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

LEDEBX 6 Range HD
LEDEBX 6 Range HD

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.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.