Special-ops veteran Schilling translates his professional skills into tools for readers. Peppered with real-life anecdotes, Schilling lays out a path for the average citizen to avoid being targeted by all manner of criminals. Channeling the same spirit as Gavin de Becker’s The Gift of Fear, Schilling addresses the full spectrum of preparedness all the way through to recovery from such an event. This convincing volume creates a road map for the behaviors and tools easily used to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for violence. A core set of six rules is laid out for both offense and defense at home, work, school, and other locations where one might find danger. “Thinking pauses” to help consider preparations and strategies are a good addition here, prompting readers to make concrete changes to their typical mindsets. An empowering guide with the potential to transform readers’ approach to personal safety.

I love books like this and this should be required reading for young women going into college or maybe even in high school. It was so interesting and I really understand now how important it is to trust your gut.

Read if you: Want a fast-paced guide to improving your safety skills, combined with real-life stories to illustrate the author's key points.

Librarians/booksellers: This has a lot of common-sense advice that everyone can incorporate.

Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.