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

350 Raging Hunter Lede
350 Raging Hunter Lede

#SundayGunday: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at a capable hunting revolver that’s chambered in a caliber you’re more likely to see in a rifle: the 350 Legend. That’s right, Taurus has released their large-frame Raging Hunter in the whitetail-thumping 350 Legend cartridge. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.