Dead Calm

Dark Waters #2

by Bruno Miller

Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.

Spencer and his loyal dog Finn are determined to survive the aftermath of an unthinkable EMP disaster, while outfitting their thirty-one foot sailboat, Restless, in a desperate attempt to reach Stuart, Florida where Spencer hopes to reunite with his girlfriend Kate.

As Marathon, Florida spirals into chaos, escaping the fire ravaged town proves more difficult than anticipated, thanks to swiftly diminishing resources and marauding looters. The recent recruitment of a couple and their young daughter to help Spencer and Finn crew their boat for the journey north, results in an unexpected friendship and a sense of overwhelming responsibility to get the family home safe.

As Spencer witnesses’ humanities descent into a lawless free for all, where theft and murder are the new norm, his Coast Guard training is put to the test. Will his decision to take on passengers prove to be a wise move, or will the added burden cost him everything?

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook, Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Jkane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An upgrade over the Dark Road series, in that these novels try and succeed to be novels unto themselves. Whereas, each installment of the Dark Road series is merely a placeholder until the continuation of the story in the next installment. None of the Dark Road series seek to have a climax and a denouement. Instead, it appears as though the author wrote one very long book and randomly stopped each installment wherever he felt like it. The journey was enjoyable, but it would be difficult to declare any of them as good "books." These novels, however, each have a plot and storyline that is contained within the fabric of each novel, resulting in a climax and a conclusion. The fact that the story goes on in the next book is incidental to the enjoyment of the particular installment before the reader.

[Bill Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Bruno Miller. His stories are fast paced, with many turns and twists. They also always end in a cliffhanger. The Dark Waters series is an extension of the Dark Road and Cloverdale series but in a different section of the country. This story takes place in Florida and on the water after the EMP. Spencer is trying to get back to his girlfriend after being caught on the water after the EMP. I highly recommend all Bruno Miller's series, they are fast reads and very entertaining.

[Krista N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This story has had me hooked in since the first book! I couldn’t wait to get the second one and it didn’t take me long to finish it because I just didn’t want to put it down! So now I have to wait patiently for the third in the series! Miller is a knowledgeable writer especially about nautical things. I have learned a lot about sailing just by his descriptions in the book as the main character, Spencer is teaching his newly acquired crew how to help him sail his boat while maneuvering through all the crazy post apocalyptic events that are occurring.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a bit more action than the first book which imo took way too long to actually get to the disaster. Like the first book it was quite short and there were still times that we had to endure Spencer's internal dialogues. I get you would have some introspection, particularly in having to do self-defense, but it became a bit repetitive and he doesn't really grow from it. Nat and Rob have potential of good characters but we don't really see them develop as of yet, especially Nat. On to book 3.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many days will it take Spencer to get to his wife and her parents? A week? 10 days? At the rate this story is unfolding, we'll have to buy 10 more books! Don't get me wrong, I like the book - and I like to read different end-of-civilization stories. This book, like the first one, kept me reading and engaged. But I'd prefer a longer book with more forward momentum than these two volumes provided.

[Robert Lewter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Wow! I stayed awake most of the night reading this one. I just couldn't put it down. This is shaping up to be a super series. There is no down time in this and no good place to stop. It's a winner. I'm ready for the next one.

[SUSAN M COOPER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I live in Jacksonville Florida and have been to the Keys many times and have my own boat, this is a great series, I just wish the books were not so short and too long for the next book to be available

[Amy Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different after the event story

Good story with descriptive details and characters. Nice to read as a Floridian who knows the areas and waters and looking forward to the next book.

[Kimberly Hroma · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story!! ready for its continuation!!

LOVE these characters and story! Like how bad guys get what’s coming! Love the strength of all the characters and I can’t wait to read more about them amd get to ‘meet’ more characters and see where the adventures lead!!

[carrie clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feed the Apocalyptic Hunger

The two books in this series seem like just the tip of the iceberg from Miller. They are both fast paced and leave you afraid to read the next page but yet you can't wait to read it.

[Sharon Stellburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Glad

Just wanted to let you know it's a good book being an old Navy person enjoying reading book one and now book two. You are so right about on with your story. Can Harley wait for the next book.

[Mariah Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

The twists and turns in this book were very well done. The story was great and the characters are interesting. Without spoilers, this book is a great read and I would definitely recommend!

[Gerry S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked book one better but I’m hoping there will be more than one more book. Good read so far. This could be the seaborne version of the Dark Road series. At this point does that burning cigarette that Spencer found when he first came on board the trawler bother anyone? Find, Finn!!!

[Anne L Felden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting!

Interesting adventure that kept me glued to the book. Characters are everyday type of people who faces danger and challenges. Story is not predictable and many twists and turns! I liked it a lot.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down.

This was another great book by Bruno Miller. It had suspense and well developed characters. In the story Spencer is trying to get to his girlfriend, but continues to fight road blocks. Great series!

[Liz Mandeville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely better than the first one! This book takes us out of Marathon Key over water with some of the characters from the first book.

Very exciting read! Lots of action and good character development.

[Linda A. Kimble]

Will hate the wait!

Loved the book as well as the series. Love everything Bruno writes. Would suggest it to everyone. Great read we!! Written

[Kathy Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruno Miller is excellent

This book won't disappoint you. The action continues throughout the book. I look forward to book 3. I hope that the wait isn't to long.

[Amy Lea Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

good series

Good series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Good story lines and good characters in the book.

[Judy Rocconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruno Miller at his best

Just as all Bruno’s booklets, this one is fast paced, mesmerizing, and entertaining. I look forward to the next chapter.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book but.......

Where is the end? When will Spencer be with Kate? This was another action filled book. It was a good story but there is not a book 3 as of this reading.

[Kaye Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

Can hardly wait for the next book. Such an exciting series. Characters are so real and you feel like you are right there.

[Steve Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am invested now…..I need to know whether Kate is safe…..the plot still moves slowly

[Kathy W Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark waters book 2

Another great book by Bruno Miller. The characters are very interesting and everything is so exciting. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Gwendolyn Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Had an interesting start and just keep getting better. Never know what will happen with strangers but sometimes you just have to go with your gut.

[Nicholas Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series so far!

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

EMP at sea

Lots of stress, gun fights, risk taking equals an exciting read! Plus there’s a bit of seafaring education to gather. I’m definitely reading the next one.