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Desolation: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller

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In the aftermath of their struggles reaching Pennsylvania, Ayden and his sister Clara seek refuge at New Eden, a fortified compound in Pennsylvania. However, Ayden’s hopes of finding safety within its walls are shattered when military drones launch a relentless attack, leaving them with a devastating loss and forcing them back on the perilous road to Wyoming.

Determined to survive and reunite with Mia, the love of his life, Ayden embarks on a treacherous journey across the Midwest. Alongside the resilient Muellers, Serenity, and her group of survivors, Ayden faces a gauntlet of dangers, from ruthless marauders to the unforgiving elements. With every step, the weight of their losses and the relentless threats around them grow heavier, testing their strength and resolve.

Meanwhile, in Wyoming, Mia and her boys brace for a harsh winter without electricity. As war creeps ever closer to their doorstep, they must prepare for the unthinkable – the possibility of being torn from their home. Their survival hinges on their resilience and resourcefulness as they navigate the encroaching darkness. The road to Wyoming is fraught with danger, and not everyone will make it.

Will Ayden and Mia find their way back to each other, or will the perils of this new world keep them apart forever?

Audible Audio

Published April 7, 2025

337 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Payne

59 books169 followers

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5 stars
391 (72%)
4 stars
113 (21%)
3 stars
24 (4%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews41 followers
December 18, 2024
THEY JUST CAN'T CATCH A BREAK, ONE HARDSHIP AND LOSTS AFTER ANOTHER

25 days after TEOTWAWKI, the battle to survive against a war on two fronts of the U.S., life is anything but easy. With death around every corner from bandits, ruthless thugs, the Russians coming from the west coast and the Chinese coming in from the east coast the fight for thier country is their only road to surviving the Hell they are currently finding themselves in.

A group of desperate people band together to travel from Pennsylvania to Wyoming to link up with our main character's (Ayden) girlfriend (Mia) and live through the war that is less than a month old but has brought the U.S. to its knees and taken millions of innocent lifes.

If you're into action-packed thrillers, heroes which put everything on the line for people who can't defend themselves, touching encounters between the cast of characters, and don't forget the dogs Beau and Gunner (all good books have at least one hero and their dog), this book and series is for you.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,553 reviews41 followers
August 29, 2024
This is another good continuation of the story line, exciting action & high tension, lots of mayhem & madness with the invading armies on American soil. Fast paced adventure with good ideas: A really good read!
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
630 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2024
Massive triumphs and unbearable losses

Desolation is the 4th book in the Conquer The Dark series. As is to be expected, not everyone survives, but certain deaths will be absolute stunners! The Chinese/Russian troops are still spreading throughout the nation, leaving Americans reeling from the combination of a devastating EMP attack followed by a ground invasion. Desolation is the most surprising book in the series so far, and I can't wait to see how the series continues from here. 5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,474 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2025
Each book just gets better and better!!

Well I flew through this one fast!!! This series is SO GOOD!!!

Every minute seems so intense and action-packed. It’s gets pretty emotional as they lose people along the way. I loved the ending of this one. But I’m still nervous about what will happen in the next book. Chinese on the east coast and Russian on the west, but why are there more American troops?! This EMP Survival Thriller is a fast paced and entertaining series!! On to the next book!
Profile Image for Daniel Johnson.
126 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2024
I am never disappointed with e T.L. Payne book

Another great book in the series by T.L. Payne. I just love his books and series. He has such rich characters with a strong storyline. I couldn't put the book down! Now I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kathleen Schrieber.
101 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2024
Makes the Red Wedding seem like a joyous occasion

I wish there was a zero star rating
I regret wasting my time reading both Serenity's and Ayden's series, between the last books of each of their series and this book, 95% of the Americans are killed off.
At this rate the last book will see all the Americans dead. I guess trying to write about so many characters was too much for the author.
Done with this book series,
21 reviews
August 31, 2024
Great series

I enjoyed this series so much. Your a great writer! I just wished Ayden sister didn't die! I can't wait until the next book comes out! I read the last four books so quickly. I couldn't stop. Chapter after Chapter was so exciting.
Profile Image for Rachael.
982 reviews
November 25, 2024
Great story, great series.

This story was very suspenseful. There are some sad parts in the story, but I really enjoyed it, especially the ending. I’m looking forward to book 5. This series is a clean read with very little swearing.
183 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2024
Love and loss

This series of books is very well written and is infused with loss and love. The characters keep facing losses at every turn, but the fact that love keeps moving them onward is evident. Kudos to the human spirit.
12 reviews
December 14, 2024
Keeps you wanting more

I am really enjoying this series. I love that it shows the good in people, not just the bad.
It definitely has me wanting to know what is going to happen next.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,961 reviews65 followers
August 21, 2025
This continues a good series and it even includes Serenity, Jane, Finn et al from a prior series. There is a lot of action and a much-anticipated reunion. The Wyoming group seems a little more clueless than I would expect, but hopefully they will have a strong showing in the next book.
Profile Image for G S.
573 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2024
Desolation

Great series can’t put them down. So much happening. So many deaths. Pray we never have to go through anything like this ever.
16 reviews
September 23, 2024
Another thriller

Truly enjoy reading your books and look forward to the next one. See you soon!

Was it worth it to postpone your vacation?
94 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2024
Great story. Exciting. You can't stop wanting to read.

Been extremely busy over the last few days but I had to break away to read this book. An excellent read
Profile Image for William F Lesshafft.
32 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2024
Thriller!!!

Again the author takes you through a war torn United States with excellent character development and enough background to stay reading into the wee hours.
89 reviews
November 28, 2024
So Good

Just finished all four books waiting for fifth book being released December 13. T.L. Payne is my favorite author. I have enjoyed all his books.
Profile Image for David L Anderson.
6 reviews
April 28, 2025
gripping storie

whipped thru third book in a few days, hard to put down can't wait to start the last book and see how it ends.
231 reviews
June 16, 2025
library book sale- the 4th in the series... I started looking for the 5th on principal, but after seeing the price, I solidly decided I was letting myself off the hook.
146 reviews
September 7, 2024
Loved it!

This book was so good! I loved that these two series were combined. The action is always on point and I can’t wait for the next book!
3 reviews
September 28, 2024
excellent story

Loved all 4 books. Can’t wait to read book 5. Great stories but so many losses. Kept me up at night. We are Americans and will always fight for our freedom! Thank you T L Payne! Keep your stories going. I’m a huge fan.
967 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2024
I nvasion

The story continues As the Russian and Chinese attack our country. Restiance against the enemies and fighting to save their families. Will continue in book five.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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