Most people seem to be saying that these characters are more 'realistic' and therefore better than LO's characters. I don't agree. When I read a book, I place myself in the shoes of the main character and so far, with neither of these characters do I feel comfortable placing myself into. It's kind of disconnecting me from the story a bit.
But frankly, these characters ARE believable - tell me you don't know the guy who'd give in to temptation and do the "tacticool" things that the wannabe does. I certainly know folks who have hidden away from reality for years after a devastating loss - it took years before I felt like I could see a soul behind my friend Doc's eyes after we lost another of our friends - someone that Doc felt like a big brother to. So yes, even though I haven't ever lost myself as thoroughly as either one of these characters, I can and do enjoy the story because I know people like them.
Hey, I enjoy Doc Savage stories, but I don't flatter myself that I can fill his shoes!
Yeah, I understand what you're saying too, and what everyone else is saying. It just doesn't work for me personally. I guess it's kind of the reason why I can't stand Woody Allen movies, or Ben Stiller. When the main character is a douchebag, it really turns me off.
Just thought I'd bump an old thread instead of starting a new one. Looks like Lights Out is well on it's way to making it to the presses for actual publishing. It's by far my favorite survival/SHTF book and I'm really happy to see David get this one published. If you want a chance at a free signed copy, throw your name in the hat.