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Burning Bridges
"I rented this book because it had an almost unanimous 5 star rating although from a relatively small sample of reviewers (17). you can make that 18 now as I fully enjoyed this first effort and can only hope Mr. Phillips gets to work on his next book. The characters are interesting, and the story line is a fresh look at survivors of an EMP in New York City. The writing is clean and comforting as the picture in your mind is created thru the dialogue of the young people who are the primary drivers of the story." - Larry B
New York City
Thanksgiving Day 2020: An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) nuclear device detonates above the city of Manhattan. Four college friends are enjoying the annual parade celebration as it progresses down 5th Avenue, watching the huge balloons float by. Suddenly, they hear an explosion from high above and chaos ensues as they work their way through the city to find safety.
Seven years later, Devin Foster and his group of friends are living in a self-sustaining community on the Brooklyn Bridge. The innovative idea spreads among those still surviving in the city, and soon after the Thanksgiving Day Disaster, the surrounding bridges have become home to the thousands that remain alive.
Devin and his friends are Scavengers, bringing home the vital supplies needed to keep the bridge running. Being a Scavenger is a dangerous job, and New York City has become the heart of all things evil. Greed from nearby bridge communities have threatened to destroy their home on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Can the Scavengers help keep the peace between bridges?
Are the rumors of cannibalism by an unknown group living under the city true?
Follow Devin and his team in a thrilling journey throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs of New York City. Exciting boat chases on the Hudson River and street battles with groups threatening to control the city make this action packed book hard to put down.
New York City
Thanksgiving Day 2020: An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) nuclear device detonates above the city of Manhattan. Four college friends are enjoying the annual parade celebration as it progresses down 5th Avenue, watching the huge balloons float by. Suddenly, they hear an explosion from high above and chaos ensues as they work their way through the city to find safety.
Seven years later, Devin Foster and his group of friends are living in a self-sustaining community on the Brooklyn Bridge. The innovative idea spreads among those still surviving in the city, and soon after the Thanksgiving Day Disaster, the surrounding bridges have become home to the thousands that remain alive.
Devin and his friends are Scavengers, bringing home the vital supplies needed to keep the bridge running. Being a Scavenger is a dangerous job, and New York City has become the heart of all things evil. Greed from nearby bridge communities have threatened to destroy their home on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Can the Scavengers help keep the peace between bridges?
Are the rumors of cannibalism by an unknown group living under the city true?
Follow Devin and his team in a thrilling journey throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs of New York City. Exciting boat chases on the Hudson River and street battles with groups threatening to control the city make this action packed book hard to put down.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2023
28 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
About the author
Russell Phillips
2 books8 followersIt was never in "the plan" to be an author and write a book... but, life changes and now I love writing.
In my younger years I used to write all kinds of funny stories. I had quite an imagination. I'm also an artist. At some point after college I decided I wanted a career using my art skills and ended up making video games for many years. But, I always had that nagging desire to write - I just didn't know what to write until this idea came to me.
The idea of Burning Bridges popped into my head a few years ago, and it stuck. I couldn't shake it. So, I sat down one night and created an outline. I listed the scenes I wanted to recreate, invented some interesting characters I wanted to introduce and a clever way to rebuild after an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) disaster. I also listed my favorite books and authors, with a quick description of their stories and what I liked about that book or series of books. Authors like Blake Crouch, Bobby Adair, Mike Kraus, E.E. Isherwood, Bobby Akart, JD Palmer, Nicholas Sansbury Smith and, of course, Stephen King (The Stand). Once I had the book somewhat organized in my head and the important events written out on my laptop, I started the first chapter.
So, why did I decide to write a book?
I read a lot. I have read so many books in the post apocalyptic genre and I am very aware of the types of stories I like to read. Reading creative fiction gives me a needed break from the real world craziness. I like books that pull me in and allow me to escape into the desolate world as the character sees it and feel like I am there with them in their struggle to survive. I like real dialogue. The kind of back and forth between friends you hear every day in real life. And yes, it comes with some swear words.
I've worked as a 3D Artist in the video game industry for over 25 years. My claim to fame would be my position as Art Director on the SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs franchise for Sony Playstation. I feel my years of experience have given me much deeper knowledge on how to entertain people and how to create appealing art, combined with good design and an elaborate backstory. I feel that my background helped extremely when it came to describing scenes and coming up with clever ideas to weave into my book to create an interesting, fun to read story.
Beyond art and writing, I spend my time running, biking, snowboarding, surfing, foil surfing (Google it!) and playing drums in a cover band. I like to keep busy.
Will there be a Burning Bridges Book 2? If this book is accepted well and people like the story, there will most definitely be a second book. It's already in my head.
- Russ
In my younger years I used to write all kinds of funny stories. I had quite an imagination. I'm also an artist. At some point after college I decided I wanted a career using my art skills and ended up making video games for many years. But, I always had that nagging desire to write - I just didn't know what to write until this idea came to me.
The idea of Burning Bridges popped into my head a few years ago, and it stuck. I couldn't shake it. So, I sat down one night and created an outline. I listed the scenes I wanted to recreate, invented some interesting characters I wanted to introduce and a clever way to rebuild after an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) disaster. I also listed my favorite books and authors, with a quick description of their stories and what I liked about that book or series of books. Authors like Blake Crouch, Bobby Adair, Mike Kraus, E.E. Isherwood, Bobby Akart, JD Palmer, Nicholas Sansbury Smith and, of course, Stephen King (The Stand). Once I had the book somewhat organized in my head and the important events written out on my laptop, I started the first chapter.
So, why did I decide to write a book?
I read a lot. I have read so many books in the post apocalyptic genre and I am very aware of the types of stories I like to read. Reading creative fiction gives me a needed break from the real world craziness. I like books that pull me in and allow me to escape into the desolate world as the character sees it and feel like I am there with them in their struggle to survive. I like real dialogue. The kind of back and forth between friends you hear every day in real life. And yes, it comes with some swear words.
I've worked as a 3D Artist in the video game industry for over 25 years. My claim to fame would be my position as Art Director on the SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs franchise for Sony Playstation. I feel my years of experience have given me much deeper knowledge on how to entertain people and how to create appealing art, combined with good design and an elaborate backstory. I feel that my background helped extremely when it came to describing scenes and coming up with clever ideas to weave into my book to create an interesting, fun to read story.
Beyond art and writing, I spend my time running, biking, snowboarding, surfing, foil surfing (Google it!) and playing drums in a cover band. I like to keep busy.
Will there be a Burning Bridges Book 2? If this book is accepted well and people like the story, there will most definitely be a second book. It's already in my head.
- Russ
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 17, 2023
Great book!
Couldn't put it down and read it in one night! The story was so plausible it really makes you think...it felt like I was right there with Devon, Tucker & Piper, roaming the streets of Manhattan! Great descriptions of a post-apocalyptic New York City! You could feel the danger lurking around every corner. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and their distinct personalities and loved the style and tone of this book. The language was human, real and authentic and made me laugh out loud more than once!
Couldn't put it down and read it in one night! The story was so plausible it really makes you think...it felt like I was right there with Devon, Tucker & Piper, roaming the streets of Manhattan! Great descriptions of a post-apocalyptic New York City! You could feel the danger lurking around every corner. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and their distinct personalities and loved the style and tone of this book. The language was human, real and authentic and made me laugh out loud more than once!
January 4, 2025
Such a great book! This was a new author for me, and this book sort of gave Divergent vibes, but not too similar. Such depth and description, I was drawn to every word and character. It's about an event that happens, wiping out every power grid, and what people must do to stay alive. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews