What do you think?
Rate this book
Utter Devastation: A Post Apocalyptic CME/EMP Survival Thriller
When the Lights Go Out, the Fight for Survival Begins
Three days after a catastrophic solar superstorm cripples the nation’s power grid, America descends into chaos. With communications severed and no end to the upheaval in sight, the Carlisle family finds themselves separated by hundreds of miles—but united by one survival.
In Colorado, Carson and Julie are drawn into a desperate stand alongside a community on the edge. In Appalachia, Willow’s sudden entanglement with the law launches a dangerous journey across a fractured land. Back in Arkansas, their mother, Bee, clings to her community as panic spreads like wildfire. And in Dallas, their father, Arthur, arms himself to defend his home and his wife, Katherine.
Each must fight their own battle in a world without rules—where the strong decide who lives and dies.
If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat survival, raw human drama, and hauntingly realistic post-apocalyptic drama, this electrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller series delivers!
Utter Devastation is book two in the Black Sky Event series.
Three days after a catastrophic solar superstorm cripples the nation’s power grid, America descends into chaos. With communications severed and no end to the upheaval in sight, the Carlisle family finds themselves separated by hundreds of miles—but united by one survival.
In Colorado, Carson and Julie are drawn into a desperate stand alongside a community on the edge. In Appalachia, Willow’s sudden entanglement with the law launches a dangerous journey across a fractured land. Back in Arkansas, their mother, Bee, clings to her community as panic spreads like wildfire. And in Dallas, their father, Arthur, arms himself to defend his home and his wife, Katherine.
Each must fight their own battle in a world without rules—where the strong decide who lives and dies.
If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat survival, raw human drama, and hauntingly realistic post-apocalyptic drama, this electrifying post-apocalyptic survival thriller series delivers!
Utter Devastation is book two in the Black Sky Event series.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
355 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 25, 2025
This continues a good series with a lot of action on the 4 areas that we have characters of interest. Guynn (one of my favorites), Willow and Knox have a series of dangerous situations and we do get an explanation for the journal of a killer at the start of this volume. Carson and Julie are in a bad situation with a stereotypic group of drug runners. Arther and Katherine in Dallas are barely hanging on and most interesting is Bee and her community that are increasing under the eye of a would-be autocrat. On to Book 3.
May 21, 2025
WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THIS SERIES IS!!
I’m ABSOLUTELY LOVING this series!! I’m thoroughly wrapped up in these characters and am scared something will happen to them! Willow, Knox and Guynn are freaking bad a$$, but this new world is making them that way. Carson, Julie and Sophie the apocalypse cat have been through so much, I was scared for them. Carson and Willow’s Dad, Arthur, and Stepmom are in a bad place. I love how Arthur follows everything Carson always told him to do to survive in a disaster. But the city is falling apart and I don’t know how Carson is going to get to them safely. Then there’s Bee, Carson and Willow’s Mom. She is a very strong minded, opinionated woman and she wants to help people, but she starts irritating the wrong people and in this new world of lawlessness, that is so dangerous!
The storyline flows flawlessly and the pace keeps you on your toes! It’s a rollercoaster ride and there is really no option to get off for these characters! I am REALLY ANTICIPATING book three to see what happens to these characters! This is my FAVORITE T.L. Payne series, so far!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series for all those fans of Apocalyptic Survival Thrillers with fantastic characters and edge of your seat action and survival!!
I’m ABSOLUTELY LOVING this series!! I’m thoroughly wrapped up in these characters and am scared something will happen to them! Willow, Knox and Guynn are freaking bad a$$, but this new world is making them that way. Carson, Julie and Sophie the apocalypse cat have been through so much, I was scared for them. Carson and Willow’s Dad, Arthur, and Stepmom are in a bad place. I love how Arthur follows everything Carson always told him to do to survive in a disaster. But the city is falling apart and I don’t know how Carson is going to get to them safely. Then there’s Bee, Carson and Willow’s Mom. She is a very strong minded, opinionated woman and she wants to help people, but she starts irritating the wrong people and in this new world of lawlessness, that is so dangerous!
The storyline flows flawlessly and the pace keeps you on your toes! It’s a rollercoaster ride and there is really no option to get off for these characters! I am REALLY ANTICIPATING book three to see what happens to these characters! This is my FAVORITE T.L. Payne series, so far!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series for all those fans of Apocalyptic Survival Thrillers with fantastic characters and edge of your seat action and survival!!
June 24, 2025
I probably read so many of these post apo stories that they're becoming melded in my brain as one big mega "well, that sucks" social failure fart. They all have the same common theme: something major has happened and the world as experienced by a few hardy survivors is now totally changed. Ok. I get that. I understand there's just so much of the science to be grafted onto the emotion, but at times, I can't remember who is on which side and for what reason.
That said, I do read an enormous amount of the genre. This one will not really stand out for me as being exceptionally well written, because quite unexpectedly, it became a mish-mash of sappy, soupy, overly emotionally driven drama. And lots of kicking of butts, no names being taken.
But, the kick for me is that the end just had to wrap up in happy smiles, linked arms and mirthful chuckles all around as the protagonists move on to a future that is not so sparkly and sanitized; they know this and still have toothpaste smiles for what's to come.
That isn't my criticism. It's a quick read, about 4 hours total. My "ick factor" came when, in spite of all the tutting and fretting, all the trauma and the sudden collapse of social norms, in spite of the fact that there is just an abundance of horror happening all at once, we're working with about 5-6 days of initial problem/crisis to happy dance solution. Five days. It takes me that long to make out a grocery list.
It's just to absurd. More like "Alice In Wonderland" meets Dracula; and by the end, you like Dracula better. At least you know he's the villain.
I just think if the goal is to put together a book that will serve as an over-the-bow warning shot for humanity to stay on top of what's happening in the world, taking care to protect yourself and be prepared to ensure your survival, or at least hope to ensure it, then do the research and realize that just can't be done in 5 days.
Maybe 5 years. But not 5 days.
Therefore, because it is so unrealistic, I just can't recommend this as anything more than light reading for the commode.
If you want some cheap thrills, this will provide exactly that. It's the fluff, not the substance of good writing.
Not for me.
That said, I do read an enormous amount of the genre. This one will not really stand out for me as being exceptionally well written, because quite unexpectedly, it became a mish-mash of sappy, soupy, overly emotionally driven drama. And lots of kicking of butts, no names being taken.
But, the kick for me is that the end just had to wrap up in happy smiles, linked arms and mirthful chuckles all around as the protagonists move on to a future that is not so sparkly and sanitized; they know this and still have toothpaste smiles for what's to come.
That isn't my criticism. It's a quick read, about 4 hours total. My "ick factor" came when, in spite of all the tutting and fretting, all the trauma and the sudden collapse of social norms, in spite of the fact that there is just an abundance of horror happening all at once, we're working with about 5-6 days of initial problem/crisis to happy dance solution. Five days. It takes me that long to make out a grocery list.
It's just to absurd. More like "Alice In Wonderland" meets Dracula; and by the end, you like Dracula better. At least you know he's the villain.
I just think if the goal is to put together a book that will serve as an over-the-bow warning shot for humanity to stay on top of what's happening in the world, taking care to protect yourself and be prepared to ensure your survival, or at least hope to ensure it, then do the research and realize that just can't be done in 5 days.
Maybe 5 years. But not 5 days.
Therefore, because it is so unrealistic, I just can't recommend this as anything more than light reading for the commode.
If you want some cheap thrills, this will provide exactly that. It's the fluff, not the substance of good writing.
Not for me.
May 20, 2025
Consider the bar for CME survival thrillers officially raised!
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
Customers should know that Utter Devastation, the second book in the best CME survival thriller series out there, picks up in the immediate aftermath of Utter Darkness with Knox needing desperate medical help, Bee working hard to keep the peace and bring her small community together and the rest of the Carlisle family managing to find trouble throughout their work to survive! If you're looking for spoilers, I'm trying hard to describe the book properly without giving anything more of the plot, so readers should know that this series is handily the best in the genre and even if they've never been interested in a CME survival thriller before, you're doing yourself a serious disservice if you pass on this one! If you like your thrillers with compelling, character driven thrillers with superbly written characters and meticulously plotted action, Utter Devastation has your name written on it! I know that the CME survival genre is getting more broad all the time, none hold a candle to the world that Payne has created. Many of them earn 5 stars from me, as I couldn't enjoy them more, but the Black Sky Event series is written at a level head and shoulders above the rest! 5/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of CME survival thrillers, but don't get the idea this book, or the one before it for that matter, will only appeal to CME survival fans, this series will transcend the genre and appeal to all fans of smart, perfectly constructed thrillers.
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
Customers should know that Utter Devastation, the second book in the best CME survival thriller series out there, picks up in the immediate aftermath of Utter Darkness with Knox needing desperate medical help, Bee working hard to keep the peace and bring her small community together and the rest of the Carlisle family managing to find trouble throughout their work to survive! If you're looking for spoilers, I'm trying hard to describe the book properly without giving anything more of the plot, so readers should know that this series is handily the best in the genre and even if they've never been interested in a CME survival thriller before, you're doing yourself a serious disservice if you pass on this one! If you like your thrillers with compelling, character driven thrillers with superbly written characters and meticulously plotted action, Utter Devastation has your name written on it! I know that the CME survival genre is getting more broad all the time, none hold a candle to the world that Payne has created. Many of them earn 5 stars from me, as I couldn't enjoy them more, but the Black Sky Event series is written at a level head and shoulders above the rest! 5/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of CME survival thrillers, but don't get the idea this book, or the one before it for that matter, will only appeal to CME survival fans, this series will transcend the genre and appeal to all fans of smart, perfectly constructed thrillers.
May 19, 2025
Utter Devastation, by TL Payne, was truly an enjoyable read. We follow the characters we were first introduced to in the inaugural book in the series, Utter Darkness, as they encounter more hurdles they need to overcome. Some characters end up finding each other and some struggle on toward hopeful meetups. While society continues its decline around them, we follow characters as they push to overcome the struggles the encounter. This is another great addition to TL Payne’s bibliography, and just a flat-out fun read!
June 29, 2025
ACTION
The CME has really left The United States in a state of despair and ruin. This second book in the series continues the journey of the Carlisle family trying to reunite in the face of great difficulties and mayhem. From different points in America each Carlisle has a battle to get through and try to win. Follow the journeys of Carson, Willow, Knox, Arthur, Bee, and others as they navigate the unknown.
The CME has really left The United States in a state of despair and ruin. This second book in the series continues the journey of the Carlisle family trying to reunite in the face of great difficulties and mayhem. From different points in America each Carlisle has a battle to get through and try to win. Follow the journeys of Carson, Willow, Knox, Arthur, Bee, and others as they navigate the unknown.
May 23, 2025
Reading through. already ordered next installment
Just order Utter Despare on June 30. Wish book were less violent but characters are well thought out. Plot is almost too twisty. Still just got book 3. Love the cat. Almost too many people to follow. Worth reading but could improve.
Just order Utter Despare on June 30. Wish book were less violent but characters are well thought out. Plot is almost too twisty. Still just got book 3. Love the cat. Almost too many people to follow. Worth reading but could improve.
May 7, 2025
Great continuation from book 1. I am so invested in these characters. Some to dislike and some to love. The journey that Willow and Carson are making just makes you realize how if society did collapse what we would be up against, which is scary. Really makes you think.
May 20, 2025
Another great book in the series!
I really enjoy all T.L. Payne books and thoroughly enjoyed this book and series. I couldn't put the book down, what a page turner. I would highly recommend!
I really enjoy all T.L. Payne books and thoroughly enjoyed this book and series. I couldn't put the book down, what a page turner. I would highly recommend!
May 21, 2025
I did enjoy this story, a fast paced adventure which nearly explodes with action & excitement in every chapter! I did like the characters overall & found this added to the reading pleasure! Great for lovers of high explosive stories, fun on every page!
May 21, 2025
Utter Devastation
Utter Devastation, Book 2 in the Black Sky Event series was excellent. I was caught up in the story line and I'm looking forward to the 3rd book in the series to come out.
Utter Devastation, Book 2 in the Black Sky Event series was excellent. I was caught up in the story line and I'm looking forward to the 3rd book in the series to come out.
Read
May 25, 2025I have read books 1 &2 of this series. While the case is different the stories advance with good trying and fghting to get home . tried for book 3 but it is not out until June. I always enjoyPayne's books. He is a good writer
August 30, 2025
A good book I think could happen soon.
I could not find anything I could disagree with. The book told a story I believe could haappen. I keep a to go back pack. I always have and I always will. The boy scouts are right Be Prepared.
I could not find anything I could disagree with. The book told a story I believe could haappen. I keep a to go back pack. I always have and I always will. The boy scouts are right Be Prepared.
August 3, 2025
Great read
This book was a great read for being #2. The suspense was medium but felt it reflected on their dramas.
This book was a great read for being #2. The suspense was medium but felt it reflected on their dramas.
August 31, 2025
Action packed
I like this author. He writes well telling a story -- not forcing it. The changing POVs help keep the suspense.
I like this author. He writes well telling a story -- not forcing it. The changing POVs help keep the suspense.
September 3, 2025
Great read
Fast paced, not your usual post apocalypse book. Great story of groups of people dealing with their own adventures. I would recommend this book.
Fast paced, not your usual post apocalypse book. Great story of groups of people dealing with their own adventures. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews