BullShooters Book Review: Essential Liberty

by
posted on August 17, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (17)

BullShooters Book Review: Essential Liberty

The Vacuum
As an avid reader, I’m often frustrated that few, if any, novels tackle the issues that concern us as gun owners. When was the last time you picked up a bestseller that featured gun confiscation? How about a massive “Fast & Furious” style scandal involving Federal Law Enforcement Officials? The few books that have been published on the subject are rarely seen outside of gun shows and are often poorly-written from a literary standpoint.

The Exception
Essential Liberty, by author Rob Olive tackles, our greatest fears: The widespread prohibition and subsequent confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens and the resulting moral, ethical, and constitutional crises.

The Story
The United States government has banned and begun confiscating firearms from its citizens. Insurance executive Don Williams has never owned a gun and is part of the majority of Americans who initially favored “Collection” (the official term for confiscation), yet he’s shocked to see his fellow countrymen being rounded up on the evening news. Don’s good friend, former Marine Mike Niculescu, owns many firearms and has refused to surrender them. The son of immigrants from Communist Romania reveres them as symbols of liberty. Bill Payne, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, commands an ATF Hazardous Operations Team. These elite new teams are reserved for Collection operations with a high level of risk. Payne wants his unit to be the first to make headlines. As the story unfolds, Don is forced to make a choice: Will he turn a blind eye to the abuse of power, or will he choose—for the first time in his life—to make a stand on principle that will put everything he cares about at risk?

The BullShooters Review
I had the pleasure of reading Essential Liberty before its publication and was impressed with the storytelling, technical accuracy, and compelling plot. Traditional novels usually make gun-related mistakes that drive me nuts and many “gun books” aren’t exactly Shakespearian. Essential Liberty is a quality piece of reading that is a step above most of the books in the “what if” genre. Rob’s story is thought provoking as well as entertaining. This isn’t just about guns, it’s about civil liberties, families, friendships and human abuses of power.

The Ruling
I highly recommend Essential Liberty, this one is a “must read” for Second Amendment advocates and political fence-sitters alike. We need to get our side of the issue out to Americans and this novel is a great vehicle.

Latest

Ledetraditions Firearms Applauds
Ledetraditions Firearms Applauds

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

New for 2026: CMC Triggers Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group

CMC Triggers Corp has released its Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Trigger Group, available in both Flat and Curved trigger bow configurations.

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

Most folks have already gotten their Mom something by now. Whether it's the simple pleasure of making her a special dinner, a full-on family getaway for the weekend, or that latest book she's been craving, some sorts of people know how to make a mom's day complete. Then, of course, there's you—the sort of person who frantically clicks into a gift guide the week before Mother's Day. All jokes aside, here are five things Mom is sure to love.

North Fork Bullets: The Reintroduction of an Icon

Fans of hard-hitting hunting bullets rejoice! North Fork bullets is back in action and better than ever. Phil Massaro breaks down the latest from this storied company.

First Look: Ol' Man Outdoors Clamp Down Jaw and Stabilizer Truss Systems

Ol'Man Outdoors, has introduced two advanced technologies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of ladder stands. The Clamp Down Jaw System securely locks the ladder stand to a tree before a hunter ever leaves the ground, while the Stabilizer Truss System enhances ladder stability, provides more tree options and eliminates unwanted noise.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.