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The Long Night
In an instant, everything changed. "The Long Night" takes you on a heart-stopping journey of survival, as a massive cyber-attack triggers a nationwide blackout. This cyber-attack survival thriller is a must-read for fans of "One Second After" by William R. Forstchen, "Lights Out" by David Crawford, and "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel.
After a cyber-attack, followed by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), the Winter family from Harbour Island, Florida, faces an unprecedented struggle for survival. Former military officer John Winter and his son, Jack, find themselves 100 miles from home when technology disappears. Their dangerous journey back is filled with dangers in a world that has suddenly turned primitive overnight.
Meanwhile, back at home, John's wife, Emily, an esteemed electrical engineering specialist, along with their daughter, Sarah, face the daunting task of surviving in a world now shrouded in darkness and chaos. Their courage and intelligence are their only weapons against the advancing chaos.
"The Long Night" intertwines the Winter family's intimate fight for survival with the broader challenges faced by a nation under cyber siege. This captivating story, set in a post-EMP America, challenges readers to confront their reliance on technology, making it a remarkable addition to the dystopian fiction genre.
Immerse yourself in this narrative, a blend of cyber thriller and post-apocalyptic survival, where the resilience of community, faith, and scientific expertise shines in the darkest of times.
"The Long Night" is a testament to human resilience in the face of a technological apocalypse.
After a cyber-attack, followed by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), the Winter family from Harbour Island, Florida, faces an unprecedented struggle for survival. Former military officer John Winter and his son, Jack, find themselves 100 miles from home when technology disappears. Their dangerous journey back is filled with dangers in a world that has suddenly turned primitive overnight.
Meanwhile, back at home, John's wife, Emily, an esteemed electrical engineering specialist, along with their daughter, Sarah, face the daunting task of surviving in a world now shrouded in darkness and chaos. Their courage and intelligence are their only weapons against the advancing chaos.
"The Long Night" intertwines the Winter family's intimate fight for survival with the broader challenges faced by a nation under cyber siege. This captivating story, set in a post-EMP America, challenges readers to confront their reliance on technology, making it a remarkable addition to the dystopian fiction genre.
Immerse yourself in this narrative, a blend of cyber thriller and post-apocalyptic survival, where the resilience of community, faith, and scientific expertise shines in the darkest of times.
"The Long Night" is a testament to human resilience in the face of a technological apocalypse.
- GenresFictionApocalyptic
619 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
35 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Alex Bueno
15 books9 followersTrained as an engineer and driven by a passion for storytelling, Alex is a lifelong learner, with a background in tech product development. Yet, it's not just the wonders of the digital age that fascinate him. His novels revolve around thrillers and adventures, consistently exploring the influence of technology on society. At the same time, he weaves in Christian values emphasizing family, community, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Inspired by renowned authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton, Alex's stories captivate while also provoking deep thought.
Alex cherishes life alongside his wife and their 18-year-old son. Their journey is anchored by unwavering faith and a profound bond.
Inspired by renowned authors like Stephen King, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and Michael Crichton, Alex's stories captivate while also provoking deep thought.
Alex cherishes life alongside his wife and their 18-year-old son. Their journey is anchored by unwavering faith and a profound bond.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2024
Three catastrophic events: A cyberattack, nuclear power plants failing, and a elcetromagnetic pulse. A new world will be created.
Day 0 to 3: Panic and confusion
Day 4 to 14: Desperation
Day 14 to 30: Breakdown of law and order
1 Month: A New Order
We will follow a family, John and his wife, Emily, 15 year old son Jack, and 17 year old daughter Sarah, as the world around them goes up in flames. Those that adapt will be the survivors, and John and his family are equipped to do just that.
Planes falling from the sky and patients dying on the operating table, is only the beginning. It’s days before Christmas and people with no heat will be freezing to death, especially since the storm is the worst in fifty years. Think that was part of the war plan?
The government…shouldn’t there be a plan in place? The scenario is so frightening to me, because it is so realistic. And we all saw how our government acted when the pandemic hit. All the infighting over what is right and what is wrong. The fake news and denial running rampant. The media playing its own part in failing the people.
I love apocalyptic, dystopian novels, where the characters are put to the test. We see the best and the worst of humanity. What makes The Long Night even better is the fact that we are at war, being attacked in such a way that to fight back puts us in as much danger as doing nothing at all. Act too quickly and the repercussions can have catastrophic consequences.
I always try to put myself in the characters’ place, wondering how I would fare. Could I find food and shelter? Could I keep myself and those I care about safe? Would I become a warrior, an organizer, a leader, a follower? What would I have to contribute to building a new world after technology is gone? What about medicines and health?
I was so caught up in the story that when the words ran out, I never saw it coming. All I could think is nooooooo. I’m not ready for it to end. I need more…and I know it’s coming. I had to check and the sequel is coming. The Long Way Home is up for preorder, due for release in April, 2024.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Long Night by Alex Bueno.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Day 0 to 3: Panic and confusion
Day 4 to 14: Desperation
Day 14 to 30: Breakdown of law and order
1 Month: A New Order
We will follow a family, John and his wife, Emily, 15 year old son Jack, and 17 year old daughter Sarah, as the world around them goes up in flames. Those that adapt will be the survivors, and John and his family are equipped to do just that.
Planes falling from the sky and patients dying on the operating table, is only the beginning. It’s days before Christmas and people with no heat will be freezing to death, especially since the storm is the worst in fifty years. Think that was part of the war plan?
The government…shouldn’t there be a plan in place? The scenario is so frightening to me, because it is so realistic. And we all saw how our government acted when the pandemic hit. All the infighting over what is right and what is wrong. The fake news and denial running rampant. The media playing its own part in failing the people.
I love apocalyptic, dystopian novels, where the characters are put to the test. We see the best and the worst of humanity. What makes The Long Night even better is the fact that we are at war, being attacked in such a way that to fight back puts us in as much danger as doing nothing at all. Act too quickly and the repercussions can have catastrophic consequences.
I always try to put myself in the characters’ place, wondering how I would fare. Could I find food and shelter? Could I keep myself and those I care about safe? Would I become a warrior, an organizer, a leader, a follower? What would I have to contribute to building a new world after technology is gone? What about medicines and health?
I was so caught up in the story that when the words ran out, I never saw it coming. All I could think is nooooooo. I’m not ready for it to end. I need more…and I know it’s coming. I had to check and the sequel is coming. The Long Way Home is up for preorder, due for release in April, 2024.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Long Night by Alex Bueno.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
April 25, 2024
A very enjoyable read.
October 30, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. There a re so many apocalyptic books, films based on aliens invading, phones causing mutations and a whole host of sensationalistic scenarios, well not this one, an intelligent honest look at what is most likely to occur after a series of disasters occurring one after another. How fragile we are and not a master of our destiny regardless of human knowledge. An intriguing view we should all take note of. Number 1 in possibly of 3? perhaps.
June 24, 2024
A refreshing (!) apocalyptic story: minimal violence until the end, low levels of testosterone, not obsessed with preppers, and somewhat believable scenarios. I really enjoyed 90% of the story because it described realistic, plausible activities that would follow a disaster.
September 20, 2023
This was a really good apocalyptic read! I really liked all of the characters & the general energy of the story. Good ideas, made into a fast paced, action packed adventure! I will look for the next part to this series! I did really enjoy it & do recommend for all that love this genre!
December 24, 2023
Review of eBook
At the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant in Pennsylvania, Frank Sullivan begins his day with a hot cup of coffee as he settles in to monitor the power plant systems. Amid regular readings, Frank finds an unexpected . . . and alarming . . . drop in the Plant Load Factor. Investigation into the problem reveals attempted intrusions and some successful breaching of digital firewalls. As he is reporting the issues to the cybersecurity team, alarm bells signal the possibility of a core meltdown.
In Florida, John Winter is preparing for an important meeting, hoping to acquire needed funding for his WarSight project. But the general never shows up for the meeting.
Meanwhile, lights are flickering, cellphone reception is spotty, and everyone is on edge. But after a short while, a report claims that power had been restored and is now stable throughout the nation. As the President and his team work to determine the cause of the blackouts and power fluctuations, all the electronics suddenly stop working.
The United States has been hit with an electromagnetic pulse.
With everyday life so dependent on electronics, what will happen to society? And, more importantly, who is responsible . . . and why?
=========
This book, subtitled The Silence, is the first in a series of two. Spanning two days, the story reveals the details of the power issues and shows how they affect several different people and families. Characters are nuanced, believable, and realistic as they interact in plausible ways. A strong sense of place adds to the realism, as does the compelling plot that details events that could actually occur.
Told from several viewpoints, including Frank, John, President Thomas Lowell, T-Mobile employees, CNN, NASA, and Emily, the unfolding story details the events leading up to, and following, the catastrophic electromagnetic pulse that knocks out all electronics.
Suspense and uncertainty are the hallmarks of this captivating narrative that pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. An undercurrent of trepidation builds as the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages as fast as possible.
Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic tales and cyber thrillers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable story. However, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending; presumably, the story picks up again in the second volume, “The Long Way Home.”
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
At the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant in Pennsylvania, Frank Sullivan begins his day with a hot cup of coffee as he settles in to monitor the power plant systems. Amid regular readings, Frank finds an unexpected . . . and alarming . . . drop in the Plant Load Factor. Investigation into the problem reveals attempted intrusions and some successful breaching of digital firewalls. As he is reporting the issues to the cybersecurity team, alarm bells signal the possibility of a core meltdown.
In Florida, John Winter is preparing for an important meeting, hoping to acquire needed funding for his WarSight project. But the general never shows up for the meeting.
Meanwhile, lights are flickering, cellphone reception is spotty, and everyone is on edge. But after a short while, a report claims that power had been restored and is now stable throughout the nation. As the President and his team work to determine the cause of the blackouts and power fluctuations, all the electronics suddenly stop working.
The United States has been hit with an electromagnetic pulse.
With everyday life so dependent on electronics, what will happen to society? And, more importantly, who is responsible . . . and why?
=========
This book, subtitled The Silence, is the first in a series of two. Spanning two days, the story reveals the details of the power issues and shows how they affect several different people and families. Characters are nuanced, believable, and realistic as they interact in plausible ways. A strong sense of place adds to the realism, as does the compelling plot that details events that could actually occur.
Told from several viewpoints, including Frank, John, President Thomas Lowell, T-Mobile employees, CNN, NASA, and Emily, the unfolding story details the events leading up to, and following, the catastrophic electromagnetic pulse that knocks out all electronics.
Suspense and uncertainty are the hallmarks of this captivating narrative that pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. An undercurrent of trepidation builds as the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages as fast as possible.
Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic tales and cyber thrillers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable story. However, be prepared for a cliffhanger ending; presumably, the story picks up again in the second volume, “The Long Way Home.”
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Readers program and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2024
We've all been through power outages now & then, but what would happen if the power went out across the entire country? And not just a normal blackout, but one where everything electronic stops working all at once. No cell phones, no cars, nothing that requires any sort of electronics to make it work will even turn on. And all this happens with little to no warning. Now imagine that your family is separated by about 200 miles when it happens, and has no way to communicate with each other, no way to learn if each of you is okay or not, or if you can even make your way back home somehow.
This was an interesting post-apocalyptic novel that begins shortly before it becomes clear that there has been a long-term cyber attack being waged against the United States. This book does a great job of explaining how and such a thing was possible without putting the reader to sleep by being too technical. And the struggles faced by the three main groups of people focused on in this book, were very realistically portrayed, including the panic that naturally seems to follow in the face of the unknown.
I received a review copy of this book and enjoyed reading it. It was a well thought out tale and was well written. It included all of the things that I would expect to see in this genre. I enjoyed reading it and will be looking forward to seeing what happens next in book two in this series. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic books, I'd recommend giving this series a try.
This was an interesting post-apocalyptic novel that begins shortly before it becomes clear that there has been a long-term cyber attack being waged against the United States. This book does a great job of explaining how and such a thing was possible without putting the reader to sleep by being too technical. And the struggles faced by the three main groups of people focused on in this book, were very realistically portrayed, including the panic that naturally seems to follow in the face of the unknown.
I received a review copy of this book and enjoyed reading it. It was a well thought out tale and was well written. It included all of the things that I would expect to see in this genre. I enjoyed reading it and will be looking forward to seeing what happens next in book two in this series. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic books, I'd recommend giving this series a try.
April 23, 2025
This was book 1 of a 3 part series - A Post-Apocalyptic Cyber Thriller. This book has 62 chapters and has 276 pages in the ebook.
I would rate this book a 3.75 so I rounded up to a 4. So far I am really enjoying it but there were a couple of sections that seemed to drag a little bit for me. I did really enjoy learning more about John, the father in the series and his background. His varied background, including combat, which is evident in the parking garage scene and in the plane scene. I do wonder about Jack, the son. It appeared to me that his cough came out of nowhere since it hadn’t been indicated prior to in the story that he wasn’t feeling well. I wonder what this means for the journey? So far mom, daughter, and daughters BFF are having it the easiest but who knows how long it will stay that way.
There are a lot of characters to try and keep track of - especially those in with the President. I would definitely encourage reading these books in order because it would be so easy to be confused to whom everyone is, what their roles are, where they physically are, and what people belong to which storyline.
Solid start to a series.
I would rate this book a 3.75 so I rounded up to a 4. So far I am really enjoying it but there were a couple of sections that seemed to drag a little bit for me. I did really enjoy learning more about John, the father in the series and his background. His varied background, including combat, which is evident in the parking garage scene and in the plane scene. I do wonder about Jack, the son. It appeared to me that his cough came out of nowhere since it hadn’t been indicated prior to in the story that he wasn’t feeling well. I wonder what this means for the journey? So far mom, daughter, and daughters BFF are having it the easiest but who knows how long it will stay that way.
There are a lot of characters to try and keep track of - especially those in with the President. I would definitely encourage reading these books in order because it would be so easy to be confused to whom everyone is, what their roles are, where they physically are, and what people belong to which storyline.
Solid start to a series.
December 1, 2023
I would have used five stars but there are minor technical issues. 1. Tenses keep getting swapped. 2. there were at least two times where John and Jack swapped places and should not have. 3. The prose is over driven. Please leave just a bit more to the reader's imagination.
Having said that, I love this kind of story. Also, at BookSirens I was warned this would be a cliff hanger, and boy is it. So, if you can't bear to wait for the sequel to find out what the end will be this one will drive you crazy. The characters were strong. The plot enticing. The values refreshingly good. Worth the read, and I hope worth the wait for the follow up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having said that, I love this kind of story. Also, at BookSirens I was warned this would be a cliff hanger, and boy is it. So, if you can't bear to wait for the sequel to find out what the end will be this one will drive you crazy. The characters were strong. The plot enticing. The values refreshingly good. Worth the read, and I hope worth the wait for the follow up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 23, 2025
I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I deeply appreciated the level of detail provided as the events unfolded, including providing insight into how the attacks would have impacted other national industries and the experiences of those individuals relying on and/or working within those industries. Furthermore, I believe the book also provides some wonderful and effective survival strategies that are incredibly useful for readers to remember. Overall it was well written, well developed, and wonderfully intricate. I look forward to continuing the story in the next book in the series!
October 15, 2023
What if the USA suffered an attack like the author described, will the Winter family survive?
With John and Jake separated from Emily and Sarah, it will be a struggle for the family to rejoin.
John and Emily Winter are strong people with a deep belief in God. Their past experiences allows them to move forward in spite of the calamity.
What the author describes is real and could happen.
Liked the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With John and Jake separated from Emily and Sarah, it will be a struggle for the family to rejoin.
John and Emily Winter are strong people with a deep belief in God. Their past experiences allows them to move forward in spite of the calamity.
What the author describes is real and could happen.
Liked the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2023
5 Star Rating
2 Skull Dread Rating
Check Your Triggers
Captivating and Intriguing Story That Keeps You Hooked
This story is definitely a must-read! The author's writing style draws you in right from the start and makes it difficult to put the book down. The plot is both thrilling and frightening because of its potential to happen in real life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding to the book's overall appeal. It's an excellent choice for readers who enjoy multiple genres, as it blends suspense with intrigue and a SHTF scenario.
2 Skull Dread Rating
Check Your Triggers
Captivating and Intriguing Story That Keeps You Hooked
This story is definitely a must-read! The author's writing style draws you in right from the start and makes it difficult to put the book down. The plot is both thrilling and frightening because of its potential to happen in real life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding to the book's overall appeal. It's an excellent choice for readers who enjoy multiple genres, as it blends suspense with intrigue and a SHTF scenario.
May 6, 2024
INTENSE
This is a fast paced novel, that takes the reader on a journey that hopefully will not ever happen. Realistically it may happen in the near future. THE LONG NIGHT off ers a glimpse into a scenario that no one wants but may have to face. The Winters family is your typical American family that faces the unspeakable. Book 1 contains the first aftermath of an EMP. Let's see what happens in Book 2. A good start to this series.
This is a fast paced novel, that takes the reader on a journey that hopefully will not ever happen. Realistically it may happen in the near future. THE LONG NIGHT off ers a glimpse into a scenario that no one wants but may have to face. The Winters family is your typical American family that faces the unspeakable. Book 1 contains the first aftermath of an EMP. Let's see what happens in Book 2. A good start to this series.
February 1, 2024
The argument is plausible, although not necessarily associated with a cyberattack. The good guys are too perfect (that president always worried about civilian casualties, his own or others) , which makes them a bit unbelievable characters. I miss some shades of gray in those characters. I don't know if they will evolve because this is the first book in a series.
February 12, 2024
The characters and their reactions are realistic (especially Emily and John). The plot is solid and doesn't feel contrived. The book could use a bit more polishing, but the author is planning on releasing an updated version, so that should address the mildly annoying typos. Overall, it's a rather enjoyable read. I look forward to the sequel!
October 16, 2023
Keeps you hooked! I couldn’t put this one down. Like all books, it begins slowly because of the background of the main characters. Once the danger hits, things really happen! A definite good read with suspense at the end! I can’t wait to see what happens with this series.
July 15, 2024
outstanding and scary
Wow. This is what could happen today. No fact items here. Hopefully it never happens but there is always a chance. Throwing in a traitor in the end was interesting. Great book.
Wow. This is what could happen today. No fact items here. Hopefully it never happens but there is always a chance. Throwing in a traitor in the end was interesting. Great book.
March 10, 2025
Overall a good reminder of how unprepared and uninformed general population will be. The religious references were really the only off putting part.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews