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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.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
743 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 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 30, 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!
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. And another homestead with a girl who outclasses him in every way. If you want a great book series, rather read “The Survivor Journals”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 14, 2025
Worth the Time
Nice to read a Post Apocalyptic novel on Kindle Unlimited that takes some time and gives thought to characters and situations without simply resorting to violence/horror/romance. Not only will I seek out more works by this author but I also imagine I will revisit this novel at some point in the future.
Martin MK
Nice to read a Post Apocalyptic novel on Kindle Unlimited that takes some time and gives thought to characters and situations without simply resorting to violence/horror/romance. Not only will I seek out more works by this author but I also imagine I will revisit this novel at some point in the future.
Martin MK
May 2, 2025
Amazing read
Started reading again recently and chose this just because it seemed different. Immersive read that kept me tuned and is written in a way that it's easy to know which point of view is being spoken from
Started reading again recently and chose this just because it seemed different. Immersive read that kept me tuned and is written in a way that it's easy to know which point of view is being spoken from
May 4, 2025
EMP After THE Lights
This was a wonderful story, one of the best prepped stories I've read. I loved the character Rob and his relationship with Captain. I hope this author will write more of these stories. I didn't want this to end.
This was a wonderful story, one of the best prepped stories I've read. I loved the character Rob and his relationship with Captain. I hope this author will write more of these stories. I didn't want this to end.
May 17, 2025
Bittersweet
I’ve read too many of this genre not to realize there are not but so many ways to tell the same story. But this one did have a subplot that, though occasionally overplayed, was a pleasure. Not gratuitous sex or ridiculous interpersonal violence. I liked it
I’ve read too many of this genre not to realize there are not but so many ways to tell the same story. But this one did have a subplot that, though occasionally overplayed, was a pleasure. Not gratuitous sex or ridiculous interpersonal violence. I liked it
May 20, 2025
Great story
Truly the best apocalypse book I've read and I've read a lot! Story about EMP results but the main character grabbed at you right away and carried you with him so humanely it was more real to me than most under those conditions. A great read you should try!!
Truly the best apocalypse book I've read and I've read a lot! Story about EMP results but the main character grabbed at you right away and carried you with him so humanely it was more real to me than most under those conditions. A great read you should try!!
May 26, 2025
Great read
A totally believable story of hardship, loss, of life and love, and relationships found. Showing that just because it's hard doesn't mean it's impossible. It's a bit of a tear jerk read but oh so good. Would definitely recommend!
A totally believable story of hardship, loss, of life and love, and relationships found. Showing that just because it's hard doesn't mean it's impossible. It's a bit of a tear jerk read but oh so good. Would definitely recommend!
June 7, 2025
EMP and The Resilience of the Human Spirit
Good story about Americans bonding under the most adverse of circumstances against the evil of predators who never miss a chance to take advantage of the destruction of civilization.
Good story about Americans bonding under the most adverse of circumstances against the evil of predators who never miss a chance to take advantage of the destruction of civilization.
June 10, 2025
Refreshing
This book is so unlike the vast majority of books in the genre. Are there improbabilities? Yes. Do the bad guys lose? Of course. What's wonderful is that the story is no nearly so formulaic as are so many other post EMP stories. This was a refreshing change.
This book is so unlike the vast majority of books in the genre. Are there improbabilities? Yes. Do the bad guys lose? Of course. What's wonderful is that the story is no nearly so formulaic as are so many other post EMP stories. This was a refreshing change.
June 18, 2025
Well written!
Riveting story and no grammatical, syntax or spelling errors to be found. Rob wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer which made him to be a believable person. A guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Riveting story and no grammatical, syntax or spelling errors to be found. Rob wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer which made him to be a believable person. A guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.
June 24, 2025
EMP After The Lights
I acquired this book simply wanting another Preparedness story. However, it turned out to be an interesting page Turner and a very satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of this story by William Stone.
I acquired this book simply wanting another Preparedness story. However, it turned out to be an interesting page Turner and a very satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of this story by William Stone.
July 6, 2025
After the Event
The characters are well define. Growing with book. It was eventful throughout. Anyone who loves a good post apocalyptic read will enjoy this book. Highly recommend it to all feel our future truly might be at risk.
The characters are well define. Growing with book. It was eventful throughout. Anyone who loves a good post apocalyptic read will enjoy this book. Highly recommend it to all feel our future truly might be at risk.
July 8, 2025
O Captain, My Captain
Devoured this book in one sitting. Grab your tissues. I love Rob and Captain. I love that the story is so descriptive but does not linger on statistical details about EMPs. It happened and the story just kept moving. So good.
Devoured this book in one sitting. Grab your tissues. I love Rob and Captain. I love that the story is so descriptive but does not linger on statistical details about EMPs. It happened and the story just kept moving. So good.
July 12, 2025
Truly Enjoyed
An excellent story that I couldn't put down. It's my first EMP story that I've read. Something tells me the others may have a hard time matching up to this one. Highly recommended!
An excellent story that I couldn't put down. It's my first EMP story that I've read. Something tells me the others may have a hard time matching up to this one. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews