Thunder In The Mountains by Kathryn Moon.

When we worry about attacks on computer networks by criminals, hackers and terrorists, here is a dystopian novel of what happens when ALL computers are shut down. This dark future is set in 2015 and features a group of characters surviving on a smallholding in mid Wales.

The background to this book is good, it sets the scene of global environmental problems and the hope of building a sustainable future. The story picks up when society breaks down and the focus is on survival. It is a tale of using old methods to build a sustainable community and it has full green credentials.

Reading pleasure is good and is a great escape for townies. Life on the Welsh smallholding is basic and it is a joy to read about their workarounds. We have such convenience in our everyday lives, it is refreshing to read such basic challenges of food and shelter. I enjoyed reading about the farming, especially the goats and how these sturdy animals do not fit alongside sheep.

Thunder in The Mountains explores how society strives and the politics that people play. There is plenty of dirty play in this novel and it does not show humans as being shining examples of conscience. How groups form, develop and change is central to this novel and how these people work together, sometimes falling out, is what drives this plot along.

Character development is okay but Raven treats her Welsh smallholding as an open house rather than a business, which is a little naive. Frank is happy to kill anybody who comes along and his slaughter is both evil and  unrealistic.

Thunder in The Mountains has plenty of action to entertain and to move this story along at a good pace. It has good green credentials which should prove popular. I liked the politics woven into the story and the issues raised gave you things to think about outside of the main story. This book is a little far fetched but is an enjoyable read, shame about all the bloodletting from Frank. Not many characters make it to the end of this novel, so their character development appears a bit of a waste and makes you feel a little down. But this is still a good novel and I will vote if 4 stars and a lovely introduction to goats.

Thunder In The Mountains is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2014.