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Dark Days: The Long Road Home

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How long would you survive?

Gemma thought she'd seen the last of Christopher Daley. She was wrong. When she ends up trapped in the city after an event that devastates society, Gemma has to trust the man who broke her heart as they set out on the long journey back home in a world that will never be the same again.

GEMMA: before her best friend died, Gemma made her a promise. Leaving four-year-old CJ with his grandmother, she catches the train to a law firm in the city to fulfill it.

CHRISTOPHER: scarred by a disastrous marriage, and the secret weighing him down, Christopher steers clear of women looking for a commitment. Then Gemma turns up at his office, and drops a bombshell that will have him questioning everything he believed.

They have no idea what is about to happen ...

THE PULSE: while Gemma is still in Christopher's office, the country is devastated by an event that wipes out electricity, communication, and most forms of transport. By the end of the night, the city is in chaos.

THE JOURNEY: Over three hundred miles from home, Gemma's only concern is getting back to young CJ, and his grandmother.

Christopher is worried about his own family, and there was no way in good conscience he could let Gemma travel so far alone in a world that had suddenly changed.

Together they set out for home, terrified of what the future holds.

A story of love, survival, desperation, compassion, and loss: a story of never-ending hope

A story of love, survival, desperation, compassion and loss: a story of never-ending hope.

Part romance, part suspense/thriller, part apocalyptic fiction

Coming soon to paperback

For a free sample on goodreads: Dark Days: The Long Road Home

Now available as an ebook for $0.99
Amazon: Dark Days: The Long Road Home
Smashwords:Dark Days: The Long Road Home

286 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

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534 people want to read

About the author

L.M. May

1 book29 followers

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Ann.
206 reviews43 followers
April 21, 2013
“An electromagnetic pulse, also known as an EMP will bring about the end of the world as we know it. EMPs can be caused by solar storms or by nuclear weapons detonated high in the atmosphere. When it happens the power grids will fail. There will be no electricity, water, heating, gas or sanitation. The EMP will burn out computer circuits. Airplanes, cars, computers, phones, pacemakers and anything with computer chips will stop working. In the first few minutes in America, between 250,000 and 500,000 people will be dead.”

-Dark Days


Wow! Could this really happen? Am I prepared? What would I do? L M May will have you asking yourself these questions as you read Dark Days, a post-apocalyptic story combining romance and suspense in the aftermath of an EMP attack. The story centers on Gemma and Christopher who struggle to survive a week-long journey to reunite with their families.

A promise to her recently deceased best friend, Caroline, has forced Gemma Rockwell to travel 300 miles from her hometown to see her old love, Christopher Daley. She is going to inform him that he has a four-year-old son that he unknowingly conceived with Caroline. Learning the true identity of CJs father after Caroline’s death has left Gemma feeling shocked and betrayed, but she is determined to fulfill her promise.

Christopher Daley, now an attorney in a larger city, has never forgotten Gemma and the love they once shared in high school. Although it’s been years since they’ve seen each other, he realizes he’s never completely gotten over her when she unexpectedly arrives at his office to meet with him.

As the point of view switches smoothly back and forth between Gemma and Christopher, readers are able to understand that there are still unresolved feelings between them that begin to resurface during the discussion over CJ. Believing that he is sterile, but refusing to admit it to Gemma, Christopher denies that he is CJs father. Before this conflict is resolved, however, the attack occurs without any forewarning. Everything…just…stops.

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Once everyone in Christopher’s office begins to understand that what has happened is more than a mere black-out, they make plans for escape to the safety of their homes. Christopher and Gemma are determined to work together to make the longer journey back to their hometown. They rely on bicycles, a trailer full of supplies, and the goodness of others as they embark on their quest.

The heart of the story focuses readers on the physical and emotional obstacles that Christopher and Gemma must overcome if they are to succeed. Along the way, they encounter others who are dazed, confused, and uncertain about what to do. Many are just patiently waiting for the government to step in and provide assistance. What they have yet to understand is that no one is coming to help them.

“What about the government?...They’ll help.”

“It’s every man for himself now. Survival of the fittest. It won’t be long before people will be killing each other for a can of food or a bottle of water.”


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I can empathize with those characters that are clueless about how to proceed. We are so used to living in a world where modern conveniences, governmental assistance, and laws provide the illusion that we will be safe and cared for in times of trouble. The reality of this attack provides us with a wake-up call to realize that we are inexplicably bound together, and in order to survive, we have to cooperate and collaborate with one another for the common good. Yet, as Christopher and Gemma’s challenges illustrate, we must also be knowledgeable and skilled in surviving on our own if necessary.

As Gemma and Christopher exit a chaotic metropolitan area and head toward suburbs and smaller towns, readers begin to see more organized efforts to help each other by banding together to share their resources and provide some semblance of law and order to keep each other safe. It is heartening to see that people will turn to each other for support.

Gemma and Christopher are pushed to their physical limits as they travel the harsh terrain and battle the weather. Along the way, they encounter dangerous individuals determined to take advantage of others through violence. I had expected more antagonistic situations with others than actually occurred in the story, but I also took into consideration that the attack is so recent, the majority of people are still trying to process their new reality. The conflicts that do occur throughout the story provide suspense and motivation to keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

Besides the physical barriers, the author makes us consider the emotional challenges as well in a fallen society. Christopher and Gemma are conflicted as they realize that they cannot stop to help everyone they encounter. Is hardening ourselves to the plight of others moving us a step away from our humanity?

On a more personal level, the EMP attack is the catalyst for rekindling Christopher and Gemma’s relationship. At first they are awkward and tense with each other, but as they spend more time together, they find the long-lost comfort that they once had. Their desire and longing for each other emerge stronger than ever even though they both try to fight these feelings.

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Through each character’s point of view, readers are given sprinkles of clues about the mystery behind what ended their relationship. I was able to piece together that they were once in love and planned to spend their lives together until something traumatic happened that wedged them apart. Revealing bits and pieces of their past over the course of the story was effective in keeping my interest. However, I was disappointed that, by the end of the book, their full history was never revealed.

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What I most enjoyed about the book is the creative story angle, the unpredictability of the plot, and the suspense found throughout the story. Will Christopher and Gemma make it home unharmed? Can they revive their romantic relationship? Can Christopher accept CJ as his son? How will their lives change as a result of the EMP attack?

I do want to point out that after the story ends, the author kindly provides a sneak peek of the next book in the series. When I read the excerpt, I realized that Christopher and Gemma’s story will continue, and more pieces of their past are revealed, so their entire story, hopefully, will emerge as the series continues.

Although there are some minor grammatical errors, and I felt the story could have been more fully fleshed out, Dark Days is a worthwhile read because it will no doubt make readers consider the reality of such an attack occurring in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.










Profile Image for Nancy S.
286 reviews19 followers
June 11, 2013
I have been reading a lot of post-apocolyptic stuff lately, and especially enjoy those that include an EMP event. But they do tend to get a bit depressing after a while. This one, however, is not so, because of the love story between Gemma and Christopher. There is, in spite of the horror of what becomes of humanity after the event, hope for the future.

I agree with others that the struggles faced by Gemma and Christopher are a little too easily resolved, and their trials were not nearly as difficult as in other books I have read, but it did not interfere with my enjoyment. I look forward to reading the follow-up book.

And yes, there are grammatical errors, though not that many. One glaringly obvious error, however, which drove me nuts, was when the author referred to the colors of yellow and kacky. Please. Khaki.
Profile Image for Lani Ayers.
215 reviews10 followers
June 4, 2013
This is a really great story and hooked me immediately! I love books that have the male and female POVs. I loved the characters and their witty back and forth! It had drama, action, humor and of course love! It also kept me up til 3am!!! ;)
15 reviews
December 2, 2017
Dark Days! Awesome new series - can't wait for the next book...

I love this new series. L M May please write the next one as fast as possible. Christopher, Gemma and CJ's story as well as the other characters are rich and very well defined. I can't wait to see where you go next and what new tip's you'll fave for us EMP enthusiast readers (most how to survivalist books are drier than cookie dust :) so I personally like to have my "how to with a side of good rich reading". You remember it all better that way - not that 25 tips of water list in page 10 in book so in so or whatever website. You instead will remember Gemma and Christopher in a crazy storm! Trash bag rain water... Who would think of that! In a pinch - you do what you've got to do.
201 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2018
A prophetic view of our future?

An outstanding post apocalyptic love story. Well developed characters coupled with a well driven plot equals a good read. Jump on this series now.
Profile Image for Magda.
23 reviews
May 15, 2018
What ... I mean.. how?
How come this book has such good ratings?
This is so confusing.
Don't you worry. There won't be any spoilers from me in case you will want to read it for yourself.

Let's start with pacing of this story.
I don't care what the book is about, whether it spans one day or fifty freaking years.
It doesn't matter. It needs to be interesting and NOT repetitive.
At the very begining of the book there is an elevator scene. Dear Lord is it long. (Ebook version has 222 pages and that particular rescue scene has 25 pages)
25 pages of very detailed rescue mission, which basicly is going down the shaft, opening the elevator hatch and going back up on a ladder.
Whole 3 chapters of climbing down, staring into someone's eyes, climbing down, panicking, staring into someone's eyes,one torch, second torch, climbing up, more panicking, more staring into someone's eyes.
Oh, I'm sorry... was my desription too repetitive and BORING for you?
Mindbogling.

There is no build-up to the romance. It's just there. Because of the past. Yeah.. if you are wondering what that past entails be prepare to be disappointed. They are NOT getting to know each other as adults. All is based on the past. Whoopsie.. getting REPETITIVE all of a sudden. No idea why...

There is no great journey filled with adventures and mischief.
They are riding BICYCLES ffs. Oh, there is a conversation about autoshops which will have working wehicles. And then... BICYCLES for 4 days (I think It's 4 ? - yeah... not gonna check that.) of journey.

I planed on ranting for much, much longer but whatevs.
I don't care enough for this book to even complain about all the crap I read in it.
Buh-bye.
Profile Image for Diana Hockley.
Author 9 books46 followers
March 29, 2013
I have actually wondered about such a premise as in this novel - a wipe-out of all things electronic and the end of society as we know it.

The story takes place over one week, during which the likaeable protagonists - Christopher and Gemma - travel 300 miles to the town where they both grew up, to be with family and particularly with Christopher's son, CJ. Christopher, who has issues from a former marriage, is not prepared to admit that the child might be his. Gemma is determined that he will face up to his responsibility as the child's mother has died.

Their trip is fraught with danger, as people realise what has actually happened and that they have to fight for water and food - and that many will not survive. I thought maybe the stealing of livestock came a little too soon in the catastrophe - the plot covers only one week. IMO, stealing livestock would come after that - thought not too much later.

On the way, Gemma and Christopher get to know each other all over again as frightening incidents with predatory people are balanced with the kindness of the good. I was interested in how vulnerable the main characters were - most plots would have them extremely gungho - but this aspect added to their normal persona.

When a gunshot wound is fixed,I thought at first they were in a hospital, but it was actually a doctor's surgery. It would have to be a large clinic to be able to do the surgery involved in such an extensive wound. The fact that it was a small town doctor's surgery was not entirely believable.

However, this novel is very well edited and constructed and I look forward to the author's next work.

Recommended!
Profile Image for Willow Brooks.
Author 3 books57 followers
May 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The part I can't get over is,

Honestly, I would be singing that song by Taylor Swift to Christopher, "We are never, ever, ever getting back together!"

I had fun on this little journey. Great characters along the way. Some of the people we got to meet in the story made me want to make sure they were alright. This story was so realistic as fare as a pulse really happening that it was scary, and caused me to think about what me and my family would do, and how far I would go to protect them.

I just want to add that all the lack of food and drinks freaking made me so hungry. I wanted fish and a coke so bad after reading this. I know that sounds nasty as hell, but I could taste the fish they were eating, and the drama over the cans of coke did something to me. (Made me hungry). I'm honestly going to buy fish and claim chowder today.
Profile Image for Jess Mountifield.
Author 111 books66 followers
April 3, 2013
This was one of those books I thought I'd like when reading the blurb. It's standard end of the world fiction with a pretty good romance thrown in on top.

The characters were all well fleshed out and I even fell in love with a few of the supporting characters the people met along the way and I really liked that this book focused on the little things humanity might do, the way people would feel and how things would deteriorate on a more personal level. Everything was shown through the little things people did rather than bigger things and I felt it made the book more personal and easy to relate too.

There was a little bit of head hopping between the two main characters in the first few chapters which had me confused at a few points, but this soon sorted out and from then on in chapters stuck to a characters POV, so if anyone else gets bothered by that don't give up on the book.

All in all a good read. It's left me wanting to know how long it took to actually sort things out (and had me researching the possible problems a similar siuation might have if it did actually happen today).
Profile Image for Hellvis.
71 reviews37 followers
May 4, 2013
The end of the world as we know it..

Forget the zombie apocalypse, this apocalypse is as real as real can be. Electricity runs the programming of our modern cars, keeps aeroplanes in the sky, lights our homes and keeps our food refrigerated. It even purifies our water.

What if it all just... stopped? What would you do? How would you cope? How would you even survive?

L.M. May has woven a story filled with suspense and backed it up with fact. The obvious amount of research which has gone into this book is incredible and makes for a thought provoking read which leaves you wondering what you would do if you were dropped into this scary new world May's characters inhabit.
Profile Image for Cheri.
416 reviews
January 27, 2017
This is one of those books that is a cliffhanger/not a cliffhanger , the Characters finally make it home, but then the story ends, so you have to get the next book to see how the story progresses. and I can't say that I really enjoyed the characters all that much. there was a lot of back story that we didn't get and I felt was a little important to the story line. Also in my humble opinion I thought that Christopher was a bit of a pansy.
Profile Image for Ilonka Bruce.
25 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
I really enjoyed this post apocalyptic romance.
It was a great story with likeable characters, very easy to read and perfect to while away a lazy afternoon.
Author 1 book10 followers
December 24, 2013
If you are expecting the standard PA story do not look here.
This book takes a much lighter and brighter approach to the end.
The story was well written and kept me interested.
The romance would be a little heavy for some but did not interfere with my enjoying the tale.
Profile Image for Flo.
26 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2013
LOVE POST APOCALYPTIC STORIES

I love to read realistic books with believable characters. I enjoyed Gemma's character. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Kudos to PM May!



Profile Image for Jim.
297 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2014
Like a few other books of its type but this one didn't dwell so much on the details of the EMP but dealt more with the main characters. I enjoyed this book and will definitely read the next one in this series ...
65 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2016
Entertaining and thought provoking

I found the book very entertaining, and I look forward to more in the series. The storyline (EMP) has been used by many authors and I have read A Lot of them, this book is one of my favorites.
Profile Image for Kathy.
Author 16 books264 followers
May 26, 2014
This book got me wondering... Am I ready for the apocalypse ? Nope I am not! Really is a good book!
Profile Image for Angie Thompson-conner.
13 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2014
Not very good.

there was just too much romance and not enough thriller.I prefer the ones that have continuous action and not a lot of romance.
Profile Image for Marie.
304 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2015
Good story. A lot of romance with a soft post-dystopian background.
Profile Image for Sara Freitag.
96 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2014
I really liked it. It was just a bit different but not to crazy. It was a fun and easy read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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