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EMP: Equipping Modern Patriots: A Story of Survival
Equipping Modern Patriots is a harrowing story of survival following the destruction of the electric grid and nearly every electronic device in the country. Can you imagine a world with no phones, no TV, no internet, and no way to access your bank account? Without the electric grid, there would be no lights, no heating or air conditioning in your house, no public water, and the sewer would likely back up into your home. Without modern vehicles or interstate trucking, the supermarkets would quickly run out of food and supplies. Unprepared, the government would be helpless to feed the masses and maintain order. Our humanity is questioned when survival of the fittest becomes reality. Jonathan Hollerman paints a vivid and disturbing picture of society falling apart after an Electromagnetic Pulse attack against our nation. This is not only a thrilling story, but offers practical life-saving advice for an imminent threat. If you enjoyed "Patriots" by James Wesley Rawles or "One Second After" by William Forstchen, then you will enjoy this story of survival. 2nd Edition (Jan 8th, 2014) has been professionally edited.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2013
333 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 31, 2015
Disappointing
This is the 10th EMP fiction that I have read and I must give it the worst review. The dialog was embarrassingly theatrical, such as; "To arms!". The lead character has his pregnant, clinging, wife, following him everywhere and the make time for kisses and hugs, before battle. The good Christian man, actually prays before looting and leaving nothing behind, for other people. This author had the platforms to share prepper hacks, but I guess he didn't know any.
This is the 10th EMP fiction that I have read and I must give it the worst review. The dialog was embarrassingly theatrical, such as; "To arms!". The lead character has his pregnant, clinging, wife, following him everywhere and the make time for kisses and hugs, before battle. The good Christian man, actually prays before looting and leaving nothing behind, for other people. This author had the platforms to share prepper hacks, but I guess he didn't know any.
March 1, 2016
Massively disappointing.
It is filled with the worst type of self centered hypocrisy..."We are just, innocent so its OK that we kill you for trying to non-violently take a small amount of our food but it's fine for us to rob pharmacies and supermarkets because were good people and pray."
The book is presented as how an experienced former warrior that prepped for a PAW event would survive, then he consistently makes the ridiculous mistakes any unprepared novice would make.
The most glaring issue? I'm not a Vet, I'm not in law enforcement and I'm not a prepper but I don't need anyone to tell me that when
It is filled with the worst type of self centered hypocrisy..."We are just, innocent so its OK that we kill you for trying to non-violently take a small amount of our food but it's fine for us to rob pharmacies and supermarkets because were good people and pray."
The book is presented as how an experienced former warrior that prepped for a PAW event would survive, then he consistently makes the ridiculous mistakes any unprepared novice would make.
The most glaring issue? I'm not a Vet, I'm not in law enforcement and I'm not a prepper but I don't need anyone to tell me that when
June 21, 2017
How this book fared so well in reviews is beyond me.
I can overlook an occasional grammatical error or word spelled wrong. Page after page ? Not so much. And I'm talking about words that should never have been spelled wrong to begin with unless someone is dictating into a typing program. "Weak vs. Week" is just one example. Sending this off to an editor before publishing would have been a good idea. The mistakes were glaring and distracting.
As for the plot, it's pretty much what I figured on until the last third of the book where the book took an admittedly interesting turn. I think the author should have introduced that scenario earlier on as it was enough to keep me going and not giving up on the story altogether.
The main character is insufferable. I know that the purpose of this book was to be informative as well as entertaining ( an idea I think is flawed, but not the fault of just this author ). However never have I skipped an entire chapter in a book before this one and felt like I missed nothing. When Sean gets all this co-workers into the conference room to tell them what is happening ( and he somehow knew it beyond a doubt 5 minutes after the lights went out ? ) the author spent a dozen or so pages of him instructing his co-workers on how to survive. Not once does someone else speak, walk out like he's nuts, tell him he's crazy, etc. No, they listen raptly ( or fell asleep perhaps ) until he was done.
Truth is, Sean talks too much throughout the whole book and no one ever tells him to shut up ? Christ if I had to survive the end of the world listening to this guy pontificating I'd gladly eat a bullet.
"TO ARMS !!!" ??? I laughed out loud at the absurdity.
Furthermore, we're told in the beginning how much Sean and his wife were struggling to make up for the loss of their business the last year or so. Yet when it's "go-time", they have all the tactical gear they need, and nothing but the best. That stood out to me. It's actually a good illustration of some of the really unrealistic situations.
I would have given up on the book if it weren't for the last third and an almost entirely new plot. Maybe the author should have fleshed that out in a second book if he didn't want to use more of it in this first one.
I can overlook an occasional grammatical error or word spelled wrong. Page after page ? Not so much. And I'm talking about words that should never have been spelled wrong to begin with unless someone is dictating into a typing program. "Weak vs. Week" is just one example. Sending this off to an editor before publishing would have been a good idea. The mistakes were glaring and distracting.
As for the plot, it's pretty much what I figured on until the last third of the book where the book took an admittedly interesting turn. I think the author should have introduced that scenario earlier on as it was enough to keep me going and not giving up on the story altogether.
The main character is insufferable. I know that the purpose of this book was to be informative as well as entertaining ( an idea I think is flawed, but not the fault of just this author ). However never have I skipped an entire chapter in a book before this one and felt like I missed nothing. When Sean gets all this co-workers into the conference room to tell them what is happening ( and he somehow knew it beyond a doubt 5 minutes after the lights went out ? ) the author spent a dozen or so pages of him instructing his co-workers on how to survive. Not once does someone else speak, walk out like he's nuts, tell him he's crazy, etc. No, they listen raptly ( or fell asleep perhaps ) until he was done.
Truth is, Sean talks too much throughout the whole book and no one ever tells him to shut up ? Christ if I had to survive the end of the world listening to this guy pontificating I'd gladly eat a bullet.
"TO ARMS !!!" ??? I laughed out loud at the absurdity.
Furthermore, we're told in the beginning how much Sean and his wife were struggling to make up for the loss of their business the last year or so. Yet when it's "go-time", they have all the tactical gear they need, and nothing but the best. That stood out to me. It's actually a good illustration of some of the really unrealistic situations.
I would have given up on the book if it weren't for the last third and an almost entirely new plot. Maybe the author should have fleshed that out in a second book if he didn't want to use more of it in this first one.
July 11, 2014
I bought this book based off the previous glowing recommendations and comparisons to "One Second After" a book I really enjoyed. They both have a lot of similarities in premise but vary greatly in execution.
The story has many flaws all of which tend to draw you out of the world he's trying to create and ruin the immersion. First, it's full of various tropes which are poorly hidden and used as a crutch for a failing story. Second, the "big bad" introduced in the second half and the way they interact with it is implausible and more akin to a summer action movie script. Third, the main character who you can at times like will stop several times through the book and basically push the author's agenda in speeches which seem forced and out of place. Finally, there is so much survivalist product placement in this book that I'm curious if the author was trying to get an endorsement or some sort of discount for his business - which is essentially building off the grid apocalypse survival shelters.
It really feels like two books. One, a survivalist guide detailing what can happen, steps to take, gear to acquire and methods to survive. Two, an actual story. Blending them together fails miserably. My only consolation is I bought this in a daily deal and only paid $1 for it.
I really wanted to like this novel but the constant breaking of immersion and product placement just annoyed me more the further I read. If you enjoy post apocalyptic novels and think EMP is an interesting premise pay the money for One Second After. It's not perfect either but it's a much better novel.
The story has many flaws all of which tend to draw you out of the world he's trying to create and ruin the immersion. First, it's full of various tropes which are poorly hidden and used as a crutch for a failing story. Second, the "big bad" introduced in the second half and the way they interact with it is implausible and more akin to a summer action movie script. Third, the main character who you can at times like will stop several times through the book and basically push the author's agenda in speeches which seem forced and out of place. Finally, there is so much survivalist product placement in this book that I'm curious if the author was trying to get an endorsement or some sort of discount for his business - which is essentially building off the grid apocalypse survival shelters.
It really feels like two books. One, a survivalist guide detailing what can happen, steps to take, gear to acquire and methods to survive. Two, an actual story. Blending them together fails miserably. My only consolation is I bought this in a daily deal and only paid $1 for it.
I really wanted to like this novel but the constant breaking of immersion and product placement just annoyed me more the further I read. If you enjoy post apocalyptic novels and think EMP is an interesting premise pay the money for One Second After. It's not perfect either but it's a much better novel.
January 29, 2022
Glad I can get my Audible credit back for this one. Christian prayer, Do Not Tread On Me flag, useless, a-political pregnant wife who is clueless, harbouring and hollering about agendas and that people are ruthless killers in the SHTF... these are just some of the issues I had with this book and mind you this one in the first chapter, don't even want to think what was written later on.
I will continue to the Prequel of this series written by the wife of the author just to be fair, but I will not be continting this series. DNF!
I will continue to the Prequel of this series written by the wife of the author just to be fair, but I will not be continting this series. DNF!
July 19, 2018
Great book. Very easy to read. But it did not have enough substance. The language is cool about how people prep, stay safe, plane, and really think with a tactical mindset. BUT there was just to much build up and not enough action or suspense. This is the second book of The Aftermath not sure if I read the first but it was easy to pick up everything. I just wanted more from it.
November 16, 2024
This is a very fun book. It takes a casual ex-military prepper down a journey from getting out of town, to setting up his extended family on a farm, to the more tradition western style story of taking out a baddie and saving a town. The book has a lot of practical advice for even the casual individual and should encourage non-preppers to at least begin to build a pantry. This book is five stars in the genre. It is a solid adventure with a pretty clean hero. Are there moral delimmas for him to face? Definitly. Is there prayer? YES! All in all I think this was probably the best over all apocalypse book I've ever read.
Merged review:
Had to re-read this for a Livestream Book Review on the Prepping In Progress youTube channel. I find Hollerman to be an interesting author. He blends good storytelling with education. This is a wonderful book for a beginning prepper.
Merged review:
Had to re-read this for a Livestream Book Review on the Prepping In Progress youTube channel. I find Hollerman to be an interesting author. He blends good storytelling with education. This is a wonderful book for a beginning prepper.
February 21, 2020
Needs work
The story is a generic version of half the other books that are out there in this genre. The characters need a lot of work.The main character comes across as a know it all with no particular appeal. He seems to look down on women . The other men In the book Are boring and spineless, following Sean's orders like drones . I quit half way thru so maybe it got bettet
.
The story is a generic version of half the other books that are out there in this genre. The characters need a lot of work.The main character comes across as a know it all with no particular appeal. He seems to look down on women . The other men In the book Are boring and spineless, following Sean's orders like drones . I quit half way thru so maybe it got bettet
.
April 24, 2016
Meh, it's ok, there are better books out there but it's not terrible
October 4, 2019
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this; it’s a good, solid read. Of note, it’s the first novel of this type, or genre, that I’ve read, that being “survivalist” or “prepper”. I read the synopsis and reviews of many before choosing this one, due to the excellent reviews and the fact that the author was a SERE instructor. It started slowly and built up nicely. It’s a tad corny at times, but I found that refreshing and attribute it to the author’s religious faith and obviously high level of personal integrity – which, again, is quite refreshing, and quite admirable in this day and age. I do subscribe to the belief that personal integrity and genuine character (spinal fortitude) are rare qualities in modern society. I do envy earlier times when a person’s word meant more than their digital signature, and our society was based on laws not feelings. Ironically, we had less laws and genuine feelings, and understood the importance of something greater than ourselves. Now, I see so much hollow, superficial selfishness in general that I’m sure I would not miss most of the technology I deal with day to day. And, bear in mind that for the last 30 years I’ve made my living in communications-electronics, and that I do like technology! I have a damn nice smartphone and laptop, and I enjoy all the modern conveniences technology affords. I also like to get away from it all sometimes and have done so often enough to know that I can live without it. Working in my field, I have long known that the threat of an EMP and the devastation it would cause are very real things. In light of all that, I’m sure I was predisposed to liking this novel – very biased.
As for the critiques I’ve read here, specifically one noting that there seemed to be a lot of ad placement for various products, well, anything is possible, though it could just be that the critic is bitter and missed the point. If you give me a name brand for anything, that’s a ton of description that is now known and not required in the text: I either know the product already or can easily search for it and find out exactly what it is, be it food, weapons or whatever else, and that just seems practical to me.
Again, it was a damn good read. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy it. Bonus: It may just change your life, too, for the better.
As for the critiques I’ve read here, specifically one noting that there seemed to be a lot of ad placement for various products, well, anything is possible, though it could just be that the critic is bitter and missed the point. If you give me a name brand for anything, that’s a ton of description that is now known and not required in the text: I either know the product already or can easily search for it and find out exactly what it is, be it food, weapons or whatever else, and that just seems practical to me.
Again, it was a damn good read. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy it. Bonus: It may just change your life, too, for the better.
August 5, 2021
I went into this book looking for advice, ideas, and resources. It serves that function very well and is the only reason it got 3 stars. Is it well written as a story? No. The knowledge and situations are great for preparedness but I would not recommend this book for pure entertainment unless you really like finding spelling mistakes.
I guess this goes with the genre but this book is very conservative. There's a lot of praying and dialogue that rubbed me the wrong way. One example was Sean saying, "With all the welfare folks in the trailer park up the road..." Suddenly everyone is thrown into poverty because money is now useless but yes, let's keep disparaging those on welfare after the world falls apart. As if those not on welfare didn't beat a mans head in for an emergency ration. 🙄 Another example is Sean's exclamation of "freakin' tweakers" when he goes to the grocery store and sees the pharmacy ransacked. As if he didn't come there to steal Rx medicine himself. I also thought he used the r word near the beginning but I can't find it.
Most of the dialogue was forced and fake. His dad always calling him, "son" and always addressing his wife as, "babe." This is a story of survival, not a romance. During the interrogation of Charlie, Charlie suddenly does a 180 and is completely remorseful and sobbing. Same with the Sheriff.
Overall it gives you something to think about but I wouldn't read it just for fun.
I guess this goes with the genre but this book is very conservative. There's a lot of praying and dialogue that rubbed me the wrong way. One example was Sean saying, "With all the welfare folks in the trailer park up the road..." Suddenly everyone is thrown into poverty because money is now useless but yes, let's keep disparaging those on welfare after the world falls apart. As if those not on welfare didn't beat a mans head in for an emergency ration. 🙄 Another example is Sean's exclamation of "freakin' tweakers" when he goes to the grocery store and sees the pharmacy ransacked. As if he didn't come there to steal Rx medicine himself. I also thought he used the r word near the beginning but I can't find it.
Most of the dialogue was forced and fake. His dad always calling him, "son" and always addressing his wife as, "babe." This is a story of survival, not a romance. During the interrogation of Charlie, Charlie suddenly does a 180 and is completely remorseful and sobbing. Same with the Sheriff.
Overall it gives you something to think about but I wouldn't read it just for fun.
January 26, 2025
This book had a lot of things I enjoy in the genre (strong lead character, good villains, some action, compelling drama). I enjoy when these books show some of the story through the eyes of the antagonist, instead of strictly the protagonist. It also had some things that I don’t. A lot of these types of books fall in the trap of just becoming an explanation of what to do in the situation through the eyes of the main character and this one is no exception. Like the old writing cliche says you need to show instead of telling. There was really a lack of character development outside the main character and the main villain somewhat as well. The storyline itself felt rushed in the second half. Some may not enjoy the level of technical details as well (weapon and attachment nomenclature etc). Overall a pretty compelling story but nothing new here. Not sure if there will be more books but if there are more then an extension of the story could fix some of the character development and pacing issues. Average book overall but I would definitely recommend to fans of the genre.
April 7, 2022
The better of the two EMP books I've read. The dialogue is pretty wooden and the number of times 'everyone agreed' on divisive issues and action plans was a bit farfetched, but the bulk of the book was plausible.
The bad guy is not a religious cult leader in this one; it's a sociopathic CEO/politician type - much more realistic.
Though I remain unconvinced that getting as far as possible from population centers is necessarily the best strategy in a grid down scenario, I did appreciate the infotainment in getting real instructions on what you would need on hand in a rural setting to provide your own power, water, food, and protection without making it too obvious that this was the purpose of the farm/hideout you were building. I may check out the sequels some time.
The bad guy is not a religious cult leader in this one; it's a sociopathic CEO/politician type - much more realistic.
Though I remain unconvinced that getting as far as possible from population centers is necessarily the best strategy in a grid down scenario, I did appreciate the infotainment in getting real instructions on what you would need on hand in a rural setting to provide your own power, water, food, and protection without making it too obvious that this was the purpose of the farm/hideout you were building. I may check out the sequels some time.
October 31, 2017
Excellent Read!
Overall this book is a well thought out story that is also quite well researched? While novels cannot replace good personal research on survival this book is full of useful information. My only problem with this story is that at the beginning Sean's wife is said to be 14 weeks pregnant, then a week later she's repeatedly said to be 2 months pregnant. A 6 week difference is a big deal when talking about a pregnancy. With so much attention to detail in so many other ways I'm surprised that such a major time frame error is present. Other than that, a truly excellent read!
Overall this book is a well thought out story that is also quite well researched? While novels cannot replace good personal research on survival this book is full of useful information. My only problem with this story is that at the beginning Sean's wife is said to be 14 weeks pregnant, then a week later she's repeatedly said to be 2 months pregnant. A 6 week difference is a big deal when talking about a pregnancy. With so much attention to detail in so many other ways I'm surprised that such a major time frame error is present. Other than that, a truly excellent read!
April 4, 2024
Pass this up
I tried to get into this book...I did...I skimmed the long drawn out speeches and the long overly explained specs on guns and ammo thinking and hoping it would start to move....IT DIDN'T!!!
This book is dull, the whole thing of tnis guy barely prepared biking to his family farm...but yet before even leaving his job after the EMP was the long drawn out explanation of the EMP to EVERYONE he meets?! Are you kidding me?? No-one who's prepared would want everyone to know they are prepared!
Just don't bother reading I gave up it was boring.
I tried to get into this book...I did...I skimmed the long drawn out speeches and the long overly explained specs on guns and ammo thinking and hoping it would start to move....IT DIDN'T!!!
This book is dull, the whole thing of tnis guy barely prepared biking to his family farm...but yet before even leaving his job after the EMP was the long drawn out explanation of the EMP to EVERYONE he meets?! Are you kidding me?? No-one who's prepared would want everyone to know they are prepared!
Just don't bother reading I gave up it was boring.
August 11, 2018
Pretty good
Even though the main character so happens to be a SERE instructor this book manages to be interesting even without the lucky plot. The characters are generally believable, have real reactions to things. When there are gunfights, the characters get hurt unlike too many of this genre of book. Makes one think, what would you do if... . Look forward to more of this series.
Even though the main character so happens to be a SERE instructor this book manages to be interesting even without the lucky plot. The characters are generally believable, have real reactions to things. When there are gunfights, the characters get hurt unlike too many of this genre of book. Makes one think, what would you do if... . Look forward to more of this series.
December 31, 2019
I liked this book OK. I appreciate the information contained in it. It was nice having a storyline to go along with the information. It kept me entertained. The second book in the series looks like the storyline and the characters might be developed a little better. Therefore, I am looking forward to the next book.
April 25, 2022
Awful, absolute awful crap written by a right wing extremist. Jonathan Hollerman is exactly what people think when they talk about "surivalist". Weapons, weapons and more weapons is the answer. The problem is black people, Mexicans and atheist democrats. And the story is so badley written is it funny.
March 29, 2023
A good read with a sobering look into a future we might face.
I found this book to be well researched and realistically possible. I
Enjoyed the story line and the depth of the characters he created. I would advise reader to research the science and make ready for the possibility of this happening, just as much as they would an earthquake or any other catastrophe.
I found this book to be well researched and realistically possible. I
Enjoyed the story line and the depth of the characters he created. I would advise reader to research the science and make ready for the possibility of this happening, just as much as they would an earthquake or any other catastrophe.
March 18, 2024
Excellent Story from start to finish
I loved this book and will probably reread it a couple more times. The plot was feasible with an abundance of prepping info.
Highly recommend this book. It was engaging, fairly feasible, and uplifting. I only hope that “the days after” will be as uplifting as this depicts.
I loved this book and will probably reread it a couple more times. The plot was feasible with an abundance of prepping info.
Highly recommend this book. It was engaging, fairly feasible, and uplifting. I only hope that “the days after” will be as uplifting as this depicts.
June 9, 2018
I almost did not finish reading this book. A little slow at first and it took almost halfway before the story got interesting. Once there, I could feel the intensity and suspensefulness of the developing situation and couldn't put the book down.
I'm glad I persevered and continued to read it!
I'm glad I persevered and continued to read it!
July 18, 2019
Wow!!
I started reading this book expecting it to read like any other book. It’s not. Now I’m re-evaluating everything in the house I am building. I wish I could afford the services of his company because this book is one that will be reread
I started reading this book expecting it to read like any other book. It’s not. Now I’m re-evaluating everything in the house I am building. I wish I could afford the services of his company because this book is one that will be reread
August 15, 2019
Informative, somewhat cheesy
I loved the values and pointers you get from this book. I’m such an anti Christian world it’s nice to read a book packed with virtue. My only suggestion is learn to say it without saying it.
I loved the values and pointers you get from this book. I’m such an anti Christian world it’s nice to read a book packed with virtue. My only suggestion is learn to say it without saying it.
September 23, 2019
Very well written
A moving and compelling story of a man's duty to his family and community. His strength and courage, coupled with compassion, inspires both those around him, and the novel's readers, to stand bravely for what is right.
A moving and compelling story of a man's duty to his family and community. His strength and courage, coupled with compassion, inspires both those around him, and the novel's readers, to stand bravely for what is right.
October 30, 2019
Excellent information for anyone who wants to prepare for a crisis in our country.
I would consider this book, it deals with real issues that could come up and options how to handle them; and with whom you would want on your team like family, friends, co-workers...etc.
I would consider this book, it deals with real issues that could come up and options how to handle them; and with whom you would want on your team like family, friends, co-workers...etc.
March 18, 2020
Good details
Good story. Good details without being too obviously preachy. Believable scenario and good character development. I recommend it to those who want to plan for worst case!
Good story. Good details without being too obviously preachy. Believable scenario and good character development. I recommend it to those who want to plan for worst case!
December 30, 2021
really hit home
This was a really good read. It actually takes place in an area that I am familiar with and actually live around, so it made it all more realistic in the fact that this could possibly happen to us one day.
This was a really good read. It actually takes place in an area that I am familiar with and actually live around, so it made it all more realistic in the fact that this could possibly happen to us one day.
January 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed
Y
One of the problems I had though was in the event of an EMP..planes would stop working..what happens when all power is cut from a jumbo jet? There are hundreds flying in our skies at any given time. Anyway you get my drift.
Y
One of the problems I had though was in the event of an EMP..planes would stop working..what happens when all power is cut from a jumbo jet? There are hundreds flying in our skies at any given time. Anyway you get my drift.
February 4, 2022
Are there any post EMP books out there where the main characters are just a normal family trying to survive? I’m tired of the same books reading about these guys that have prepared their entire lives for it. We know that they know what they doing.
June 26, 2023
Best Reading
I couldn't put the book down and found myself living a character. I also found myself realizing that I didn't know as much as I thought I knew about being prepared for a disaster. Thank you Jonathan.
I couldn't put the book down and found myself living a character. I also found myself realizing that I didn't know as much as I thought I knew about being prepared for a disaster. Thank you Jonathan.
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