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Grip of Mercy: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
From Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author...
The power’s out. And only one chance to escape.
Grip of Mercy is the riveting fifth book in the After The End post-apocalyptic EMP survival series. If you like characters that jump off the page, spellbinding action, and edge-of-your-seat drama, then you’ll love bestselling author Sam J Fires’s nail-biting thriller.
Grab your copy now!
The power’s out. And only one chance to escape.
Grip of Mercy is the riveting fifth book in the After The End post-apocalyptic EMP survival series. If you like characters that jump off the page, spellbinding action, and edge-of-your-seat drama, then you’ll love bestselling author Sam J Fires’s nail-biting thriller.
Grab your copy now!
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2024
108 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars
This follows the journey of Holly, Pat and the kids, after that harrowing cliffy I expected this one to pick up right where the pervious book left us, one dog bark, gun shots, screams and lots of blood, but it jumped about 4 weeks (don't quote me on that time frame, I'd have to double check) I even had to check that I hadn't jumped a book in the series. Because to not pick up where the previous left off didn't make a hell of a lot of sense to me. Though it did gloss over what occurred when Pat thought back to what happened.
Anyho they still have so much ground to cover before they can finally reach Holly's final destination at that's where her mother and son reside who she hasn't seen in over a decade with being locked away in a mental institute all that time. Also Dr Burke is hell intent on bringing her back so that she can carry on with her experiment.
This follows the journey of Holly, Pat and the kids, after that harrowing cliffy I expected this one to pick up right where the pervious book left us, one dog bark, gun shots, screams and lots of blood, but it jumped about 4 weeks (don't quote me on that time frame, I'd have to double check) I even had to check that I hadn't jumped a book in the series. Because to not pick up where the previous left off didn't make a hell of a lot of sense to me. Though it did gloss over what occurred when Pat thought back to what happened.
Anyho they still have so much ground to cover before they can finally reach Holly's final destination at that's where her mother and son reside who she hasn't seen in over a decade with being locked away in a mental institute all that time. Also Dr Burke is hell intent on bringing her back so that she can carry on with her experiment.
July 9, 2024
We’ve been following the story of Pat and Holly, and his children, Dillon and Piper. In the previous book, we were left on a terrible cliff and so it was good to read the conclusion of this. But no spoilers!
I liked Pat and Holly and particularly that their back stories added another layer of interest. And do I like layers, yes! It kept me glued to the pages.
Just as I was bumping along nicely with the plot, boom! Something happens. Unless you have read the authors other books, you won’t know. I’m not giving away any spoilers. Let’s just say I hadn’t made the connection with the town they ended up in and so that blew the breath from me. I was so pleased with that little twist.
With new characters the story ramps up with all sorts of goings on. I loved it as I devoured the pages with delight.
What was not a joy was Dr Vera Burke making another entrance to the story. I see her importance and how having her there brings further conflict, but I don’t like her one bit.
The tale reaches its climax with not as bad a cliff hanger than in the previous book, but oh boy do I want to know what happens next. Yikes!
I liked Pat and Holly and particularly that their back stories added another layer of interest. And do I like layers, yes! It kept me glued to the pages.
Just as I was bumping along nicely with the plot, boom! Something happens. Unless you have read the authors other books, you won’t know. I’m not giving away any spoilers. Let’s just say I hadn’t made the connection with the town they ended up in and so that blew the breath from me. I was so pleased with that little twist.
With new characters the story ramps up with all sorts of goings on. I loved it as I devoured the pages with delight.
What was not a joy was Dr Vera Burke making another entrance to the story. I see her importance and how having her there brings further conflict, but I don’t like her one bit.
The tale reaches its climax with not as bad a cliff hanger than in the previous book, but oh boy do I want to know what happens next. Yikes!
August 18, 2024
Grip of Mercy
After the End #5
Sci-Fi
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ • ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄꜱ • ʀᴇᴠᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ •
I was a little confused at the beginning of this book because I couldn't quite remember what had happened but there were flashbacks from different characters which really helped me get back into the plot.
Dr Burke was still a horrible person. She's so bitter and obsessed with her research that she wouldn't let anyone or anything get in her way. Her husband made me very curious though and I did suspect he had more connections to the military than even his wife knew about.
I did like the plot but the pacing was a little slow for me.
I'm not sure what the group living in the forest were planning or what their goals were but the explosions and attacks increased the tension.
The ending was ok. It was a little underwhelming but I'll still read the next book
After the End #5
Sci-Fi
Sam J. Fires
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴꜱ • ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄꜱ • ʀᴇᴠᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ •
I was a little confused at the beginning of this book because I couldn't quite remember what had happened but there were flashbacks from different characters which really helped me get back into the plot.
Dr Burke was still a horrible person. She's so bitter and obsessed with her research that she wouldn't let anyone or anything get in her way. Her husband made me very curious though and I did suspect he had more connections to the military than even his wife knew about.
I did like the plot but the pacing was a little slow for me.
I'm not sure what the group living in the forest were planning or what their goals were but the explosions and attacks increased the tension.
The ending was ok. It was a little underwhelming but I'll still read the next book
July 9, 2024
Grip of Mercy: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 5), my thirtieth read from author Sam J. Fires and the fifth book in After the End series. Another enjoyable, well-written, entertaining 171-page Post-Apocalyptic read. “I was a given Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." Next up Grip of Frenzy: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 6) due out in December of this year. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 9, 2024
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 9, 2024
Grip of Mercy is another thrilling and exciting book in this series. The story continues to ramp up, keeping you engrossed all the way through. Ms Fires never disappoints in her writing and you are thinking of the characters long after you've finished. Really looking forward to the next one.
July 4, 2024
Pat, Dylan, Piper, Holly, and Buster get to Meadowview to meet Holly's mother.
It seems Meadowview is not the bucolic town its name implies. There is strife within the town, and human predators outside the town. Strangers are not welcome.
How will Meadowview treat them? How will Holly and her mother get along? And what news of Dr. Burke, Holly's nemesis?
Welcome to the latest installment of this installment of "After the End"! Remember to breathe!
It seems Meadowview is not the bucolic town its name implies. There is strife within the town, and human predators outside the town. Strangers are not welcome.
How will Meadowview treat them? How will Holly and her mother get along? And what news of Dr. Burke, Holly's nemesis?
Welcome to the latest installment of this installment of "After the End"! Remember to breathe!
July 5, 2024
A great continuation to this constantly evolving thriller. You just never know what's going to happen next and I can't wait to read book 6. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2024
Sam has done it again. Her storytelling truly is unique and captivating. I couldn’t put it down and am so excited for the next part in this series. Seeing Hollys character develop is so refreshing and I love her use of showing what each character was thinking and feeling without it feeling too forced
June 25, 2024
Another great book in the series by Sam Fires. I really love this Author and how he writes books. Great storylines with great and diverse characters. I couldn’t put this book down.
October 25, 2025
🎧(audiobook)
Honestly. I cannot remember the characters names (embarrassing, I know)
But here is where we stand.
Holly Patrick and the kids have made it safely to Holly mom’s house where she is finally introduced to her so.
Along the way and when they arrive, they are of course met with resistance and tribulations.
Holly has gone with the crazy doctor after the kids and Patrick have been threatened.
Crazy doctor lady is learning more about her husband who seems to have way more military connects and secrets then she knew about it.
This isn’t super predictable…but not ground breaking either. It requires just the right amount of attention to keep up. I don’t feel guilty if I miss a little as I can easily catch up on the plot.
Honestly. I cannot remember the characters names (embarrassing, I know)
But here is where we stand.
Holly Patrick and the kids have made it safely to Holly mom’s house where she is finally introduced to her so.
Along the way and when they arrive, they are of course met with resistance and tribulations.
Holly has gone with the crazy doctor after the kids and Patrick have been threatened.
Crazy doctor lady is learning more about her husband who seems to have way more military connects and secrets then she knew about it.
This isn’t super predictable…but not ground breaking either. It requires just the right amount of attention to keep up. I don’t feel guilty if I miss a little as I can easily catch up on the plot.
July 5, 2024
Grip Of Mercy- a review by Rosemary Kenny.
After the End series by Sam J. Fires, Book 5 is Grip of Mercy.
Holly Winters' tragic childhood event and subsequent events, form the focal point of Sam J Fires's dystopian survival-thriller, Grip Of Mercy.
Escaping from a mental facility after more than 30 years, with help from former police officer Pat Burke and his family, Holly still faces many dangers ahead. Who's Isaac?
What challenges does Mayor Harper face to help townsfolk, after the EMP?
A dynamic, action-packed adventure with a twist, don't miss Grip Of Mercy whatever you do...you may need its advice one day!
After the End series by Sam J. Fires, Book 5 is Grip of Mercy.
Holly Winters' tragic childhood event and subsequent events, form the focal point of Sam J Fires's dystopian survival-thriller, Grip Of Mercy.
Escaping from a mental facility after more than 30 years, with help from former police officer Pat Burke and his family, Holly still faces many dangers ahead. Who's Isaac?
What challenges does Mayor Harper face to help townsfolk, after the EMP?
A dynamic, action-packed adventure with a twist, don't miss Grip Of Mercy whatever you do...you may need its advice one day!
July 15, 2024
Great series.
This story starts off right where Grip of Panic left off. Pat, Holly, and the kids are traveling to Meadowview. Here is where the two series (End of Days and After The End) connect. I love how we get to read about the characters from the author’s other series. You can read this series without reading the other series, but I think it would be better to read the End of Days series first.
This book has action and suspense. Fair warning it ends on a big cliffhanger.
This story starts off right where Grip of Panic left off. Pat, Holly, and the kids are traveling to Meadowview. Here is where the two series (End of Days and After The End) connect. I love how we get to read about the characters from the author’s other series. You can read this series without reading the other series, but I think it would be better to read the End of Days series first.
This book has action and suspense. Fair warning it ends on a big cliffhanger.
December 27, 2024
This series is really growing on me. Book by book more of the world and what's happening gets revealed. This book starts a few weeks after the last one so the world is getting to grips with the situation after the EMP and more structure arises. It's fun to see Pat and Holly navigate this new reality, and discover whether some semblance of civilization is possible again. Well, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, so ready for the next one
June 30, 2024
Violence, reunion, charity, drama, desperation, unity, this book identifies the havess, have nots, the charitable and the aggressors.
There is so much going on that you hold your breathe waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Keep this series running as I for one need the adrenalin rush.
There is so much going on that you hold your breathe waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Keep this series running as I for one need the adrenalin rush.
July 9, 2024
Sam J Fires does it again with another wonderful addition to this series! It is well-written, intense and very exciting!!! The characters are multi-layered and riddled with complex pasts. They are very human with believable actions and reactions!!!!
Wonderful book and amazing series!!!
Wonderful book and amazing series!!!
July 14, 2024
This is really great! A brilliant part to this very enjoyable & gripping series! More mayhem & fun to be had in this well written & developed EMP adventure, great ideas, some angst, which is understandable in this spiralling nightmare! Overall a super addition to this writers works! I do recommend!
July 14, 2024
Meadowview hit with more danger!
As if the town and its people hadn’t had enough to deal with, Dr Burke is on the hunt there, Holly is her target of course, and there’s a sleeper bad guy. It’s a long wait until the next book. And this cliffhanger is a doozy!
As if the town and its people hadn’t had enough to deal with, Dr Burke is on the hunt there, Holly is her target of course, and there’s a sleeper bad guy. It’s a long wait until the next book. And this cliffhanger is a doozy!
August 1, 2024
I can't believe this
I was so excited to finish this his book believing it was going to be a happy ending for Holly and pat ,now I could cry because I have to wait until December 24 to read what is hopefully the last book 😥😥
I was so excited to finish this his book believing it was going to be a happy ending for Holly and pat ,now I could cry because I have to wait until December 24 to read what is hopefully the last book 😥😥
June 27, 2024
Pat, Holly and the kids have a very traumatic time in this episode. Lots of twists as the truth and lies are mixed to confuse. Another compelling read with more to come.
July 9, 2024
This book is another great entry in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and the entire series.
July 9, 2024
Book 5 in the Series and still fresh and captivating, continuing the story of Patrick and Holly. A masterful story teller of the post apocalyptical genre.
July 15, 2024
great story
A great story that picks up right at the cliffhanger from the last book. I would love a bit of a recap in the beginning of future books in this series.
A great story that picks up right at the cliffhanger from the last book. I would love a bit of a recap in the beginning of future books in this series.
July 28, 2024
Great
Read, all the books keep you going. Pat, Holly and kids trying to make it to a better place. Not sure who to trust. Suspenseful.
Read, all the books keep you going. Pat, Holly and kids trying to make it to a better place. Not sure who to trust. Suspenseful.
July 9, 2024
Wow , what a story once again. What will happen now that the power is out. How will anyone even escape the danger and the chaos. Once you start reading, there’s no stopping.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews