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Disruption #3
Promises to Keep: After the EMP: Disruption Trilogy Book 3
In this thrilling final chapter of The Disruption Trilogy, R. E. McDermott once again transports us to a frighteningly realistic post-apocalyptic world of chaos and uncommon courage, and of both hope and despair.
When a massive solar storm takes down the power grid, all order collapses with civilization kept alive only by scattered pockets of survivors who find themselves not only short of critical resources, but facing an unexpected enemy - what's left of their own government.
Survivor resistance stiffens as an increasingly corrupt and tyrannical president clamps down on dissent and seeks to eliminate anyone who might expose his perfidy. With both the defenders of Fort Box in what's left of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the people of the ship Pecos Trader in southeast Texas facing uncertain futures, a resourceful and elusive George Anderson leads government forces on a wild goose chase along the Appalachian Trail, but the future looks grim. Only one man has the credibility and the stature to turn the situation around and fulfill a promise to himself - and the nation.
Simon Tremble, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the last lawmaker not under control of the corrupt president, climbs out of his hidden hollow and starts south along the Appalachian Trail. He has promises to keep.
When a massive solar storm takes down the power grid, all order collapses with civilization kept alive only by scattered pockets of survivors who find themselves not only short of critical resources, but facing an unexpected enemy - what's left of their own government.
Survivor resistance stiffens as an increasingly corrupt and tyrannical president clamps down on dissent and seeks to eliminate anyone who might expose his perfidy. With both the defenders of Fort Box in what's left of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the people of the ship Pecos Trader in southeast Texas facing uncertain futures, a resourceful and elusive George Anderson leads government forces on a wild goose chase along the Appalachian Trail, but the future looks grim. Only one man has the credibility and the stature to turn the situation around and fulfill a promise to himself - and the nation.
Simon Tremble, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the last lawmaker not under control of the corrupt president, climbs out of his hidden hollow and starts south along the Appalachian Trail. He has promises to keep.
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Published October 5, 2017
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About the author
R.E. McDermott
13 books128 followersRobert E. McDermott grew up on the Gulf Coast. After graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he worked in positions from ship’s officer to shipping company management, traveling widely, and living and working in a number of countries. He splits his time between the U.S. and Singapore, where he operates a marine consultancy, advising clients on ship construction and operations. Deadly Straits is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 28, 2017
Scared, could this happen?
This political environment and two and a half years from now, America is like third world country. Declared himself as a president, power hungry narcissists ruling U.S. with the help of convicts.
This political environment and two and a half years from now, America is like third world country. Declared himself as a president, power hungry narcissists ruling U.S. with the help of convicts.
September 12, 2017
I don’t know how many hours Bob McDermott worked on Promises to Keep, but the results are outstanding. Thrilling. Nail-biting. Compelling… The book contains scenes of such intensity that I almost, by times, was challenged to put it down because the protagonists really needed a break in the threatening circumstances they found themselves in. Yet McDermott makes this work without the kind of close-up graphic violence that would have robbed the story of its humanity. At the same time, there was also the sense that I was so engaged in the book that I really didn’t want it to end.
That goes for the first two novels in the Disruption trilogy, as well, but with this one, I found myself a bit past the half-way point and it seemed incomprehensible that the story could be well told, and still be completed by the end.
Bob McDermott knows ships, and is well-founded in the skill sets needed to operate them –and occasionally operate them in ways the builders could not possibly have imagined or intended.
I suspect that some readers might complain about all of the detailed geographic content, especially with the narrative of the characters using the Appalachian Trail to reach their destination while pursued by forces that wanted them dead, and forgotten. But for me, those details drew me deeper into the setting of the story, and made their challenges and their actions so much more realistic.
Why Bob McDermott has not been picked up by a major hardcover publisher, and has not had all of this books optioned for film, is beyond me.
For those who complete the Disruption trilogy, and want more, I highly recommend the Tom Duggan series, which was what hooked me into eagerly picking up this one.
That goes for the first two novels in the Disruption trilogy, as well, but with this one, I found myself a bit past the half-way point and it seemed incomprehensible that the story could be well told, and still be completed by the end.
Bob McDermott knows ships, and is well-founded in the skill sets needed to operate them –and occasionally operate them in ways the builders could not possibly have imagined or intended.
I suspect that some readers might complain about all of the detailed geographic content, especially with the narrative of the characters using the Appalachian Trail to reach their destination while pursued by forces that wanted them dead, and forgotten. But for me, those details drew me deeper into the setting of the story, and made their challenges and their actions so much more realistic.
Why Bob McDermott has not been picked up by a major hardcover publisher, and has not had all of this books optioned for film, is beyond me.
For those who complete the Disruption trilogy, and want more, I highly recommend the Tom Duggan series, which was what hooked me into eagerly picking up this one.
October 3, 2017
Great read from first book to last!
The author gives us a glimpse of what life would be like without electricity. In his version good triumphs over evil but this would not always be the case. It’s kind of a wake up call that makes us think of the things we take for granted.
The author gives us a glimpse of what life would be like without electricity. In his version good triumphs over evil but this would not always be the case. It’s kind of a wake up call that makes us think of the things we take for granted.
September 28, 2017
Promises to Keep by R. E. McDermott
Author McDermott has outdone himself, AGAIN! This book wrapped up a series that was frighteningly realistic. For new readers, the world has suffered a vast EMP and the trilogy is based on the impact on civilization. I STRONGLY recommend reading the entire series. McDermott writes well researched books that imbue both action and pathos. The characters are real, they bleed and some of them die, just like the real world. I think that is what makes R. E. McDermott so good, the ability to make the reader feel for his characters.
The government is not painted as benign in this book. The current state of self serving politics is extrapolated into the near future with disastrous results. Look at the current crisis in Puerto Rico preceded by Florida and Texas. There are people going hungry, without food or water or medical care weeks after the storms. Project that forward for a world wide disaster and the consequences are too dire to conceive.
Good people with inadequate preparation die in this book and in reality, they would also die. Don't get me wrong, the book is not just doom and gloom. It is peppered with acts of generosity and courage that inspire you as you despair over the circumstances that require such sacrifice.
McDermott sees human nature with clarity and charity, he recognizes that there are unsavory elements while hoping that the positive nature of ordinary Americans will rise to the extraordinary when the situation demands it.
This is a terrific book and a great series.
My reviews can be found at:
Under a Telll-Tale Sky: Disruption Book 1
Deadly Crossing
Deadly Coast
Deadly Straits
web site: http://www.remcdermott.com/
Author McDermott has outdone himself, AGAIN! This book wrapped up a series that was frighteningly realistic. For new readers, the world has suffered a vast EMP and the trilogy is based on the impact on civilization. I STRONGLY recommend reading the entire series. McDermott writes well researched books that imbue both action and pathos. The characters are real, they bleed and some of them die, just like the real world. I think that is what makes R. E. McDermott so good, the ability to make the reader feel for his characters.
The government is not painted as benign in this book. The current state of self serving politics is extrapolated into the near future with disastrous results. Look at the current crisis in Puerto Rico preceded by Florida and Texas. There are people going hungry, without food or water or medical care weeks after the storms. Project that forward for a world wide disaster and the consequences are too dire to conceive.
Good people with inadequate preparation die in this book and in reality, they would also die. Don't get me wrong, the book is not just doom and gloom. It is peppered with acts of generosity and courage that inspire you as you despair over the circumstances that require such sacrifice.
McDermott sees human nature with clarity and charity, he recognizes that there are unsavory elements while hoping that the positive nature of ordinary Americans will rise to the extraordinary when the situation demands it.
This is a terrific book and a great series.
My reviews can be found at:
Under a Telll-Tale Sky: Disruption Book 1
Deadly Crossing
Deadly Coast
Deadly Straits
web site: http://www.remcdermott.com/
March 7, 2025
Good rounding up and end
October 9, 2017
Excellent!
Hats off to the author. A believable, thought provoking story that makes you wonder....what would I do, how would I survive? But be warned, you may not like the answers you come up with.
Hats off to the author. A believable, thought provoking story that makes you wonder....what would I do, how would I survive? But be warned, you may not like the answers you come up with.
September 30, 2017
A take on government help
I liked the characters and rooted for them as they did impossible things. Kind of funny reading this book as I ate lunch next to the FEMA headquarters with FEMA jackets around me.
I liked the characters and rooted for them as they did impossible things. Kind of funny reading this book as I ate lunch next to the FEMA headquarters with FEMA jackets around me.
September 29, 2017
Great Ending for This Series
Things get worse before getting better. New friends are made. The right people meet at the right time. There is bitter fighting, but there is bonding in fighting together. Glad I read this series. Hope you will as well.
Things get worse before getting better. New friends are made. The right people meet at the right time. There is bitter fighting, but there is bonding in fighting together. Glad I read this series. Hope you will as well.
September 29, 2017
Entertaining read
The whole trilogy was very entertaining. Not masterworks, but since the main goal of reading for me is entertainment, they were great.
The whole trilogy was very entertaining. Not masterworks, but since the main goal of reading for me is entertainment, they were great.
September 25, 2017
Loved this trilogy
This is a story well told, driven by characters your will care about. Edge of your seat action but not at the expense of character development.
Also, and this is a big one for me, McDermott is a very competent writer and the books are well edited. These are a must read for all fans of the shtf genre. I appreciate the author's unwillingness to turn this into a ten book series but I sure would like to read some more.
This is a story well told, driven by characters your will care about. Edge of your seat action but not at the expense of character development.
Also, and this is a big one for me, McDermott is a very competent writer and the books are well edited. These are a must read for all fans of the shtf genre. I appreciate the author's unwillingness to turn this into a ten book series but I sure would like to read some more.
September 9, 2017
The story continues. “Fort Box”, NC and Beaumont, TX are the focal points. Hopefully you have read Under The Telltale Sky and Push Back. If not, the Prologue gives a really good synopsis. It is April of 2020 and the world has been hit by an EMP. Only the strong are surviving, good and evil. Not much action in DC, which from this point on shall be known as the Evil Empire. For action there is plenty of it along the Appalachian Trail, Wilmington, NC and Beaumont, TX. George Anderson, ex-FEMA agent now on the run from same. In tow he has Cindy and her son Jeremy also fleeing FEMA, who are the bad guys, BTW. Simon Tramble, the congressman, and his son Keith are also on the Trail being pursued by Spider and his biker gang. The gang is a bit ticked that they made off with Jamie and Molly, a couple kids the bikers were tormenting. All are trying to get to Wilmington Where Colonel Hunnicutt is trying to help the refugees from the FEMA camps survive. Meanwhile, down in Texas, the ex-cons are having more than a bit of trouble with Captain Hughes and company. Low on ammunition and food they have to fight off the cons who seem to have plenty of both. It calls for a lot of creativity and planning to survive. Some surprises along the way and an excellent conclusion to this trilogy!
September 16, 2017
Great Trilogy and Ending
This book was a little hard to get into at the beginning. The author did not waste words reminding readers of past events or characters. Please do not let that deter you! It all comes together nicely. I had tears in my eyes at the end.
I've enjoyed this trilogy tremendously. I've read and enjoyed his other books also. For my tastes this is by far his best work. A truly gifted author.
I believe he respects his audience and his craft. Much appreciated Mr. McDermott!
Joy Kennedy
This book was a little hard to get into at the beginning. The author did not waste words reminding readers of past events or characters. Please do not let that deter you! It all comes together nicely. I had tears in my eyes at the end.
I've enjoyed this trilogy tremendously. I've read and enjoyed his other books also. For my tastes this is by far his best work. A truly gifted author.
I believe he respects his audience and his craft. Much appreciated Mr. McDermott!
Joy Kennedy
September 16, 2017
This is A Must Read!!!!
Mr. McDermott is one great story teller. This book was one of the hardest I've read in along time to put down. The charters come alive and you start to think of them as your friends. I know there has to be closure when you read. I was relieved that all the charters got relief in the end. I 'm going to miss reading the Disruption series.
Buy it. Read it. Rejoice in the fact that we haven't had to go through this realistic scenario.
Mr. McDermott is one great story teller. This book was one of the hardest I've read in along time to put down. The charters come alive and you start to think of them as your friends. I know there has to be closure when you read. I was relieved that all the charters got relief in the end. I 'm going to miss reading the Disruption series.
Buy it. Read it. Rejoice in the fact that we haven't had to go through this realistic scenario.
September 18, 2017
Heartstopping!
This third book in the Disruption series is even better than the ones before, which were also excellent. I have just finished it, and my emotions are still jumping all over. This has been a story I will never forget. Wonderful!
This third book in the Disruption series is even better than the ones before, which were also excellent. I have just finished it, and my emotions are still jumping all over. This has been a story I will never forget. Wonderful!
September 19, 2017
Brave New World
This was a great book to tie everything together. I felt as if the characters developed very well and it came to a logical conclusion
This was a great book to tie everything together. I felt as if the characters developed very well and it came to a logical conclusion
September 16, 2017
Outstanding!!!
This book closed out the story of the great blackout in a very believable manner, and tied the threads together in closing the story out. A very well-done, believable, and powerful trilogy.
This book closed out the story of the great blackout in a very believable manner, and tied the threads together in closing the story out. A very well-done, believable, and powerful trilogy.
September 16, 2017
Best yet.
Really enjoyed the last book of the trilogy. Loved all 3 books. Great story telling and character development. Looki g forward to reading more from this author.
Really enjoyed the last book of the trilogy. Loved all 3 books. Great story telling and character development. Looki g forward to reading more from this author.
September 12, 2017
R.E. McDermont continues to write interesting stories that make you want to turn the page to see what's next. What more can you want? This storyline is sadly so close to what could happen it is scary. Thank God we have some good people in this country no matter what happens.
September 10, 2017
Good Story!
First of all I was given an advanced copy so I would give an honest review.
First of all, the characters in this final book were amazing. Well written as usual. The only problem I had with the book, (especially early on) is the Author seemed to be in a hurry to finish off a scene. That's the only reason this book didn't get 5 stars. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Looking forward to more stories from this Author.
First of all I was given an advanced copy so I would give an honest review.
First of all, the characters in this final book were amazing. Well written as usual. The only problem I had with the book, (especially early on) is the Author seemed to be in a hurry to finish off a scene. That's the only reason this book didn't get 5 stars. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Looking forward to more stories from this Author.
September 11, 2017
Promises To Keep review
Promises To Keep: After the EMP is the third exciting post apocalyptic book in the Disruption Trilogy written by author R. E. McDermott.
Promises To Keep: After the EMP is the third exciting post apocalyptic book in the Disruption Trilogy written by author R. E. McDermott.
September 15, 2017
Somewhat Bloated Trilogy Conclusion
"Promises To Keep: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy Book 3)," authored by Mr. R.E. McDermott, is a somewhat bloated, hastily written, conclusion to the dystopian story arc of a brutalized American world, following an intense solar flare event, creating a global, devastating EMP event.
The various narratives of numerous characters, in scenarios of survival against villainous politicians, murderous FEMA mercenary contractors, escaped Aryan-nation white-supremacist convict barbaric hordes, and the daily struggles to find food, water, shelter, safety, are all concluded. The rapid (within a couple of months of the EMP event) decline into a modern "Dark Ages," with the U.S. Military being portrayed in the main as self-serving garrison troops, 90% of the population as acceptable casualties, are all too over-the-top. The time sequence and the neutering of the U.S. Military promulgated as base premises by the author for his story, are unrealistic to this reader. The villainy of politicians, and the evil, brutality of too many humans, is more in tune with realities this reader has experienced firsthand in life. "Promises to Keep," gives the sense of a "rushed writing," without adequate editing or narrowing of the multitude of plot lines. A reader who hasn't read the proceeding two (2) books, will be a sea, without a solid sense of direction or heading, in reading Book 3. It cannot fairly be described as a "stand alone."
"Promises To Keep," is narrowly recommended as a mediocre conclusion, and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"Promises To Keep: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy Book 3)," authored by Mr. R.E. McDermott, is a somewhat bloated, hastily written, conclusion to the dystopian story arc of a brutalized American world, following an intense solar flare event, creating a global, devastating EMP event.
The various narratives of numerous characters, in scenarios of survival against villainous politicians, murderous FEMA mercenary contractors, escaped Aryan-nation white-supremacist convict barbaric hordes, and the daily struggles to find food, water, shelter, safety, are all concluded. The rapid (within a couple of months of the EMP event) decline into a modern "Dark Ages," with the U.S. Military being portrayed in the main as self-serving garrison troops, 90% of the population as acceptable casualties, are all too over-the-top. The time sequence and the neutering of the U.S. Military promulgated as base premises by the author for his story, are unrealistic to this reader. The villainy of politicians, and the evil, brutality of too many humans, is more in tune with realities this reader has experienced firsthand in life. "Promises to Keep," gives the sense of a "rushed writing," without adequate editing or narrowing of the multitude of plot lines. A reader who hasn't read the proceeding two (2) books, will be a sea, without a solid sense of direction or heading, in reading Book 3. It cannot fairly be described as a "stand alone."
"Promises To Keep," is narrowly recommended as a mediocre conclusion, and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
November 14, 2020
This series has been a thrilling and realistic account of what might befall us should such a catastrophe take place sometime in our future. The characters are so well-portrayed that they become corporeal to me. I cheer their successes, cringe at their close calls, bristle at the offenses, and swallow the lump in my throat that materializes with their pain. I am amazed at the amount of action and drama taking place within these pages. I totaled at least a dozen sub-plots, groups, and significant individuals that together produced this interesting tale. As I started the second half of this volume I wondered how this production could conclude in the amount of time left. Mr. McDermott rose to the occasion and did an excellent job. Mr. Pierce out-did himself this time, giving a fine performance.
June 17, 2021
Nice wrap up to the Disruption series. The story boils down to the Texas crew fighting the cons, the Wilmington crew fighting the completely corrupt FEMA SRF, and the incredibly tyrannical government that is Hell bent on control. I enjoyed this trilogy, but one thing that bothers me about the whole genre is the notion that members of the military or law enforcement seem to always just follow blindly the illegal and barbaric orders of their superiors. There is a good bit to pay attention to in this series, particularly about control of the media and message. While some of this story as a whole was far fetched, way too much of it is a scary premonition of how a corrupt gov't could quickly move into a totalitarian state.
March 1, 2025
a gripping and emotional finale to the Disruption Trilogy
I thoroughly enjoyed the Disruption Trilogy, and Promises to Keep was a fantastic conclusion. R.E. McDermott delivers a gripping, realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world where survival is just as much about resilience and community as it is about facing external threats. The characters felt so real that I was completely invested in their journey, and the emotional depth made this more than just a survival story—it was a powerful reflection on humanity. The action was relentless, the stakes were high, and the ending was both satisfying and thought-provoking. If you enjoy well-researched, fast-paced post-apocalyptic fiction, this trilogy is a must-read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Disruption Trilogy, and Promises to Keep was a fantastic conclusion. R.E. McDermott delivers a gripping, realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world where survival is just as much about resilience and community as it is about facing external threats. The characters felt so real that I was completely invested in their journey, and the emotional depth made this more than just a survival story—it was a powerful reflection on humanity. The action was relentless, the stakes were high, and the ending was both satisfying and thought-provoking. If you enjoy well-researched, fast-paced post-apocalyptic fiction, this trilogy is a must-read!
April 13, 2020
I’ve Already suggested this series to several people. It’s smart, brilliant even. The characters are very fleshed out an complex and so is the story.
I would recommend this to anyone ages 12 and up. Yes there is violence and other suggestive stuff but if the child watches any tv it wouldn’t be new to them.
Kevin Pierce does an amazing job narrating but for the first time ever I kept correcting his pronunciation of some words. Being from Louisiana i know how we say things isn’t the common way others do.... but since a lot of the books take place there I feel my pronunciation would be accurate. Lol Kevin, don’t worry you are still my favorite.
I would recommend this to anyone ages 12 and up. Yes there is violence and other suggestive stuff but if the child watches any tv it wouldn’t be new to them.
Kevin Pierce does an amazing job narrating but for the first time ever I kept correcting his pronunciation of some words. Being from Louisiana i know how we say things isn’t the common way others do.... but since a lot of the books take place there I feel my pronunciation would be accurate. Lol Kevin, don’t worry you are still my favorite.
October 31, 2017
One of the best series I’ve read! Wish it could continue
A must read series. I got the 3rd book first but realized very quickly I should stop and start at the beginning. It was very hard most of the time to stop reading once I started. But also hard at times to keep reading knowing what might be happening in the next pages. Strong, faithful and decent people can and will do what is right if this should ever occur. It’s an account of what could happen in our current society. I hope to be a Dot is it does in my lifetime.
A must read series. I got the 3rd book first but realized very quickly I should stop and start at the beginning. It was very hard most of the time to stop reading once I started. But also hard at times to keep reading knowing what might be happening in the next pages. Strong, faithful and decent people can and will do what is right if this should ever occur. It’s an account of what could happen in our current society. I hope to be a Dot is it does in my lifetime.
September 12, 2024
A perfect conclusion to a great story
R E McDermott has written an amazing story of triumph over adversity. Human spirit rising to the challenge of a disaster compounded by the worst humanity has to offer. I already liked R E McD for their sea-going stories I’ve previously read, but this trilogy falls squarely in my favorite genre. This did not let me down and I actually found it hard to put down long enough to tend to the needs of life. Looking forward to the next story.
R E McDermott has written an amazing story of triumph over adversity. Human spirit rising to the challenge of a disaster compounded by the worst humanity has to offer. I already liked R E McD for their sea-going stories I’ve previously read, but this trilogy falls squarely in my favorite genre. This did not let me down and I actually found it hard to put down long enough to tend to the needs of life. Looking forward to the next story.
January 2, 2018
This rating is in part for this great final book and in part for this excellent series. I've really liked that the Coast Guard merchant marines and much of the military were the good guys. The battle scenes were very dynamic where both sides changed strategy instead of the flat shoot-outs of other books. I liked a lot of the characters and found the ending satisfying and hopeful. I'm just sorry that it has ended.
August 23, 2019
This trilogy was my first introduction to R. E. McDermott’s writing. I absolutely adored it and had trouble putting the books down as I was reading them. I found myself reading instead of engaging in other activities such as video games or television shows. And that’s a good thing! Mr. McDermitt managed to weave a complicated story from multiple points of view and develop a large number of characters in a way that was riveting.
February 6, 2021
I enjoy this series very much.
This was the 3rd and last book in a very good series. The writing got better in each book. The storyline was not new but very interesting. No zombies or virus out of control. There was a lot of detail and plots on surviving when the lights go out on the individual and group levels. You also get to see the very best and worse people become in this situation. Very enjoyable read, don't be surprised if you keep thinking what's gonna happen next.
This was the 3rd and last book in a very good series. The writing got better in each book. The storyline was not new but very interesting. No zombies or virus out of control. There was a lot of detail and plots on surviving when the lights go out on the individual and group levels. You also get to see the very best and worse people become in this situation. Very enjoyable read, don't be surprised if you keep thinking what's gonna happen next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews