The world has gone dark, but it’s John Kerrigan’s chance to rise… or his family dies.
An EMP wipes out electronics and the total collapse of safety and law follows.
Plunged into darkness, ex-Navy SEAL John Kerrigan, relies on training and instinct to protect those he loves. Navigating this newly dark world and the harsh challenges it poses—like scarce food, dwindling water supplies, threats of violence, and the upheaval of their lives turning upside down—one family must adapt… or die.
Securing their home and resources comes at a devastating cost as neighbor turns against neighbor.
But whispers, promises of a safe colony lure them out into an unforgiving world. The family quickly learn to trust no one but each other… and that trust grows shorter by the day. The fight for survival takes a toll, but what other choice do they have?
Joseph A. Sackett, a Minnesota native, spent over 20 years serving as an intelligence analyst in the military and later for the Joint Special Operations Command. He holds advanced degrees in Intelligence Studies and Geospatial Intelligence. His research focuses on the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid. Inspired by a conversation about the potential repercussions of an EMP attack, Joseph penned his first book to raise public awareness about this critical issue. When he's not writing or studying history, Joseph enjoys reading about combat veterans, supporting the veteran community, and spending time with his family.
This is a really fantastic survival book. I read a lot of these, particularly EMP and a zombie apocalypse. This one fits right in with the style, and the cover fits right in as well so you know exactly what you’re getting.
I love the authors background into actual survival techniques and how person reading can actually learned quite a bit. And a book that teaches you hands-on practical skills is a winner for me. I would definitely read the others..
Absolutely horrifying, and an excellent recommendation!
Echoes Of The Sun, book 1 in the Dark Skies series, is an exceptional, superb white knuckle ride of a book. It covers the Kerrigan family, primarily, in the aftermath of an EMP attack. Things go downhill fast, even faster than in most survival thrillers. The book has every kind of horrific content imaginable, but its not gratuitous and always serves a purpose. The writing is much better than I expected, I love it when that occurs with authors new to me! This book was recommended to me by a fellow fan of all things apocalyptic, and its an excellent recommendation! Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic survival thrillers!
This is the first part of a dystopian series and it covers the initial disaster caused by an electromagnetic pulse. All electricity is disrupted and society grinds down to a halt. Echoes of the Dark Sun follows the story of the Kerrigans, a typical American family in Pennsylvania, John, Lisa and their children Max and Emily. The only thing that makes them different is that John is a retired Navy Seal. Joseph Sackett writes from experience, as he has a military background, and not a word is wasted in this frightening narrative. We do not know whether the EMP results from a hostile act or a natural phenomenon, but the implications for the family and the world are devastating. This is a short book, and an easy read, but the content is, at times, shocking and challenging, as it looks at the dark heart beneath the veneer of societal order. I felt a little let down by the ending, but it does set up for the next book in the series and I will have to read that to discover what happens.
I rarely read post-apocalyptic stories, and I’m happy I gave Echoes of the Dark Sun: A Kerrigan’s Quest, a chance. What a wild and interesting read! It’s the story of a family struggling to stay alive after an EMP attack, where all electronic devices go silent in an era where no one knows how to survive without them. With that, a new world where humans go into survival mode, their ethics, morals, and humanity falling to the ground, a new law arises: “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” and so begins the Kerrigans’ fight against this new world where only the strongest will survive.
Joseph Sackett’s penmanship takes us on an enthralling journey through his post-apocalyptic world. With a powerful and evocative style of writing, he paints a vivid landscape of survival and resilience. What sets his work apart is the poignant portrayal of the Kerrigan family, a beacon of love and unity, even in the face of profound loss.
Outstanding characters and world building, their evolution throughout the story keeps you turning the pages and on the edge of your seat the entire time. John, the father, is an ex-Navy SEAL who relies on his former training days to keep his family alive, adding incredible precision to military training and survival skills to the pages, drawing readers into the story to share side by side the characters fears, guilt, anguish, and terrible despair in the face of an uncertain future.
Brace yourself for a gripping tale of not only surviving but thriving, familial love, and the profound connections that endure in the most unexpected and gruesome places. I’m so ready for book 2, Dark Horizon: A Kerrigan’s Journey.
Echoes of the Dark Sun: A Kerrigan’s Quest by Joseph A. Sackett Dark Skies: A Kerrigan Survival Saga #1
The world can change in the blink of an eye ~ how one copes with that change can lead to life or death. The Kerrigan family faced such a situation when an EMP devastated the world as they knew it. How they fared in the aftermath is what this book is all about.
What I liked: * The Kerrigan family’s resilience and family spirit * That John had the skills necessary to help his family survive * The simple writing style that I believe would appeal to youth and young adult readers * The introduction to the topic, what might be expected, basic requirements for survival, and the potential for future books in the series * That it was realistic and didn’t hold the punches * That I can see students reading this book and discussing it in schools
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like * Thinking about the inhumanity of humans when faced with catastrophic situations – and being glad that some good people usually survive the evil that seems to overtake communities
Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in the series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Star Rating: 3 for adults 5 for youth 4 on average
This was an EMP story, not much different from what you could have already read before, Uhmmm it is a very short book, you could actually read it on one sitting, I actually liked that the chapters were short, you can read each chapter in 2 to 3 minutes.
What put me a bit off, was the way the story was told, I have read books in the first person and third person, but something was a bit off the way the story was told, it wasnt that it was badly written, it was more that I felt a bit disconnected with the characters and the action, uhmm I kind of have a problem with guys being super man without being superman, even hurt they’re better and stronger than average Joe, but I know many will love this book, but at the same time I wasn't the right person or at least now wasn't the right time to read it, and I need to be honest in how it was for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Independently Published for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Book Review: “Echoes of the Dark Sun: A Kerrigan's Quest (Dark Skies: A Kerrigan Survival Saga Book 1)” Kindle Edition by Joseph Sackett (Author) Format: Kindle Edition On the “plus” side of things, this novel has an interesting storyline dealing with how an ordinary small family of four copes after an EMP strike. The author, Joseph Sackett, has an excellent vocabulary and writes on a high literary plane. The proofreading is excellent, and I noticed only one orthographic error. On the “negative” side of things, I did not make a good connection with the novel as a whole. To me there was something artificial about it – kind of choppy and abrupt as if it were written by AI (artificial intelligence). That is why I gave it four stars instead of five. I am not interested in reading a sequel.
John Kerrigan, an ex-Navy SEAL, has only one objective - to keep his family alive. After the electromagnetic energy burst, America is plunged into a post-apocalyptic world of fight or die. This survivalist story is made unique in how real and plausible it seems. The lack of electricity causes everything to collapse... including human decency. Splashed with the horrors that humans inflict on each other to survive this tale doesn't hold back. It's extremely fast paced and heart wrenching. I really enjoyed this book except for one thing - the foretelling of the looming disaster at the chapter ends. I think a book reads better when the reader is surprised by events rather than reading the fulfillment of the author's prophecies. This is a relatively short read which I really enjoyed.
My first read by this author and found it unexpectedly good. For each of us, our criteria for “good” post apocalyptic fiction will determine what we discard as trash or keep as enjoyable. This book was well written, engaging and gritty enough to allow the hardships of a post-EMP world to unfold with reality. If you approacher your apocalyptic fiction with an air of a strict doctrine of survival tactics you won’t enjoy the “holes” in the narrative that are glaringly evident. The author is not attempting to tell us how to build a shelter or even what it looks like, how the characters did so is left to the readers imagination. If you are BugOut guy or gal you won’t be happy with the initial BugIn of so many of the characters. Having read over 70 books by a variety of authors in the genre; Joseph A. Sackett’s book deserve a look. I will be reading the other three books in this series.
Ok story. Generic storytelling and plot, simple yet Forgettable
The book was rather short more of a novella size. The story was generic and you can tell the author was trying for some sentimental impact that really never hit home. The military priorities of the main character was lacking and his family paid for it. It wasn't necessarily bad but there was nothing really exciting here or new. The story was rather contrived to fit what the author needed. It's some parts you shook your head thinking why would the characters do this if they had any type of training at all. Overall it's not a bad story, but it was not great, just forgettable. I may try the second book to see if there's any improvement but it would be hard to recommend it.
When I settled in to read Echoes of the Dark Sun, I was expecting an EMP based post-apocalyptic story, and while I got what I expected, I also got an interesting charact4er study of the Kerrigan family and their adaptation to their new reality. John Kerrigan’s background lends a level of believability to the story and how the family navigates the numerous experiences they are forced to confront. If you are looking for a very good post-apocalyptic story that is also a quick read, you might give Echoes of the Dark Sun a shot. I’m more than curious to follow the Kerrigan family in the next episode in this series Dark Horizon.
I am on the fence regarding this book. I did finish it but I found myself either skimming or realizing I was reading without focus. I really like the storyline. I think the characters are interesting but found their development and presentation didn't do them justice. I really like the authors imagery but felt there was too much of it in many places. There was a lot of redundant language as well as abrupt pivots that I had a hard time following. I think this series has a great deal of promise. I will be giving book 1 another chance, as well as reading book 2, in October when book 3 is released.
This is an intense post-apocalyptic story about the Kerrigan family's struggle for survival in a world that has fallen apart due to an EMP event. It's unique because it focuses on the strong bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters in the story each show different kinds of strength, making it a compelling read. One powerful excerpt highlights the moral dilemmas the characters face in their quest for survival. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic tales that explore family and human strength, this book is a must-read. It will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
This is quite a short book, but lacks a lot of depth. If it is not belaboring John's tortured past as a SEAL, it rapidly skims over the events following an EMP. Some of the language is elaborate and overblown and there were times I could swear that I heard heroic music. For all of his knowledge about EMPs and having done some preps, John waits way too long to start scavenging and then wonders why things are gone. As we careen through the weeks/months following the event, there are brutal occurrences and tragic deaths. I never got much time to really engage with the main characters, so will just hope it all worked out OK for them, rather than continue.
Step into the gripping world of Echoes of the Dark Sun where survival takes on a whole new meaning. In this mesmerizing post-apocalyptic saga, the author weaves a tale that grabs hold of readers from the first page and doesn't let go. With a hook that demands attention, the Kerrigan family's desperate battle for survival unfolds against the backdrop of a world plunged into darkness and chaos. The author's skillful storytelling draws readers into the raw emotions and relentless struggles of the characters, leaving them breathless and emotionally invested.
After an EMT blast John and his family found themselves in a world with no electricity and in sudden survival mode.
I found this book to be a bit predictable. The family leaves home to find food and hopefully other people. There is a lot of violence. Some family members die, one is captured and one finds a friendly compound.
The story continues in a second book.
This book is good if you like these types. I do enjoy them. This book is well written and thought out,, but this one has nothing new to set it aside from others in my opinion..
A dark and inspiring story about survival. What would happen if the things we all relied on would disappear? How to survive in a new world that's full of darkness and harsh circumstances? One family had to find that out after they lost electricity and everything that runs on batteries. This story shows how unbelievably cruel people can become in a world of trying to survive. The main character and his family show us the strength of a family and the will and determination to survive no matter what the circumstances.
Echoes of the Dark Sun treads a common path through a dystopia style land where the electric power is suddenly lost. (Along the lines of the TV show Revolution). The All American family struggle to survive all the way to the cliffhanger ending. The plot is fast paced, but a bit predictable. The main trouble however is with the writing, with too much telling and no real emotional connection to the characters. It seems like a good start that hopefully gets better in the next books of the series.
Enter the captivating world of Echoes of the Dark Sun...In this post-apocalyptic saga, the author skillfully crafts a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. The Kerrigan family's journey from the chaos of their suburban home to the treacherous wilderness is filled with heart-stopping moments and gut-wrenching choices. The author's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters immerse readers in a visceral reality, evoking a range of emotions from fear to hope.
This book was well thought out and you could tell the detail written was done by a military veteran and a highly educated person in our American power grid. It is almost as if he is trying to teach us how to survive this exact scenario. Even though this is fiction I would almost use it as a survivalist handbook. Only thing I did not like is that it left me wanting more. Fantastic read and would highly recommend!
This Emp survival book was written much differently, It mentioned the hardships of every day people. Many of which dont know anything about surviving. And the Emotional toil that life and death after the Emp plays on on a person. If we ever have to go through anything like this, i hope my neighbor is just like Mr. Kerrigan and helps us learn how to fight and survive. Looking forward for book 2.
Obviously I’m not one to venture down the lane of post-apocalyptic stories very often, but this one was a pleasant surprise. Well written, great characters, excellent pacing — and real life survival training that may be the difference between me being a zombie or being a zombie unaliver, if that were to ever happen.
Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
An EMP detonates and the modern world of John Kerrigan and his family is instantly shattered. He pulls from his military training to fortify his home and guide his family through a world where brutal survival is the only option. The story, the start of a series, is dark, harsh, and unforgiving. The Kerrigan's are believable and likable. I'm exicted to see where the next tales takes them, but I'm a bit scared to know.
An EMP kills the power. A military soldier who returns to work in a auto shop, finds he must protect his family and his neighborhood. He does a good job but is betrayed by a neighbor losing his son and later his wife. As a superb planner I was surprised he missed so much and allowed so much tragedy to happen around him. I hope he can redeem himself and his daughter.
A very interesting read about fortitude in times of extreme adversity. Being stripped of comforts can bring out the worst in humanity but this is a great start to a humanistic saga, explaining grit and determination to not only survive but thrive emotionally on very little hope.
I liked the family and heart as backdrop for this post apocalyptic action packed book. I enjoyed the father figure that John represents and the courage and fight he instilled in his kids. Definitely a page turner and the author pulls no punches in putting characters in jeopardy after making you care for them. Highly recommend it!
Definitely a cliff hanger ending. And a rough, raw view of a future without our electrical luxuries. A massive EMP takes out the power grids and everything else. Normal citizens are forced into a Hobbesian landscape where life is nasty, brutish and short.
A little Lord of the Flies, but all grown up. Hope John and Emily survive.
The author, Joseph Sacket tells the story of a family that survived a sudden EMP attack. Suddenly everything changed. Strangers become enemies and competitors for resources. Survival is not meant to preserve the innocence of the youth, but to build character and strength. Well written story.
First an EMP attack, then her brother is killed. Her family finds a safe place only to lose her mother. She and her father fall into the hands of cannibals, but she gets away and finds help. Now can she find and save her father? A really good book that I believe many people will enjoy reading.
I don't know, it feels like the back story of this family, takes up the entire book. The second battle of the town and betrayal of the neighbor, is left in answered. Then the obituaries begin, and continue on and on. Words describing words with flowery words. Word count salad.