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Dead Reckoning
Civilization is descending into the apocalypse: a deadly, extinction-level plague engineered by terrorists, international wars, and mankind’s own innate depravity are about to take the world to the brink of collapse. Those are the last things Matt Anderssen, a scientist stationed at a Top Secret missile test site on a remote Pacific island, knew before all contact with the outside world suddenly stopped.
Stranded on the idyllic tropical island that was his home and cut off from his wife and children by five thousand miles of ocean, Matt elicits the help of two loyal friends to find out what happened. Together, they defy the law and set out to sail across the Pacific Ocean to reunite with their loved ones—if they're still alive, if anyone is still alive.
High seas, zombie-like pirates, severe storms, and terrible luck will test them physically. Hopelessness, anger, self-doubt and the pure horror of the disaster will test them mentally and emotionally. But against all odds and with the help of a woman they rescue along the way, they will make it to the mainland—and what they find there will be the ultimate test of survival.
Stretching from a tropical paradise to the dusty, squalid streets of a third-world island across the vast Pacific Ocean to a tattered North America, Dead Reckoning is a post-apocalyptic story of a man and his friends who will stop at nothing to save their families and each other.
Stranded on the idyllic tropical island that was his home and cut off from his wife and children by five thousand miles of ocean, Matt elicits the help of two loyal friends to find out what happened. Together, they defy the law and set out to sail across the Pacific Ocean to reunite with their loved ones—if they're still alive, if anyone is still alive.
High seas, zombie-like pirates, severe storms, and terrible luck will test them physically. Hopelessness, anger, self-doubt and the pure horror of the disaster will test them mentally and emotionally. But against all odds and with the help of a woman they rescue along the way, they will make it to the mainland—and what they find there will be the ultimate test of survival.
Stretching from a tropical paradise to the dusty, squalid streets of a third-world island across the vast Pacific Ocean to a tattered North America, Dead Reckoning is a post-apocalyptic story of a man and his friends who will stop at nothing to save their families and each other.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2015
27 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
2 books3 followersTom Wright has been a professional meteorologist since 1995. He also runs two blogs: a weather and science blog called TheWeatherGuru.com and his personal blog at WhoIsTomWright.com. Dead Reckoning is his first novel.
Tom spent seven years forecasting weather for U.S. Department of Defense mission operations on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands and three years forecasting fire weather as an incident meteorologist (IMET) for the National Weather Service in Montana.
He has briefed military generals, delivered live forecasts and discussions on large market radio stations, been interviewed on CBS and NBC national news programs, and was featured in a three-part series on wildfire on The Weather Channel. He has done a lot of research (some of which has been published) and he has spoken at national meteorological conferences. His career has taken him to such places as the Marshall Islands, the Grand Canyon, Glacier and Yellowstone Nations Parks, and Wake Island.
In addition to spending a lot of his career in the Marshall Islands and Montana, he also spent two years forecasting weather out on the high plains of Kansas. In that short time he saw many supercells, two tornadoes, a blizzard, a record-breaking rainstorm, and countless other meteorological wonders. Many of these adventures have been detailed on his blog.
Tom’s primary interests are, obviously, science and weather, but Tom also enjoys reading, sports (especially football), and spending time with his family.
He was born and raised on Vashon Island, WA and has been a die-hard Seattle Seahawks fan since the day they were born. He currently lives with his wife and teenage kids in southwest Oregon.
Tom spent seven years forecasting weather for U.S. Department of Defense mission operations on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands and three years forecasting fire weather as an incident meteorologist (IMET) for the National Weather Service in Montana.
He has briefed military generals, delivered live forecasts and discussions on large market radio stations, been interviewed on CBS and NBC national news programs, and was featured in a three-part series on wildfire on The Weather Channel. He has done a lot of research (some of which has been published) and he has spoken at national meteorological conferences. His career has taken him to such places as the Marshall Islands, the Grand Canyon, Glacier and Yellowstone Nations Parks, and Wake Island.
In addition to spending a lot of his career in the Marshall Islands and Montana, he also spent two years forecasting weather out on the high plains of Kansas. In that short time he saw many supercells, two tornadoes, a blizzard, a record-breaking rainstorm, and countless other meteorological wonders. Many of these adventures have been detailed on his blog.
Tom’s primary interests are, obviously, science and weather, but Tom also enjoys reading, sports (especially football), and spending time with his family.
He was born and raised on Vashon Island, WA and has been a die-hard Seattle Seahawks fan since the day they were born. He currently lives with his wife and teenage kids in southwest Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2018
When I began reading this novel I thought I had found another Water World, but to my pleasant surprise this story stands alone. A man leaves and island with a few friends for the United States from the South Pacific. The adventure begins with an unknown answer, but the trip becomes a nightmare and when they arrive in the US they find what they meant when they stated an apocalypse. This is an excellent SYFY adventure for the genre.....DEHS
January 28, 2016
Overall I loved the book, however, on some scenes - like the boat etc - it was long and drawn out - I just kept flicking through the pages on the kindle.
I enjoyed the book more when the story sped up - and when he was on the other island trying to get a gun- I enjoyed the description. Actually I started wondering if the US government even warned those people about the horrible storm that hit it - somehow I don't think so.
I did find the main character to be somewhat naïve - but then again maybe not everyone is as jaded as I am :)
One thing - and this is a spoiler - but the second to last chapter they say his son and a woman they previously saved came and gave him a hug - then last chapter - 20 years in the future. I was unhappy that I couldn't hear about his daughter etc. It sort of left me guessing what was going on. Overall a enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the book more when the story sped up - and when he was on the other island trying to get a gun- I enjoyed the description. Actually I started wondering if the US government even warned those people about the horrible storm that hit it - somehow I don't think so.
I did find the main character to be somewhat naïve - but then again maybe not everyone is as jaded as I am :)
One thing - and this is a spoiler - but the second to last chapter they say his son and a woman they previously saved came and gave him a hug - then last chapter - 20 years in the future. I was unhappy that I couldn't hear about his daughter etc. It sort of left me guessing what was going on. Overall a enjoyable read.
May 19, 2023
Das Buch ist insgesamt sehr langatmig und gespickt von seitenlangen Erklärungen und Beschreibungen, die in Bezug auf den Inhalt wenig die Geschichte vorwärts bringen. Ich habe es nur zu Ende gelesen, weil ich erstens selten ein Buch abbreche und zweitens dann doch wissen wollte, wie es zu Ende geht. Man hätte den Inhalt spannend auf 100 Seiten zusammenfassen können. Der Schreibstil war sehr ermüdend und ich habe seitenweise nur quer gelesen.
September 19, 2023
Enjoyed it, fast-paced, gets to the point. Enjoyable read.
November 4, 2023
A harrowing visceral tale of survival with graphic descriptions that will make you feel like you’re right there as things happen.
January 27, 2016
Solid average
There is no doubt the author is either knowledgeable or a good researcher.there are plenty facts and at times,a bit tedious.I used the skim a paragraph or two method several times because of this.at times it was exciting.other times just average.we don't have the same religious beliefs but it did not detract from the story.it wasn't overwhelming.guess I do wish there was more apocalyptic to this apocalyptic book.too frequently, we are told"this happened"and that's it.and the ending really left more questions than I like.what happened to individuals? But ok for free.
There is no doubt the author is either knowledgeable or a good researcher.there are plenty facts and at times,a bit tedious.I used the skim a paragraph or two method several times because of this.at times it was exciting.other times just average.we don't have the same religious beliefs but it did not detract from the story.it wasn't overwhelming.guess I do wish there was more apocalyptic to this apocalyptic book.too frequently, we are told"this happened"and that's it.and the ending really left more questions than I like.what happened to individuals? But ok for free.
April 14, 2013
Dead Reckoning is an action-packed, philosophical look into a post-apocalyptic world. I honestly had a hard time putting it down. The characters, the dialogue, and the events that occur in the book feel real. The pace flows smoothly and the building suspense will have you turning pages quickly at times.
I often judge a book by its ability to stay with me after I’ve put it down. This one will haunt me for some time to come. If anything, Dead Reckoning has invited me to take a good look at my life and enjoy what I have for as long as I can because one never knows what might happen tomorrow.
I often judge a book by its ability to stay with me after I’ve put it down. This one will haunt me for some time to come. If anything, Dead Reckoning has invited me to take a good look at my life and enjoy what I have for as long as I can because one never knows what might happen tomorrow.
July 9, 2015
Very , very good SHTF novel
Thoroughly enjoyed Tom Wright's DEAD RECKONING. An interesting and engaging mix of post-apocalyptic lore, meteorological insights, sailing sights/sounds and bad guys doing what bad guys do before meeting their ultimate fate (Paybacks can be a B**ch). I heartily recommend this tome to readers of SHTF/TEOTWAWKI fiction.
Thoroughly enjoyed Tom Wright's DEAD RECKONING. An interesting and engaging mix of post-apocalyptic lore, meteorological insights, sailing sights/sounds and bad guys doing what bad guys do before meeting their ultimate fate (Paybacks can be a B**ch). I heartily recommend this tome to readers of SHTF/TEOTWAWKI fiction.
February 15, 2016
Looking for something different but want that apoc?
This is a very interesting take on a genre that seems to be focusing on zombies and biological weapons. This is different! Tom Wright makes a wonderful metaphor to life and survival in a unique perspective without using over the top hero scenes, but more so the use of a rich docudrama/thriller feel instead. Well done!
This is a very interesting take on a genre that seems to be focusing on zombies and biological weapons. This is different! Tom Wright makes a wonderful metaphor to life and survival in a unique perspective without using over the top hero scenes, but more so the use of a rich docudrama/thriller feel instead. Well done!
July 12, 2016
Skip the first 200 pages and this book is ok. All the action is at the end. The rest of the book is very wordy, 20 pages of description of the oncoming storm, pointless rambling reminiscing and shallow philosophical discussions - and the protagonist is always "annoyed". This book is badly in need of editing - poor spelling, bad grammar and incorrect usage abound.
June 20, 2014
Adventure, terror, science
Adventure, terror, science
A rollercoaster journey through hope and horror. Realistically portrays the dichotomy of disaster. An adventure with purpose. Worthy summertime read.
Adventure, terror, science
A rollercoaster journey through hope and horror. Realistically portrays the dichotomy of disaster. An adventure with purpose. Worthy summertime read.
January 11, 2016
Good read
I enjoyed the story. Thought it was a little heavy and off-putting with the religion debate but it's his book. I might try reading another book by the author, but not if he keeps that as a theme.
I enjoyed the story. Thought it was a little heavy and off-putting with the religion debate but it's his book. I might try reading another book by the author, but not if he keeps that as a theme.
January 18, 2016
A man fights through many battles to reach his family when the world is struck down by a pandemic and EMP pulse. He crosses the Pacific on a small sailboat fighting off storms and pirates. Good ending.
August 28, 2016
From the Marshal Islands, to the seven seas, to Alaska and finally to Washington State the book delivered. The writing was engaging and the story well thought out. I look forward to more from Tom Wright.
June 15, 2014
Good read
Good read
Book well written. Enjoyed it cover to cover. I highly recommend. Main character is meteorologist based on military installation on an island.
Good read
Book well written. Enjoyed it cover to cover. I highly recommend. Main character is meteorologist based on military installation on an island.
November 26, 2015
Excellent PA thriller woth a bit of something for everyone. A bit too pat and formulaic when they get to Sean's place, but overall a nice read. PA fans will definitely enjoy it.
May 24, 2016
Very good
It was a different read from all the other books. But a good difference. It had a good ending and you didn't have to read another book to get there.
It was a different read from all the other books. But a good difference. It had a good ending and you didn't have to read another book to get there.
June 14, 2016
Book just kept going and going and going. I thought that it would be a journey that ended nicely. Not to be. I never even finished it. Too much graphic violence.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews