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Families First: Complete 8-Volume Series Plus Companion Guide: A Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series

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Families First ~ A Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series ~ Volumes 1-7. A Complete Box Set Plus Character Companion guide and the first three chapters of a possible spinoff called New Beginnings.

Families First is a powerful story of one ordinary family thrown into darkness when an EMP shuts off the power to the entire US mainland and throws the country back into the 1800s in seconds. This family must quickly amass a group of friends and neighbors for an 800-mile trek from north Texas to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Character-driven, the story twists and turns and doesn’t let up until the end. PG-13 The Stand meets The Road.

Step into a world where survival is the only option and familial bonds are everything. Families First is a riveting and dynamic Post-Apocalyptic Next-World series that immerses you in the lives of relatable and imperfect characters as they navigate an uncertain future. With every turn of the page, you'll be on the edge of your seat, wondering what obstacles the characters will face next. If you enjoy stories about the strength of humanity in the face of adversity, Families First is the series for you.

What would you do to survive? How far would you go to protect your family? Feed your kids? Intervene when others take advantage of each other?

What readers are
C. D. Kaiser - U.S. 5.0/5 stars Lance K.Ewing has created a series suitable for the Movie Industry! By the end of each book, I am ready for the next one.

Larry Russell - Canada 5.0/5 stars There are a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns! Really gets the adrenaline going.T. Morris - United Kingdom 5.0/5 stars I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.

The Red-Headed Swede 5.0/ 5 stars I'm there with the characters in the storyline! For heaven's sake! Read this series!!

Interview with the Author

Is this story a prepper guide?

No. There are things these families do along the way to prepare for what lies ahead—and some practical advice, I am told by my readers. There are plenty of other books that are dedicated to prepping.

Are these people Navy Seals, Special Forces, or hardcore preppers?

No. The point of the story is to imagine what average people would do when faced with the loss of everyday technology. The characters are us, all of us—flawed, good, bad, tough, and weak; tenacious, resourceful, hopeful, caring, and ruthless when needed. What would ordinary families do when faced with no electricity, no cell phones, no grocery-store food, no online deliveries or trash service, running water, heat, air conditioning, few running vehicles, and no appreciable law enforcement? What are their limits? What are yours?

I heard there is praying in your books. I don’t like to be preached to.

A: Yes, there is some praying in my books, as I believe those who are in danger daily tend to sort out their beliefs rather quickly. No, there is no preaching, as I am not qualified to do so.

What am I getting out of this 7-volume series?

An epic story and wild ride, from Volume 1 all the way through Volume 7.

3262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2023

867 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Lance K. Ewing

24 books15 followers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lance K. Ewing lives with his wife, three boys (Hudson, Jax and Hendrix), Ringo, Mini and Bobo (dogs and a cat) in McKinney, Texas. When he is not at work, he can always be found with his family, preferably outdoors.

Lance grew up in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, with the Rockies quite literally in his backyard.

Families First is his debut series novel. Volume two (The Road) is complete in editing and promises to be better than the first.

Lance is a Chiropractor in Dallas, Texas. His new Chronic Pain quick-read series of books are now available for pre-sale on Amazon Kindle.

He can be contacted at familiesfirstnovel@gmail.com.

Join our e-mail list for news about upcoming volumes and sneak peeks at familiesfirstnovel@gmail.com.

Look for the paperback and Audible version available on Amazon now.

Visit the Facebook page: Families First https://www.facebook.com/groups/44730...

Ratings & Reviews

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Community Reviews

5 stars
285 (67%)
4 stars
105 (24%)
3 stars
21 (4%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
1 review
August 19, 2024
Fa!I lies First Series is an excellent read.

The storyline was so good and kept my interest from the beginning. The characters were all so real and really stuck together thru good and bad times. I highly recommend this series.
63 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2024
Couldn't finish

The book was a huge disappointment. The dialog reads like it was written by a 5th grader. The story drags, jumps in and out of situations likes yoyo. The characters are unrealistic and in need of parenting class 101. Couldn't finish it.
975 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2024
Seven in all.

It has taken me longer than usual to read these seven books. The characters have worked together and we get to know them and like them. From Texas to New Mexico to Colorado . Then a split for some yet always fighting for Families First.
Profile Image for Austin Linton.
4 reviews
November 5, 2025
The overall story was great. I’ll say at points it drags a bit. Given the way it’s set up, it makes sense since you’re following numerous groups at certain points. Truthfully my only biggest annoyance was the shocking amount of grammar issues, spellings ones here and there, and one passage that followed another switched the characters completely. Just seems careless. However, again, I enjoyed the story. Lots of ups and downs. Very easy to get drawn in to characters. After reading the concept for the potential next one, I was very intrigued. Although some stories need to end. Other than that, parts of me thought being a little more graphic would be appropriate given the story, but not a big deal.
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews13 followers
July 15, 2024
This was one of the most satisfying post apocalyptic reads ever. I tried to read it slow because it was so good. Some characters will remain with me forever. For instance Mike he is like an angel. Doing what no one else would. Love the children and animals. Sure hope some more books come out. I'm waiting. My first book by this author and now I am a fan
61 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2024
Outstanding!

Absolutely loved reading this series that it leaves me still wanting me to continue on with more to happen with the characters in the series. I could have them continue on for another four or five books! lol
12 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2024
They became my adopted family...

Characters developed well as story continued...enjoyed the back and forth between groups. Strong able women, trustworthy masculine men. Mike, Vlad great stories.
God,Family,Country winner always
7 reviews
May 31, 2024
Great read overall, many late nights!

I spent way too many nights reading when I should have been sleeping. But I really enjoyed this book. It addressed many situations that I hadn't consid Great story line throughout the series. I reccomend reading this series!
28 reviews
February 5, 2024
Families First

I loved these books, it was hard to keep track of the groups and all their doings but I still had to keep reading. 🙂
35 reviews
May 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. You feel like your on the journey with the characters.
14 reviews
April 12, 2024
Thought-provoking Series

The books were well thought out and realistic. I appreciate the Christian principles the main characters embraced without being “preachy.”
7 reviews
April 25, 2024
An awesome read

Fast moving, heart pounding story. I felt like I couldn't read it fast enough. Really, really good! Just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Mariah Bowman.
880 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
Wow

This was a great read and a slightly different take on the rebuild after an emp. I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to all.
6 reviews
June 29, 2024
I enjoyed

This was one of the best booms I have read thank you please write more I enjoyed your books thank you
26 reviews
August 24, 2024
Families First.bring God into a Post Apocalyptic series.

Of the numerous post apocalyptic series I have read, this was the first to incorporate God and prayer, a nessecity in this setting. Mr. Ewing introduced so many characters that I wasn't sure I could remember all of them, but character building is this author's expertise and each character became very memorable. As the series ended I felt a loss of friendships and a way of life. It prompted us to be more prepared for the future. Truly enjoyed this series.
Profile Image for Douglas Phillips.
105 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
I tried really hard but..

This book has a good story, but it's too repetitious and redundant. Over explaining and too much filler. The back story section, was what was already related throughout the book.. it finally frustrated me to no end when all the groups involved, constantly require a group vote every time something happens and the heads of the groups are constantly freak'n overstepping individual freedoms. I just can't finish and I'm only half way through the set. Sorry it's just bad and tedious.
421 reviews
March 31, 2024
The end of the world?

It only takes one explosion to end life as we know it in the United States! This series follows a family and friends as they make their way to safety in a valley in Colorado where the man’s parents are. A 18 hour car trip would get them home, but after the EMP took out the power grid and disabled all electronics, the have to set out on foot. They face many perils to get there. A people gone mad trying to every which way to stop them!
20 reviews
August 19, 2025
great rugged and often brutal reality

The story is valid, with reasonable predicaments, some characters were used throughout the story in multiplayer roles. Yet some were killed off or destroyed in sick ways. Maybe that real too. The ending became rushed but that’s expected I suppose when it gets this long. I recommend these books as a great read for anyone looking for realism combined with EMP TYPE DYSTOPIA
24 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. From the start it held my interest and I stayed up several nights way too late reading! The books had a totally plausible scenario going on and could very well happen in real life
8 reviews
February 22, 2025
A page turner

I liked the deep thought that obviously went into producing this book. I also liked the inclusion of idioms and colloquialisms that made the characters relatable. I found that I identified with the feelings, thoughts and ideas of many of the characters.
40 reviews
May 18, 2025
great read

I live post apocalyptic series. This is one of the best I have read. Liked the focus on good people willing to do what needed to be done. Loved Mike. The quintessential bad guy with a heart of gold. Great job.
1 review
May 25, 2024
The first few were ok. Had to force myself to finish. Got a little repetitive.
13 reviews
October 28, 2025
Families First

This is a good read. It's not a quick read, but it keeps you engaged in the story. Good book
287 reviews
December 13, 2025
great read

The story was very moving with tears, smiling and some laughter. Mike was a pistol. The group that traveled 800 miles was unbelievable.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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