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Ruin: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller

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A catastrophic EMP attack sends the United States back to the Dark Ages.

Amidst this chaos, Ayden and his sister Clara have fled a collapsed New York. They must now navigate the perilous ruins of a civilization governed by the law of the gun. Their survival hinges on outmaneuvering relentless enemy forces threatening to engulf them in the shadow of war. Together, they must draw strength from one another and the bonds they forge with allies in this brutal struggle.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming, a different battle rages. Mia, Ayden's girlfriend, confronts her own nightmare. Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a vindictive psychopath, she fights not just for her survival but to reunite with her children lost in the storm of chaos.

Ruin is book two in the fast-paced Conquer the Dark series.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2024

495 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Payne

59 books169 followers

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5 stars
475 (66%)
4 stars
166 (23%)
3 stars
52 (7%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews42 followers
December 14, 2024
☆☆☆☆☆

5 DAYS OF PURE TERRIOR WITH RUTHLESS THUGS & FOREIGN FORCES ON U.S. SOIL IS THE ANY HOPE FOR SURVIVEL?

If you are interested in an action-packed, thriller, full of suspense, this book and series is for you. The characters are well defined, and you'll find yourself routing for Ayden and his sister Clara as they struggle to make their escape from the chaos in NY to Ayden's girlfriend and her family in Wyoming.

During their flight from NY, Ayden and Clara teams up with people who provide medical treatment, food, and supplies to help them on their way. In their travels, they team up with an elderly couple in search of their grandson.

All the while, Mia (Ayden's girlfriend) fights for her life from a sick, murderous thug who is out to hurt her and her family. Mia is definitely a strong and determined lady who not only touches your heart during her struggles to reunite with her children and parents on her family's ranch.

This is a story of struggles, hardships, loss, and determination to survive against the worst of the evil and ruthless destruction and loss of life in what I can only imagine to be the worst situation we could ever be brought to face.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,965 reviews67 followers
December 9, 2024
This is generally a fairly good series. The psychotic killer thing is fairly common in this genre and a bit tiresome. This particular crazy took up the better part of 2 books to the extent that we don't know how the Wyoming people are managing the EMP/attack. Ayden and Clara seem to have no end of trouble. I did find it disingenuous that they would be concerned that Joyce and her RV were not going the direction they wanted since they barely escaped death by getting on her RV (and her husband was killed) nor did they bother to tell her that they wanted to get to Wyoming. You just can't be that picky in the apocalypse guys.
Profile Image for Daniel Johnson.
129 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2024
Another great book by T.L. Payne couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next booking the series!

Another great book.in the series filled with great characters and a rich storyline. As always with a T.L. Payne book I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for his next book in the series.
10 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2024
Another great book in the series by T.L. Payne. I loved the storyline, such great characters. I read this book in one sitting. I can’t wait for book 3 to come out so I can find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,565 reviews42 followers
May 23, 2024
A really great second part to this very enjoyable post apocalyptic series! An interesting selection of characters, who find themselves in very precarious situations, makes for a fast paced, exciting & high energy story! A really great read! I can't wait to see what happens next!
826 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2024
Very entertaining

The U S has been attacked. An EMP has been deployed. By who? Unknown, but the usual are suspect.
Meanwhile ordinary people are trying to make it back home.
Very good storyline with interesting characters. And of course the good writing by T.L. Payne.
285 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2024
On to the next!

Interesting story, this a different take on disaster! Wyoming is pretty desolate in the area it takes place. Net York is becoming desolate as disaster and war rage. The heroes need to cross a lot of country and meet up!
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2024
Problems resolved?

This book of The series It's compiled mainly Of 2 different stories Braided together Wondering 1 of the main characters will Turn up later in the series! Read To see if 1 character or another disappears from the story.
Profile Image for Mariah Bowman.
880 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2024
Great read

It's a great read. There were a lot of jumping between characters but it gave a good picture. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone looking for a teotwawki book.
Profile Image for Rachael.
992 reviews
November 3, 2024
Great, full of suspense.

This second installment in the Conquer the Dark Series was really good. The author continues with Mia’s story and Aiden’s story. Plus some about the invasion. It was really fast moving. I can’t wait to read book 3.
534 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2024
Apocalyptic thriller

In the aftermath of the EMP attack on America, Ayden and Clara try to make their way west from New York City. In Wyoming, Mia is desperate to find her children and escape the psychopath who kidnapped her.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,554 reviews38 followers
December 27, 2024
Good read

A good series. Sometimes I wonder why Mia never has her gun handy when she needs it, over and over again. But Kane was taken care of.
The kids that joined Ayden may be a help. We’ll see where this goes.
1 review
June 15, 2025
Very exciting and suspenseful.

Liked the character development. I found myself reading faster to see what happens and I could feel the emotions the main characters were feeling especially during fighting.
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,483 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2025
A Very Intense EMP Survival Story!!

Wow this was really hard to put down!! They went from one crazy intense scene to the next and I needed to know if they’d make it through! I need the next book!
102 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
I read an Advance copy of book two in this series. Excellent co titration of this series.
13 reviews
June 18, 2024
Great book

Can't wait for the next book to come out now I have to find a new one to read.

You know it will be another book VT T J Payne.
Profile Image for William F Lesshafft.
32 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2024
Excellent

What a ride into the wee hours.

Great story line...great character development.

Payne's work is well worthy of your time!!!
970 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2024
Survival

Another series by T.L.Payne and as usual one you hate to put down.Mia is trying to escape her kidnapper and her boyfriend is trying to reach Mia. Book three due soon.
12 reviews
February 11, 2025
Intriguing

Best one yet. Full scale representation of emotional and psychological responses to unfathomable circumstances.

Sting family ties investigated.

Enjoyed immensely.
231 reviews
March 7, 2025
Library book sale bundle- book 2... continued devolution of humanity, expected difficulties in traveling, enter destruction of government, tease possible invasion.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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