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2020 Series #1
Emergency Exit: 2020
Date: October 2020
Place: Ely, Minnesota
They didn’t know what to do.
Would you?
Let’s say you just found out you’d survived a massive chemical attack. How it happened and how many others lived through it…you don’t yet know. You don’t know the when (exactly), the who, or the why. You just…don’t…know.
You have so many questions, but there’s no doubting what you’ve seen. Surreal as the aftermath may be, this isn’t a hoax. This is for real.
You scramble back to where you were—where you were safe—and hear a message on the radio confirming this is widespread—across all of North America. There are probably thousands of other survivors out there—for now--people who got lucky like the nine of you. But it’s not over. Not even close. That message tells you an enemy army is on the way to finish the job. It’s only a matter of time.
So what do you do? You’re only 20. The Marines have prepared you for a lot…but this? Your dad, your girlfriend, and your little sister…they’re not ready. How could they be? None of you are. But you only have two choices: Stay—and await the inevitable—or run.
Supposedly there’s one safe haven left—ONE—and it’s clear across the country (and an ocean) in Hawaii. But the enemy knows that too. They’ll be lying in wait as you run right at them. That’s your best chance? It can’t be. There has to be a better way.
But you know there isn’t. You have to leave behind a mother, your friends, neighbors and families—an entire lifetime. You have to leave behind everything. You have to face off with fear, with the massive devastation, and the force that will be hunting you all the way.
This is it…
The only way to live is to leave.
Place: Ely, Minnesota
They didn’t know what to do.
Would you?
Let’s say you just found out you’d survived a massive chemical attack. How it happened and how many others lived through it…you don’t yet know. You don’t know the when (exactly), the who, or the why. You just…don’t…know.
You have so many questions, but there’s no doubting what you’ve seen. Surreal as the aftermath may be, this isn’t a hoax. This is for real.
You scramble back to where you were—where you were safe—and hear a message on the radio confirming this is widespread—across all of North America. There are probably thousands of other survivors out there—for now--people who got lucky like the nine of you. But it’s not over. Not even close. That message tells you an enemy army is on the way to finish the job. It’s only a matter of time.
So what do you do? You’re only 20. The Marines have prepared you for a lot…but this? Your dad, your girlfriend, and your little sister…they’re not ready. How could they be? None of you are. But you only have two choices: Stay—and await the inevitable—or run.
Supposedly there’s one safe haven left—ONE—and it’s clear across the country (and an ocean) in Hawaii. But the enemy knows that too. They’ll be lying in wait as you run right at them. That’s your best chance? It can’t be. There has to be a better way.
But you know there isn’t. You have to leave behind a mother, your friends, neighbors and families—an entire lifetime. You have to leave behind everything. You have to face off with fear, with the massive devastation, and the force that will be hunting you all the way.
This is it…
The only way to live is to leave.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2014
161 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 27, 2014
Wow! That was intense!! I couldn't put it down. There were times the tense seemed to be off and I wasn't sure who was talking about who, but the story line was great.
If you liked The Hunger Games, Divergent, and that type of book, you'll love this one. Though it's a little more realistic as it is set in 2020.
If you liked The Hunger Games, Divergent, and that type of book, you'll love this one. Though it's a little more realistic as it is set in 2020.
December 1, 2015
While this plot centered on a few individuals making their way through a major global war,( it was a bit long winded in first few chapters introducing the characters,) it was set not that far in the future to be frighteningly realistic and a possible outcome of the worldwide instability we see happening this year. :( Not actually sic-fi at all.
May 30, 2018
Good but
While this story was good reading, I just didn't feel it was a book I absolutely had to read. It didn't have the pull in the storyline. But I found I did enjoy most parts of it
While this story was good reading, I just didn't feel it was a book I absolutely had to read. It didn't have the pull in the storyline. But I found I did enjoy most parts of it
August 20, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Of all the end of the world scenarios, the one that pans out in Emergency Exit is interesting, if nothing else. Most scenarios focus on gathering supplies, sitting and waiting out the chaos or bunkering down. But when chemical warfare annihilates almost all life in the US with one fell swoop, the survivors in this story have a different sort of survival struggle. Supplies aren't hard to find, there is plenty to go around, but they are forced to run like animals as the enemy tracks their movements.
I sort of liked and disliked this book for many reasons, but the biggest thing that stopped me from loving it was the cast of characters we ended up with. I'm a fan of the 'average Joe' sort of survivor, someone I can relate to, but this book didn't really give me that. I mean, we had two of the worlds best snipers with insane military knowledge, their younger sister who just happens to be crazy talented with a bow and arrow, plus their entire extended family seems to conveniently be at a remote lake to survive the chemical attack... I know, it can happen, but that doesn't give me much to relate to. When they manage to meet up with someone who conveniently has an underground bunker with a water hatch, it just pushed my disbelief a little too far at times.
I like end of the world scenarios I feel like I could live through. This felt like a group that got the world's best survival poker hand thrown at them. While the idea of raiding a Cabellas and taking whatever I wanted seems fun, at the same time, it left me feeling really distant. This was pretty much the story of the lone group of survivors talented and intelligent enough to get away when the rest of the US gets killed. Can't say that group would have me in it.
Keep in mind, that's personal preference though. The action was good, the writing was nice, and I can see a lot people would enjoy. My lack of interest in military operations, guns, hunting, and special forces may have put me at a disadvantage.
There were some things I did enjoy about the story, which is why my rating is still as high as it was. The writing was good, the pacing kept me interested, and I liked the duality that takes place in the story between Captain Eddie and the survivors. I like books that blur the lines between one side and the other, so that was nice. Some of the conversations (especially dealing with Raegan and Tara) felt a little flat, but they did add a slight sense of normalcy the initial group was missing. Little things here and there. Overall, I can't say it was a book I would really need to read again, but maybe a few friends might enjoy it more.
Of all the end of the world scenarios, the one that pans out in Emergency Exit is interesting, if nothing else. Most scenarios focus on gathering supplies, sitting and waiting out the chaos or bunkering down. But when chemical warfare annihilates almost all life in the US with one fell swoop, the survivors in this story have a different sort of survival struggle. Supplies aren't hard to find, there is plenty to go around, but they are forced to run like animals as the enemy tracks their movements.
I sort of liked and disliked this book for many reasons, but the biggest thing that stopped me from loving it was the cast of characters we ended up with. I'm a fan of the 'average Joe' sort of survivor, someone I can relate to, but this book didn't really give me that. I mean, we had two of the worlds best snipers with insane military knowledge, their younger sister who just happens to be crazy talented with a bow and arrow, plus their entire extended family seems to conveniently be at a remote lake to survive the chemical attack... I know, it can happen, but that doesn't give me much to relate to. When they manage to meet up with someone who conveniently has an underground bunker with a water hatch, it just pushed my disbelief a little too far at times.
I like end of the world scenarios I feel like I could live through. This felt like a group that got the world's best survival poker hand thrown at them. While the idea of raiding a Cabellas and taking whatever I wanted seems fun, at the same time, it left me feeling really distant. This was pretty much the story of the lone group of survivors talented and intelligent enough to get away when the rest of the US gets killed. Can't say that group would have me in it.
Keep in mind, that's personal preference though. The action was good, the writing was nice, and I can see a lot people would enjoy. My lack of interest in military operations, guns, hunting, and special forces may have put me at a disadvantage.
There were some things I did enjoy about the story, which is why my rating is still as high as it was. The writing was good, the pacing kept me interested, and I liked the duality that takes place in the story between Captain Eddie and the survivors. I like books that blur the lines between one side and the other, so that was nice. Some of the conversations (especially dealing with Raegan and Tara) felt a little flat, but they did add a slight sense of normalcy the initial group was missing. Little things here and there. Overall, I can't say it was a book I would really need to read again, but maybe a few friends might enjoy it more.
April 5, 2015
interesting action packed and startling
I gave this book three stars because it was a difficult read. The author chose a perspective that is difficult to write and it was done in a confusing manner. One could not always be sure who was talking about whom sometimes. It was a good story, action packed and has a lot of potential but the writing style needs a great deal of help. I almost gave up on this book a number of times. There were also a number of scenes that skirted issues the author brought up and then other scenes that were a little too deep. Maybe a few too many clichés overall.
I gave this book three stars because it was a difficult read. The author chose a perspective that is difficult to write and it was done in a confusing manner. One could not always be sure who was talking about whom sometimes. It was a good story, action packed and has a lot of potential but the writing style needs a great deal of help. I almost gave up on this book a number of times. There were also a number of scenes that skirted issues the author brought up and then other scenes that were a little too deep. Maybe a few too many clichés overall.
November 17, 2016
Fair book
Liked parts thought lots were hookie, like having skunks and racoon running around after a snow storm, both are hibernating during extreme weather not like chipmunk or marmots but definitely not out in snow. Also cougars are ambush hunters and so would not be attacking from the front like happened to Cameron.
Liked parts thought lots were hookie, like having skunks and racoon running around after a snow storm, both are hibernating during extreme weather not like chipmunk or marmots but definitely not out in snow. Also cougars are ambush hunters and so would not be attacking from the front like happened to Cameron.
April 4, 2018
Excellent read
Stumbled across this book on Amazon. Wow so glad I did. Full of action and great relationships between people.
Highly recommended.
Great if you like the survival stories .
Stumbled across this book on Amazon. Wow so glad I did. Full of action and great relationships between people.
Highly recommended.
Great if you like the survival stories .
July 4, 2018
Who bomb America and why? This is a fast pace, heart pounding read. Survivors struggle to survive and make it to Hawaii, the only American state that is left. Very enjoyable, hope the rest of the series is this good.
April 19, 2021
Great
This is a great read. Non stop action throughout the entire book. I could not put it down. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
This is a great read. Non stop action throughout the entire book. I could not put it down. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
June 22, 2021
Predictable and tedious. Finished it against my better judgement. Don't waste your time.
April 16, 2024
Took a while to get going, almost put it down for good, but decided to press on. Glad I did, ends will, and now looking forward to the sequels.
Read
December 24, 2024Great book!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting and never a dull moment. The only problem I had, was putting the book down. Can't wait for #3.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting and never a dull moment. The only problem I had, was putting the book down. Can't wait for #3.
March 29, 2015
SPOILERS SPOILERS NOTHING BUT SPOILERS
Okay, I couldn't get past the premise. Mexico China Russia Japan and three others just as unlikely join to kill everyone in the US and Canada? In 2020? Why Canada? And huge numbers of Mexican citizens have relatives in the US. And 1 million soldiers amassed at the border of the between US and Mexico without the US military noticing? All armed with heavy equipment and military technology we don't have? And I thought for sure the author said that they only hit towns with more than 50,000 population. That lets out the first town visited – Ely, Minnesota which had a population of 4000 in the last census but has dropped since then. How many small towns in East Texas? And seriously, the soldiers are going to "sweep across" Texas. Any Texans want to chime in on the possibility of that?
And then they're going to destroy every building, home and farm, but leave the "infrastructure." Why? And I repeat, why? In the US closes water of nuclear weapons on 96 countries? Do we really have 96 countries targeted? Including African countries? No mention of our submarines. Not likely targets of a chemical poison. As the author ever heard of a thermonuclear weapon? 1000 times as powerful as the weapons used on Japan during World War II. And the countries are going to rebuild in like 10 years according to the author? Roadblocks in the Southwest because I guess you can't get to Hawaii from Seattle? And yeah, I can really see the US citizens buying 1 million Russian-made automobiles. Or Chinese made, I forget. Anyone remember the Yugo? And enough chemicals in the steering column to kill all life in the 20 mile radius? For 48 hours notwithstanding wind, snow, etc.?
And this is the first in the series. I am closer to the end of my life than the beginning. I am 100% positive I can find something better to read. I'm not saying that I could think of a better premise that would work in 2020 to achieve what the author needed for the rest of the series, but that is no excuse for even writing it.
The number of five-star reviews is very suspicious on Amazon. And this is one of those authors who responds to each and every negative post. Seriously? You put it out there and it stands or falls on its own two feet. It is very unseemly to me for an author to try to convince the reader that his or her book is not as bad as the reader believes.
Okay, I couldn't get past the premise. Mexico China Russia Japan and three others just as unlikely join to kill everyone in the US and Canada? In 2020? Why Canada? And huge numbers of Mexican citizens have relatives in the US. And 1 million soldiers amassed at the border of the between US and Mexico without the US military noticing? All armed with heavy equipment and military technology we don't have? And I thought for sure the author said that they only hit towns with more than 50,000 population. That lets out the first town visited – Ely, Minnesota which had a population of 4000 in the last census but has dropped since then. How many small towns in East Texas? And seriously, the soldiers are going to "sweep across" Texas. Any Texans want to chime in on the possibility of that?
And then they're going to destroy every building, home and farm, but leave the "infrastructure." Why? And I repeat, why? In the US closes water of nuclear weapons on 96 countries? Do we really have 96 countries targeted? Including African countries? No mention of our submarines. Not likely targets of a chemical poison. As the author ever heard of a thermonuclear weapon? 1000 times as powerful as the weapons used on Japan during World War II. And the countries are going to rebuild in like 10 years according to the author? Roadblocks in the Southwest because I guess you can't get to Hawaii from Seattle? And yeah, I can really see the US citizens buying 1 million Russian-made automobiles. Or Chinese made, I forget. Anyone remember the Yugo? And enough chemicals in the steering column to kill all life in the 20 mile radius? For 48 hours notwithstanding wind, snow, etc.?
And this is the first in the series. I am closer to the end of my life than the beginning. I am 100% positive I can find something better to read. I'm not saying that I could think of a better premise that would work in 2020 to achieve what the author needed for the rest of the series, but that is no excuse for even writing it.
The number of five-star reviews is very suspicious on Amazon. And this is one of those authors who responds to each and every negative post. Seriously? You put it out there and it stands or falls on its own two feet. It is very unseemly to me for an author to try to convince the reader that his or her book is not as bad as the reader believes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
SPOILER ALERT! PLOT ELEMENTS DISCUSSED...
I really wanted to like this book, but I had a very hard time reading it. I persisted, as I pretty much always finish a book once I commit to it. First off, I just could not buy the premise that China, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, Columbia, Mexico, Japan (really? Japan?), and Libya would all conspire and work together to destroy the USA. I could not accept that such a diverse group of countries could pull it off. I could not accept that the method (poison gas hidden in imported automobiles) used to achieve it could ever be successful. I found the writing style unusual, but could not put my finger on exactly what it reminded me of, until I read that the author is a journalist by trade. Then it hit me: This novel reads like a reporter reporting a news story. The protagonists spend a lot of time hiding from the enemy, and hiding out at various locations across the west, trying to survive. The descriptions of the landscape, places, the pursuit, are the best parts of this story. I'm not sure if I will read the sequel, however I have to admit I'm curious as to where the author will take this story next, so I guess it has its good points too.
I really wanted to like this book, but I had a very hard time reading it. I persisted, as I pretty much always finish a book once I commit to it. First off, I just could not buy the premise that China, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, Columbia, Mexico, Japan (really? Japan?), and Libya would all conspire and work together to destroy the USA. I could not accept that such a diverse group of countries could pull it off. I could not accept that the method (poison gas hidden in imported automobiles) used to achieve it could ever be successful. I found the writing style unusual, but could not put my finger on exactly what it reminded me of, until I read that the author is a journalist by trade. Then it hit me: This novel reads like a reporter reporting a news story. The protagonists spend a lot of time hiding from the enemy, and hiding out at various locations across the west, trying to survive. The descriptions of the landscape, places, the pursuit, are the best parts of this story. I'm not sure if I will read the sequel, however I have to admit I'm curious as to where the author will take this story next, so I guess it has its good points too.
April 26, 2015
This book unfortunately suffers from a number of problems that limited my enjoyment of the story. The villain was unbelievable, the henchmen were unbelievable, the initial attack method was unbelievable, and many of the character actions were unbelievable. I am usually able to suspend disbelief when reading fiction, but the number of leaps required to believe in 1) a large group of countries with little in common banding together to exterminate all citizens of America using 2) an "army of terrorists and mercenaries" instead of their own armies and initially attacking using 3) a chemical attack using a woefully inadequate dispersal method is rather extreme. The hunter villain often does things that are horrifying or ridiculous, such as killing his own allies in cold blood, but they are all excused with the rather flimsy explanation that "his friend died, so he's out to get revenge." There is the making of an interesting story here, but there is a lot of cleanup needed to make the core premises believable and the character development reasonable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2016
Let me begin by stating that I recognize this is fiction. My understanding, however, was that it was meant to be at least somewhat plausible and/or realistic. There are elements of that, but many of the key details are just too coincidental, impractical, or implausible. I think the strength of this author is in his ability to create characters who are relatable and who, therefore, draw the reader deeper into the story. (With the exception of the romantic relationships - some of which are worthy of a very strong eye roll.) I feel that this author has great potential, but needs further development. The book reads as having been written by an author who has yet to fully mature and develop his talents. It's an interesting premise and story told through the perspectives of many engaging characters (in the second edition), but many plot elements are simply too easily navigated, explained away, etc.
October 25, 2016
Great fun
Four stars. Easily.
Normally I prefer thrillers to have a believable premise. I'm not a zombie apocalypse reader, but once you get past those issues, this is a lot of fun to read. By all that I mean that there are issues mostly with the seven countries that initiate the attack, but after that, it's fine. That said, I can see a more limited cast, Russia, China, Venezuela, perhaps other countries that don't like us, but not Japan, or even Colombia. I did like the inclusion of Mexico in the group, though. So now that I got that off my chest, the action is nonstop. Characters are believable, and even the tech is not beyond belief. I like the fact that the good guys are not invincible, too. There is just enough of the back stories about the characters, not too much to get in the way of the story flow. I have read the first two, and am looking forward to number three.
Four stars. Easily.
Normally I prefer thrillers to have a believable premise. I'm not a zombie apocalypse reader, but once you get past those issues, this is a lot of fun to read. By all that I mean that there are issues mostly with the seven countries that initiate the attack, but after that, it's fine. That said, I can see a more limited cast, Russia, China, Venezuela, perhaps other countries that don't like us, but not Japan, or even Colombia. I did like the inclusion of Mexico in the group, though. So now that I got that off my chest, the action is nonstop. Characters are believable, and even the tech is not beyond belief. I like the fact that the good guys are not invincible, too. There is just enough of the back stories about the characters, not too much to get in the way of the story flow. I have read the first two, and am looking forward to number three.
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed this book the honesty in it, the fact that these events could be right around the corner made this book an even better read!
For someone who reads mainly fantasy books or the opposite crime books, came into this book with an open mind especially considering the state of our country currently. I have to say I feel like this could have been real, I immediately bonded with the characters and the things they overcame were real life obstacles, rivers, snow, mountain lion, and the biggest the enemy! I'm very happy to see this is a continued serious and I get to read more into what happens with Danny, Blake, Tara, Regan, and all the others.. I'll anxiously await anymore when I complete the next one 2022.
For someone who reads mainly fantasy books or the opposite crime books, came into this book with an open mind especially considering the state of our country currently. I have to say I feel like this could have been real, I immediately bonded with the characters and the things they overcame were real life obstacles, rivers, snow, mountain lion, and the biggest the enemy! I'm very happy to see this is a continued serious and I get to read more into what happens with Danny, Blake, Tara, Regan, and all the others.. I'll anxiously await anymore when I complete the next one 2022.
November 25, 2015
Despite some of the far fetched parts of the plot I really enjoyed the book. Whoever happened to proof read the book must not have been an English major even in high school as there were poor choices of words. I could over look that. I didn't want to put the book down. It had so many twists and turns and when the author could have just finished the book, noooo he or she had still more twists and turns. I thought the characters at times were confusing as to who was who and how did they fit in, but I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to friends.
January 5, 2015
Implausible
Every city and town in America is attacked simultaneous and surreptitiously in this book. The logistics of such an attempt would make your head spin, for one thing. And America is freaking huge! Did the author do any research on the number of towns and cities in the USA? Not thought out very well.
The dialogue between the characters seemed stilted and the plot holes are big enough to drive a truck through.
Results: not for me.
Every city and town in America is attacked simultaneous and surreptitiously in this book. The logistics of such an attempt would make your head spin, for one thing. And America is freaking huge! Did the author do any research on the number of towns and cities in the USA? Not thought out very well.
The dialogue between the characters seemed stilted and the plot holes are big enough to drive a truck through.
Results: not for me.
October 5, 2015
The story idea was good in theory but executed poorly. Tense was all over the place and the characters were inconsistent and unbelievable. The internal dialogue in italics was annoying and the "romance" between the 2 adult characters was immature. I honestly don't believe that even the most shallow man, when faced with the end of the world and loss of loved ones not to mention those he'd already lost, would call his love interest a "10"
April 29, 2018
This is a review for the whole series.
Overall I enjoyed reading the whole series~the pace does pick up in the second and third books. All the books are very detailed & there is plenty of action.
The first book is a little slower in pace because I feel the author is laying he groundwork for the plot. Although at times in the storyline, I felt that things were a little too convenient/easily came by the characters.
I hope that you enjoy this series as did I.
Overall I enjoyed reading the whole series~the pace does pick up in the second and third books. All the books are very detailed & there is plenty of action.
The first book is a little slower in pace because I feel the author is laying he groundwork for the plot. Although at times in the storyline, I felt that things were a little too convenient/easily came by the characters.
I hope that you enjoy this series as did I.
December 26, 2015
This book was a unexpected surprise. It started out pretty slow but once it got going....what a rollercoaster ride! I dont know if it is classified as "post apocalyptic" or "dystopian" but it worked for me on both counts. Very different concept.And the epilogue was just perfect: heart warming and hopeful. I cant wait to find out what happens next.
March 18, 2016
Note to Hollywood I found your next big hit movie rite here
Worthy of a Hollywood movie complete with big name actors and high action stunts to help tell the story . Well written characters are all rich and vibrant if not loveable can't wait to read the next books which are out by they way
Worthy of a Hollywood movie complete with big name actors and high action stunts to help tell the story . Well written characters are all rich and vibrant if not loveable can't wait to read the next books which are out by they way
December 11, 2014
I was going to say something snarky about how unlikely it is that something like this could actually happpen. Then I remembered most of the books I've been reading lately deal with zombies. Decent read though.
January 8, 2015
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
An absolutely heart wrenching story of survival with a killer cast of characters. I,m now going to read the next installment, Redemption 2022. I can't wait to get started.
An absolutely heart wrenching story of survival with a killer cast of characters. I,m now going to read the next installment, Redemption 2022. I can't wait to get started.
April 5, 2015
I found the author's take on an invasion of America believable and action packed. You will like these characters and really care what happens to them. The story is exciting and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 18, 2015
A powerful thought provoking novel.
A powerful thought provoking novel. It is a thrilling seat of your pants and can't put down adventure into a world that is all too possible to imagine! So worth the read and I would love to see it made into a MOVIE!!!,,,
A powerful thought provoking novel. It is a thrilling seat of your pants and can't put down adventure into a world that is all too possible to imagine! So worth the read and I would love to see it made into a MOVIE!!!,,,
June 14, 2015
Great read
This is a story that could happen at any time. It moved along nicely and was well written. Americans should wake up and pay more attention to what is going on within our government. Obama has made the world a more dangerous place for us all. Apathy will be our downfall.
This is a story that could happen at any time. It moved along nicely and was well written. Americans should wake up and pay more attention to what is going on within our government. Obama has made the world a more dangerous place for us all. Apathy will be our downfall.
February 28, 2016
This is very military jargon rd and not at all what I expected. My husband would love it, but just not my read, regardless of how well it's written. I struggled through 25% but I'm done! Good luck guys(and gals I'm sure you'll breeze right through; but it's not the stuff for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews