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After the End #2
Grip of Despair
The power’s out. And only one chance to escape. As a psych patient flees her cage, she runs straight into a world in the throes of disaster… Forced to confront a suspicious power outage that plunges the world into darkness, can ex-cop Patrick Dunn and escaped detainee Holly Winters find safety? Or will they become doomed in the chaos?
- GenresScience Fiction
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
298 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 6, 2025
GRIP OF DESPAIR:is the second full length book in the After the End series by author Sam J Fires. Patrick & Holly.
Sitting here on a winter's day and working on a diamond painting whilst this is on text to speech I'm racing through these books like my ipad is on fire.
In the aftermath of an EMP strike the world as these characters know it has come to a screeching halt, no power, no cell phones, newer model vehicles stopped within their tracks and the snow is relentless, only adding to everyone's misery.
Being a good samaritan that Pat is and still hell bent on helping anyone who asks, it's in his DNA to help wherever he can, which was one pet peeve of his ex wifes, so due to this their trip is is taking much longer than it should.
Plus the need to drop Holly off at the nearest bus stop so that she can get to her mother's house is still his top priority.
Their journey is treacherous with many encounters along the way. Holly doesn't speak out much as she doesn't put her trust into many people, as many in the past have abused her to no degree. All she has known in her life is that all men are dangerous and can not be trusted.
Now she's second guessing everything..
The longer she was away from the hospital, the more she realised she belonged there. She wasn't equipped for the real world.
She escaped one place only to find herself thrown into a world that's on the brink of chaos and one man that's intent on dragging her back to the hospital she escaped from. He's following their every which way they go..One way or another he will get her.
Sitting here on a winter's day and working on a diamond painting whilst this is on text to speech I'm racing through these books like my ipad is on fire.
In the aftermath of an EMP strike the world as these characters know it has come to a screeching halt, no power, no cell phones, newer model vehicles stopped within their tracks and the snow is relentless, only adding to everyone's misery.
Being a good samaritan that Pat is and still hell bent on helping anyone who asks, it's in his DNA to help wherever he can, which was one pet peeve of his ex wifes, so due to this their trip is is taking much longer than it should.
Plus the need to drop Holly off at the nearest bus stop so that she can get to her mother's house is still his top priority.
Their journey is treacherous with many encounters along the way. Holly doesn't speak out much as she doesn't put her trust into many people, as many in the past have abused her to no degree. All she has known in her life is that all men are dangerous and can not be trusted.
Now she's second guessing everything..
The longer she was away from the hospital, the more she realised she belonged there. She wasn't equipped for the real world.
She escaped one place only to find herself thrown into a world that's on the brink of chaos and one man that's intent on dragging her back to the hospital she escaped from. He's following their every which way they go..One way or another he will get her.
September 1, 2023
Grip Of Despair - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Holly, Butler the dog and Patrick continue their epic struggle for survival, in the aftermath of the EMP strike, that has already cost millions of lives and left millions more people confused, desperate and angry.
But was the attack triggered deliberately?
Only the adaptable and well-prepared will survive, but how does that play out for our disparate duo as they reach Salem?
Why is Patrick's ex-wife so hostile?
Who's hunting Holly and why?
What will they find when they reach Kimberley's house to see Patrick's kids?
The saga continues...to find out where it leads, get Sam J Fires' Grip of Despair today!
Holly, Butler the dog and Patrick continue their epic struggle for survival, in the aftermath of the EMP strike, that has already cost millions of lives and left millions more people confused, desperate and angry.
But was the attack triggered deliberately?
Only the adaptable and well-prepared will survive, but how does that play out for our disparate duo as they reach Salem?
Why is Patrick's ex-wife so hostile?
Who's hunting Holly and why?
What will they find when they reach Kimberley's house to see Patrick's kids?
The saga continues...to find out where it leads, get Sam J Fires' Grip of Despair today!
September 6, 2023
The world has been plunged into darkness. The power has gone out everywhere. What is going on? Why is the power out? Is there a problem or was it done deliberately?
Holly, a psych patient has escaped the hospital with a friend, Buddy. Holly and Buddy are being chased. Who is chasing Holly and why? What do they want with her? Is it someone from the hospital? Is this person just trying to save Holly? Or is there a more sinister reason as to why this person is after Holly?
Holly meets up with ex-police officer Patrick Dunn. Holly doesn’t trust anyone and doesn’t know what to do when the man from the hospital catches up with her. She takes off in Patrick’s truck while he is trying to subdue the man. Patrick is only trying to keep Holly safe but she doesn’t know this. But when things take a turn for the worse Holly may not have a choice but to accept Patrick’s help.
Grip of Despair is a very gripping story that grabbed my attention from the first page and never let up. The suspense kept me hanging on page after page waiting and wondering if Holly and Patrick would find a safe place to hold up.
All the characters seemed so real as if you had known them forever. The world-building was just amazing. I could see the whole thing in my head as if I was standing right there beside the characters fighting my way to survival with them. Not knowing if they were going to find a safe, warm place to stay.
I can’t wait to read the next book Grip of Fury in the After the End series.
I would highly recommend that you grab a copy of Grip of Despair today!
Holly, a psych patient has escaped the hospital with a friend, Buddy. Holly and Buddy are being chased. Who is chasing Holly and why? What do they want with her? Is it someone from the hospital? Is this person just trying to save Holly? Or is there a more sinister reason as to why this person is after Holly?
Holly meets up with ex-police officer Patrick Dunn. Holly doesn’t trust anyone and doesn’t know what to do when the man from the hospital catches up with her. She takes off in Patrick’s truck while he is trying to subdue the man. Patrick is only trying to keep Holly safe but she doesn’t know this. But when things take a turn for the worse Holly may not have a choice but to accept Patrick’s help.
Grip of Despair is a very gripping story that grabbed my attention from the first page and never let up. The suspense kept me hanging on page after page waiting and wondering if Holly and Patrick would find a safe place to hold up.
All the characters seemed so real as if you had known them forever. The world-building was just amazing. I could see the whole thing in my head as if I was standing right there beside the characters fighting my way to survival with them. Not knowing if they were going to find a safe, warm place to stay.
I can’t wait to read the next book Grip of Fury in the After the End series.
I would highly recommend that you grab a copy of Grip of Despair today!
November 16, 2025
Continued violence after emp attack, still first day. Police officer retired with medical discharge and lots of family baggage escorting young woman who escaped from abusive mental hospital with small dog. Grip of Deceit. Kindle Unlimited book read with Alexa audio app. Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited, read with Alexa audio assist.
September 5, 2023
Great follow up to the first instalment. Holly and Pat fumbling their way gives the budding relationship more realism. An excellent read. Looking forward to the next in series.
August 31, 2023
This is a great second book for this series. I just dropped right back into the story…I may be a little silly, and some say that I get too involved in a book, but I get so excited seeing the ties to the Grip of Fear series. This book is short, but sometimes we need a shorter book.
August 24, 2023
Holly and Sam are being followed by Julian, a nurse from the hospital. Julian is full of anger and wants nothing more than to take Holly back to the hospital and make her life a misery again. Sam manages to fend him off and they get away but how long can they keep running for?
September 5, 2023
I did really enjoy this! Great read! I absolutely flew though it & was gutted to have gotten to the end! A mark of a good read perhaps! Good ideas, pace & tension make it a great adventure! I can't wait for the next part!
November 19, 2023
Grip of Despair
After the End #2
Post-apocalyptic
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started reading this book as soon as I finished the previous one and I wasn't disappointed.
The pacing was great and I couldn't put it down.
Pat's ex wife Jayne asked him why he always has to be the hero and I agree. Pat jumped from one disturbance to another, stepping in to calm situations and sort things out. Even though I know Pat used to be a cop, it got a little tedious.
Holly is fragile and I hope she can eventually trust Pat. They work well together and she needs some stability while she heals.
As people were starting to panic, there was more and more danger. This helped keep things interesting and action packed.
Butler (the dog) is a cute companion and I'm glad Holly rescued him. It's nice that he gives Holly so much comfort.
I hope Pat gets to see his kids at some point and I can't wait to read the next book.
After the End #2
Post-apocalyptic
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started reading this book as soon as I finished the previous one and I wasn't disappointed.
The pacing was great and I couldn't put it down.
Pat's ex wife Jayne asked him why he always has to be the hero and I agree. Pat jumped from one disturbance to another, stepping in to calm situations and sort things out. Even though I know Pat used to be a cop, it got a little tedious.
Holly is fragile and I hope she can eventually trust Pat. They work well together and she needs some stability while she heals.
As people were starting to panic, there was more and more danger. This helped keep things interesting and action packed.
Butler (the dog) is a cute companion and I'm glad Holly rescued him. It's nice that he gives Holly so much comfort.
I hope Pat gets to see his kids at some point and I can't wait to read the next book.
September 5, 2023
(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)
Patrick, a medically retired policeman, Holly, an escaped inmate of a psychiatric institution, and Buster, the dog she rescued from the same institution, deal with life and stalled traffic in a snowy post-EMP Salem, Oregon. Fortunately, he has a pre-computer truck which still runs. It will need gas soon, something that will be difficult to get with no electric gas pumps operating.
She is slowly recovering from her traumas and trying to figure out where she can go safely. Is her mother's house really her best destination? Can she learn to trust Patrick to help her and not hurt her?
He has to stop several places before he can get her where she wants to go. How can he protect her and get her somewhere safe if she keeps wandering out into the snow?
How widespread is this EMP? How long before some semblance of normalcy returns? Will it ever stop snowing? Will we get answers to these questions?
This is the second installment of the "After the End" series by Sam J Fires. It will continue in book 3, "Grip of Fury". If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories, get a "Grip"!
Patrick, a medically retired policeman, Holly, an escaped inmate of a psychiatric institution, and Buster, the dog she rescued from the same institution, deal with life and stalled traffic in a snowy post-EMP Salem, Oregon. Fortunately, he has a pre-computer truck which still runs. It will need gas soon, something that will be difficult to get with no electric gas pumps operating.
She is slowly recovering from her traumas and trying to figure out where she can go safely. Is her mother's house really her best destination? Can she learn to trust Patrick to help her and not hurt her?
He has to stop several places before he can get her where she wants to go. How can he protect her and get her somewhere safe if she keeps wandering out into the snow?
How widespread is this EMP? How long before some semblance of normalcy returns? Will it ever stop snowing? Will we get answers to these questions?
This is the second installment of the "After the End" series by Sam J Fires. It will continue in book 3, "Grip of Fury". If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories, get a "Grip"!
March 4, 2024
5/5
Is it an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) or something else? Who, what, how long is this going to be an issue?
I have just read all four books (Grip of Deceit, Despair, Fury and Panic) in this series. One right after the other. I had to!
Pat, our physically damaged and medically retired policeman and army vet, is only doingwhat he sees is the correct thing to do. It seems that his help is not always wanted though. He tries to sort out the nightmare everyon has found themselves in one person at a time damn the costs to himself.
He has kids that he is not sure if they love him or even like him, a bittter ex-wife and an escaped mental patient under his wings. All of them are in danger one way or another. In helping them he draws unwanted attention to himself and them. They all need tto to survive.
You need to read this series from the opening chapter of the ffirst book to the finish of book four to get you best bang for your buck. This series must go on!
Is it an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) or something else? Who, what, how long is this going to be an issue?
I have just read all four books (Grip of Deceit, Despair, Fury and Panic) in this series. One right after the other. I had to!
Pat, our physically damaged and medically retired policeman and army vet, is only doingwhat he sees is the correct thing to do. It seems that his help is not always wanted though. He tries to sort out the nightmare everyon has found themselves in one person at a time damn the costs to himself.
He has kids that he is not sure if they love him or even like him, a bittter ex-wife and an escaped mental patient under his wings. All of them are in danger one way or another. In helping them he draws unwanted attention to himself and them. They all need tto to survive.
You need to read this series from the opening chapter of the ffirst book to the finish of book four to get you best bang for your buck. This series must go on!
June 26, 2024
Grip of Despair: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 2), my twenty-seventh read from author Sam J. Fires and the second book in After the End series. Another enjoyable, well-written, entertaining 166-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “I was a given Kindle copy of this book and am just now getting around to reading it after discovering a free audio version on Youtube and am voluntarily leaving a review." Next up Grip of Despair: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 2). and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 4, 2025
🎧audiobook
Overall a good book. Book two follows Patrick the ex cop and Holly the escape mental patient as they navigate the fall out from and EMP That has struck Oregon and who knows where else.
It’s an interesting dynamic as Holly has been institutionalized since her rape at the young age of 14. She carries the trauma from that and is very weary of everyone.
Patrick has his own issues dealing with PTSD from being shot.
This unlikely pairing has been thrust together and need each other to survive what is coming and what they carry from the past.
I listened to Kyla Stones Edge of Collapse series first and they are very similar- I prefer Kyla’s books so far but these are entertaining.
Overall a good book. Book two follows Patrick the ex cop and Holly the escape mental patient as they navigate the fall out from and EMP That has struck Oregon and who knows where else.
It’s an interesting dynamic as Holly has been institutionalized since her rape at the young age of 14. She carries the trauma from that and is very weary of everyone.
Patrick has his own issues dealing with PTSD from being shot.
This unlikely pairing has been thrust together and need each other to survive what is coming and what they carry from the past.
I listened to Kyla Stones Edge of Collapse series first and they are very similar- I prefer Kyla’s books so far but these are entertaining.
September 5, 2023
In the middle of the disaster
This story continues the background to Issacs mother, Holly, and what happened to her when disaster struck. This series can be read stand alone.
I enjoy the characters, Holley and Pat, very real each with their own quirks. The story is well written as the one before, excellent continuation of world building, giving a broader view of what is happening. Very entertaining and got me hooked.
I have received a free copy of this book from the author and decided to review it.
This story continues the background to Issacs mother, Holly, and what happened to her when disaster struck. This series can be read stand alone.
I enjoy the characters, Holley and Pat, very real each with their own quirks. The story is well written as the one before, excellent continuation of world building, giving a broader view of what is happening. Very entertaining and got me hooked.
I have received a free copy of this book from the author and decided to review it.
November 20, 2023
redundant ruminations
Fill the book, with very little actually happening. Unlikely bad guys pop up out of nowhere always surprising Our Heroes who seem unable to notice anything in spite of supposedly being hyper aware. Maybe because they spend all their time obsessing about the same things over and over and over…
With all the tasks Pat supposedly has to accomplish he is frustratingly unable to get moving and accomplish anything but tap his fingers. No wonder three wives have dumped him.
Fill the book, with very little actually happening. Unlikely bad guys pop up out of nowhere always surprising Our Heroes who seem unable to notice anything in spite of supposedly being hyper aware. Maybe because they spend all their time obsessing about the same things over and over and over…
With all the tasks Pat supposedly has to accomplish he is frustratingly unable to get moving and accomplish anything but tap his fingers. No wonder three wives have dumped him.
January 7, 2024
Gripping Story
I’m enjoying this side series after reading the End of Days series. The two main characters are both struggling with their own histories of trauma and getting to read the story from both of their perspectives gives it a greater depth. I’m interested to see how the series continues and if the characters eventually trust each other enough to begin confiding in each other about the realities of both of their pasts. The language is rougher in this book than in any of the other books I’ve read by this author.
I’m enjoying this side series after reading the End of Days series. The two main characters are both struggling with their own histories of trauma and getting to read the story from both of their perspectives gives it a greater depth. I’m interested to see how the series continues and if the characters eventually trust each other enough to begin confiding in each other about the realities of both of their pasts. The language is rougher in this book than in any of the other books I’ve read by this author.
September 4, 2023
Sam J. Fires doesn't disappoint with this story continuing. Patrick Dunn and Holly Winters are trying to get out of the city after the EMP has shut everything down. Fortunately Patrick's old truck still runs as it was built before all the electronics were added to vehicles. They try to escape nurse Julian Baines, who has a prior history with Holly and is after her. Great characters and lots of twists and action in the plot.
September 5, 2023
often a second book in a series I have found is never as good as the first, but this story was breath holding and tongue biting as the first book. Will Patrick ever get to his children, or Holly get away from the evil nurse that is chasing her. I wanted to jump in the book and help them. There's a bond building between them, Patrick will not leave Holly and Holly does not trust anyone. This is a great series of books to read.
September 6, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 7, 2023
Great focus on less characters
What a nice man Pat is. I don't think Holly would last more than a day in this strange and trouble filled society. Already they have to fight to survive. It's really great to be concentrating on these two strangers. Both of whom have a broken past. A great series!
What a nice man Pat is. I don't think Holly would last more than a day in this strange and trouble filled society. Already they have to fight to survive. It's really great to be concentrating on these two strangers. Both of whom have a broken past. A great series!
December 23, 2024
Ok, this book series might not be high-brow but I certainly am entertained. My main gripe with it still is that the books are too short for my taste. While the story does grip me, when I look back not a lot has happened in this book. But then again, I always binge read series so it doesn't matter that much
September 5, 2023
Really enjoying this second book, and I love our main characters, Pat and Holly and lovable Butler. Ms Fires certainly knows how to get you involved in the story and she keeps the interest going from page to page. I'm really looking forward to reading what is coming next.
September 5, 2023
I enjoyed book 2 and can't wait for the story.to continue with book 3
Another great book with great characters and a great storyline. I look forward to the next book in the series and will be pre ordering it!
Another great book with great characters and a great storyline. I look forward to the next book in the series and will be pre ordering it!
September 8, 2023
My Musings
One of the best books I have read in this genre. Absorbing, yet broken characters with enough action but believable. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. A happy reader!
One of the best books I have read in this genre. Absorbing, yet broken characters with enough action but believable. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. A happy reader!
September 12, 2023
What an intriguing story. An ex cop and an escaped detainee need to find safety in yet another disaster that will have you gripped. With the power out, what can they do, where can they go. Outstanding story.
November 15, 2023
Slow going
I just quit reading part way thru the series as it was just too frustrating waiting for the story to progress .Not a bad series but not one that grabs your interest early on and keeps you involved .
I just quit reading part way thru the series as it was just too frustrating waiting for the story to progress .Not a bad series but not one that grabs your interest early on and keeps you involved .
January 21, 2024
Over Too Soon
The best books finish before you realise that you’ve reached the final page. And somehow that’s a bad thing - thankfully book 3 is out so I’d best be off to find that.
Enjoy your copy.
The best books finish before you realise that you’ve reached the final page. And somehow that’s a bad thing - thankfully book 3 is out so I’d best be off to find that.
Enjoy your copy.
March 9, 2024
Great, fast read.
This was a great second book in the series. I am really enjoying getting Holly’s back story and reading how she is dealing with being outside the hospital. The story moved fast! I’m now on to book 3.
This was a great second book in the series. I am really enjoying getting Holly’s back story and reading how she is dealing with being outside the hospital. The story moved fast! I’m now on to book 3.
July 13, 2024
Love the book
Just like the first book some action just enough to wonder what will happen next. Both Pat and Holly have past problems can't wait to find out if they are able to overcome them. 3rd book here I come.
Just like the first book some action just enough to wonder what will happen next. Both Pat and Holly have past problems can't wait to find out if they are able to overcome them. 3rd book here I come.
July 20, 2024
Good to read
The second book...about the end of days. Creepy people, not enough police officers, vehicls s stuck in the middle of highways and roads. Pat and Holly trying to keep sane.
The second book...about the end of days. Creepy people, not enough police officers, vehicls s stuck in the middle of highways and roads. Pat and Holly trying to keep sane.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews