What do you think?
Rate this book
Nuclear War #1
Aftermath 1
Nuclear war would be the war to end all wars.
This is how the world ends. But …
The real battle for survival was just beginning.
No one is immune from the horror of a war of extinction.
The living will envy the dead.
Aftermath Book 1 in the Nuclear War series delves into a chilling look where the pinnacle of human innovation turns into mankind’s greatest nightmare.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.” As political leaders repeat the oft-cited statement, they still prepare for a wide-scale nuclear war scenario. Today, a new element has been introduced into the preparations—artificial intelligence. The United States, in its quest to rapidly and effectively defend the nation from a nuclear attack, has incorporated AI into its operation plan of response.
But what if the artificial intelligence relied upon by the nation’s decision-makers is wrong? What if AI takes the controls of America’s nuclear response? Might it trigger nuclear war without justification? As leaders around the world have stated often, “There’s no such thing as a small nuclear war.”
When a series of unforeseen events triggers a cascade of errors in the AI algorithms, the delicate balance between geopolitical foes is shattered. In less than an hour, nuclear warheads begin to detonate across the Northern Hemisphere from the Far East to Russia to Europe to the United States. With no functioning government, nations and societies collapse. Murder and mayhem rule the day. The aftermath yields the expected result. The gates of hell have been thrust open and ordinary citizens pay the price as they discover nuclear war may kill millions but the aftermath, nuclear winter, will kill billions.
The Bartlett family is the fourth generation of lobstermen living on Swan’s Island in Maine. Billy and his sons operate a lobster fishing vessel while his wife, Tammy, runs the island’s fisherman’s co-operative. Their youngest daughter, Abbie, just graduated from Boston University. She’s preparing for her wedding to Coast Guardsman, Daniel Murphy. Good times and bright futures are being celebrated by the family as well as the other 350 residents of Swan's Island. Then, nuclear Armageddon struck them down with its mighty sword.
This is how the world ends. But …
The real battle for survival was just beginning.
No one is immune from the horror of a war of extinction.
The living will envy the dead.
Aftermath Book 1 in the Nuclear War series delves into a chilling look where the pinnacle of human innovation turns into mankind’s greatest nightmare.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.” As political leaders repeat the oft-cited statement, they still prepare for a wide-scale nuclear war scenario. Today, a new element has been introduced into the preparations—artificial intelligence. The United States, in its quest to rapidly and effectively defend the nation from a nuclear attack, has incorporated AI into its operation plan of response.
But what if the artificial intelligence relied upon by the nation’s decision-makers is wrong? What if AI takes the controls of America’s nuclear response? Might it trigger nuclear war without justification? As leaders around the world have stated often, “There’s no such thing as a small nuclear war.”
When a series of unforeseen events triggers a cascade of errors in the AI algorithms, the delicate balance between geopolitical foes is shattered. In less than an hour, nuclear warheads begin to detonate across the Northern Hemisphere from the Far East to Russia to Europe to the United States. With no functioning government, nations and societies collapse. Murder and mayhem rule the day. The aftermath yields the expected result. The gates of hell have been thrust open and ordinary citizens pay the price as they discover nuclear war may kill millions but the aftermath, nuclear winter, will kill billions.
The Bartlett family is the fourth generation of lobstermen living on Swan’s Island in Maine. Billy and his sons operate a lobster fishing vessel while his wife, Tammy, runs the island’s fisherman’s co-operative. Their youngest daughter, Abbie, just graduated from Boston University. She’s preparing for her wedding to Coast Guardsman, Daniel Murphy. Good times and bright futures are being celebrated by the family as well as the other 350 residents of Swan's Island. Then, nuclear Armageddon struck them down with its mighty sword.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
914 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Akart
98 books406 followersInternational bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 31, 2024
The premise of the book is very interesting; what if "we" made use of AI to determine the response to a possible attack from another country (apparently not programmed for any potential mistakes by another country). With the increase in what people blithely call AI in society, this has a lot of potential for a story of this kind. The book was well-written for the most part, but I have two issues with it. The buildup is slow...very slow, apparently to let us get to know about characters that we might care about. It is slow enough that I learned far more about lobster fishing than I knew before; I guess any opportunity to learn something new is OK though, yeah? The other issue is this author's propensity for his conservative political views to intrude more than necessary. I've never been a fan of including real people in a story since they automatically bring their story into the plot. Whilst he doesn't call the president by name, it is obvious he is portraying Biden as a doddering incompetent where the chief of staff and First Lady are making the important decisions and hiding the "truth" about the President from everyone. I just plain find that a bit offensive since Biden is clearly not a doddering, incompetent no matter what the rightwing talking points say. The onset of war is very fast (as it would be) and rather terrifying. I am a bit interested in what happens but am put off enough by the political slag on Biden that I doubt that I will. Pity as this could have been a good series.
February 8, 2025
Seventy percent of this book is about bloody lobster trawling in Maine. I now know as much about lobster trawling and the electrical systems of boats, and what weather apps to use, and why you need 2 EPIRBs, 2 satphones, 2 UHFs, 2 snatch straps - sorry, forgot I wasn't 4WDing. No snatch straps were mentioned.
However, did I mention lobsters?
I think I better mention it again: LOBSTERS. This book is about catching LOBSTERS, with about 20% of nuclear war at the end.
An actual picture of me reading this book:
Finally, at the 70% mark, the nuclear war started to ramp up. Loads of action then, but ugh, this was almost a DNF. Look, Bobby Akart can write, but FUCKING LOBSTERS when I wanted explosions!
NOOOOoooooo
However, did I mention lobsters?
I think I better mention it again: LOBSTERS. This book is about catching LOBSTERS, with about 20% of nuclear war at the end.
An actual picture of me reading this book:
Finally, at the 70% mark, the nuclear war started to ramp up. Loads of action then, but ugh, this was almost a DNF. Look, Bobby Akart can write, but FUCKING LOBSTERS when I wanted explosions!
NOOOOoooooo
July 26, 2024
Another great Bobby Akart, first in a series.
One of my favorite authors delivers another great one. Can’t wait for the next installments. Much better than Beyond the Gates.
One of my favorite authors delivers another great one. Can’t wait for the next installments. Much better than Beyond the Gates.
November 20, 2024
The first 80% of this book is so painfully slow, I almost gave up on it. So much time was spent introducing (what I assume will be) the main characters, that I zoned out and don't remember most of them. It just wasn't interesting at all. The story picked up a lot once the bombs started to fall, but almost the entire first book is disposable. I suspect that when I'm done, my impression will be that all 3 books should have been combined into one, with the vast majority of book 1 being removed. That version would still be on the shorter side of medium length, and readers would only have to purchase it once -- something that goes against this author's usual M.O. of carving a single book into three really short ones, so money can be extracted from the readers three times. I'm growing weary of that approach, so I'll probably be done with Akart after I'm finished this mini-series.
August 7, 2024
🦞 lobster
Everything u need to know about lobstering. I skimmed 90% of this book, waiting for something nuclear to happen. I finally gave up with 1 hr left to read.
I highly don't recommend this book unless you want to learn about.....you guessed it...Lobster!
Everything u need to know about lobstering. I skimmed 90% of this book, waiting for something nuclear to happen. I finally gave up with 1 hr left to read.
I highly don't recommend this book unless you want to learn about.....you guessed it...Lobster!
July 27, 2024
Will You be an Ostrich or an Eagle?
***Trigger Warning *** Extremely real scenarios of violence and nuclear annihilation.
Bobby Akart has done it again. Aftermath 1: A Nuclear War Survival Thriller is just a little too close for my comfort. As usual, his research is impeccable, and the story flows as if it were coming from the daily news, unedited, horrifying, and all too realistic.
On a remote island off of the coast of Maine, generations of families have earned their living as Lobstermen. Or as they call it, Lobstahs. Daniel and Theresa are getting ready for the wedding of their daughter, Abbey. Swan Island, their home, is mostly self-sufficient but for imports of food and fuel. Right now, Theresa is adding to the shipments with wedding preparations.
Across the world, in the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, or the DPRK, the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, is coordinating his first long-range, intercontinental ballistic missile test designed to show the Americans that he has the power to crush them at will. When his two leading generals hesitatingly tell him the missile isn't ready, he has them dragged out and sent to a hard labour camp. His new generals assure him everything is fine.
Back on Swan Island, Theresa and Abbey are alternately in tears and giggles as they wait for the arrival of her fiancé, Daniel Murphy. Mainers are known for their lack of welcome to outsiders, and Abbey worries about Daniel fitting in with her tight-knit family.
In Washington, DC, at the United States Stategic Command or USSTRATCOM for short, a disturbing discussion is being batted back and forth between high level Intelligence and Military command. The wording concerning the instructions for the nuclear football and the circumstances governing First Strike has been altered when AI had been added into the mix. Military command is concerned First Strike could be decided without input by the President of the United States himself. With the current concern about the President's health, AI making the First Strike decision is a two-edged sword.
On Swan Island, Daniel arrives and is put through the typical ribbing, put out to sea, and forced to go lobstering, survives and comes back with the new moniker, Sonny. The wedding goes off without a hitch, and the new Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are off to Switzerland to Honeymoon.
As you read each chapter of Aftermath 1, you will gather more information about the military readiness, in particular, the nuclear weapons capability, of not only the United States and North Korea but also Russia and The People's Republic of China. As well, you will gain insight into how the frame of mind of a current country’s leader affects Military decisions. It will become obvious who is positioned to succeed.
I found Aftermath 1 to be an abrupt wake-up call. I'm not an uninformed person. I read a wide variety of news sources and listen to both commercial and public radio. I am still horrified at the direction Mr. Akart's novel came to as a natural conclusion. I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide for yourself, if you agree. And, if so, what will you do to make a difference?
***Trigger Warning *** Extremely real scenarios of violence and nuclear annihilation.
Bobby Akart has done it again. Aftermath 1: A Nuclear War Survival Thriller is just a little too close for my comfort. As usual, his research is impeccable, and the story flows as if it were coming from the daily news, unedited, horrifying, and all too realistic.
On a remote island off of the coast of Maine, generations of families have earned their living as Lobstermen. Or as they call it, Lobstahs. Daniel and Theresa are getting ready for the wedding of their daughter, Abbey. Swan Island, their home, is mostly self-sufficient but for imports of food and fuel. Right now, Theresa is adding to the shipments with wedding preparations.
Across the world, in the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, or the DPRK, the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, is coordinating his first long-range, intercontinental ballistic missile test designed to show the Americans that he has the power to crush them at will. When his two leading generals hesitatingly tell him the missile isn't ready, he has them dragged out and sent to a hard labour camp. His new generals assure him everything is fine.
Back on Swan Island, Theresa and Abbey are alternately in tears and giggles as they wait for the arrival of her fiancé, Daniel Murphy. Mainers are known for their lack of welcome to outsiders, and Abbey worries about Daniel fitting in with her tight-knit family.
In Washington, DC, at the United States Stategic Command or USSTRATCOM for short, a disturbing discussion is being batted back and forth between high level Intelligence and Military command. The wording concerning the instructions for the nuclear football and the circumstances governing First Strike has been altered when AI had been added into the mix. Military command is concerned First Strike could be decided without input by the President of the United States himself. With the current concern about the President's health, AI making the First Strike decision is a two-edged sword.
On Swan Island, Daniel arrives and is put through the typical ribbing, put out to sea, and forced to go lobstering, survives and comes back with the new moniker, Sonny. The wedding goes off without a hitch, and the new Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are off to Switzerland to Honeymoon.
As you read each chapter of Aftermath 1, you will gather more information about the military readiness, in particular, the nuclear weapons capability, of not only the United States and North Korea but also Russia and The People's Republic of China. As well, you will gain insight into how the frame of mind of a current country’s leader affects Military decisions. It will become obvious who is positioned to succeed.
I found Aftermath 1 to be an abrupt wake-up call. I'm not an uninformed person. I read a wide variety of news sources and listen to both commercial and public radio. I am still horrified at the direction Mr. Akart's novel came to as a natural conclusion. I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide for yourself, if you agree. And, if so, what will you do to make a difference?
July 28, 2024
Wow...
Bobby Akart does it again! After the setup of the characters, this book flies off the pages and grabs you by the throat. I read it in one sitting, it was just that good. Highly recommend 👌!
Bobby Akart does it again! After the setup of the characters, this book flies off the pages and grabs you by the throat. I read it in one sitting, it was just that good. Highly recommend 👌!
August 11, 2024
Swan’s Island?!?!
So, I downloaded a bunch of books for my annual vacation and this was one of them. I have enjoyed many of Bobby Akart’s other books, so I hoped I would enjoy this one. On my first day of vacation I opened it to the first chapter and saw that it takes place at the Fisherman’s Co-Op on Swan’s Island, Maine… the island where I go for vacation every year! Where I was currently sitting in a chair near the ocean, just around the corner from the Co-Op where the first chapter takes place!
Mr. Akart wrote a very enjoyable book set in part on a magical island. I look forward to seeing where the story goes! He got a lot of things right, a few wrong, and he didn’t mention one of the things I love about the island: everybody waves at everyone else, and with all four fingers & thumb, not just the middle finger! As to the wrong: the Hillbilly Weatherman does exist in all his NSFW glory and if you’re in New England, he has the most accurate forecast for big storms. But he only covers winter storms. While it would be awesome (and hilarious) to see, he doesn’t cover hurricanes. Sorry! And, he lives in Francestown, not Francistown.
Other than those small issues, it was a very enjoyable book. Even if it hadn’t taken place in part on the small, magical island I love it still would have been enjoyable. Thank you, Mr. Akart!
So, I downloaded a bunch of books for my annual vacation and this was one of them. I have enjoyed many of Bobby Akart’s other books, so I hoped I would enjoy this one. On my first day of vacation I opened it to the first chapter and saw that it takes place at the Fisherman’s Co-Op on Swan’s Island, Maine… the island where I go for vacation every year! Where I was currently sitting in a chair near the ocean, just around the corner from the Co-Op where the first chapter takes place!
Mr. Akart wrote a very enjoyable book set in part on a magical island. I look forward to seeing where the story goes! He got a lot of things right, a few wrong, and he didn’t mention one of the things I love about the island: everybody waves at everyone else, and with all four fingers & thumb, not just the middle finger! As to the wrong: the Hillbilly Weatherman does exist in all his NSFW glory and if you’re in New England, he has the most accurate forecast for big storms. But he only covers winter storms. While it would be awesome (and hilarious) to see, he doesn’t cover hurricanes. Sorry! And, he lives in Francestown, not Francistown.
Other than those small issues, it was a very enjoyable book. Even if it hadn’t taken place in part on the small, magical island I love it still would have been enjoyable. Thank you, Mr. Akart!
November 11, 2024
poor writing quality
I had such high hopes for this based on the reviews. What a disappointment. I am a fan of the genre but not this guy.
I had such high hopes for this based on the reviews. What a disappointment. I am a fan of the genre but not this guy.
March 15, 2025
Terrifying Yet Realistic
In some ways, human nature is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. We are one of the only species on the planet that kills for revenge, even when we have to set aside self preservation in order to do so, and even when such actions threaten the survival of the entire species.
AI is just as terrifying. It has no real concept of self preservation or ability to change it's course of action at the last minute. It doesn't have feelings or compassion or empathy. So the concept of entrusting it with the nuclear codes seems ludacris, yet you better believe that this very thing has been proposed and is likely already in place in some capacity not just in the United States, but elsewhere in the world as well.
This book pairs human nature with an AI that's been put in charge of our response to a nuclear attack, then adds in a variable that the AI has no ability to account for. Unsurprisingly, the result is catastrophic.
As many others have noted, this book starts off slowly. You get to know the main characters and receive a solid introduction to the island they live on, the co-op they own, and lobster fishing. In fact, it's not until much, much later in the story that things get really interesting and the story picks up the pace. Despite the slow roll, however, when the action happens, it happens fast and all of that introductory lead up begins to make sense.
I'd always imagined that if a nuclear war were to break out, all it would take would be a few massive bombs to bring a country to it's knees. The number of bombs being exchanged in this book, however, is far, far higher than that. The failure of AI to respond to the initial strike appropriately is terrifying, and the response of enemy nations is swift and incredibly brutal. The outcome is, in a word, apocalyptic.
Yet in the aftermath there are survivors and there is hope. Despite fact that this book may be the scariest thing I've ever read, including the many, many Stephen King novels I've devoured in the past, I'm completely hooked on the series and invested in these characters and their journey. I'm already halfway through book 2 with book 3 lined up to follow.
In some ways, human nature is one of the most terrifying things imaginable. We are one of the only species on the planet that kills for revenge, even when we have to set aside self preservation in order to do so, and even when such actions threaten the survival of the entire species.
AI is just as terrifying. It has no real concept of self preservation or ability to change it's course of action at the last minute. It doesn't have feelings or compassion or empathy. So the concept of entrusting it with the nuclear codes seems ludacris, yet you better believe that this very thing has been proposed and is likely already in place in some capacity not just in the United States, but elsewhere in the world as well.
This book pairs human nature with an AI that's been put in charge of our response to a nuclear attack, then adds in a variable that the AI has no ability to account for. Unsurprisingly, the result is catastrophic.
As many others have noted, this book starts off slowly. You get to know the main characters and receive a solid introduction to the island they live on, the co-op they own, and lobster fishing. In fact, it's not until much, much later in the story that things get really interesting and the story picks up the pace. Despite the slow roll, however, when the action happens, it happens fast and all of that introductory lead up begins to make sense.
I'd always imagined that if a nuclear war were to break out, all it would take would be a few massive bombs to bring a country to it's knees. The number of bombs being exchanged in this book, however, is far, far higher than that. The failure of AI to respond to the initial strike appropriately is terrifying, and the response of enemy nations is swift and incredibly brutal. The outcome is, in a word, apocalyptic.
Yet in the aftermath there are survivors and there is hope. Despite fact that this book may be the scariest thing I've ever read, including the many, many Stephen King novels I've devoured in the past, I'm completely hooked on the series and invested in these characters and their journey. I'm already halfway through book 2 with book 3 lined up to follow.
June 18, 2025
A Scary Start With A Possibly Deadly Ending For The World
Bobby Akart has done it again. Another awesome start to a series that was impossible to put down. I love Bobby Akart and everything he writes. He brings a story together, and when you read it, you think, "This could really happen this way." I've read many of his books even before there was Kindle, as I'd carry the paperback in my handbag. I looked for his name, the minute I walked into the store. If it wasn't available, I put in my request for them to order it. And there were a few.
This series is definitely first class. As I read it, I couldn't help but look to the sky and imagine seeing Nuclear Missiles streaming past, only guessing where they would land in North America. Thinking of family and friends.
Bobby Akart and his books do that to me. His writing style makes you believe that it could happen this way. And not just this book and the series, but other "book series" he has written. They really make you think "what if". I highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in "Nuclear War" happening in our country and others around the world. This book brings it all to life, and then I'm hoping it never ever comes to this. This book is just the start of how life could be, for us and the world.
Kudos to Bobby Akart, as he has definitely done it again, with the start of another great series. Now I'm on to book #2.
Bobby Akart has done it again. Another awesome start to a series that was impossible to put down. I love Bobby Akart and everything he writes. He brings a story together, and when you read it, you think, "This could really happen this way." I've read many of his books even before there was Kindle, as I'd carry the paperback in my handbag. I looked for his name, the minute I walked into the store. If it wasn't available, I put in my request for them to order it. And there were a few.
This series is definitely first class. As I read it, I couldn't help but look to the sky and imagine seeing Nuclear Missiles streaming past, only guessing where they would land in North America. Thinking of family and friends.
Bobby Akart and his books do that to me. His writing style makes you believe that it could happen this way. And not just this book and the series, but other "book series" he has written. They really make you think "what if". I highly recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in "Nuclear War" happening in our country and others around the world. This book brings it all to life, and then I'm hoping it never ever comes to this. This book is just the start of how life could be, for us and the world.
Kudos to Bobby Akart, as he has definitely done it again, with the start of another great series. Now I'm on to book #2.
September 18, 2024
This is another of a long list of the author books that are very decent and exciting books. It builds the character development which takes pages to do. By the time of the nuclear exchange, you have a very good sense of the characters and the situations they are in.
Technically, the book was very well edited with just one word misspelled that I read and also a synonym error with one word. The author keeps chapters short even though the table of contents looks daunting with 65 chapters listed. I found it to be a fast read and somewhat very interesting in the attention to detail in a few chapters.
I rated this book as a four star. It didn't meet the criteria for a five star with me, but it really deserves something like a four and a half star rating. I will be continuing this series of books.
Technically, the book was very well edited with just one word misspelled that I read and also a synonym error with one word. The author keeps chapters short even though the table of contents looks daunting with 65 chapters listed. I found it to be a fast read and somewhat very interesting in the attention to detail in a few chapters.
I rated this book as a four star. It didn't meet the criteria for a five star with me, but it really deserves something like a four and a half star rating. I will be continuing this series of books.
March 2, 2025
1/10 boomer slop cold war tom clancy lite nonsense. Even with the digs on the Biden stand-in, it was boring.
The audiobook was lame, monotone droning narrator. What I expected, nuclear war. What I got, an hour about lobster fishing.
This book is already completely outdated, geo-political fan-fiction and wishcasting. Wake me up when someone actually uses a totally real and operational nuclear weapon. The boogie-men of yesteryear have proven to be broken down paper tigers, Iran turned out to be all talk and N. Korea troops didn't fare so well in the current meatgrinder. Russia's not looking so hot and China still can't mass-produce an MRE that doesn't make their own troops sick.
I'm not sticking around for some supposed SLOW BURN about lobster fishing 2.0
The audiobook was lame, monotone droning narrator. What I expected, nuclear war. What I got, an hour about lobster fishing.
This book is already completely outdated, geo-political fan-fiction and wishcasting. Wake me up when someone actually uses a totally real and operational nuclear weapon. The boogie-men of yesteryear have proven to be broken down paper tigers, Iran turned out to be all talk and N. Korea troops didn't fare so well in the current meatgrinder. Russia's not looking so hot and China still can't mass-produce an MRE that doesn't make their own troops sick.
I'm not sticking around for some supposed SLOW BURN about lobster fishing 2.0
September 12, 2024
A good beginning!
Bobby Akart never fails to please. This is no exception. Be forewarned, the end of this book is just the beginning of a larger tale to follow. World War III and its initiation may not be so hard to imagine, considering how easy it is to reimagine the storyline with people and situations that are in the news, currently.
True to form, Mr. Akart brings the reader very familiar with the characters and the intimate details of the foundation of the plot. I even went on YouTube to learn more about lobster men and their livelyhood. Lots of good reading, here. I'm jumping into Aftermath 2, now. More in the next review.
Bobby Akart never fails to please. This is no exception. Be forewarned, the end of this book is just the beginning of a larger tale to follow. World War III and its initiation may not be so hard to imagine, considering how easy it is to reimagine the storyline with people and situations that are in the news, currently.
True to form, Mr. Akart brings the reader very familiar with the characters and the intimate details of the foundation of the plot. I even went on YouTube to learn more about lobster men and their livelyhood. Lots of good reading, here. I'm jumping into Aftermath 2, now. More in the next review.
March 7, 2025
Lackluster and padded with fluff
I really enjoyed Bobby Akart’s post-apocalyptic tale about the New Madrid fault. This is my favorite genre at the moment. This series, though, did not even get going until I was almost to the END of the first book. There was lots of dithering about fishing boats, and details about coastal areas and undersea canyons, and fish, and wedding planning, that are just absolutely not necessary to the story. Added nothing but to add bulk. I found myself fast forwarding just to get on with it. I’m glad I got this through Kindle Unlimited so my financial hit isn’t much. Stop sleepwalking, Bobby!
I really enjoyed Bobby Akart’s post-apocalyptic tale about the New Madrid fault. This is my favorite genre at the moment. This series, though, did not even get going until I was almost to the END of the first book. There was lots of dithering about fishing boats, and details about coastal areas and undersea canyons, and fish, and wedding planning, that are just absolutely not necessary to the story. Added nothing but to add bulk. I found myself fast forwarding just to get on with it. I’m glad I got this through Kindle Unlimited so my financial hit isn’t much. Stop sleepwalking, Bobby!
July 14, 2025
Devil just got lazy
This is my first Akart novel and it really didn’t live up to the author’s hype.
The chacthers fir the most part felt like sock puppet speaking there roles then 40% of the way in the chacther who where civilians were more real then military who were more realist then thouse dumb politicians(except two). I had hope the chacthers should have been more but the book ends in a cliff hanger so I’ll talke about the equipment specs the author used basic details with deep exploration into the why’s of who the things worked just showed a lack to expand the readers mind.
I don’t recommend this book had truly doesn’t bring anything to nuclear warfare subgener.
This is my first Akart novel and it really didn’t live up to the author’s hype.
The chacthers fir the most part felt like sock puppet speaking there roles then 40% of the way in the chacther who where civilians were more real then military who were more realist then thouse dumb politicians(except two). I had hope the chacthers should have been more but the book ends in a cliff hanger so I’ll talke about the equipment specs the author used basic details with deep exploration into the why’s of who the things worked just showed a lack to expand the readers mind.
I don’t recommend this book had truly doesn’t bring anything to nuclear warfare subgener.
July 27, 2024
This book is more frightening than Atlas Shrugged, and that's saying a lot!
I have never read this author before today, but he is a rock star. He gives us a thoroughly researched novel with all too plausible outcomes, and then builds up a family for us to love. The combination is chilling, because it makes the hypothetical feel all too real.
Nuclear war has scared me since I was a kid, but add in AI making the decisions, and this is a nightmare.
I read this in one sitting, and will eagerly read the others.
I have never read this author before today, but he is a rock star. He gives us a thoroughly researched novel with all too plausible outcomes, and then builds up a family for us to love. The combination is chilling, because it makes the hypothetical feel all too real.
Nuclear war has scared me since I was a kid, but add in AI making the decisions, and this is a nightmare.
I read this in one sitting, and will eagerly read the others.
July 29, 2024
The Barlett family, a fourth generation lobstermen family living on Swan's Island in Maine have just spent happiness and family togetherness for daughter Abbie's marriage to Coast Guardsman Daniel. Unfortunately, when nuclear war breaks out they are all separated. Father and husband Billy is out to sea with his 2 sons and others, Mother and wife Tammy is stranded off the island while Abbie and Daniel are honeymooning in Switzerland. Can they survive and get back to each? These questions will be answered in the next 3 books of this scary, possibly ripped from the headlines series.
July 30, 2024
Aftermath 1
This is the first in a four book series. Bobby Akart has done an excellent job of laying the groundwork for what might happen in a nuclear war.
In this book we are introduced to the various characters and places that are involved in this story.
The chilling part of this whole thing is that it is like a foretelling of what might be.
It took me several days to read this, I had to stop to decompress!
Oh, it is good! Bobby Akart does extensive research before beginning and it shows.
This is the first in a four book series. Bobby Akart has done an excellent job of laying the groundwork for what might happen in a nuclear war.
In this book we are introduced to the various characters and places that are involved in this story.
The chilling part of this whole thing is that it is like a foretelling of what might be.
It took me several days to read this, I had to stop to decompress!
Oh, it is good! Bobby Akart does extensive research before beginning and it shows.
July 30, 2024
Another great read from Bobby Akart. Creating a story using current headlines and what could realistically occur from bad decision making. Author has his pulse on current events and creates a story with relatable characters. Caution: Author can help the reader see how government policies affect regular people.
My only issue is that I need to read the rest on kindle unlimited. Due to current inflation and low income, I have to wait for the rest to become available in KU. Please change those availability dates!
My only issue is that I need to read the rest on kindle unlimited. Due to current inflation and low income, I have to wait for the rest to become available in KU. Please change those availability dates!
August 27, 2024
Great start to a nuclear disaster thriller
A nuclear world war starts due to a missile going off course. North Korea, Russia, China, NATO, and the US all have nuclear bombs headed towards them.
The Bartletts are all away from Swan Island, and now they face the challenge of getting home safely in a nuclear holocaust.
The book is exciting and engaging. I couldn't put the book down. It's fiction, but Akart has added a large dose of reality to it with real-world events added.
Great start to a new series.
A nuclear world war starts due to a missile going off course. North Korea, Russia, China, NATO, and the US all have nuclear bombs headed towards them.
The Bartletts are all away from Swan Island, and now they face the challenge of getting home safely in a nuclear holocaust.
The book is exciting and engaging. I couldn't put the book down. It's fiction, but Akart has added a large dose of reality to it with real-world events added.
Great start to a new series.
December 19, 2024
A slow burner, impeccably written
The author's attention to the smallest detail breathes life into the characters, their daily routines and the situations they are going to find themselves in.
This was a chilling story documenting the always-present threat of nuclear war. Some readers might find the incredibly long lead-in a tad pedantic, and I'll admit I was getting a little impatient with so many chapters of scene-setting, but I persevered and was glad I did. The action, when it happened, was scarily sudden and realistic. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The author's attention to the smallest detail breathes life into the characters, their daily routines and the situations they are going to find themselves in.
This was a chilling story documenting the always-present threat of nuclear war. Some readers might find the incredibly long lead-in a tad pedantic, and I'll admit I was getting a little impatient with so many chapters of scene-setting, but I persevered and was glad I did. The action, when it happened, was scarily sudden and realistic. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 16, 2024
Bobby Akart had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the personal story of the Bartlett family. I felt like I was part of the family, experiencing all the emotions. There is so much in-depth information on every aspect of this story and it was a pure page turner. I usually don’t read this intense of a book but I am looking forward to the rest of the series to find out what happens. Excellent book! I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2024
another great Bobby Akart book
Great book. Scary as heck to think this could actually happen, but Bobby makes sure to always set his books in scenes that fit the time period as well as the political climate of late, even though they are fiction. I’m on vacay and this book really caught my attention since we just left both Boston and Bar Harbor, so this was scary but good. Can’t wait for #2!!!
Great book. Scary as heck to think this could actually happen, but Bobby makes sure to always set his books in scenes that fit the time period as well as the political climate of late, even though they are fiction. I’m on vacay and this book really caught my attention since we just left both Boston and Bar Harbor, so this was scary but good. Can’t wait for #2!!!
August 7, 2024
Dammit! He did it again.
Its 5:38 AM and I just reached the end of Aftermath 1 with my heart racing and biting my lip. I was just going to read a chapter or two before going to bed. That was 10 PM... Bobby Akart does this every time!! The book ends with the Bartlet family spread from Europe to out in the. Atlantic ocean, and to Maine. All far from their Swan Island home, when WW3 starts, bringing Armageddon to the world. Aarrgh, how can I get to sleep now.
Its 5:38 AM and I just reached the end of Aftermath 1 with my heart racing and biting my lip. I was just going to read a chapter or two before going to bed. That was 10 PM... Bobby Akart does this every time!! The book ends with the Bartlet family spread from Europe to out in the. Atlantic ocean, and to Maine. All far from their Swan Island home, when WW3 starts, bringing Armageddon to the world. Aarrgh, how can I get to sleep now.
August 11, 2024
I read this book in a very short time frame. I liked how it went back and forth, depicting a typical family to the behind the scenes moments within the government. I noticed a few typos while reading, but again, there were so few, and it didn't take away from the story. I felt like I had to read this with a sense of urgency to find out what was going to happen next. It kept me on my toes! The fact that this scenario could play out in the real world made it all the more terrifying. Terrific read! It was my first book by this author, and I plan to read more. I look forward to the next book in this series!
September 1, 2024
Enjoyable Read
Why did it take a whole novel for the attack we knew was coming from the beginning? And once again the written sticks his main characters many miles apart so the next two volumes are covering g their convergence. Just like all other apocalyptic fiction. Oh for something a bit different. Concentrate on the survival and rebuilding not the travelogue. Still enjoyed it though
Why did it take a whole novel for the attack we knew was coming from the beginning? And once again the written sticks his main characters many miles apart so the next two volumes are covering g their convergence. Just like all other apocalyptic fiction. Oh for something a bit different. Concentrate on the survival and rebuilding not the travelogue. Still enjoyed it though
November 24, 2024
A great unput down Abel read
This book is fabulous! I could not put it down. This author knows what he is talking about. this author obviously has studied political science and knows how things are in our world today. It is evident in his stories. This story may be fiction, but I could actually see an event such as this taking place in our world today. I like the way this author thinks.
This book is fabulous! I could not put it down. This author knows what he is talking about. this author obviously has studied political science and knows how things are in our world today. It is evident in his stories. This story may be fiction, but I could actually see an event such as this taking place in our world today. I like the way this author thinks.
December 19, 2024
Good Start
Longtime reader of Akert. The book is a really good start to what seems to be a great story. As always, great character development, the reader really gets to know the characters and become invested in their future. Makes you want to read the next page. Fairly plausible series of events that lead to trouble, so nothing outlandish there to make you lose interest. Look forward to the next installment and what will happen to who and where!
Longtime reader of Akert. The book is a really good start to what seems to be a great story. As always, great character development, the reader really gets to know the characters and become invested in their future. Makes you want to read the next page. Fairly plausible series of events that lead to trouble, so nothing outlandish there to make you lose interest. Look forward to the next installment and what will happen to who and where!
March 4, 2025
3.5 Stars. I want to give this a better rating but the first 75% was boring. Having been forwarned by other reviews, I skimmed most of the first half. The last 25% was quick and interesting but the plot is lifted too closely from Jacobsen's 2024 book. And finally, blaming the nuclear escalation on AI just to have a mcguffin seemed a long stretch. I do plan on reading the second book as the point at which this ended was just where the story started to improve. Lets hope it's better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews