Ready & Waiting - a survival thriller by Willie Jordaan

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Story

In a near-future South Africa ravaged by a total power grid collapse, society crumbles overnight, and familiar certainties vanish into chaos. Ready and Waiting is a stark, stirring testament to the indomitable human spirit - a survival thriller that plunges you into a land where every day is a battle for survival.

Ex-soldier, father, and reluctant hero Dawie de Lange fights to defend his family and their ancestral farm from warbands chanting for the slaughter of every last Boer. As neighbours vanish and homesteads burn, Dawie assembles a ragtag alliance of survivors - loyal war dogs, a fierce sniper named Elmarie, and even his long-lost brother Eugene with his family - to reclaim the land they love.

But this brutal new Boer War spares no one - not even children. Forced to grow up overnight, Dawie's teenage son and daughter must shoulder weapons alongside their parents, sacrificing the remnants of childhood in a struggle to preserve their identity and community. With the legacy of the Boer spirit - resilience, honour, and sacrifice - echoing in every encounter, every battle becomes a reminder that survival demands not only physical prowess but also a steadfast heart and an unyielding hope for a better future.

Outnumbered and outgunned, can Dawie and his people hold on to hope - and to each other - in the face of merciless warlords and endless betrayal? They're surrounded, desperate... But they're ready and waiting.

A story of war, survival, and the resilience of those who refuse to be broken.

Scene from Ready and Waiting

Characters

DAWIE DE LANGE

Ex-soldier, father, and strategist. When the grid dies and warbands rise, Dawie becomes the shield between his family and the darkness closing in.

MARISE

Dawie's wife - steady, strong, and fiercely protective. She holds the family together when fear and loss threaten to tear everything apart.

JAPIE

Dawie's teenage son. Brave, stubborn, and forced to grow up fast - Japie learns that survival isn't just about strength, but about choices.

RACHEL

Dawie's daughter. Quiet courage, sharp instincts, and a heart that refuses to break - Rachel proves that heroes don't always look the part.

KOBUS

A hard, armed stranger with his own scars and secrets. Useful, dangerous, and unpredictable - until loyalty is tested.

ELMARIE

A fierce sniper and survivor. Calm under pressure, lethal when needed, and one of the few who can match Dawie's resolve.

EUGENE

Dawie's long-lost brother. He returns with his own family in tow, bringing both hope - and complications - into a world that offers no second chances.

ORANGE

A massive Rottweiler with one job: protect the family. Loyal, fearless, and only friendly to those he trusts.

WIPPIE

A small Jack Russell with a big attitude. Clever, alert, and always close - proof that size means nothing when survival is on the line.

ATTILA

Dawie's horse - speed, endurance, and freedom in a world running out of roads.

Character art from Ready and Waiting

Table of Contents

Want a glimpse of what lies ahead? This table of contents maps the path of Ready & Waiting - from the moment the lights go out to the battles, betrayals, and hard choices that follow.

Survival App

SURVIVAL APP (OFFLINE, SOUTH AFRICA FOCUSED)

When the power is out and the signal is gone, you still need a plan.

My Survival App is a South Africa focused offline survival guide built to help you stay calm, think clearly, and act fast when things go wrong. It is designed for real-life local conditions - load shedding, water interruptions, shortages, and emergency situations - so you can prepare before the crisis and respond when it hits.

KEY FEATURES

  • • Offline-first: critical info available even without signal or data
  • • Plan tab: create and follow a practical survival plan step by step
  • • Readiness overview: see at a glance what you have and what you still need
  • • Checklists and guidance: water, food, power, security, first aid, and essentials
  • • Simple layout: fast navigation, clean sections, no clutter

GET IT

Android: COMING SOON

Disclaimer: this app is for general information and preparedness guidance only. It is not medical, legal, or professional emergency advice. In an emergency, contact local authorities and qualified professionals.

Survival App preview

Buy

When the lights go out - Ready and Waiting

When the system collapses, survival becomes the only law.

Ready & Waiting by Willie Jordaan, published by Words Matter Publishing, is now available in softcover.

Want updates? Email readyandwaitingbook@gmail.com and you will receive the latest news, release updates, and future purchase links for Ready & Waiting survival merchandise - or follow the official Facebook page.

Contact

Want to be first in line for news of Ready & Waiting, request bookstore or online links, or enquire about bulk orders?

Email: readyandwaitingbook@gmail.com

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About the Author

Willie Jordaan is a South African attorney, entrepreneur, activist, artisan knifemaker and storyteller whose work reflects a deep commitment to community and justice. Drawing on his legal experience and a passion for resilience, his writing champions the strength found in even the smallest voices.

He is the author of Ready & Waiting, a survival thriller set in a near-future South Africa where the collapse of essential systems forces ordinary people into extraordinary choices. With a sharp eye for local detail and a deep respect for courage under pressure, Willie explores themes of faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and the will to endure when everything familiar falls away.

Willie lives in Potchefstroom, South Africa, with his family, whose support and inspiration fuel his dedication to telling stories of survival and hope.

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Trailer

A glimpse into Ready & Waiting.

Watch it on YouTube