Can one mistake decide who lives or dies? At the height of the Oregon Meltdown, survival is no longer measured in days, it is measured in choices. When a deadly mistake separates Nate from his family at the edge of an evacuation corridor, he is left with nothing but his determination, a battered water bottle, and the clothes on his back. With the military preparing to close the last bridge across the Columbia River, time is running out. His only hope is to endure a fifty-mile trek on foot through a broken wilderness where the rules of the Old World no longer matter. Ahead lies a landscape of abandoned towns, fractured alliances, and ruthless factions fighting for control. Food is scarce, trust is dangerous, and enemies lurk in every shadow. To survive, Nate must draw on his father’s training, the memory of what he has already lost, and the hope of what he might still save. Core Haven is a riveting dystopian novel of endurance, family, and the fight to keep hope alive when the world has fallen apart. The countdown has started, are you ready to escape? "Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Oregon Meltdown, these novels are not merely dystopian; they are intricate portraits of survival, grit, and quiet hope in the face of calamity. Through these two companion works, Faraday crafts a world that brims with intensity, authenticity, and profound human connection. In Pearl Fields, readers are introduced to the indomitable spirit of a river merchant whose wit and integrity make her a captivating heroine, while Core Haven chronicles Nate's perilous fifty-mile trek amidst devastating chaos, unfolding his journey with raw, immersive detail. Both novels overlap in narrative yet stand proudly on their own, offering distinct voices and perspectives that illuminate Faraday's exceptional talent for building layered, emotionally resonant worlds." Dan Peters, Reader's House, London "Original, deftly crafted, and a simply riveting read from cover to cover. Core Haven by novelist Drew Faraday is aptly described as 'a riveting dystopian novel of endurance, family, and the fight to keep hope alive when the world has fallen apart.' Faraday shows a genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven storytelling that quickly and fully engages the reader's full attention from start to finish." James Cox, Midwest Book Review "An immersive, atmospheric adventure tale by way of some incredible writing." Lee Hall "Throws you straight into a world where every step could be your last, and it never really lets you catch your breath." Marc Lalas "A good mix of mystery, suspense, and a dramatic revelation that keeps you hooked." Ela Sharp "A solid survival story with a strong emotional core." Caroline J Feltham "Engaging, haunting, and unsentimental look at a dystopian future set in Oregon." B Lawrence "Compelling story about trust and betrayal; compassion and inhumanity; courage and honor." Joyce Squire "Truly a page turner." Tim Egan Thanks for checking out Core Haven , my latest release set during the troubled times I call the Oregon Meltdown. Its companion, Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown , was published in 2022, and included by author and reviewer Lee Hall on his all-time list of "most memorable indie books."   Both novels share the same fractured world, as well as one major crossover character, but are standalones in their own right.   As you know, I'd welcome your thoughtful rating and review of either or both novels on Amazon and/or Goodreads.   Feel free to visit my website for more information and links to my posts, newsletter, social media accounts, reviews, and more. The first Oregon Meltdown companion novel is available in either ebook or paperback format on Amazon. At the height of the Oregon Meltdown, a simple mistake along an evacuation corridor leads to disaster. Less than a week before the military plans to cordon off the last bridge over the Columbia River, Nate finds himself stranded along a wilderness ravine with little more than the clothes on his back. His only hope of reuniting with his family and continuing up the coast to safety is to survive a fifty-mile solo journey on foot through a lawless landscape devastated by warring factions. It gives me great satisfaction to report that I live a quiet writer's life surrounded by family & friends.   In all honesty, I have no idea when I started writing fiction, but the first story I do remember finishing was a Superman knockoff I wrote on the back of used 3x5 notecards.    At various points along the way, however, teachers & professors suggested I keep journaling and writing fiction, which I like to think I would've done anyway.   Fast forward...ahem...a few years, and here I am with two published novels under my belt and enough momentum to be seriously contemplating a third. Meanwhile, I've been immersing myself in the wild and woolly world of publishing and find myself actually enjoying the social media, advertising, promoting, and wh