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Days of Destruction #1
Meltdown
A father far from home. A catastrophic disaster. A journey to save his family - at any cost.
***
When Russia decides to test an underground nuclear weapon far deeper than ever before, the world watches with bated breath for it to fizzle out.
Instead, the massive underground explosion triggers a cascade of earthquakes that sweep across the world, killing hundreds of millions as the Eurasian Plate is split in twain.
A consultant on the project, Johannes, flown over from his home in Texas, barely manages to get to safety and is faced with a sickening realization: he has helped to destroy the world.
As he sets off on a journey to save his wife and the rest of his family, other survivors of the disaster band together, finding that what unites them in the face of destruction is far more powerful than what sets them apart.
***
When Russia decides to test an underground nuclear weapon far deeper than ever before, the world watches with bated breath for it to fizzle out.
Instead, the massive underground explosion triggers a cascade of earthquakes that sweep across the world, killing hundreds of millions as the Eurasian Plate is split in twain.
A consultant on the project, Johannes, flown over from his home in Texas, barely manages to get to safety and is faced with a sickening realization: he has helped to destroy the world.
As he sets off on a journey to save his wife and the rest of his family, other survivors of the disaster band together, finding that what unites them in the face of destruction is far more powerful than what sets them apart.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
344 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Mylchreest
60 books36 followersPassionate about reading and writing for as long as she can remember, Stephanie was inspired to create her own literary worlds by the books she has lost herself in over the years (some of her favorites include: the Harry Potter series, The Road, 1984, Wool and Station Eleven).
Stephanie writes speculative fiction in the wee hours of the night after her children have gone to sleep. She particularly loves writing stories about characters who find themselves in unusual or challenging situations, and exploring how they deal with the fallout.
Having lived on several different continents over the last ten years, Stephanie is also an avid traveler. She married her British husband in Las Vegas with Elvis as celebrant, which was just as fun as you would imagine.
You can connect with her on the website below :)
stephaniemylchreest.com.
Stephanie writes speculative fiction in the wee hours of the night after her children have gone to sleep. She particularly loves writing stories about characters who find themselves in unusual or challenging situations, and exploring how they deal with the fallout.
Having lived on several different continents over the last ten years, Stephanie is also an avid traveler. She married her British husband in Las Vegas with Elvis as celebrant, which was just as fun as you would imagine.
You can connect with her on the website below :)
stephaniemylchreest.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 21, 2024
Pretty terrible in a few ways ….. (No spoilers…)
I’m not going to spend too much of my time on this review. It honestly wasn’t even worth the (albeit short) amount of time it took to read the 1st book in the series, as well as part of Book 2.
It has a decent start that does draw you in. But it’s pretty much all downhill from there.
Basically - the main thing I could not get past is the fact that the main characters broke one of the fundamental rules of survival in any catastrophic emergency situation. Time & again.
I’m not into posting spoilers, thus the best way I can explain it is to say the characters are far too nice. Would be doomed in any real world crisis.
Totally going to make up a scenario here so you can at least get an idea of what I mean….
Let’s say a man tells you he is going to steal your family’s life savings & rob your personal business, then he goes & does just that. Though you may be “disappointed” in him, you still want to be “a good person” so — you give him the keys to your store & home safes. To your vehicles as well. Then you expect the man to (suddenly?) not be willing to rip you off again/anymore.
Just makes no sense whatsoever. Especially when the real scenario deals with life & death situations, not just financial ruin.
I honestly couldn’t take it any longer & gave up on the series. Simply could not get past people putting an enemy before their loved ones & themselves for no good reason. Or any reason, really.
Truly surprised as well, because Mike Kraus is a phenomenal writer generally, & I’ve always enjoyed his work.
I wish I never bothered with this particular series, however.
I’m not going to spend too much of my time on this review. It honestly wasn’t even worth the (albeit short) amount of time it took to read the 1st book in the series, as well as part of Book 2.
It has a decent start that does draw you in. But it’s pretty much all downhill from there.
Basically - the main thing I could not get past is the fact that the main characters broke one of the fundamental rules of survival in any catastrophic emergency situation. Time & again.
I’m not into posting spoilers, thus the best way I can explain it is to say the characters are far too nice. Would be doomed in any real world crisis.
Totally going to make up a scenario here so you can at least get an idea of what I mean….
Let’s say a man tells you he is going to steal your family’s life savings & rob your personal business, then he goes & does just that. Though you may be “disappointed” in him, you still want to be “a good person” so — you give him the keys to your store & home safes. To your vehicles as well. Then you expect the man to (suddenly?) not be willing to rip you off again/anymore.
Just makes no sense whatsoever. Especially when the real scenario deals with life & death situations, not just financial ruin.
I honestly couldn’t take it any longer & gave up on the series. Simply could not get past people putting an enemy before their loved ones & themselves for no good reason. Or any reason, really.
Truly surprised as well, because Mike Kraus is a phenomenal writer generally, & I’ve always enjoyed his work.
I wish I never bothered with this particular series, however.
May 6, 2023
This was a good start to the series. The writing was good as was the editing and the story unfolds in a terrifying way. Most of the characters were engaging with the frequent "back-in-time" chapters notwithstanding. Some bordered on a too-common stereotypic type like Sergey and Aaliyah. I found it a bit odd that everyone was OK with the Russians testing the most powerful nuclear weapon into the deepest hole every drilled into the mantle. How was this not a cause for some major furor ahead of this? The fact that there was an unexpected result went without saying. Johannes being able to find his family seemed unlikely as did the quest of Matti and Lilly to travel almost 300 miles to find the child of a dead friend and the missing sister of Lilly's. I was astonished by Erin's request to Johannes where she didn't know how he was going to get home from Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow, to Texas, but figured California was an easy stop for him to check on his brother. Maybe she was not a map reader to send him on such an unreasonable quest. I do look forward to book 2.
May 23, 2023
Book Review:
Meltdown: Days of Destruction Book 1: (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller Series) by Stephanie Mylchreest (Author), Mike Kraus (Author)
This novel was a huge disappointment for me! First, a positive comment: the writing style and vocabulary usage was excellent. It seems to me, however, that the “WOKE” infection afflicted this book. There were too many absurd scenarios. E.g., a Russian wished to kill Johannes, his wife and two children. Johannes had several opportunities to kill that insane guy but did not. Another e.g.: as one who has flown Cessna aircraft before, it was too much of a stretch to believe that Johannes landed the airplane in Russia at night and without runway lights the way he did. Another e.g.: far too much time was spent on the character Noel.
I do not recommend this book.
Meltdown: Days of Destruction Book 1: (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller Series) by Stephanie Mylchreest (Author), Mike Kraus (Author)
This novel was a huge disappointment for me! First, a positive comment: the writing style and vocabulary usage was excellent. It seems to me, however, that the “WOKE” infection afflicted this book. There were too many absurd scenarios. E.g., a Russian wished to kill Johannes, his wife and two children. Johannes had several opportunities to kill that insane guy but did not. Another e.g.: as one who has flown Cessna aircraft before, it was too much of a stretch to believe that Johannes landed the airplane in Russia at night and without runway lights the way he did. Another e.g.: far too much time was spent on the character Noel.
I do not recommend this book.
March 17, 2024
So much going on!
First, an idiot despot decides the must dig a hole to the core of the planet, and then test a ginormous nuclear bomb into that hole. As you can imagine, the shtf as tectonic plates began to move, tsunamis and earthquakes plagued every continent. The loss of life and property was staggering. This apocalyptic scenario, naturally, brought out the worst in some insane survivors, making it far more difficult for the few remaining people to stay alive. At this point, nowhere on earth appears to be safe. Wish I could read faster; there are 5 more books in the series!
First, an idiot despot decides the must dig a hole to the core of the planet, and then test a ginormous nuclear bomb into that hole. As you can imagine, the shtf as tectonic plates began to move, tsunamis and earthquakes plagued every continent. The loss of life and property was staggering. This apocalyptic scenario, naturally, brought out the worst in some insane survivors, making it far more difficult for the few remaining people to stay alive. At this point, nowhere on earth appears to be safe. Wish I could read faster; there are 5 more books in the series!
March 9, 2023
This first book in this apocalyptic series blew me away! It’s so realistic and mind blowing that something like this could actually happen. Intense and absolutely terrifying as we follow a father who has helped desert he world and just wants to get back to his family. With incredible world building this grabs your attention and holds on tight as we follow these relatable characters as they fight for survival. It’s scary, it’s gripping and I cannot wait for the next book!
April 30, 2023
Excellent start to anew series by Mike Kraus
Russia setting off a nuclear explosion that starts at the center of the earth's core what could go wrong with that. Setting off quakes ,Tsunamis all over the world. Can there be survivors who can help? Will the brothers find their families? And can they unite from Russia to California and home to Texas read the next book in this series and see what happens.
Russia setting off a nuclear explosion that starts at the center of the earth's core what could go wrong with that. Setting off quakes ,Tsunamis all over the world. Can there be survivors who can help? Will the brothers find their families? And can they unite from Russia to California and home to Texas read the next book in this series and see what happens.
June 14, 2023
A thrill a minute, suspence off the chart.
I have read just about every book Mike Kraus, However, Stephanie Mylchreeat, has slise through me reading dingwrs.bThis authoe combo is amazing. I hace been on the edge og my seat, i have held my breath so many times, I really dont know if I wven breathed at all while reading Meltdown. I Have allready started ook two of thia series. Just let me say
I have read just about every book Mike Kraus, However, Stephanie Mylchreeat, has slise through me reading dingwrs.bThis authoe combo is amazing. I hace been on the edge og my seat, i have held my breath so many times, I really dont know if I wven breathed at all while reading Meltdown. I Have allready started ook two of thia series. Just let me say
March 19, 2023
Just a start
A great start to a series which promises multiple twists and turns. How the author plans on reuniting these various groups is unknown, possibly impossible. Bringing the groups into any proximity was credulity stretching. This book leaves you with the big question, “Now what?”
A great start to a series which promises multiple twists and turns. How the author plans on reuniting these various groups is unknown, possibly impossible. Bringing the groups into any proximity was credulity stretching. This book leaves you with the big question, “Now what?”
April 28, 2023
It’s a monstrous apocalypse!
It was odd to witness society being destroyed, and the world with it. The importance of family and those who are willing to walk beside you through that destruction. The world building was awesome. The characters more so. Coincidence at work as well? Maybe. This book is a fabulous start to an awesome series.
It was odd to witness society being destroyed, and the world with it. The importance of family and those who are willing to walk beside you through that destruction. The world building was awesome. The characters more so. Coincidence at work as well? Maybe. This book is a fabulous start to an awesome series.
August 28, 2024
Couldn't read fast enough
The authors description of the apocalypse and its ensuing events overwhelmed me @ first. I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened next. All the characters were skillfully described making me feel as though I knew them. I dreamed about them & felt related. Cannot wait to read book 2. Bravo to Ms. Mylchreest & Mr. Kraus.
The authors description of the apocalypse and its ensuing events overwhelmed me @ first. I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened next. All the characters were skillfully described making me feel as though I knew them. I dreamed about them & felt related. Cannot wait to read book 2. Bravo to Ms. Mylchreest & Mr. Kraus.
August 28, 2025
Meltdown, Days of destruction.
An Oligarch President in Russia wanted to be the first to have his people drill to the centre of the earths core. Having got there. He sent a Nuke down, Boom, it was not what he wanted, he had started something that nobody wanted or needed. World Disaster.
An Oligarch President in Russia wanted to be the first to have his people drill to the centre of the earths core. Having got there. He sent a Nuke down, Boom, it was not what he wanted, he had started something that nobody wanted or needed. World Disaster.
March 9, 2023
This is really, really enjoyable! I love the characters & ideas in the book, I was completely absorbed in the story from the very first page & I am really looking forward to seeing where this goes! Great plot, good levels of tension & excitement! What more could you want! I do recommend!
March 16, 2023
Another outstanding, suspenseful story. Russia testing underground nuclear, a father trying to save his family. How will this all turn out. Will they be saved in time. Well written, intriguing book that you don’t want to miss.
April 26, 2023
The end
I gave a five, since us and Russia have been competing for years. This would make sense, seeing who can make it first to the center of the earth. You would think these people would know better. Thinking of themselves and not how this would affect others.
I gave a five, since us and Russia have been competing for years. This would make sense, seeing who can make it first to the center of the earth. You would think these people would know better. Thinking of themselves and not how this would affect others.
July 1, 2023
Read #2. - Can't Wait
You will enjoy the building of each character, until they become a part of your character. Cry with them. Laugh with them. Really want to continue with them. Read on! It will be worth
time.
You will enjoy the building of each character, until they become a part of your character. Cry with them. Laugh with them. Really want to continue with them. Read on! It will be worth
time.
January 25, 2024
Duo of best selling Authors do it again!!
Stephanie Mylchreest and Mike Kraus make a helluva team. A great book that you cannot put down. Scenarios I hadn't thought of that could happen in real life. 5 star book series for sure
Stephanie Mylchreest and Mike Kraus make a helluva team. A great book that you cannot put down. Scenarios I hadn't thought of that could happen in real life. 5 star book series for sure
March 20, 2023
Discovery
A great concept for a survival book. It shows us what could happen when we try to use science to experment. Very good read.
A great concept for a survival book. It shows us what could happen when we try to use science to experment. Very good read.
June 10, 2023
good
Russian scientists set a nuclear bomb to the earth mantle. The results of a massive explosion is felt around the world and earthquakes,tsunami is the result.
Russian scientists set a nuclear bomb to the earth mantle. The results of a massive explosion is felt around the world and earthquakes,tsunami is the result.
August 14, 2023
Nice set up
I really like this book. I find the jumping between people a little confusing at times, but overall a good start.
I really like this book. I find the jumping between people a little confusing at times, but overall a good start.
August 20, 2023
Meltdown
Wow good reading so well written. Can’t wait to read book 2. So much happening in this book. Poor Matti what he had to endure.
Wow good reading so well written. Can’t wait to read book 2. So much happening in this book. Poor Matti what he had to endure.
January 12, 2026
Compelling story
How these authors come up with new themes is amazing. Characters so real you can relate to them. Powerful and intense.
How these authors come up with new themes is amazing. Characters so real you can relate to them. Powerful and intense.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews