What do you think?
Rate this book
E M P
In a flash of searing light, the world changed. A massive solar flare has crippled the modern world and brought chaos and destruction. David Hartsman is stuck in the remote farm town of his youth on what was expected to be a short visit to check on his ailing parents. While his wife and his daughter are hundreds of miles away at home in Chicago, David must face the dangers associated with his own survival and the pressures of not being with his family. In a worldwide catastrophe, every struggle is personal. EMP is the dramatic story of one man and his struggle for survival in a world that is falling apart.
248 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2014
275 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Wilson Harp
30 books66 followersWilson Harp is a writer based out of the American Midwest. As a military brat, he traveled and met people from many cultures and backgrounds. Exposure to so many different views has led him to an appreciation of an eclectic collection of music, film and literature.
His sense of wonder at stories and folklore started young and continues to this day, often affecting the themes and ideas in his writing. In his works you will find the old fashioned ideas of virtue and honor as the lifeline that pulls many of his characters through the situations they often find themselves.
When he isn't writing, you can often find him trying to perfect the cooking of meat over an open flame.
You can visit his webpage at www.wilsonharpbooks.com
His sense of wonder at stories and folklore started young and continues to this day, often affecting the themes and ideas in his writing. In his works you will find the old fashioned ideas of virtue and honor as the lifeline that pulls many of his characters through the situations they often find themselves.
When he isn't writing, you can often find him trying to perfect the cooking of meat over an open flame.
You can visit his webpage at www.wilsonharpbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 17, 2020
The first chapter of this one might have put me off, but the subject matter interested me enough to persevere.
The writing is fine, but it's a small town person dealing with depressing circumstances and I don't generally enjoy reading that sort of thing. Stephen King gets away with his small town introductory chapters because he fills them with nostalgia or something weird enough to get your attention. Most books that start like this just give me a character I don't want to read about.
However, from the second chapter it gets into the meat of the situation. A giant sunspot knocks out all electric technology and people in a small town are left to work out what has happened and what they should do about it.
I found the event itself very well depicted. I don't have the scientific knowledge to say if it was an accurate description, but it rang true from what I do know. The reactions various characters had to a changed world also came across as very plausible.
The problems I had with the story were mostly in dialogue. It didn't always flow realistically, mainly because people these days largely speak in contractions and they were used very sparingly. Also, towards the end of the story, the set up for the next book was very obvious.
I wasn't sure whether I would continue the series as I did enjoy the story, but I found I already have the second book on my Kindle. It must have been on free offer at some time. So, I've put it with the books to read soon so that the first story will be reasonably fresh in my mind when I start it. It will be interesting to see where it goes.
The ending of the first book did reach a transition in situation that made for a natural ending, not a cliffhanger, but like many series stories it left a few loose ends to follow up.
The writing is fine, but it's a small town person dealing with depressing circumstances and I don't generally enjoy reading that sort of thing. Stephen King gets away with his small town introductory chapters because he fills them with nostalgia or something weird enough to get your attention. Most books that start like this just give me a character I don't want to read about.
However, from the second chapter it gets into the meat of the situation. A giant sunspot knocks out all electric technology and people in a small town are left to work out what has happened and what they should do about it.
I found the event itself very well depicted. I don't have the scientific knowledge to say if it was an accurate description, but it rang true from what I do know. The reactions various characters had to a changed world also came across as very plausible.
The problems I had with the story were mostly in dialogue. It didn't always flow realistically, mainly because people these days largely speak in contractions and they were used very sparingly. Also, towards the end of the story, the set up for the next book was very obvious.
I wasn't sure whether I would continue the series as I did enjoy the story, but I found I already have the second book on my Kindle. It must have been on free offer at some time. So, I've put it with the books to read soon so that the first story will be reasonably fresh in my mind when I start it. It will be interesting to see where it goes.
The ending of the first book did reach a transition in situation that made for a natural ending, not a cliffhanger, but like many series stories it left a few loose ends to follow up.
April 13, 2016
The story was compelling and the writing was quick and kept me interested. Which is the only reason I finished this sexist pile of luddite nonsense. Every few pages the reader is reminded that women are really only good for cooking or cleaning, and are always looking for a man to protect them and make their decisions for them. And would really be much happier if they would just remember their proper role in the world.
I felt compelled to finish it, but with the rage I felt every couple of pages it will go down in the annals as one of my least favorite books I actually bothered to complete. Disappointing, as the idea was interesting and the general writing was not bad.
I felt compelled to finish it, but with the rage I felt every couple of pages it will go down in the annals as one of my least favorite books I actually bothered to complete. Disappointing, as the idea was interesting and the general writing was not bad.
September 24, 2016
Okay prepper types. This is a book you will want to read. But it must be read they way most of us watch movies--with willing suspension of disbelief. There are inaccuracies, and things that plain would need more work arounds in it. That being said you will be drawn into the life of the main character and might even get involved enough to find out what happens in the next book!
November 28, 2018
A solar flare wipes out everything electronic, and civilization struggles to survive. There are so many things that are far more difficult to do, but a small town is better set up than most to cope.
A rather peaceful story for a post-apocalyptic setting. There's more focus on resource management, and the day-to-day details than big disasters (though there are a few of those.) The overall effect is pretty quiet and pastoral, all things considered.
A rather peaceful story for a post-apocalyptic setting. There's more focus on resource management, and the day-to-day details than big disasters (though there are a few of those.) The overall effect is pretty quiet and pastoral, all things considered.
March 13, 2015
David Hartsman arrives back home just in time to visit his parents before an apocalyptic solar flare brings the world and society to its knees. His only intention was to check on his mother's Alzheimer's while giving his wife room in their marriage, but now he is trapped in Kenton and must deal with the staggering reality that a lack of food and medicine is only the beginning of their troubles. Besides desperate to know what happened to his wife and child far away, David must deal with lawlessness and survival even as he watches his parents and hometown fall apart.
EMP is a fresh, original, and engaging story about one man's conflict within himself and his family's survival. I did not expect to be as riveted to this book as I was from the opening page. David Hartsman's personal narrative is gripping and heart breaking, making every character as real as our own next door neighbors. He is a multi-dimensional persona with real temptations and upholds his honor and humanity in a way that makes the read satisfying and worth it. This book makes one think, and it is layered with complex relationship obstacles and resolutions that make it seem like the author has lived this experience in another life.
Author Wilson Harp's writing is tasteful and borders on the uplifting with his avoidance of lewd and provocative details. It is smart. It is realistic. It is bittersweet and a bit sour, even as it acknowledges all we love in this world. This book was completely outside of my normal genres, and I loved it. I have a deep respect for Harp's talent and voice, and I plan to pick up the rest of his books for more quality reading that is so hard to find.
Finely written and well-edited, EMP offers a new perspective on the internal and external challenges we may face some day in the event of any disaster. I read it cover to cover in one day only because I could not put it away.
EMP is a fresh, original, and engaging story about one man's conflict within himself and his family's survival. I did not expect to be as riveted to this book as I was from the opening page. David Hartsman's personal narrative is gripping and heart breaking, making every character as real as our own next door neighbors. He is a multi-dimensional persona with real temptations and upholds his honor and humanity in a way that makes the read satisfying and worth it. This book makes one think, and it is layered with complex relationship obstacles and resolutions that make it seem like the author has lived this experience in another life.
Author Wilson Harp's writing is tasteful and borders on the uplifting with his avoidance of lewd and provocative details. It is smart. It is realistic. It is bittersweet and a bit sour, even as it acknowledges all we love in this world. This book was completely outside of my normal genres, and I loved it. I have a deep respect for Harp's talent and voice, and I plan to pick up the rest of his books for more quality reading that is so hard to find.
Finely written and well-edited, EMP offers a new perspective on the internal and external challenges we may face some day in the event of any disaster. I read it cover to cover in one day only because I could not put it away.
August 22, 2014
This was actually a really good book. At first I had my doubts, but it really came together! And made me realize just how bad it would be for my family if something like that happened.
Here is a cool quote from the book:
"It disturbed me a little that so many people were so attached to their phones that they still had them in their pockets two days after they had becomes useless chunks of plastic and metal. Maybe they held hope that somehow this situation would just resolve itself."
I don't think there was reference to the phones after that, but isn't that realistic? I can see everyone here in this area keeping those phones even months later, just in case.
Here is a cool quote from the book:
"It disturbed me a little that so many people were so attached to their phones that they still had them in their pockets two days after they had becomes useless chunks of plastic and metal. Maybe they held hope that somehow this situation would just resolve itself."
I don't think there was reference to the phones after that, but isn't that realistic? I can see everyone here in this area keeping those phones even months later, just in case.
May 15, 2016
EMP by Wilson Harp was interesting. It was like and different than other "end of society as we know it" books. It did have a lot of death, which one would expect but it was mostly in the background and most of it didn't affect the main character. However this book really centered on community and how a town really come together and worked as a whole. They all did their parts in providing labor, laundry washing, cooking, planting, hunting and protecting. This book did not have a lot of violence which was nice. Good read!
December 3, 2014
This was one of four ITEOTWAWKI stories I wanted to read over the holiday (based upon recommends here and on Amazon) and of the four I liked this best.
It wasn't your typical post apocalyptic arc at all; the author chose to focus on a small community pulling together and offer some positives in spite of the circumstances.
Main protagonist is memorable and so are many of the scenes that unfold. I look forward to another chapter and hope this becomes a series.
It wasn't your typical post apocalyptic arc at all; the author chose to focus on a small community pulling together and offer some positives in spite of the circumstances.
Main protagonist is memorable and so are many of the scenes that unfold. I look forward to another chapter and hope this becomes a series.
November 8, 2020
Maybe this isn't the year to be reading apocalyptic books, but hey, why not? "EMP" seemed like it had a good premise, and for a change the apocalypse wasn't human-caused. Unfortunately, the book itself is surprisingly dull -- not terrible, but this book is less an exciting struggle against incredible odds and more of a prepper's/survivalist's dream scenario. Which isn't all bad, but does make for a somewhat boring read.
David has returned to the small town where his parents live to check in, and to escape his rough marriage in Chicago for a brief time. His trip home turns into a nightmare, however, when a solar flare knocks out everything electrical and practically ends life as we know it. As the town struggles to pull together and keep going in the face of disaster, organizing itself and figuring out how to feed and take care of itself for the long haul, David is torn between fleeing the town to look for his wife and daughter and taking care of his aging parents. And the burning question remains -- what has become of the world outside this small town, and is there anything left for humanity to salvage?
The book is fairly slow-paced, and seeing as the disaster has afflicted a small close-knit town rather than a big city it's more about the townsfolk uniting and solving problems together than about people fighting to survive in a world gone mad (though we get hints that chaos has erupted in other towns and in big cities). For some this may be a disappointment, while for others it might be a refreshing change from the norm. I found it a little dull but still interesting in its own way, as a LOT of apocalyptic novels already go the "fight to survive" route and not enough go the "prepare for the future" route. It also helps that the cast is mostly sympathetic, especially the main character and his parents, where a lot of apocalyptic novel characters are either flat or unlikable.
The book isn't without its problems, however. I question some of the logistics in the townsfolks' survival plans, and find it weird that some electronics are spared from the EMP but not others. Also, if you don't agree with what appears to be the author's views -- survival of the fittest, depend only on yourself and not on the "system," be prepared to sacrifice everything for the greater good -- you'll probably be left with a sour taste in your mouth. I do find it odd that more than one character preaches about "don't depend on others to help you, depend only on yourself" but the entire town is encouraged to pool all their resources and depend on a council to distribute them fairly. Kind of hypocritical.
Also, women come off rather badly in this book. They're almost completely supportive characters, and pretty much exist only to be love interests, housekeepers, cooks, and in one case a stereotypical "Karen" who's set up to be a minor antagonist and is treated like an idiot by the plot just as something to make fun of. The two main female characters are the protagonist's mother, who has Alzheimer's and exists only to cook and clean for the main character and his mother, and another woman who exists only to give the main character horseback rides and to provide sexual tension despite the fact that he's married to someone else.
"EMP" isn't a terrible book, and can actually be enjoyable if you want a more low-key apocalypse book. But its problems outweigh its strengths in my mind, and if you disagree with the author's views you probably won't enjoy it much. If you want a better low-key apocalypse book with better female characters, may I suggest The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker.
David has returned to the small town where his parents live to check in, and to escape his rough marriage in Chicago for a brief time. His trip home turns into a nightmare, however, when a solar flare knocks out everything electrical and practically ends life as we know it. As the town struggles to pull together and keep going in the face of disaster, organizing itself and figuring out how to feed and take care of itself for the long haul, David is torn between fleeing the town to look for his wife and daughter and taking care of his aging parents. And the burning question remains -- what has become of the world outside this small town, and is there anything left for humanity to salvage?
The book is fairly slow-paced, and seeing as the disaster has afflicted a small close-knit town rather than a big city it's more about the townsfolk uniting and solving problems together than about people fighting to survive in a world gone mad (though we get hints that chaos has erupted in other towns and in big cities). For some this may be a disappointment, while for others it might be a refreshing change from the norm. I found it a little dull but still interesting in its own way, as a LOT of apocalyptic novels already go the "fight to survive" route and not enough go the "prepare for the future" route. It also helps that the cast is mostly sympathetic, especially the main character and his parents, where a lot of apocalyptic novel characters are either flat or unlikable.
The book isn't without its problems, however. I question some of the logistics in the townsfolks' survival plans, and find it weird that some electronics are spared from the EMP but not others. Also, if you don't agree with what appears to be the author's views -- survival of the fittest, depend only on yourself and not on the "system," be prepared to sacrifice everything for the greater good -- you'll probably be left with a sour taste in your mouth. I do find it odd that more than one character preaches about "don't depend on others to help you, depend only on yourself" but the entire town is encouraged to pool all their resources and depend on a council to distribute them fairly. Kind of hypocritical.
Also, women come off rather badly in this book. They're almost completely supportive characters, and pretty much exist only to be love interests, housekeepers, cooks, and in one case a stereotypical "Karen" who's set up to be a minor antagonist and is treated like an idiot by the plot just as something to make fun of. The two main female characters are the protagonist's mother, who has Alzheimer's and exists only to cook and clean for the main character and his mother, and another woman who exists only to give the main character horseback rides and to provide sexual tension despite the fact that he's married to someone else.
"EMP" isn't a terrible book, and can actually be enjoyable if you want a more low-key apocalypse book. But its problems outweigh its strengths in my mind, and if you disagree with the author's views you probably won't enjoy it much. If you want a better low-key apocalypse book with better female characters, may I suggest The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker.
July 21, 2017
This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper.
― T.S. Eliot
When we think of the world as we know it ending, many scenarios come to mind. Some are plausible endings and some more far-fetched, such as the Zombie Apocalypse. However, no matter the details, the end of the world scares the hell out of most of us.
When catastrophe hits, the people living in the small town of Kenton are frightened, to say the least. A massive solar flare has crippled the town, and for all, they know the world. The solar flares send out a powerful electro magnetic pulse (EMP) that fries the majority electronic devices—cell phone, electrical circuits, cars, etc. And of courses with any wide spread catastrophe, the chaos and destruction are not far behind.
This story makes you question, would I be able to survive a world shifting disaster?
Would you?
This is the first story by Wilson Harp I've read. The story is unique, engaging and gives you a reason to pass a couple of hours reading. I, for one, look forward to reading more of his novels and stories.
― T.S. Eliot
When we think of the world as we know it ending, many scenarios come to mind. Some are plausible endings and some more far-fetched, such as the Zombie Apocalypse. However, no matter the details, the end of the world scares the hell out of most of us.
When catastrophe hits, the people living in the small town of Kenton are frightened, to say the least. A massive solar flare has crippled the town, and for all, they know the world. The solar flares send out a powerful electro magnetic pulse (EMP) that fries the majority electronic devices—cell phone, electrical circuits, cars, etc. And of courses with any wide spread catastrophe, the chaos and destruction are not far behind.
This story makes you question, would I be able to survive a world shifting disaster?
Would you?
This is the first story by Wilson Harp I've read. The story is unique, engaging and gives you a reason to pass a couple of hours reading. I, for one, look forward to reading more of his novels and stories.
September 20, 2017
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction, this latest installment is a pretty good read. Rather than a virus or nuclear event, this one focuses in on a solar-induced EMP event that leaves a man stranded at his parent’s house in a rural setting while his wife and daughter are back in Chicago. The author does a pretty good job of describing the events and making you feel as you are living along with the characters and is almost like a modern-day Alas Babylon novel but, without having a spoiler, there are a few holes such as how is the Chicago family making out through these events.
While some of the situations in this novel were similar to other post-apocalyptic novels I have read, it was an enjoyable tale and I wouldn’t mind seeing how things shape up if there is a continuation of the story. I originally picked this up during a Kindle sale for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $4.99, and I certainly got more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of it. If you enjoy these types of novels, I would recommend this one.
While some of the situations in this novel were similar to other post-apocalyptic novels I have read, it was an enjoyable tale and I wouldn’t mind seeing how things shape up if there is a continuation of the story. I originally picked this up during a Kindle sale for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $4.99, and I certainly got more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of it. If you enjoy these types of novels, I would recommend this one.
January 25, 2019
A nice read
I like post-apocalyptic fiction that deals with the direct aftermath and how people cope, rather than the marauding gangs and politics as it gets farther in. This book hit the spot. A solar flare creates an EMP and this is one mans tale of how a single town coped. I enjoyed the challenges they faced (and yes, from outsiders too), the solutions they found, the reactions of various people. I also appreciated that it wasn’t filled with foul language or graphic violence—although those would be realistic, I don’t want to read them.
I like post-apocalyptic fiction that deals with the direct aftermath and how people cope, rather than the marauding gangs and politics as it gets farther in. This book hit the spot. A solar flare creates an EMP and this is one mans tale of how a single town coped. I enjoyed the challenges they faced (and yes, from outsiders too), the solutions they found, the reactions of various people. I also appreciated that it wasn’t filled with foul language or graphic violence—although those would be realistic, I don’t want to read them.
December 28, 2017
A Scenario that may not be Science Fiction
Very believable and well conceived. The book kept my attention and I had to keep turning the pages. I did find some inconsistencies and errors in grammar and verb tense that were minimal in the first half of the book and became more numerous in the second half. Overall, these inconsistencies did not deter from the story but if given the opportunity to revise the book the author should correct them.
Very believable and well conceived. The book kept my attention and I had to keep turning the pages. I did find some inconsistencies and errors in grammar and verb tense that were minimal in the first half of the book and became more numerous in the second half. Overall, these inconsistencies did not deter from the story but if given the opportunity to revise the book the author should correct them.
April 15, 2020
Both of the EMP books were good reads. The author has a simple declarative style and the plot is interesting without being convoluted. The details about starting over were clear and the characters seemed like genuine and believable people. Very little bloodshed. Without being prissy, both books presented a lifestyle that is not the typical cannibalistic horror show these types of books usually have. I give this all 5 thumbs up and recommend both books heartily.
February 16, 2018
Ending
This story paints a different picture than normally comes with apocalyptic stories. A community that is close knit with a developing work ethic is the way to be a survivor. There are some dangling storylines here that would be better if closed, even with the potential for other books a bit limited.
This story paints a different picture than normally comes with apocalyptic stories. A community that is close knit with a developing work ethic is the way to be a survivor. There are some dangling storylines here that would be better if closed, even with the potential for other books a bit limited.
February 22, 2020
Survival
This was A good story. I enjoyed the survivalist theme and thought it quite pervoking. There were a couple of things that were missing. They had a library so there would have been book on "how to", that would have helped. Don't need you tube. Other then that it was a great read. Hope if that happens towns can support each other that way.
This was A good story. I enjoyed the survivalist theme and thought it quite pervoking. There were a couple of things that were missing. They had a library so there would have been book on "how to", that would have helped. Don't need you tube. Other then that it was a great read. Hope if that happens towns can support each other that way.
April 14, 2020
I didn't need my electric razor anyway.
So I'm hoping that if this ever happened that most of us would act like these folks. There are no zombies, werewolves or other creatures to scare you, just mankind acting ignorant during a global breakdown. Good characters and easy to follow so I will be reading the next book in this series. There is hope in mankind after all.
So I'm hoping that if this ever happened that most of us would act like these folks. There are no zombies, werewolves or other creatures to scare you, just mankind acting ignorant during a global breakdown. Good characters and easy to follow so I will be reading the next book in this series. There is hope in mankind after all.
December 14, 2017
Good Adventure
I enjoyed EMP. It tells the story of life after a huge solar flare and how people respond. This particular book is a bit more inspiring and enjoyable than others I have read.
I enjoyed EMP. It tells the story of life after a huge solar flare and how people respond. This particular book is a bit more inspiring and enjoyable than others I have read.
January 26, 2019
Excellent
This story tells of the day to day struggles of the people in A small farming community after an EMP. It is a good story showing how they Have to pull together for everyone's benefit. I really enjoyed this book and hope the author writes more like it.
This story tells of the day to day struggles of the people in A small farming community after an EMP. It is a good story showing how they Have to pull together for everyone's benefit. I really enjoyed this book and hope the author writes more like it.
February 21, 2019
An interesting start....
I thought this book was well written thus setting the stage for what was to come. The main character is being developed but the foundation is built on honesty, being compassionate, and generally a decent young man.
I thought this book was well written thus setting the stage for what was to come. The main character is being developed but the foundation is built on honesty, being compassionate, and generally a decent young man.
April 23, 2019
EMP
This was an excellent story that holds your interest from start to finish. Although most post apocalyptic adventures are filled with murder and mayhem this one has used it in a very short amount. But the story is still adventure filled
This was an excellent story that holds your interest from start to finish. Although most post apocalyptic adventures are filled with murder and mayhem this one has used it in a very short amount. But the story is still adventure filled
June 7, 2019
Good possibility and written with reality..
This book gives a realistic approach as to what could realy happen to our world if we lost our technology we depend on so much and how people might come together to survive.
This book gives a realistic approach as to what could realy happen to our world if we lost our technology we depend on so much and how people might come together to survive.
January 12, 2020
Boring
I have read a lot of EMO Apocalyptic type Books . This was the most boring ever. Strictly vanilla with no excitement. Maybe a good introductory EMP type book for 12 year olds But unrealistic.
I have read a lot of EMO Apocalyptic type Books . This was the most boring ever. Strictly vanilla with no excitement. Maybe a good introductory EMP type book for 12 year olds But unrealistic.
June 6, 2024
An interesting take on the topic of "apocalyptic" stories, just telling a story around how a town had to adapt to new situations and work together, not much in the action or romance department... But a very good story telling anyway...
Maybe the next book will have more action... We'll see...
Maybe the next book will have more action... We'll see...
January 29, 2018
Good Read
If you understand how an EMP works you will enjoy this story. It is an example why not to rely on all new technology !
If you understand how an EMP works you will enjoy this story. It is an example why not to rely on all new technology !
June 23, 2017
Not super impressed with this one.
September 24, 2017
This is a book well worth reading. Hopefully it will make you think about how you would react in such a situation. My Thanks to the Author.
December 12, 2017
Very thought provoking
I enjoyed this book very much. It made me think what the world could be like if we were hit by an EMP. Life would be very different and scary.
I enjoyed this book very much. It made me think what the world could be like if we were hit by an EMP. Life would be very different and scary.
December 13, 2017
A pretty good story
January 3, 2018
An ok read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews