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After the End #1
Grip of Deceit
A gunshot cost him his job, his leg, and his self-worth. Can this retired ex-cop reclaim his inner strength as the world plunges into darkness?
Oregon, USA. Patrick Edward Dunn has nothing left. Heading home in snowy weather after dropping off his kids, the fifty-something, three-time-divorcé is shocked when cars on the highway lose control and start crashing. And stopping to help a woman trapped in her vehicle, he only has seconds to save her as a logging truck hurtles right at them…
Holly Rebecca Winters doesn’t know what’s going on. Waking up with surprising bandages on her head and no memory of the last twenty-four hours, the psych hospital patient overhears staff worried about a suspicious power outage. So with her keepers distracted, the forty-three-year-old detainee grabs the chance for a desperate escape.
As Patrick’s ancient EMP-immune Chevy inches its way through the mayhem and brutal elements, he tries to help the injured. While Holly runs into rising danger, increasingly at risk of not making it off the frigid streets alive.
Can these two survivors find safety, or is everyone doomed?
Oregon, USA. Patrick Edward Dunn has nothing left. Heading home in snowy weather after dropping off his kids, the fifty-something, three-time-divorcé is shocked when cars on the highway lose control and start crashing. And stopping to help a woman trapped in her vehicle, he only has seconds to save her as a logging truck hurtles right at them…
Holly Rebecca Winters doesn’t know what’s going on. Waking up with surprising bandages on her head and no memory of the last twenty-four hours, the psych hospital patient overhears staff worried about a suspicious power outage. So with her keepers distracted, the forty-three-year-old detainee grabs the chance for a desperate escape.
As Patrick’s ancient EMP-immune Chevy inches its way through the mayhem and brutal elements, he tries to help the injured. While Holly runs into rising danger, increasingly at risk of not making it off the frigid streets alive.
Can these two survivors find safety, or is everyone doomed?
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
586 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Sam J Fires
44 books80 followersSam J Fires is a #1 bestselling author of gripping post-apocalyptic and dystopian thrillers.
Her stories are driven by flawed, resilient characters forced to survive the unthinkable—when the power goes out, the world collapses, and every choice comes at a cost. Expect high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and characters who fight to the bitter end.
In real life, Sam would be the first to admit she probably wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own worlds.
👉 Be sure to follow Sam on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-j...
Her stories are driven by flawed, resilient characters forced to survive the unthinkable—when the power goes out, the world collapses, and every choice comes at a cost. Expect high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and characters who fight to the bitter end.
In real life, Sam would be the first to admit she probably wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own worlds.
👉 Be sure to follow Sam on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-j...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 4, 2025
GRIP OF DECEIT: is the first full length book in the After the End series by author Sam J Fires. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Patrick & Holly. I stumbled across this author last year and have two series under my belt, when I first picked this one up I struggled with it and put it down again, I seriously don’t even know why, but I re-picked it up this morning and finished it late afternoon.
And came away excited to jump into the next book..
Holly wakes up with a headache and a bandage on her head, it doesn't take her long though to realise things aren't right, the door to her room is unlocked for the first time since she can remember and everything seems so quiet. She knew though that she couldn't afford another panic attack.
...More days, more months, more years in the hospital. They would never let her out. Though she still clung to a thin hope. She wanted her mom, and to go back home. And she wanted to meet her son.
With the power off and the generators not engaging, this was Holly's only chance to escape, and escape she did with a small dog that seemed just as lost and scared as her.
Holly’s pov broke my heart, a life wasted away in a psychiatric institution for over three decades, the reasons to why she was placed in the institution was heartbreaking to say the least. She had a bright future in front of her, excited to become a detective and that was at fourteen, and then attending a camp, very quickly that dream disintegrated. Her innocence was destroyed that day. Too scared to open up to her parents, no one would believe a young girl against a man of great standing.
Divorced father of two Patrick was forced into early retirement as a policeman when he sustained an injury whilst on a routine vehicle pull over, was shot in the leg and left for dead.
After dropping his children off at his ex-wife's and heading home he's confronted with an accident on the road, he soon realises that's not the only problem. Along with newish model vehicles automatically stalling and not restarting, cell phones not working, the power has also ceased to stop running. Luckily for Patrick his old truck along with only a handful of others seem to be working.
... Shootings, ambushes, and attacks for the last three decades had left hi worn down. Not just worn down. Beyond exhausted. Wary of most situations, several therapists had labeled it as post-traumatic stress disorder turned obsessive compulsive disorder PTSD and OCD. (Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap)
These two cross paths when Patrick sees a woman struggling in the snow with thin clothing and clutching a small dog in her hands. In all consciousness and being a decent samaritan he couldn't leave her out there and offers her a ride..
July 31, 2025
Not sure where I came across this one, but it sounded like a good candidate for my 2025 “out of my comfort zone” challenge. I typically don’t like dystopian type stories; they just seem too depressing with a bunch of people roaming a desolate world in an effort to just to survive. I also hate zombie stories and so many dystopian stories are just stupid zombie stories. This story was simply too short to be anything more than the prequel of a world that came to a standstill after some EMP attack disabling anything and everything electronic, which nowadays is pretty much everything.
The book summary lays out the whole storyline so I’m not going to regurgitate it here. While the introduction to the characters, Patrick and Holly, was well done, the rest of the story was mediocre. I don’t think I will be continuing the series because it just simply didn’t capture my interest more than just finishing it, and it even had a doggie in it! I’m looking at an overall rating of 2.8 that I will round up to a 3star review.
The book summary lays out the whole storyline so I’m not going to regurgitate it here. While the introduction to the characters, Patrick and Holly, was well done, the rest of the story was mediocre. I don’t think I will be continuing the series because it just simply didn’t capture my interest more than just finishing it, and it even had a doggie in it! I’m looking at an overall rating of 2.8 that I will round up to a 3star review.
June 21, 2023
Grip of Deceit is the first book in the After the End series by Sam J Fires and what a great start it is. Grip of Deceit starts off with a blast and never lets up. Ex-police officer Patrick Edward Dunn is just dropping his kids off at his ex-wife’s and as he is heading home there is an accident on the road just as all the vehicles stop working but luckily Patrick’s still works.
Next, we are introduced to a woman who wakes up with a bandage on her head and a bad headache. The woman can’t remember the last twenty-four hours. She wakes in a dark room and she knows immediately that something is not right as the door to her room is unlocked. When she gets up to investigate there is no one in sight. Where is everyone? What is going on? And what has happened to the power?
After looking around a little more Molly sees that something is going on in one of the rooms down the hall. This is her one chance to sneak out of the hospital as the doors won’t be locked and the nurse's attention is focused elsewhere. So Molly takes her chance on the outside where it is freezing cold and snowing but it is better than being locked up right?
Grip of Deceit is a short read that kept me hanging on right to the end keeping me glued to my seat hanging on every word. Grip of Deceit is a great start to a brand new series one in which I can’t wait for more. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes in book two of this wonderful new series.
Grab your copy of Grip of Deceit today!
Next, we are introduced to a woman who wakes up with a bandage on her head and a bad headache. The woman can’t remember the last twenty-four hours. She wakes in a dark room and she knows immediately that something is not right as the door to her room is unlocked. When she gets up to investigate there is no one in sight. Where is everyone? What is going on? And what has happened to the power?
After looking around a little more Molly sees that something is going on in one of the rooms down the hall. This is her one chance to sneak out of the hospital as the doors won’t be locked and the nurse's attention is focused elsewhere. So Molly takes her chance on the outside where it is freezing cold and snowing but it is better than being locked up right?
Grip of Deceit is a short read that kept me hanging on right to the end keeping me glued to my seat hanging on every word. Grip of Deceit is a great start to a brand new series one in which I can’t wait for more. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the story goes in book two of this wonderful new series.
Grab your copy of Grip of Deceit today!
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Each chapter had something happening and kept your interest the whole way through. Pat and Holly as our main characters had their flaws and secrets and this made them even more likeable. Can't wait to see what is in store for them next. Love this book.
June 22, 2023
A short, tantalising start to the series. Chivalry, a stranger and lies. I'm curious to know what happens next. I received an advance review for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2023
First off, the mystery and danger set me reading. Then character backgrounds and behaviours engaged me. In all I was so drawn into the story that I read through without a break. Thankfully it’s not a huge novel! But it’s full to pages edges with everything post apocalyptic that you could long for. Now I have to wait for book 2. Sigh
June 22, 2023
This story revolves around 2 main characters. Patrick is a recently retired policeman, forced to retire from an on the job injury and Holly is a woman who has been in an institution since a young teen. They are both realizing that, in the midst of a winter storm, the power has gone out, affecting not just lights, but cars and phones as well. It is just the beginning of their journey.
June 24, 2023
Holly and Patrick, both scarred, one mentally and one physically. The power is down, cell phones won't work and the snow is falling thick and fast. Cars are crashing, people are in pain but no-one can summon help. Can things get any worse? This book grips from the very first page and sends a chill down your spine.
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this first in series EMP end of the world adventure! Well written, great levels of tension & excitement! Good well thought out characters made this a very good read! I can't wait for the next part! Good stuff!
June 25, 2023
Another outstanding beginning to a new series that will have you intrigued. Disaster, how will anyone survive this. Where will they find food and shelter if they do. Danger everywhere. Makes you think and wonder if it could happen in real life. Ready for the next book.
June 26, 2023
Grip of Deceit - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Sam J Fires' latest sure-to-be-bestseller, Grip of Deceit, is the After the End series opener, and alternates the storylines' narration, between divorced father of two, ex-cop Patrick 'Pat' Dunn and Holly Winters, who's a long-term, involuntary inpatient at a psychiatric institution.
Set in West Salem, with backstory flashbacks, we see how a sudden, shocking event changes everything, going forward.
Amidst the chaos, Pat's officer training kicks in automatically, and his actions undoubtedly save lives. How do his and Holly's paths come to cross in the darkness of a snowy landscape?
Grab a copy today to find out where the survival scenario heads next!
Sam J Fires' latest sure-to-be-bestseller, Grip of Deceit, is the After the End series opener, and alternates the storylines' narration, between divorced father of two, ex-cop Patrick 'Pat' Dunn and Holly Winters, who's a long-term, involuntary inpatient at a psychiatric institution.
Set in West Salem, with backstory flashbacks, we see how a sudden, shocking event changes everything, going forward.
Amidst the chaos, Pat's officer training kicks in automatically, and his actions undoubtedly save lives. How do his and Holly's paths come to cross in the darkness of a snowy landscape?
Grab a copy today to find out where the survival scenario heads next!
October 4, 2025
🎧audiobook
An EMP has hit the Salem area and in this book we see the beginning of the chaos that will ensue.
We are introduced to Holly who has been hospitalized for two many years to count. Her breakdown happened after now o e would believe her rape, that lead to a young teen pregnancy.
We see her desperation and determination to escape and be free of the depressing life she is living.
We also meet Patrick who was forced into a medical retirement from the police department after a routine road stop turned bad.
This is very reminiscent of Kyla Stone series- but in my opinion not as a good.
I will continue to listen because I want to see how Patrick and Holly will interact and maybe help each other with the current situation and both their past traumas.
An EMP has hit the Salem area and in this book we see the beginning of the chaos that will ensue.
We are introduced to Holly who has been hospitalized for two many years to count. Her breakdown happened after now o e would believe her rape, that lead to a young teen pregnancy.
We see her desperation and determination to escape and be free of the depressing life she is living.
We also meet Patrick who was forced into a medical retirement from the police department after a routine road stop turned bad.
This is very reminiscent of Kyla Stone series- but in my opinion not as a good.
I will continue to listen because I want to see how Patrick and Holly will interact and maybe help each other with the current situation and both their past traumas.
July 5, 2023
Ex-police officer Patrick Edward Dunn is old school in his thinking and his ways. When the world goes dark he has all the basic talent and training to get him through the night. He does not expect to find the new world people and their almost absence of common sense though. He helps where he can and avoids where he can't help. He cannot avoid his ex-wife and kids though.
A great story that only can bring further tales where common sense will prevail over the sheltered electronic new world public.
Read and see how he starts to help but realizes there is so much help required that he is not sure he can help everyone.
A great story that only can bring further tales where common sense will prevail over the sheltered electronic new world public.
Read and see how he starts to help but realizes there is so much help required that he is not sure he can help everyone.
November 19, 2023
Grip of Deceit
After the End #1
Post-apocalyptic
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The pacing was really good and I was curious from the very first page.
The characters were interesting. I really liked Holly and I felt so sorry for her. Pat was kind and wanted to help other people.
I appreciated how no one immediately knew it was an EMP and what to do etc. Sometimes with books like this, normal/everyday people seem to know exactly what is happening and what to do but in this book, it felt like people had realistic reactions.
I enjoyed the ending and I'll definitely be reading the next book. I can't wait to read more from Holly's POV and hopefully get to see her growth as a character.
After the End #1
Post-apocalyptic
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The pacing was really good and I was curious from the very first page.
The characters were interesting. I really liked Holly and I felt so sorry for her. Pat was kind and wanted to help other people.
I appreciated how no one immediately knew it was an EMP and what to do etc. Sometimes with books like this, normal/everyday people seem to know exactly what is happening and what to do but in this book, it felt like people had realistic reactions.
I enjoyed the ending and I'll definitely be reading the next book. I can't wait to read more from Holly's POV and hopefully get to see her growth as a character.
January 7, 2024
Great to learn more about a side character.
I was immediately interested in reading this series when I realized that one of the main characters was Holly, the mother of Isaac from the End of Days series. She’s a fascinating character with a deeper backstory than what I initially imagined. I’ve quickly become a fan of Sam J. Fires’ books and I was immediately pulled into this series set in the same world as the End of Days books, but with different characters in a different part of Oregon. This short novel is a quick but worthwhile read that draws you in from the start.
I was immediately interested in reading this series when I realized that one of the main characters was Holly, the mother of Isaac from the End of Days series. She’s a fascinating character with a deeper backstory than what I initially imagined. I’ve quickly become a fan of Sam J. Fires’ books and I was immediately pulled into this series set in the same world as the End of Days books, but with different characters in a different part of Oregon. This short novel is a quick but worthwhile read that draws you in from the start.
June 26, 2024
Grip of Deceit: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 1), my twenty-sixth read from author Sam J. Fires and the first book in After the End series. Another well-written, entertaining read. 122-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “I bought a Kindle copy of this book back in August of last year and am just now getting around to reading it after discovering a free audio version on Youtube and leaving a review." Next up Grip of Despair: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 22, 2023
Please note I am an arc reader but this is my own tue opinion. Another glorious book from Sam J Fires he just grabs you and won’t let go. Leaves you wanting more. This icy EMP apocalypse where we meet our two mc’s a retired cop Dunn with his life in the toilet and a woman holly with no memories from the last day, whom he saves from freezing to death in a world gone dark. They attempt to survive in this new dangerous world as things and people fall apart. Can’t wait to see what‘s next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Facing disaster
This story provides a background to Issacs mother, Holly, and what happened to her when disaster struck.
Love the new characters, Holley and Pat, very real each with their own quirks. Well written, great story, excellent continuation of world building. It was entertaining and gripping but just too short.
I have received a free copy of this book from the author and decided to review it.
This story provides a background to Issacs mother, Holly, and what happened to her when disaster struck.
Love the new characters, Holley and Pat, very real each with their own quirks. Well written, great story, excellent continuation of world building. It was entertaining and gripping but just too short.
I have received a free copy of this book from the author and decided to review it.
March 4, 2024
This was a quick read and I immediately was drawn in by the all-too-familliar back story of the main character: retired police officer, two children, dealing with messy divorces/break-ups, and trying to find your purpose in life while dealing with emotions triggered by the job over the years. I really enjoyed this first installment and am looking forward to where this story leads in an EMP setting.
June 30, 2024
How will we live without power, if that happens?
These 5 books will grip you in the experience! An ex-cop with a huge heart, 3 ex-wives, 2 teenagers, and a woman who after being raped ended up as a lab experiment in a mental hospital. What a tale!
Heads up WARNING!!! -- I'm reading this in June 2024, and book #5 isn't published yet! Ack! I stayed up all night reading page after page after page, only to end book #4 with the worse cliffhanger.
These 5 books will grip you in the experience! An ex-cop with a huge heart, 3 ex-wives, 2 teenagers, and a woman who after being raped ended up as a lab experiment in a mental hospital. What a tale!
Heads up WARNING!!! -- I'm reading this in June 2024, and book #5 isn't published yet! Ack! I stayed up all night reading page after page after page, only to end book #4 with the worse cliffhanger.
December 23, 2024
After the End Series by Sam J Fires
I just finished this six-book series by Sam J Fires, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story. Each of the characters go through so much after the EMP, and it’s interesting how they react to different situations. There are funny and sad parts, scary and tense parts, and it will hold your interest until the end. I highly recommend this series. Don’t take my word for it though; discover it for yourself. Enjoy!
I just finished this six-book series by Sam J Fires, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story. Each of the characters go through so much after the EMP, and it’s interesting how they react to different situations. There are funny and sad parts, scary and tense parts, and it will hold your interest until the end. I highly recommend this series. Don’t take my word for it though; discover it for yourself. Enjoy!
June 29, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
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.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
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.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 31, 2023
Extremely interesting (and lovable) characters right from the start. Two people who would have never met under normal circumstances are thrown together strictly by chance at the beginning of the (probable) EMP. Sam J. Fires writes great books. Check out another of her series, Grip of Fear, after you finish reading Grip of Deceit.
December 22, 2024
Seems like a fun (*) story, but this book really only introduces the characters and feels a bit like half or third of a book to me (it also is quite short). I'd say most books are like a movie and this is more like a tv episode. I'll try the next one to see if it's for me.
(*) Please do check trigger warnings though if you ever do
(*) Please do check trigger warnings though if you ever do
July 12, 2023
A great story with great writing!
I'm used to the common post-apocalyptic story ful of mayhem and lots of guns but this story is wonderful and has a refreshing start. I can't wait to read the sequel.
I'm used to the common post-apocalyptic story ful of mayhem and lots of guns but this story is wonderful and has a refreshing start. I can't wait to read the sequel.
August 4, 2023
Very good.
This was more an introduction to the characters than a real story but you actually know who they are. They don't all blend together into someone you have to keep checking who you are reading about now.
This was more an introduction to the characters than a real story but you actually know who they are. They don't all blend together into someone you have to keep checking who you are reading about now.
September 7, 2023
My Musings
Great start to what should be an exciting series. I look forward to reading the next book. Great pacing and a good mix of emotion with the action. Sometimes, this genre is a tad short on emotional writing. A happy reader!
Great start to what should be an exciting series. I look forward to reading the next book. Great pacing and a good mix of emotion with the action. Sometimes, this genre is a tad short on emotional writing. A happy reader!
September 29, 2023
couldn’t put it down
Love the characters and storyline. Two deeply damaged people just trying to find peace, end up, finding each other. Well written. Can’t wait to start book two.
Love the characters and storyline. Two deeply damaged people just trying to find peace, end up, finding each other. Well written. Can’t wait to start book two.
January 21, 2024
So Much Action
I love the work of this author, the way they bring their characters to life will always thrill me.
Pat and Holly and now little Butler. I can’t wait to read what happens. Let’s hope Julian stays away…. Anyway, I’m off to grab book 2….
I love the work of this author, the way they bring their characters to life will always thrill me.
Pat and Holly and now little Butler. I can’t wait to read what happens. Let’s hope Julian stays away…. Anyway, I’m off to grab book 2….
March 7, 2024
Interesting start to new series. Quick read.
I liked this start to the series. I was intrigued by Holly’s story and very saddened by it. I like how this ties into the End Of Days series. Interesting plot and characters.
I liked this start to the series. I was intrigued by Holly’s story and very saddened by it. I like how this ties into the End Of Days series. Interesting plot and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews