Survive the Unrest: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Saga Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info

by Grace Hamilton

In the aftermath of disaster, safety comes with a price…

It’s been one year since the NWO was defeated. A year since the world got a fighting chance to claw its way out of darkness. But the road back is a long one, and the journey is fraught with danger.

At first, Austin Merryman is relieved to see soldiers in town, tasked with restoring order. He’s intrigued, as well. Dr. Lydia Koble is working to establish a regional government in the aftermath of the EMP. And she wants to meet community leaders like Austin.

Austin and Amanda set off for a meeting with the doctor, leaving Savannah, Malachi and Andy at the homestead. But they quickly discover Koble is not the benign leader she pretends to be. She craves power—and she’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

Meanwhile, Savannah slowly realizes the soldiers at their farm are not there for her protection. She, Malachi and Andy are little more than hostages.

And their battle for survival is not over yet…

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2025

About the author

Grace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.

Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"

It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.

Reviews

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings approaching reading this book, I hadn’t realised that it had been six years since I read Survive The Conflict bk3 in the series. I was worried I wouldn’t remember everything that had happened but was never the less still really eager to revisit the great characters in this series.

The book basically picks up a year after the New World Order were defeated. It may have been a year but there are still people reeling from the war raged with the New World Order. Austin is grieving his brother Ennis whilst being immensely proud that his brother took down Zander. Theres a memorial gathering planned at Grangeville so Austin, Amanda, Savannah and Andy travel there. Savannah is naturally eager to see Malachi who lives in Grangeville with his mother Tonya who is still running the ministry for those who still practice religion. Savannah is also wanting Andy to have a chance to meet and mix with some children his own age, rather than being round adults the whole time.
Theres unrest at the service with Adam Kerry grumbling and asking where the government is at their time of need, Austin steps up and talks about the need for them all to pull together to work together to improve their own lives.
Then an army truck pulls into Grangeville and the men led by Captain Miguel Garcia ask for Austin saying its important they speak with him. They want to transport Austin and Amanda back to the homestead in the army vehicle and discuss something important. At first Austin is very wary, can the newcomers be trusted and what do they want to talk to him about back at his homestead? Then it turns out that Amanda did basic training with Captain Miguel Garcia years ago so Austin relaxes a little. It’s decided Savannah & Andy will stay with Tonya whilst they find out what the army men want. Captain Miguel Garcia eventually explains that his boss Dr Lydia Koble wishes to speak to Austin and Amanda at the base is Boise as soon as possible. Captain Garcia explains that Dr Koble wants to bring “leader types” such as Austin & Amanda who want to work towards peacekeeping, order and rebuilding together. More ominously Captain Garcia also mentions that Dr Koble wants to know what Austin actually knows about the Blackdown Protocols & Dr Bastani. On a positive note, Dr Koble is extremely interested in getting the power back on, though on the negative side she wants to be in control of it deciding who gets access to it and when.
Of course, Austin is reluctant to leave Savannah alone at the homestead with Andy, even when Captain Garcia says he will leave two experience armed guards, it’s not enough for Austin. Then Malachi offers to stay at the homestead and help continue the preparations for winter with Savannah.

It soon becomes apparent that Captain Garcia and his men have one aim, to get Austin & Amanda to Boise and in front of Dr Koble as soon as possible. Captain Garcia is the not the same man that Amanda did basic training with. When they come across a small town that has been attacked by men dressed up as military and people are injured Captain Garcia is insistent at moving forward say these people are not his problem, he has his orders to carry out. Amanda & Austin refuse to accept this and will not move on until they have helped the injured. Its soon proven that Amanda’s thoughts are correct about the inexperienced men with Captain Garcia when there’s an ambush and he walks right into it. Garcia and his men are killed. So, it is just Austin & Amanda that arrive at the Boise base in the school. Unfortunately, Dr Koble has not returned from a visit she was making elsewhere so they have no choice but to wait. It’s not long before they realise everything is not as it seems and they are advised to escape as soon as possible and to contact a man called Professor Novak in Spokane. Austin & Amanda’s “insider friend” is brought before Dr Koble when she finally returns and is shot! Austin & Amanda don’t hang around to speak to Dr Koble the steal a jeep and break out of the base. They are chased and tracked but eventually arrive back at the homestead with an extra passenger, a dog! They arrive in the nick of time to help with final preparations for a battle with Andy’s Uncle Zeke who wants his nephew, but Andy is petrified of him so Savannah, Malachi etc do not intend on handing him over.

Austin & Amanda learn a lot has happened at the homestead whilst they have been away. The so called, “guards/protectors” turned out to be lazy, and inconsiderate, just taking whatever they wanted until Savannah relieves them of their weapons and they then appear to be cooperating, however both Malachi & Savannah are literally waiting for the guard’s retaliation. Their guard slips down when visitors from Grangeville arrive and soon the guards have the upper-hand again. The homesteaders can’t believe the destruction and devastation the guards have left behind them, but they roll up their sleeves and get on with salvaging what they can and preparing for “Uncle Zeke” to arrive.

When the battle is over its decided that though the homestead had been a good place for them it is no longer safe and they all need to move on. The whole group go to Grangeville, staying at Tonya & Malachi’s home. Though the future is uncertain, Austin & Amanda know they need to speak to Professor Novak in Spokane and they intend on sneaking off alone on yet another treacherous mission. However, Savannah is determined to go with them, having heard they had such a narrow escape getting away from Dr Koble. Malachi is torn, between his need to protect him mother Tonya & his love & need to protect Savannah.

I really enjoyed the process of Savannah “growing up” throughout the series so far. She is very protective of Andy. It would have been so easy to just hand him over to his Uncle Zeke, but she knew Andy didn’t want that, so with the others at the homestead they prepared for a battle! The romances are still going on but obviously ended up taking a back seat to the main plot full of angst, betrayal and action. Malachi mentions that he thinks Savannah would make a great mum the way she looks after Andy, and she remarks she wouldn’t want to bring children into the world how it currently is, so I’m not sure of their possible future.
The World that these characters are living has changed forever even if the power was to come back on things could not go back to how they were before.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were Wow! I couldn’t believe that the group were having to leave all they’d tried to build at the homestead. Though I guess thanks to Uncle Zeke and Dr Koble’s army knowing the area its in it really is no longer a secret, safe place. Where will the character settle or travel next? And in a world, that's like a powder keg ready to ignite at any moment where do you go and who do you trust? I was surprised to learn that Dr Lydia Koble isn't the top boss she appears to be, she seems to be very beholden, reliant and strongly influenced my Kevin Goodman.

Summing up the battle with Uncle Zeke at the homestead may have been won but I can’t help feeling is he going to turn it into a war. I can't help wondering if Savannah etc wouldn't have been ensuring future safety better if they had just shot him when they had the chance.
I can’t wait to read more. I needn’t have worried about it being so long since I read the last book in the series as I soon slipped right back into the Small Town EMP world with its array of brilliant characters.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Small Town EMP series. This series should definitely be read in order for the reader to fully understand the extent of the crises and who all of the people are.

While I really enjoyed books 1-3, this book was really slow for me. So far, it has been my least favorite. Savanna annoyed me in the beginning which isn’t a surprise given how I felt about her by the end of book 3. However, she did grow on me a little by the end of this book. With everything they had going on at the homestead, I do wonder why they let Uncle Zeke live. It just seems like that was not a smart thing to do.

I also wonder about Merryman. Emotionally he’s all over the board. At the drop of a hat he’s willing to leave his only child to go chase whatever he feels needs to be done but then spends the entire time worrying about whether or not he made the right decision. By this point in the series, Savannah is 16
She’s not a little kid anymore. I’m tired of his whishy-washyness about everything.

3 stars

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survive the Unrest is the fourth book in the Small Town EMP series by Grace Hamilton. I was thrilled to see the arrival of Survive the Unrest after reading the first three books in the series. I love the world created for the Small Town EMP series, and I can’t seem to get enough of it. This goes for any book that Grace Hamilton has written; I adore all the worlds she has crafted.

I have read numerous books by Grace and definitely plan to read more. I am drawn deeply into their world it's as if each page pulls me further into the story, making it impossible to set the book down until I reach the very end. Her ability to develop relatable characters and intricate plots keeps me coming back for more, eager to explore every new adventure she creates. I feel as if I am a part of that world, as if I am one of the characters. I don’t even need to read the summary to know I want to read any book by Grace because I know it will be good. The world-building is unlike any I have encountered before.

Amanda and Austin are on their way to meet with Dr. Lydia Koble, who is working to establish a regional government in the aftermath of the EMP. They soon discover that Dr. Koble is more interested in being a leader and maintaining control than in reestablishing a government.

Savannah, Malachi, and Andy remain at the homestead with the soldiers. The soldiers begin to reveal their true selves, and it is not a pleasant sight. Savannah starts to realize that they cannot trust the soldiers, who are not there to protect them. Savannah, Malachi, Andy, and everyone else at the homestead are effectively their hostages. After getting to know Savannah, Malachi, Amanda, and Sean in the first three books, I doubt the soldiers understand who they are up against. These characters are strong and amazing individuals who will do whatever it takes to care for their loved ones. As the realization sinks in, Savannah's resolve hardens. They must find a way to outsmart their captors and reclaim their freedom, drawing on the strength of their bonds and the resourcefulness that has defined their journey so far.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book, Survive the Trap, in the Small Town EMP series, to see what unfolds in this fantastic world, set to be released on May 14, 2025. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Survive the Unrest today!

[Kathleele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an Advance copy of this book. The previous three installments were written several years ago. With that said, a Prologue summary of the previous books would have been helpful in setting the scene for this continuation. I plan to go back and reread the first three books in this series. With that said, I found this book to be very interesting and engaging. There's plenty of action as this story takes place about a year after the EMP event. Austin Merryman and Amanda Peterson continue their fight to save America and they are now living in Idaho. They are to meet up with Dr. Lydia Koble in Boise and lend their services to her. All is not as it seems, however, and they encounter danger at every turn. Savannah and Malachi are left at the homestead and also encounter danger. It is definitely a page turner and I'm looking forward to the next two installments of this series. I definitely recommend this book and if you haven't read the first three installments, I certainly recommend them as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda and Austin have survived the initial aftermath but now there are various groups trying to take control. Austin has a name that people trust because of what he did, so those seeking control want him.
Amanda and Austin want to believe in people but find they cannot. They still have ethics and others are in it for the wrong reasons. They find unexpected support in a dog name Russ. Austin's daughter Savanah has become a strong independent young woman. She fights for their homestead and a young boy, Andy. Her fellow, Malichi is a strong support in the chaos. These are the main characters who fight against the various bad guys in many different situations. Most of the time, you sense they may not be making the best choices.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aaron Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Small Town EMP series has always been a series which has stayed with me. When I heard that Grace Hamilton was returning to the world and the characters I kept returning to I was a little scared they wouldn’t live up to the characters who have developed their own lives in my mind but I’m happy to report that the characters are done justice. The world feels a little different than it did in the original trilogy (how couldn’t it…) but this new world that they’re battling to create is a natural fit. If you were a fan of the first three books, I feel it's safe to assume that you’ll enjoy this new beginning for those same characters, as well. Don’t hesitate; get the book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survive The Unrest is the fourth book in Grace Hamilton's creative dystopian Small Town EMP Series. It continues the saga of Austin, Savannah, Amanda, Malachi, Andy, and its secondary characters who are surviving under the effects of a post-apocalyptic EMP pulse. When the characters meet up with a band of soldiers, they feel relief but quickly become concerned by their actions. Austin and Amanda also realize not everyone wants to re-establish the government. I highly recommend this well written book and series. The next book in the series is Survive The Trap.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #4 in the Small Town EMP. Grace Hamilton is one of my top 5 "end of the world as we know it" authors. She has many series to her credit and NONE of them are the same. Different characters and communities keep the stories fresh and compelling. I'm pretty sure when the predicted EMP hits the United States, I'll know exactly what to do to survive from reading Hamilton's books. If you love dystopian stories, or even like them a lttle bit, you should pick one of Hamilton's series, this is a great one, and dive in. Be sure to take good notes, you never know when you might need them.

[Paul Fabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel does not disappoint. The story picks up on Austin and Amanda’s mission while Malachi and Savannah stay to protect their community. There are some enjoyable survivalist concepts covered in the story which defines the world as it is after the EMP.
Having Russ along with them as animal companion theme in a post-apocalyptic world adds more fun in the story.
The story is quite straightforward, with some fairly anticipatable scenes. It was a nice quick read.

[doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this 6 book series and its to long. For me its "jumping the shark". I like the main characters but its getting old with them being the only 2 that can save humanity. The story line is going off for me. Not sure if I will continue on with the series. Only saving grace for me is that its available on Kindle Unlimited. If I had to buy the books I would have stopped after book 2.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to go back and read the last book in the series as it was a long time between books - it would have been good to have a recap. However given that I soon got involved in the story and enjoyed the journey. What I love about this author is that the books are easy to read, no gore etc and explain using using the real world, as much as possible.

[Marie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survive the Unrest is the fourth book in the Small Town EMP series by Grace Hamilton. I love Small Town EMP stories as well as all of her other books. I have never read a book by her that wasn't a very good read. I have followed her work for years and will read and thoroughly enjoy anything she writes.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Terrible Triplet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is nailing this series. It draws you in.

Have to read the entire series, so worth it.

5 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been one year since the world changed and yet when the soldiers arrive they think it is to bring order. Are they? Life is not going to be easy as they try to find their way. A great read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and loved it

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survive The Unrest is book four of the Small Town EMP series, and the small group of survivors have gone through so much in the series. This book is an action packed, captivating read, and a great addition to the Small Town EMP series. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, this author writes the best gripping and original "it could really happen" scenarios that are so believable it's crazy scary. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author to everyone who reads post-apocalyptic series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable story! Some really high stress & high tension moments for the characters & for me too! I did enjoy the storyline & found the plot well thought out & developed. A really good read!

[Corinne Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survive the Unrest continues with the non stop, action packed and exciting plot. Very easy to become immersed in the great characters lives and all that is happening around them. Love this story. Looking forward to the next book.

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful page turning book. I highly recommend this series. Can't wait for next book to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

dystopian apocalyptic book? yes, please! … loved book 4 “Survive the Unrest” by Grace Hamilton and need more!

[✨ Chayze ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read, fast-paced and full of action. Enjoyed!

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Works by Grace Hamilton never fail to excite me. Survive The Unrest did exactly that! There’s enough firefights, bad guys, death and destruction to satisfy any bloodthirsty reader. I found it immensely satisfying. Mind you, the wonderful array of standout characters helped. Plus that sweet touch of romance, a hug here and a first kiss there, was a counterpoint reminding me that family is vital. This was a great step in the longer journey!