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Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
An EMP attack throws the nation into chaos, and Manhattan is on the verge of collapse.
After a harrowing near-death experience, extreme sports athlete Ayden Miller is finally on the road to recovery. Throughout this ordeal, his girlfriend, Mia, has been a constant source of strength and unwavering support.
Accustomed to navigating the treacherous terrains of the world's most daunting natural landscapes, Ayden faces an entirely different challenge when an urgent family crisis calls him back to New York City. There, he's thrust into an unforeseen battle for survival as a devastating EMP attack cripples the city, threatening to plunge it into total chaos.
Alongside his sister, Clara, Ayden is thrust into a desperate bid to flee Manhattan as society collapses around them. The city's descent into anarchy is a brutal reminder that nature isn't the only force to be reckoned with. With every passing moment, Ayden's hopes of reuniting with Mia grow dimmer.
Back in the rugged wilderness of Wyoming, Mia and her boys confront a menacing threat as an old adversary sees the EMP-induced chaos as the perfect opportunity to settle old scores, targeting Mia and her sons as pawns in a vengeful scheme. Faced with the ultimate test of survival, Mia must draw upon her deep well of resourcefulness and courage to protect her children and make it to safety.
In this tale of survival, Ayden and Mia's stories converge in a dramatic struggle against the forces that seek to keep them apart.
Collapse, book one in the high-octane Conquer the Dark series, is perfect for fans of Jack Hunt, Grace Hamilton, Harley Tate, and Mike Kraus.
After a harrowing near-death experience, extreme sports athlete Ayden Miller is finally on the road to recovery. Throughout this ordeal, his girlfriend, Mia, has been a constant source of strength and unwavering support.
Accustomed to navigating the treacherous terrains of the world's most daunting natural landscapes, Ayden faces an entirely different challenge when an urgent family crisis calls him back to New York City. There, he's thrust into an unforeseen battle for survival as a devastating EMP attack cripples the city, threatening to plunge it into total chaos.
Alongside his sister, Clara, Ayden is thrust into a desperate bid to flee Manhattan as society collapses around them. The city's descent into anarchy is a brutal reminder that nature isn't the only force to be reckoned with. With every passing moment, Ayden's hopes of reuniting with Mia grow dimmer.
Back in the rugged wilderness of Wyoming, Mia and her boys confront a menacing threat as an old adversary sees the EMP-induced chaos as the perfect opportunity to settle old scores, targeting Mia and her sons as pawns in a vengeful scheme. Faced with the ultimate test of survival, Mia must draw upon her deep well of resourcefulness and courage to protect her children and make it to safety.
In this tale of survival, Ayden and Mia's stories converge in a dramatic struggle against the forces that seek to keep them apart.
Collapse, book one in the high-octane Conquer the Dark series, is perfect for fans of Jack Hunt, Grace Hamilton, Harley Tate, and Mike Kraus.
- GenresDystopia
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
784 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 11, 2024
ESCAPING NEW YORK IS JUST AS CLOSE TO TRYING TO ESCAPE HELL ITSELF YOU'LL FIND
Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Conquer the Dark Series, Book 1) by T. L. Payne is a very intriguing and well written tell of a brother and sister trying to escape Manhattan, NY, and a mother and her three sons in Lander, Wyoming, after an EMP has taking out the U.S. infrastructure. The characters, which are many, are well defined and you will be routing for Ayden and Clara Miller as they flee the chaos of Manhattan and Mia (Ayden's girlfriend) and her kids struggle to return to their family's ranch.
This being the first book in this series, I can definitely tell you it will keep your interest throughout and once you finish this first book you'll immediatel continue on with the next book just to make sure the characters make it to survive another day.
Quotes:
"Where loves reigns, the impossible maybe attained." Indian proverb
"The most primal fear of all - the fear of the world where humanity's worst instincts were unleashed, and survival came at the cost of one's own soul."
"Hard work, like with every other disaster we've faced as a nation. People will pull together, roll up their sleeves, and simply get on with it."
Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Conquer the Dark Series, Book 1) by T. L. Payne is a very intriguing and well written tell of a brother and sister trying to escape Manhattan, NY, and a mother and her three sons in Lander, Wyoming, after an EMP has taking out the U.S. infrastructure. The characters, which are many, are well defined and you will be routing for Ayden and Clara Miller as they flee the chaos of Manhattan and Mia (Ayden's girlfriend) and her kids struggle to return to their family's ranch.
This being the first book in this series, I can definitely tell you it will keep your interest throughout and once you finish this first book you'll immediatel continue on with the next book just to make sure the characters make it to survive another day.
Quotes:
"Where loves reigns, the impossible maybe attained." Indian proverb
"The most primal fear of all - the fear of the world where humanity's worst instincts were unleashed, and survival came at the cost of one's own soul."
"Hard work, like with every other disaster we've faced as a nation. People will pull together, roll up their sleeves, and simply get on with it."
October 17, 2024
This starts as a fairly standard EMP attack story. People not home, evil elites with a secret, vengeful guy looking to victimized family for a grudge. It was OK. My main issue is the intelligence level of some of the characters. Mia is in the middle of nowhere Montana with her three children and leaves her weapon in the car. But everyone knows everyone there?? Many people in the western rural areas carry a weapon because there are predators etc. So foolish. Ayden and his sister just don't come to grips with what is happening even after several people offer the explanation of what happened. Their interaction is often just odd, though perhaps explained by being raised in such a dysfunctional environment. Just when I thought Clara might be OK, she charges off to save someone else. They were lucky rather than smart. I'm a little on the fence about book 2, but am curious as to what will happen.
October 12, 2024
New York Is Not Part of New England!!
I like the story & the writing, but the author refers to New York as bring part of New England more than a dozen times. It was like nails on a chalkboard. New England has the Red Sox & New York has the smelly Yankees.
I like the story & the writing, but the author refers to New York as bring part of New England more than a dozen times. It was like nails on a chalkboard. New England has the Red Sox & New York has the smelly Yankees.
October 19, 2025
T.L. Payne’s Collapse is a riveting, heart-pounding start to the Conquer the Dark series, combining the visceral thrill of an apocalyptic crisis with the emotional depth of a love story tested by catastrophe. The novel’s power lies not only in its tension and realism but in its portrayal of human endurance under unimaginable pressure.
Ayden Miller’s journey through a crumbling Manhattan captures both the chaos of urban collapse and the quiet determination of a man who refuses to surrender. Payne writes him as more than an action hero he’s a survivor haunted by guilt, driven by loyalty, and grounded by love. Parallel to his fight for escape, Mia’s arc in Wyoming injects the story with emotional gravity. Her battle to protect her sons against vengeance and lawlessness gives the novel its beating heart.
Payne’s pacing is impeccable tight, cinematic, and immersive. Each scene carries a pulse, building toward a convergence of survival and reunion that feels both inevitable and earned. Beyond its thrills, Collapse invites readers to question the fragility of civilization and the enduring power of human connection. It’s not just an EMP survival thriller it’s a testament to the strength of love in the face of collapse.
Ayden Miller’s journey through a crumbling Manhattan captures both the chaos of urban collapse and the quiet determination of a man who refuses to surrender. Payne writes him as more than an action hero he’s a survivor haunted by guilt, driven by loyalty, and grounded by love. Parallel to his fight for escape, Mia’s arc in Wyoming injects the story with emotional gravity. Her battle to protect her sons against vengeance and lawlessness gives the novel its beating heart.
Payne’s pacing is impeccable tight, cinematic, and immersive. Each scene carries a pulse, building toward a convergence of survival and reunion that feels both inevitable and earned. Beyond its thrills, Collapse invites readers to question the fragility of civilization and the enduring power of human connection. It’s not just an EMP survival thriller it’s a testament to the strength of love in the face of collapse.
November 24, 2024
Great First Book of series.
I love post-apocalyptic survival books. I guess I try to propel myself onto the series on case something like that happens here. The way the world here in the US is today this apocalyptic could happen at any time. This beginning series introduces Ayden and his sister, then Mia his girlfriend and her three boys and Kane the bad guy. Auden and his sister just lost their mom at a Manhatten hospital and now they are finding their way out of a very dangerous area and into New Jersey. From there they want to go to Mia’s and her parents ranch in Wyoming. In the meantime Mai and her three little boys found danger with Zane who held a vendetta against Mia’s father. The danger is around everyone as the country falls into chaos. I’m excited now to read the second book of the series to find out more of the main characters dramatic stories.
I love post-apocalyptic survival books. I guess I try to propel myself onto the series on case something like that happens here. The way the world here in the US is today this apocalyptic could happen at any time. This beginning series introduces Ayden and his sister, then Mia his girlfriend and her three boys and Kane the bad guy. Auden and his sister just lost their mom at a Manhatten hospital and now they are finding their way out of a very dangerous area and into New Jersey. From there they want to go to Mia’s and her parents ranch in Wyoming. In the meantime Mai and her three little boys found danger with Zane who held a vendetta against Mia’s father. The danger is around everyone as the country falls into chaos. I’m excited now to read the second book of the series to find out more of the main characters dramatic stories.
November 8, 2024
So far not bad. At least they arnt military loaded with weapons and prepper food storage. First book is Aydin, a sport adrenaline junky and his sister Carla fighting their way out of the city and headed to find his girlfriend in Wyoming. Girlfriend Mia is struggling to survive a crazed stalker kidnapping to save her three kids so you go back and forth between the two stories to see where everyone is at in their drama. Next book will be the trials along the way and reuniting if I had to guess but willing to go along for the ride and see how they do in number 2.
May 30, 2024
Ayden goes home to see his mother after her/Goes to the hospital.
After Going to his uncle's And securing a bike goes to his sister Clara's apartment And together they go to the hospital to see Their mother. After leaving the hospital they try to go to alpine New Jersey to Clara's friend's house. In the mean time Mia has run into trouble with a former disgruntled Employee of her fathers.
After Going to his uncle's And securing a bike goes to his sister Clara's apartment And together they go to the hospital to see Their mother. After leaving the hospital they try to go to alpine New Jersey to Clara's friend's house. In the mean time Mia has run into trouble with a former disgruntled Employee of her fathers.
July 7, 2024
A New Genre
I have never really been into the Apocalypse and those types of books. But Amazon suggested a book from an author I follow, so I thought sure I'll give it a shot. Unfortunately it was book 4 in the series and I was LOST! After a bit I stopped and found Collapse Book 1. All I can say is I'm hooked. Now time to get Book 2. Thank you T.L. Payne for keeping us on the edge of our seats and leaving me wondering about....
I have never really been into the Apocalypse and those types of books. But Amazon suggested a book from an author I follow, so I thought sure I'll give it a shot. Unfortunately it was book 4 in the series and I was LOST! After a bit I stopped and found Collapse Book 1. All I can say is I'm hooked. Now time to get Book 2. Thank you T.L. Payne for keeping us on the edge of our seats and leaving me wondering about....
September 13, 2024
Good story line and characters
Character development was really nice, along with supporting characters that drew you in. Switching back and forth, the story is told from two different people, living out the emp aftermath in two different states. I enjoyed the chapters switching between both main characters’ points of view.
It wasn’t raunchy, overly graphic, or saturated with explicit language. It was definitely a book I couldn’t put down.
Character development was really nice, along with supporting characters that drew you in. Switching back and forth, the story is told from two different people, living out the emp aftermath in two different states. I enjoyed the chapters switching between both main characters’ points of view.
It wasn’t raunchy, overly graphic, or saturated with explicit language. It was definitely a book I couldn’t put down.
May 18, 2024
A worthy opening salvo!
Collapse is a post temp thriller with many aspects of survival in a major city not included in other entries in the genre, including one I've always wondered why no-one utilized as a resource in other books. The characters and writing are excellent, the plot relentlessly anxiety inducing. I can't wait to continue the series!
Collapse is a post temp thriller with many aspects of survival in a major city not included in other entries in the genre, including one I've always wondered why no-one utilized as a resource in other books. The characters and writing are excellent, the plot relentlessly anxiety inducing. I can't wait to continue the series!
July 21, 2024
heroes weak
heroes are so weak. for a girl living in the west she appears quite stupid. unable to put the simplest thing together however she is smarter than her male counterpart who is supposed to be an extreme outdoor person. he actually was supposed to make money for it. i keep hoping it will get better.
heroes are so weak. for a girl living in the west she appears quite stupid. unable to put the simplest thing together however she is smarter than her male counterpart who is supposed to be an extreme outdoor person. he actually was supposed to make money for it. i keep hoping it will get better.
July 27, 2024
good story
Good story, interesting characters. A kidnapping taking place at the beginning of an apocalypse. Conquer the Dark series is an EMP apocalypse, with some kind of attack causing an EMP or electromagnetic pulse that wipes out electrical devices, cars and power in an area that could include the country or the world if several went off in different locations.
Good story, interesting characters. A kidnapping taking place at the beginning of an apocalypse. Conquer the Dark series is an EMP apocalypse, with some kind of attack causing an EMP or electromagnetic pulse that wipes out electrical devices, cars and power in an area that could include the country or the world if several went off in different locations.
October 4, 2024
I mean it's okay, but...
If things annoy you, like a single mum forgetting your pistol when the end of the world arrives and she and her 3 kids are left defenceless, wait until the next book when 2 giant rottweillers don't hear a bunch of people coming to attack... but if yiu can deal with that type of stuff, then you'll be fine, read on.
If things annoy you, like a single mum forgetting your pistol when the end of the world arrives and she and her 3 kids are left defenceless, wait until the next book when 2 giant rottweillers don't hear a bunch of people coming to attack... but if yiu can deal with that type of stuff, then you'll be fine, read on.
October 23, 2024
Fast moving EMP story.
The story tells about Aiden, who is trying to get back to Wyoming and Mia and her boys who are in Wyoming. It moves very quickly. There is some non-descriptive violence, but very little foul language. I really enjoyed the story, although it ends on a cliffhanger.
The story tells about Aiden, who is trying to get back to Wyoming and Mia and her boys who are in Wyoming. It moves very quickly. There is some non-descriptive violence, but very little foul language. I really enjoyed the story, although it ends on a cliffhanger.
January 15, 2025
I heart new york
Well that was fun. Running around the city staying out of trouble. Good characters and story with crazy action pretty much at every turn. On to the next! Another good EMP survival in NYC book is Burning Bridges by Russell Phillips. kind of similar to this but watch out for the Mole people!
Well that was fun. Running around the city staying out of trouble. Good characters and story with crazy action pretty much at every turn. On to the next! Another good EMP survival in NYC book is Burning Bridges by Russell Phillips. kind of similar to this but watch out for the Mole people!
March 7, 2025
Library book sale bundle of 4 (which is annoying bc it's a 6 book set)- super quick and easy read. More like the start of an apocalyptic event (EMP, total loss of electronics). Writing is fairly poor and the plot is rather predictable. The expected devolution of humanity, with the core few who band together to make their way through the awfulness. Think- gluttonous beach read.
September 7, 2025
This is a great start to another apocalyptic survival thriller by Payne and I’m excited to read the next book!!
Great characters and intense action scenes have me hooked!! I need to know how things are going to turn out. New York City fell apart so fast, I definitely wouldn’t want to be there in an apocalypse. But there are bad people everywhere, it’s just better when there are so many people!!
Great characters and intense action scenes have me hooked!! I need to know how things are going to turn out. New York City fell apart so fast, I definitely wouldn’t want to be there in an apocalypse. But there are bad people everywhere, it’s just better when there are so many people!!
March 7, 2024
I read an advance copy of this book. This is the first book in a new series by this author. It does not disappoint. The book takes place in Wyoming and New York/New Jersey. The characters struggle with accepting the new reality after the EMP.
April 13, 2024
What a great new book and series from T.L. Payne. I love this author and read this book in one sitting. Great captivating storyline with really interesting characters. I can’t wait till his release of the next book in the series.
April 30, 2024
This was excellent! I finished it in just one sitting, not because it is a short story, but because it had me completely riveted from start to finish! A fast paced, high octane EMP survival thriller, that I thoroughly enjoyed & do recommend strongly!
May 4, 2024
Great start!
Excellent start to a new series! I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The writing was great. I really liked the idea of regular people plunged into the chaos of a post Emp scenario. I can't wait for book 2. A definite recommend!
Excellent start to a new series! I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The writing was great. I really liked the idea of regular people plunged into the chaos of a post Emp scenario. I can't wait for book 2. A definite recommend!
May 27, 2024
Another great book
T. L. Payne is one of my favorites. The stories are always well put together and interesting. This book is no exception. Enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to seeing how Mia's story plays out.
T. L. Payne is one of my favorites. The stories are always well put together and interesting. This book is no exception. Enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to seeing how Mia's story plays out.
May 28, 2024
A new series
I love these Apocalyptic books . There are several authors I follow. T. L. Payne is one. I am never disappointed with his characters or plot lines. The action is non stop as he developed different story line for different characters and settind.
I love these Apocalyptic books . There are several authors I follow. T. L. Payne is one. I am never disappointed with his characters or plot lines. The action is non stop as he developed different story line for different characters and settind.
August 6, 2024
2 stories in 1
This novel Which continues on after the cliffhangers Presents the reader 2 different stories That are melted together To become1 intense beginning! The 2 different settings also lend a spice to the story Not present In 1 setting stories.
This novel Which continues on after the cliffhangers Presents the reader 2 different stories That are melted together To become1 intense beginning! The 2 different settings also lend a spice to the story Not present In 1 setting stories.
May 3, 2024
Collapse book 1
Very good reading. Would not like to be in Manhattan if that ever happened. To big and to many people.
Very good reading. Would not like to be in Manhattan if that ever happened. To big and to many people.
May 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book
Good read looking forward to book 2. One criticism, New York and New Jersey are not part of New England.
Good read looking forward to book 2. One criticism, New York and New Jersey are not part of New England.
May 26, 2024
Loved it.
As usual TL Payne delivers a fantastic read. Great characters and plot twists. Can't wait for the next one! .
As usual TL Payne delivers a fantastic read. Great characters and plot twists. Can't wait for the next one! .
July 8, 2024
Captivating
First read with this guy and you
are captured early on. Great character development and story line.
I just want to know who's in 3-B
First read with this guy and you
are captured early on. Great character development and story line.
I just want to know who's in 3-B
July 10, 2024
Really not readable
I put up with ms. Payne locating New York in New England but couldn't handle the unending navel gazing and and what it's from the brother and sister.
I put up with ms. Payne locating New York in New England but couldn't handle the unending navel gazing and and what it's from the brother and sister.
August 6, 2024
riveting
Wow. This book kept my attention and was an engrossing read. I’m not so enamored with NYC any more. Can’t wait to see if Ayden makes it back to Wyoming.
Wow. This book kept my attention and was an engrossing read. I’m not so enamored with NYC any more. Can’t wait to see if Ayden makes it back to Wyoming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews