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EMP After the Lights: An EMP Post Apocalypse Prepper Survival Thriller
One month into the collapse, Rob and his dog, Captain, have lost almost everything, but not their hope. Together, they are fighting their way toward a hidden prepper homestead, a place where life can start again. In the world of EMP survival and post-apocalyptic struggle, hope is the fuel that keeps them alive.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
May 25, 2025
Tear Jerker
Not your typical post apocalypse read. First, it isn't a series. Second, Captain's backstory broke my heart. I literally cried. He was definitely the hero of the story. Lastly, it was well written. Definitely recommend!
Not your typical post apocalypse read. First, it isn't a series. Second, Captain's backstory broke my heart. I literally cried. He was definitely the hero of the story. Lastly, it was well written. Definitely recommend!
May 21, 2025
After the lights
I just loved the way this book was written, a different perspective, through the eyes of a beloved dog,it brings it home to a person Dogs are a man's best friend.
Thank you for the well written book
I just loved the way this book was written, a different perspective, through the eyes of a beloved dog,it brings it home to a person Dogs are a man's best friend.
Thank you for the well written book
June 2, 2025
This was a fairly standard EMP story, though with the main character being an orphan that felt disconnected from the world-another familiar element. Rob is actually likeable enough but makes some questionable decisions. Much of what happens to seem more like elements that the author decided had to be there, rather than what made sense. An EMP high in the atmosphere would not really be a bright flash seen from even a tall building. I was bothered by the fact that the military/National Guard were portrayed as brutish just shortly after the EMP and attack started. I would think that there would be better deployment of forces when an actual bombing attack was happening in the city than having them man checkpoint to keep a frantic citizenry inside the attack perimeter rather than let them get out. And keep them in with a threat to shoot them. Really? The militia/prepper vs warlord is common and oddly enough seemed to drag. The writing and editing itself was fine. I always give some pluses for having a good dog. Captain was the best boy.
May 27, 2025
I am slightly obsessed with how people manage, especially living off the land and scavenging after a catastrophic event. And I hoped that a 26 year old would be a bit more believable and mature than the usual YA novels of the teen protagonist. Nope. This boy was mentored for weeks by a survivalist before the EMP hit. He had jujitsu training. He is a brilliant shot. And yet. The only way he really survived is by discovering a cabin with loads of food in it. And a dog that needs his own book. He even found another homestead with a girl who outclasses him in every way. Lame. Don't do it. If you want a great book series, rather read “The Survivor Journals”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
he pulled the hammer of the glock back with a click.
Yeah.
Some parts of the story are very vivid, other parts are so worthy you can skip entire pages and not miss anything important.
Major elements of plot are just forced to fit in and don’t grow organically out of the story that’s been told that far.
There are moments purely built to be tearjerkers, where you know it’s being set up going, in the whole thing feels a little bit manipulated.
The editing punctuation spelling and word choice was good.
Layout and chapter headers are solid .
Overall, a decent effort , better than some, just not my taste.
Yeah.
Some parts of the story are very vivid, other parts are so worthy you can skip entire pages and not miss anything important.
Major elements of plot are just forced to fit in and don’t grow organically out of the story that’s been told that far.
There are moments purely built to be tearjerkers, where you know it’s being set up going, in the whole thing feels a little bit manipulated.
The editing punctuation spelling and word choice was good.
Layout and chapter headers are solid .
Overall, a decent effort , better than some, just not my taste.
Read
June 14, 2025Great storyline and characters
I hadn't read a book in a while that kept my attention from the first few chapters, but this one did. I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns. Great job by the author!
I hadn't read a book in a while that kept my attention from the first few chapters, but this one did. I enjoyed the story and the twists and turns. Great job by the author!
June 10, 2025
ugh
Had to stop reading once the guy walked by a bunch of dead so,doers but didn't stop to pick up any of their guns. And then where's his next stop? To go get a gun. So stupid I couldn't get over it. Plus they killed off one of the main characters and with it a primary goal, right at the beginning. Then I just couldn't get back into it. The main character is walking around feeling all sorry for himself. Mind you someone else has died. Does he having feelings about her? Or even letting her parents know what happened to her? No, just a bunch of self-wallowing. Why would I want to read about this guy? He's too wrapped up in himself. And he's not smart enough to grab a gun from a dead soldier.
Had to stop reading once the guy walked by a bunch of dead so,doers but didn't stop to pick up any of their guns. And then where's his next stop? To go get a gun. So stupid I couldn't get over it. Plus they killed off one of the main characters and with it a primary goal, right at the beginning. Then I just couldn't get back into it. The main character is walking around feeling all sorry for himself. Mind you someone else has died. Does he having feelings about her? Or even letting her parents know what happened to her? No, just a bunch of self-wallowing. Why would I want to read about this guy? He's too wrapped up in himself. And he's not smart enough to grab a gun from a dead soldier.
October 8, 2026
This story had some problems. First the good. There were several action and emotional scenes that worked well.
I like a good "Boy and his Dog" story. The dog might have been a tiny bit too smart but it was a nice friendship.
There were several unexpected events and the story didn't always flow the way I expected it.
I kind of liked the long term payoff even if that one was expected.
But some things were really off. I remember one minor thing that stuck out
I could swear that some of the story was AI generated content. It had decent flow and suspense .... but did quite fit. It's hard to tell in today's world.
There was one scene where they are driving up to a road block at night. It's approaching fast and the old lady finds a map and finds an alternate route and discusses their options .... all before they arrive at the road block? They never even slowed down?
There were riots WAAY to fast. The information around the attack was brief which was good because it was stupid
Many scenes were very repetitive. The same idea or action was repeated multiple times just using slightly different words.
Food problems:
I'm just complaining about picky minor things.... but there were several of them. I wouldn't recommend the book.
I like a good "Boy and his Dog" story. The dog might have been a tiny bit too smart but it was a nice friendship.
There were several unexpected events and the story didn't always flow the way I expected it.
I kind of liked the long term payoff even if that one was expected.
But some things were really off. I remember one minor thing that stuck out
I could swear that some of the story was AI generated content. It had decent flow and suspense .... but did quite fit. It's hard to tell in today's world.
There was one scene where they are driving up to a road block at night. It's approaching fast and the old lady finds a map and finds an alternate route and discusses their options .... all before they arrive at the road block? They never even slowed down?
There were riots WAAY to fast. The information around the attack was brief which was good because it was stupid
Many scenes were very repetitive. The same idea or action was repeated multiple times just using slightly different words.
Food problems:
I'm just complaining about picky minor things.... but there were several of them. I wouldn't recommend the book.
September 30, 2025
I started this book really expecting it to be another cheesy EMP- with no real plot, book, but I have to say I was leasantly surprised. The story focuses more on Rob and his dog captain and how they find and fight for each other.
-it was a little repetitive in some places (we’re told no less than 7 times that Rob is an orphan who was in foster care in the first 5 chapters)
-I would have loved a little more world building and a tad bit more survival stuff, but I’ll settle for what it is.
-writing style was very YA and MMC came across more as a 17-19yo than a twenty something.
-he has survival training, jujitsu, and by all accounts is an amazing marksman, but is struggling until food and shelter fall into his lap
-Also, I really hate how he immediately becomes useless when MFC shows up and doesn’t redeem himself until the end of the battle. I get character growth, but why the regression and then growth… it made him seem like a teenage boy that suddenly starts falling all over himself when he sees a pretty girl.
-no smut
-the cartel angle was far fetched and could have easily been replaced by groups of starving townspeople, etc. it just wasnt believable that a cartel of over 1000 ppl would be that interested in a little compound that barely holds 100 people when they could have entire towns.
Despite all of that, I still enjoyed it & highly recommend if you want a break from the typical EMP/post-apocalyptic biker gang nonsense a lot of authors are pushing.
-it was a little repetitive in some places (we’re told no less than 7 times that Rob is an orphan who was in foster care in the first 5 chapters)
-I would have loved a little more world building and a tad bit more survival stuff, but I’ll settle for what it is.
-writing style was very YA and MMC came across more as a 17-19yo than a twenty something.
-he has survival training, jujitsu, and by all accounts is an amazing marksman, but is struggling until food and shelter fall into his lap
-Also, I really hate how he immediately becomes useless when MFC shows up and doesn’t redeem himself until the end of the battle. I get character growth, but why the regression and then growth… it made him seem like a teenage boy that suddenly starts falling all over himself when he sees a pretty girl.
-no smut
-the cartel angle was far fetched and could have easily been replaced by groups of starving townspeople, etc. it just wasnt believable that a cartel of over 1000 ppl would be that interested in a little compound that barely holds 100 people when they could have entire towns.
Despite all of that, I still enjoyed it & highly recommend if you want a break from the typical EMP/post-apocalyptic biker gang nonsense a lot of authors are pushing.
June 15, 2026
LG
Rob is working at his first office job and he hates it. Within an hour every phone begins to beep. EMERGENCY MESSAGE: INCOMING MISSILE THREAT. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Immediately panic breaks out with everyone running for the stairs. Rob thinks it is a nuclear attack and everyone is going to die so he goes to the conference room with its big windows so he can see it coming. He sees a white streak incoming and when it bursts he is ready to die. Only, he didn't. He immediately knew it was an EMP and realized he had to get out of the building to shelter before the mass of people began fighting for survival. He then begins his journey to get out of the city to the forest so he can hide out but he overcome near death experiences, men who have shed the thin manners of civilization and embraced the darkest part of human nature , and starvation.
Rob is working at his first office job and he hates it. Within an hour every phone begins to beep. EMERGENCY MESSAGE: INCOMING MISSILE THREAT. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Immediately panic breaks out with everyone running for the stairs. Rob thinks it is a nuclear attack and everyone is going to die so he goes to the conference room with its big windows so he can see it coming. He sees a white streak incoming and when it bursts he is ready to die. Only, he didn't. He immediately knew it was an EMP and realized he had to get out of the building to shelter before the mass of people began fighting for survival. He then begins his journey to get out of the city to the forest so he can hide out but he overcome near death experiences, men who have shed the thin manners of civilization and embraced the darkest part of human nature , and starvation.
December 9, 2025
Absolutely Brutal! Does The Dog Live?
It’s rare that a book can affect me so deeply but this one has been a riot of emotions. It’s my first book by this author and after what I’ve just read I need to read more, so that’s no hardship.
I’m not embarrassed to say that I cried, I certainly didn’t expect to but to me the mark of an outstanding author is one who can make you care. It doesn’t matter what the emotion is , what matters is that the reader connects to the story and feels it.
I can honestly say the decision to read this book was primarily due to another reviewer’s comment essentially asking “but does the dog live?” Like me you’ll have to read it and find out for yourself.
It’s rare that a book can affect me so deeply but this one has been a riot of emotions. It’s my first book by this author and after what I’ve just read I need to read more, so that’s no hardship.
I’m not embarrassed to say that I cried, I certainly didn’t expect to but to me the mark of an outstanding author is one who can make you care. It doesn’t matter what the emotion is , what matters is that the reader connects to the story and feels it.
I can honestly say the decision to read this book was primarily due to another reviewer’s comment essentially asking “but does the dog live?” Like me you’ll have to read it and find out for yourself.
May 16, 2025
Great EMP story about a man and his dog
Rob is living in Denver, working at a job he hates when a bomb goes off over the city, triggering an EMP.
Rob has been on his own for a long time, ever since his folks were killed, and he's learned plenty of ways to survive - and he's going to need all those skills now that the world has gone crazy.
When stray dog Captain and Rob meet up, it's love at first sight for both of them, and they both need all their luck and skills as deadly events roll out in front of them.
This was a great story that definitely held my interest all the way through. I loved the characters especially Captain.
Rob is living in Denver, working at a job he hates when a bomb goes off over the city, triggering an EMP.
Rob has been on his own for a long time, ever since his folks were killed, and he's learned plenty of ways to survive - and he's going to need all those skills now that the world has gone crazy.
When stray dog Captain and Rob meet up, it's love at first sight for both of them, and they both need all their luck and skills as deadly events roll out in front of them.
This was a great story that definitely held my interest all the way through. I loved the characters especially Captain.
June 2, 2025
A heartfelt journey of survival in the toughest of times
Not often you find a story in one novel, that takes you on such a complete journey in an EMP event. Adventurous, with drama, sacrifice, trauma and the horrors you expect in such a life altering event. Focused on one man’s experience from the collapse of society to his finding a place to belong, the author doesn’t get bogged down with the necessity of extensive world building and character development. Having said that, where necessary he builds an amazing framework to move the story line forward. I enjoyed “Rob” and will definitely look for more books by this author.
Not often you find a story in one novel, that takes you on such a complete journey in an EMP event. Adventurous, with drama, sacrifice, trauma and the horrors you expect in such a life altering event. Focused on one man’s experience from the collapse of society to his finding a place to belong, the author doesn’t get bogged down with the necessity of extensive world building and character development. Having said that, where necessary he builds an amazing framework to move the story line forward. I enjoyed “Rob” and will definitely look for more books by this author.
May 22, 2025
I rarely give 5 stars
I have read lot of EMP stories but this one stands out from the crowd. William Stone is an artist with words. The main character of the story, most people will be able to relate to in some form or fashion. The story of survival is plausible and well thought out. Without any spoilers, there were places where I was emotionally connected. I smiled. I cheered. I was angry. I teared up. This story took me for a ride that I would I give anyone looking for a rollercoaster ride to definitely check out. Good job Stone.
I have read lot of EMP stories but this one stands out from the crowd. William Stone is an artist with words. The main character of the story, most people will be able to relate to in some form or fashion. The story of survival is plausible and well thought out. Without any spoilers, there were places where I was emotionally connected. I smiled. I cheered. I was angry. I teared up. This story took me for a ride that I would I give anyone looking for a rollercoaster ride to definitely check out. Good job Stone.
March 19, 2026
I like this type of survival book and wanted to like this one, but the writing was not strong enough to earn a better rating. If I have to hear one more time about how the protagonist was cursed and destined to bring death and sorrow to those he cared about I will scream. Seriously, this was stated about twenty times in the novel. And because of his sad and lonely upbringing he develops a bond with his dog that is a little over the top. Finally, it did not offer anything new in this genre--no surprises, no twists.
July 19, 2025
Decent post apocalyptic read mainly because of the dog. Not sure it would have kept me interested without “captain”. Sad 26 year old male came up the hard way and wasn’t thrilled in his job when the EMP goes off. He luckily has a go bag ready and manages to reach his home to get it and heads out with a coworker. Things as usual go to crap quickly. Now you get to read it to see how that works out for Rob.
August 5, 2025
This book was entertaining and different and a quick read. Some things were not well researched or at least not conveyed accurately. I wasn’t sure how this book was going to end because at 80% it didn’t feel like it was wrapping up. The end felt a little rushed but was glad they did tie it all up. I am sure the author can continue the story if he wants to or he can leave it as a stand alone book. Overall I would recommend if your looking for a quick and entertaining read.
March 12, 2026
reality or fiction?
for those who survived 911, the first few chapters will be triggering.
the story is a combination of fact and fiction, focusing on preppers.
this was a journey for our protagonist, in both figurative and litteral terms .
the action reminds me of the movie No Escape in that innocent people find themselves trying to escape and survive during an apocalypse.
the character is well rounded and does achieve an epiphany.
for those who survived 911, the first few chapters will be triggering.
the story is a combination of fact and fiction, focusing on preppers.
this was a journey for our protagonist, in both figurative and litteral terms .
the action reminds me of the movie No Escape in that innocent people find themselves trying to escape and survive during an apocalypse.
the character is well rounded and does achieve an epiphany.
March 26, 2026
Typical EMP tale
Typical EMP story. If it was a movie I would, it would get rating PG-13
The tale indicates that preppers prepare for life without electricity. Most sagas of EMP Post Apocalypse plan by having older vehicles and modern items like solar power, computers and tv's games protected by cages.. Having prepared for years however this group did not. Poor editing of the storyline.
Typical EMP story. If it was a movie I would, it would get rating PG-13
The tale indicates that preppers prepare for life without electricity. Most sagas of EMP Post Apocalypse plan by having older vehicles and modern items like solar power, computers and tv's games protected by cages.. Having prepared for years however this group did not. Poor editing of the storyline.
July 29, 2026
An instant EMP Classic, a keeper for all Library 'shelves'
A complete Novel!
... Not a teaser to entice you into the next "installment".
And what a great story, made complete by the loyal heart of a dog.
This one carved itself like a memory onto my heart.
💝~👵
A complete Novel!
... Not a teaser to entice you into the next "installment".
And what a great story, made complete by the loyal heart of a dog.
This one carved itself like a memory onto my heart.
💝~👵
August 4, 2026
Good story. Bad repetition.
The basic premise of the story was good. The storyline was interesting, and the character development was good.
HOWEVER, the repetion was overkill to the extreme! It needs to be re-edited, & the repeated parts (of which there are too many to count) need to be eliminated. I found myself skipping forward just to omit the same verbage over & over again.
The basic premise of the story was good. The storyline was interesting, and the character development was good.
HOWEVER, the repetion was overkill to the extreme! It needs to be re-edited, & the repeated parts (of which there are too many to count) need to be eliminated. I found myself skipping forward just to omit the same verbage over & over again.
May 25, 2025
Story of finding redemption
I’m not one to write reviews yet this book was one of the best Survival series I’ve read. The main character was haunted by the tragedy from his young life. The bond he created with his canine friend was heart warming and relatable. I shed a few tears of sadness and joy at the end. I will be reading more by this author.
I’m not one to write reviews yet this book was one of the best Survival series I’ve read. The main character was haunted by the tragedy from his young life. The bond he created with his canine friend was heart warming and relatable. I shed a few tears of sadness and joy at the end. I will be reading more by this author.
June 22, 2025
I’m not gonna do a review that goes into story details since so many other reviews already do that. I’m gonna say it was a good EMP story, and I’ve read many EMP books but never leave reviews on any. But, damn, I started to cry a bit near the end and then got hopeful and then got so damn happy. Read the book and you will too. Thank you Captain and all ones like him.
September 4, 2025
high adventure
You want to believe in the boy Rob. Sometimes he acts like a man and others like a scared little boy. It makes you want to scream for him to get a grip and others moments he makes you proud. I wanted to berate the author for his hero being more inconsistent than he needed to be. But in the end he stood up.
You want to believe in the boy Rob. Sometimes he acts like a man and others like a scared little boy. It makes you want to scream for him to get a grip and others moments he makes you proud. I wanted to berate the author for his hero being more inconsistent than he needed to be. But in the end he stood up.
September 7, 2025
Guess it's my fault. I'm desperate for a juicy escape from reality through a fun post-apocalyptic novel. Station Eleven II, please!
This book sounds like it was mostly written by AI.
It's effing stupid.
One dimensional. Predictable. Spaghetti Western Book. Bad continuity. No character developement.
Bad Audible performance.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I suffered through the entire thing.
This book sounds like it was mostly written by AI.
It's effing stupid.
One dimensional. Predictable. Spaghetti Western Book. Bad continuity. No character developement.
Bad Audible performance.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I suffered through the entire thing.
January 13, 2026
Solid Survival Story and there's a dog- what's not to love?
I liked this one. It had real Hatchet meets apocalypse vibes, which worked for me. The end got a bit too battle-focused and there were some repetitive beats, but I was still invested. And I loved the dog. I will read more from this author.
I liked this one. It had real Hatchet meets apocalypse vibes, which worked for me. The end got a bit too battle-focused and there were some repetitive beats, but I was still invested. And I loved the dog. I will read more from this author.
March 17, 2026
magnificent
A beautiful story that proves that having love, purpose, and connection, gives us hope. This was exciting, fast paced, and a brilliant reminder of what matters. Love this author’s stellar wording and style. I laughed,cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this incredible book. Grateful for William Stone’s talent, and will read all of bis books!
A beautiful story that proves that having love, purpose, and connection, gives us hope. This was exciting, fast paced, and a brilliant reminder of what matters. Love this author’s stellar wording and style. I laughed,cried, and thoroughly enjoyed this incredible book. Grateful for William Stone’s talent, and will read all of bis books!
April 5, 2026
Heartfelt Goodness!
I don't give five stars easily. This book is so mush more than an apocalyptic novel. It is funny, tear-jerking, thought provoking,and tense action! All this and NO CURSING!!! What a feat today! Honestly, this is a wonderful read, and I found it so hard to put down. Only blurry vision made me stop reading at 3:00 AM. Great job William Stone!
I don't give five stars easily. This book is so mush more than an apocalyptic novel. It is funny, tear-jerking, thought provoking,and tense action! All this and NO CURSING!!! What a feat today! Honestly, this is a wonderful read, and I found it so hard to put down. Only blurry vision made me stop reading at 3:00 AM. Great job William Stone!
May 19, 2026
EMP After the Lights
I really like Captain’s back story, he found another being like himself unwanted most of his life and they saved each other. I like this story because it resonates with me, I’m a loner always have been due to life. I lose myself in books they are my friends, and they never desert you.
I really like Captain’s back story, he found another being like himself unwanted most of his life and they saved each other. I like this story because it resonates with me, I’m a loner always have been due to life. I lose myself in books they are my friends, and they never desert you.
July 19, 2026
Engrossing well written story that pulls the reader in.
The best story by this author that I have read. The story pulls you in, causing you to pull for the main character Rob. His seeming ordinary life , in fact helped prepare him for survival in a terrible post EMP world. His story is an example of the importance of never giving up.
The best story by this author that I have read. The story pulls you in, causing you to pull for the main character Rob. His seeming ordinary life , in fact helped prepare him for survival in a terrible post EMP world. His story is an example of the importance of never giving up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews