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

Henned Up Try One Of These Tips
Henned Up Try One Of These Tips

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You: Part III

Somehow, more than ten years has gone by since we had the second installment in this series. With a multitude of requests for another go-round, I am more than happy to oblige. We’ve had some interesting new developments in the cartridges world in the last decade, and there are some classic which are still being championed. So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I present Part III of What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.