Can sanctuary be found in a savage world?

With world civility decaying with the world itself, a refuge was needed for anyone seeking survival. A natural leader pulls together like-minded people on a secluded mountain peak, creating a fortress of resistance. Relative civility in the world was held to these small, independent settlements. An advantage rested in the layout of the peak itself, impossible to assail from three sides with only a single well-defended approach. They navigate in a realm where conflicts arise, testing resilience and pushing people to their limits. There are also warm interactions among these neighbor soldiers, always looking for lighthearted distractions. This complex tapestry of emotions and actions shapes our journey, reminding us that our world is a delicate balance of good and evil.

What challenges await these decent people?

Our hero was pushed into exile by an unforgiving world. Unfortunately, his mountain fortress offered no retreat. They must fight or die defending their outpost of humanity. Their location was well thought-out. Water still flowed in some streams, but hot, dry temperatures have decimated food production. Our colonists rely on nature for food. But, a modern-day warlord, jealous of the settlers’ safe haven, gathers a small army to overwhelm their refuge. They have to fight to hold onto their resources. A stand is made in their fortress built for defense, on a pinnacle in the mountains where global warming was still at bay. Strength is found in solidarity and ingenuity, and not numbers.

Can they overcome the many obstacles to survival?

Within the pages of this gripping book, camaraderie and determination stand against those who want what they have. They were adapting to a climate-changed world where survival meant resources provided by forests and streams. The author provides a narrative that might show some relationship to works like “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, “American War” by Omar El Akkad, and “The Drowned World” by J.G. Ballard.

Bottom line:

Mount Refuge, written by Bob Mertz, tells a story that moves at a good pace, introducing characters with lively personalities that interact with amusement and feeling. Descriptions provide a clear rendering of surroundings and situations. It’s a good read.