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Getting Out of Dodge
After an EMP attack plunged the nation into chaos, two parents must make a daring journey that spans more than eight hundred miles without modern technology.
With the fate of their twins hanging in the balance, Brooke and Ethan must brave the hostile environment of the great plains, face outlaws and bandits who have taken control of Dodge City, Kansas, and confront their inner demons to reunite with their loved ones.
Along the way, they make unlikely allies, discover secrets about the world they thought they knew, and uncover long-forgotten truths about themselves. Will they have what it takes to Get Out of Dodge and make it home or will their suffering be for naught?
Follow this desperate family as they navigate a grid-down world.
Getting Out of Dodge is book two in the Desperate Age Series.
With the fate of their twins hanging in the balance, Brooke and Ethan must brave the hostile environment of the great plains, face outlaws and bandits who have taken control of Dodge City, Kansas, and confront their inner demons to reunite with their loved ones.
Along the way, they make unlikely allies, discover secrets about the world they thought they knew, and uncover long-forgotten truths about themselves. Will they have what it takes to Get Out of Dodge and make it home or will their suffering be for naught?
Follow this desperate family as they navigate a grid-down world.
Getting Out of Dodge is book two in the Desperate Age Series.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
584 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 28, 2023
Book 2
This book was definitely not as good as the first . The main character, really got on my last nerve with her constant weeping and whining about wanting to see her "babies" who we found out were spoiled brats in the care of her inlaws. Her poor husband was constantly in danger from trying to keep her from doing something stupid and trying to fulfill her demands to get her home asap no matter what. She was so annoying that I won't try to read the next book in the series. Sorry!
This book was definitely not as good as the first . The main character, really got on my last nerve with her constant weeping and whining about wanting to see her "babies" who we found out were spoiled brats in the care of her inlaws. Her poor husband was constantly in danger from trying to keep her from doing something stupid and trying to fulfill her demands to get her home asap no matter what. She was so annoying that I won't try to read the next book in the series. Sorry!
July 26, 2023
My Musings
Another exciting story with some great new characters, especially Jarrod and his sweet little companion. Finlay and his wife, wow just wow. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy reading!
Another exciting story with some great new characters, especially Jarrod and his sweet little companion. Finlay and his wife, wow just wow. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy reading!
June 22, 2023
This was a decent book 2 of this series. I like the addition of Jarrod as a character, but overall prefer the scenario of the grandparents in their neighborhood. It seems a lot more realistic than the trek of Ethan and Brooke. Ethan is OK, but Brooke is starting to wear on me. She alternates between helpless and emotional and wanting to charge into danger, heedless of the risk to others. I always like to see the good guys win, but it was a bit unbelievable that the good guys with fewer weapons/ammo and fighters, lead by a smart but aging ex-lawman could prevail against the odds of the gang and eliminate the top two bad guys in such a dramatic fashion. On to book 3.
May 18, 2023
Edge of your seat
This was a really suspenseful novel. It continues Ethan and Brooke’s journey to make it home to their children. I like the the new characters that were introduced in this book and the way the people of Dodge fight to take back their town. I really liked Jarrod and Finely.
There are also a few chapters on how Ethan’s parents fight to keep their street secure and take care of the twins.
This book has some killing and a few swear words, but it pretty clean. I am really looking forward to the next book.
This was a really suspenseful novel. It continues Ethan and Brooke’s journey to make it home to their children. I like the the new characters that were introduced in this book and the way the people of Dodge fight to take back their town. I really liked Jarrod and Finely.
There are also a few chapters on how Ethan’s parents fight to keep their street secure and take care of the twins.
This book has some killing and a few swear words, but it pretty clean. I am really looking forward to the next book.
May 25, 2023
Great Series
This is a great series and this book is exceptional!
I think the inclusion of Dodge City and the bit of history really added to its interest. Wonderful, interesting characters.
I also like that there are many good people introduced and they live to carry on. I just finished a series where all good people were killed off in a day or two. I do not enjoy that kind of plot.
This story is believeable and you will enjoy it, too!
It is not without tragedy and violence but sometimes the good guys win.
It does need minor editing.
This is a great series and this book is exceptional!
I think the inclusion of Dodge City and the bit of history really added to its interest. Wonderful, interesting characters.
I also like that there are many good people introduced and they live to carry on. I just finished a series where all good people were killed off in a day or two. I do not enjoy that kind of plot.
This story is believeable and you will enjoy it, too!
It is not without tragedy and violence but sometimes the good guys win.
It does need minor editing.
March 20, 2024
I'd give it a 3.5.
Getting Out of Dodge is Book 2 of the Desperate Age Series. These are not stand-alones and should be read in order.
I enjoyed this book but would have liked to have seen better editing. It's very annoying to be wrapped up in the scene and then have it fall apart because the wrong characters are involved.
Readers should beware of excessive amounts of violence, some on page and some off with some extremely gruesome descriptions of the victims of the bad guys.
Overall I would recommend this book for 18+ due to mature content.
Getting Out of Dodge is Book 2 of the Desperate Age Series. These are not stand-alones and should be read in order.
I enjoyed this book but would have liked to have seen better editing. It's very annoying to be wrapped up in the scene and then have it fall apart because the wrong characters are involved.
Readers should beware of excessive amounts of violence, some on page and some off with some extremely gruesome descriptions of the victims of the bad guys.
Overall I would recommend this book for 18+ due to mature content.
October 25, 2025
I was on the edge of my seat!!
This one was very intense!! I am so wrapped up in these characters getting to their twins!!
I can’t believe how quickly society falls apart when the grid goes down. You truly see what people are made of. Not whether they’re strong or weak, but their character. Brooke was losing faith in people, but then she found people who showed true humanity and compassion, those willing to help others no matter what. Of course her husband is definitely one of those people.
On to book three, I hope they reach their twins soon!
This one was very intense!! I am so wrapped up in these characters getting to their twins!!
I can’t believe how quickly society falls apart when the grid goes down. You truly see what people are made of. Not whether they’re strong or weak, but their character. Brooke was losing faith in people, but then she found people who showed true humanity and compassion, those willing to help others no matter what. Of course her husband is definitely one of those people.
On to book three, I hope they reach their twins soon!
January 28, 2024
Action-Packed Sequel
The story continues in this section book of the series. The main characters are joined by new heroes and villains in the aftermath of an EMP attack. I’ll absolutely be reading the rest of the series to see how things turn out for them. The tension is high in this book as the main characters struggle to know who they can trust as they fight to get home in a world that’s suddenly without most modern technology.
The story continues in this section book of the series. The main characters are joined by new heroes and villains in the aftermath of an EMP attack. I’ll absolutely be reading the rest of the series to see how things turn out for them. The tension is high in this book as the main characters struggle to know who they can trust as they fight to get home in a world that’s suddenly without most modern technology.
November 2, 2023
Good TL Payne story
Good movement. Editing at times was rough. Characters who weren’t in the area were suddenly in the scene. And some of Brooke’s dialogue was pretty sappy given the context of the story. However, I enjoy a good guys triumph over bad guys story and Payne does them well.
Good movement. Editing at times was rough. Characters who weren’t in the area were suddenly in the scene. And some of Brooke’s dialogue was pretty sappy given the context of the story. However, I enjoy a good guys triumph over bad guys story and Payne does them well.
August 15, 2024
Very adventurous journey for Ethan and Brooke. Can’t understand why people ‘dis’ Brooke. What would they do different in that crazy situation! Is this a preview for times to come? All people lost power, etc. and some lost their common sense, their hearts and their morals. And we meet those peopling this journey. But then we meet some really good folks. On to book 3!
April 26, 2023
This is a really good second part to this new & exciting, end of the world, EMP apocalyptic series! Always a good level tension with this writer & fast paced action in every chapter! Good strong characters & great ideas! What more could you want! I do recommend!
April 26, 2023
GETTING OUT OF DODGE BOOK 2
So well written. Exciting at every turn Ethan and Brooke have a long road ahead still. Findlay is definitely an old cowboy, loved reading about him thank you.
So well written. Exciting at every turn Ethan and Brooke have a long road ahead still. Findlay is definitely an old cowboy, loved reading about him thank you.
May 10, 2023
Very good series
Just finished book two and waiting on the third. Characters and plot continue to enhance these books. Payne is a master at pulling you right into the story. Enjoy!
Just finished book two and waiting on the third. Characters and plot continue to enhance these books. Payne is a master at pulling you right into the story. Enjoy!
May 13, 2023
Old but not too old to fight
With the help of Findlay and Vivian and a bunch of Veterans, Brooke and Ethan along with some young folk free Dodge from the hands of the “Outlaws”!
There are some great new characters in this book too. It’s a great read and I’m sure you will like it!
With the help of Findlay and Vivian and a bunch of Veterans, Brooke and Ethan along with some young folk free Dodge from the hands of the “Outlaws”!
There are some great new characters in this book too. It’s a great read and I’m sure you will like it!
August 30, 2023
Good story!
I have so enjoyed this series. It is hard to imagine that thus could really happen but the author's writing makes it very believable. My one criticism is the poor editing. There are too many missing words in the middle of sentinces
I have so enjoyed this series. It is hard to imagine that thus could really happen but the author's writing makes it very believable. My one criticism is the poor editing. There are too many missing words in the middle of sentinces
October 15, 2023
Outta dodge but it was great! Fast paced action packed!
Well.written story line, good character developement. Lots of action ,goog parallel storyline continuance.introduction of some rest historical sites from US history
Well.written story line, good character developement. Lots of action ,goog parallel storyline continuance.introduction of some rest historical sites from US history
April 1, 2025
who is really to blame?
The story line is legit, especially in today’s mixed up world. Waiting to see if it’s being invaded by China or the democrats working with Iran.
Too much hate coming out of them.
The story line is legit, especially in today’s mixed up world. Waiting to see if it’s being invaded by China or the democrats working with Iran.
Too much hate coming out of them.
December 3, 2025
Great Read, some missed words, typos.
Really great, Quick read. Interesting story. Would have liked more Christian attitudes, more of a Christian storyline. More obviously Christian characters
Really great, Quick read. Interesting story. Would have liked more Christian attitudes, more of a Christian storyline. More obviously Christian characters
May 6, 2023
Suspense
Great book and has me ready for the next book. I just have to wait. Great plot and kept me wanting more
Great book and has me ready for the next book. I just have to wait. Great plot and kept me wanting more
May 16, 2023
good
Ethan and Brooke have made it to dodge. A city that’s been over run by gangs . Read how they must survive in order to get to their children
Ethan and Brooke have made it to dodge. A city that’s been over run by gangs . Read how they must survive in order to get to their children
May 19, 2023
Good read
It was a good read. There are moments when I can't help rolling my eyes but all in all a good continuation of the story.
It was a good read. There are moments when I can't help rolling my eyes but all in all a good continuation of the story.
May 26, 2023
another good read
I’m enjoying this series. The characters are likeable and the story is flowing well. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I’m enjoying this series. The characters are likeable and the story is flowing well. I’m looking forward to the next book.
July 6, 2023
Frightening!
Well written story that has given me hope in the future, should we have to face similar situations. I think evil will always have to be faced and fought.
Well written story that has given me hope in the future, should we have to face similar situations. I think evil will always have to be faced and fought.
August 15, 2023
I'm hooked!
Suspenseful at every corner. I can't wait to move on to the next part. Great two for keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Suspenseful at every corner. I can't wait to move on to the next part. Great two for keeping me on the edge of my seat!
August 19, 2023
page turner
Lots of action from the very start. Characters are well developed and engaging. Can work as a standalone book but glad I have the series.
Lots of action from the very start. Characters are well developed and engaging. Can work as a standalone book but glad I have the series.
October 29, 2023
Enjoyed the story line.
Characters easy to follow unlike some that jump forward back and sideways. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Characters easy to follow unlike some that jump forward back and sideways. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars:
If you like "EMP" stories, this is just like them. Not a bad series so far. Its on Kindle Unlimited so I will continue to read the series.
If you like "EMP" stories, this is just like them. Not a bad series so far. Its on Kindle Unlimited so I will continue to read the series.
July 18, 2025
The suspense continues in this book. It picks up where the last one left off. So many times I found myself holding my breath as I was reading. So excited to see what comes next.
September 6, 2025
bad editing
On page 118 the paragraph starting as : The terrain was flat and desolate……repeats twice.
The plot is good, characters are endearing……editing ….don’t even go there.
On page 118 the paragraph starting as : The terrain was flat and desolate……repeats twice.
The plot is good, characters are endearing……editing ….don’t even go there.
January 30, 2024
Getting Out of Dodge, the second book in the Desperate Age series, was even more exciting than Panic in the Rockies. It follows the same two main characters, Brooke and Ethan. Unfortunately we lose the dog (living, just not with our group anymore) from the first book, but don't worry, there's a new dog! She comes along with her owner Jarrod, who I like a lot. I really hope he sticks around for the rest of the series. He has his own goal - to find his daughter - but I'd love to see him travel with Ethan and Brooke to Tulsa. He's useful, too, more than Brooke anyway. She's getting on my nerves a bit. She's kind of whiny about getting to her kids. They're trying, Brooke!
Traveling to Dodge City, Kansas, in this one, Ethan, Brooke, and Jarrod discover the town is being held hostage by gangs and have to help the innocent people there get the upper hand.
Traveling to Dodge City, Kansas, in this one, Ethan, Brooke, and Jarrod discover the town is being held hostage by gangs and have to help the innocent people there get the upper hand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews