why Coming Collapse Resonates
Coming Collapse has carved a niche in the survivalist and dystopian genres, earning a loyal following among preppers and thriller fans. Its 2009 Amazon ranking surge (Patriots hit #6 overall) showed its appeal beyond niche circles, especially during economic uncertainty. Rawles’ blend of fiction and survival manual inspires readers to rethink preparedness, from stockpiling food to mastering self-defense.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to spark real-world action. Fans don’t just read—they build bunkers, study tactics, and join the prepper movement Rawles helped shape. Its raw, unapologetic take on societal collapse continues to captivate, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by what happens when the world falls apart.
- First Published: 1995 (shareware), 1998 (paperback)
- Number of Books: 5
- Notable Achievement: Patriots hit #6 on Amazon’s overall book rankings in 2009
Ready to brave the chaos? Grab Patriots and dive into the Coming Collapse series’ thrilling, survivalist world!