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The Earth Exhaled
They said a rapid pole shift couldn’t happen. They were wrong.
The Earth slipped—a shift barely more than a degree on paper, but enough to fracture fault lines, drown cities, and rip the jet stream into shreds. The skies burned with auroras. Rivers swelled and reversed course, turning tall hills into islands. Satellites went silent. And within days, society collapsed.
Nate Conner, an Army veteran who never quite fit in after his tour, heads to the woods—one step ahead of the chaos, guided by instinct and a gut feeling that this time, the warnings were real. Casey Wren wasn’t part of the plan. She has her reasons for running—and just enough grit, if not more, to match Nate’s. A chance encounter brings them together, and what begins as an uneasy partnership gradually deepens into something neither unshakable trust.
Together, they face a world buckling under pressure from storms, tremors, and something darker watching from above. A fawn they rescue early on becomes a symbol of what they’re fighting to hold decency, purpose, and the faint hope that not all is lost.
In a land reshaped by disaster, survival means more than staying alive. It means staying human.
The Earth slipped—a shift barely more than a degree on paper, but enough to fracture fault lines, drown cities, and rip the jet stream into shreds. The skies burned with auroras. Rivers swelled and reversed course, turning tall hills into islands. Satellites went silent. And within days, society collapsed.
Nate Conner, an Army veteran who never quite fit in after his tour, heads to the woods—one step ahead of the chaos, guided by instinct and a gut feeling that this time, the warnings were real. Casey Wren wasn’t part of the plan. She has her reasons for running—and just enough grit, if not more, to match Nate’s. A chance encounter brings them together, and what begins as an uneasy partnership gradually deepens into something neither unshakable trust.
Together, they face a world buckling under pressure from storms, tremors, and something darker watching from above. A fawn they rescue early on becomes a symbol of what they’re fighting to hold decency, purpose, and the faint hope that not all is lost.
In a land reshaped by disaster, survival means more than staying alive. It means staying human.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
297 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 2, 2026
MORE THAN AN POST-APOCALYPTIC STORY IT'S A LOVE STORY TO LAST TO THE END OF THE END OF EVERYTHING
1/01/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
When your life's anchor that holds you in the present with love and compassion and happiness and opens you body and soul to each moment together starts slipping away, way too early all hope for a future fades before your eyes, life itself becomes just memories, hopefully, good memories before you take your last breath. Living through the beginning of the Earth's final days opens your heart and soul to what's important and it isn't possessions, it isn't status, it's loving someone or something and being loved in return. This book 'The Earth Exhaled' is not your usual post-apocalyptic tale or scenario, it's the determination of two adults that meet at the beginning of the end and through a short time together they not only fall in love but the share a love that makes the romantic classics feel somewhat lacking compared to the relationship between Nate and Casey.
The Earth Exhaled by Joseph D Nirmaier is one of the many post-apocalyptic stories that I have read so far but definitely one that stands out above the rest with an original storyline that will touch your heart and break your heart at the same time. It's a story that shows strength through living right, caring for those around you, caring for nature and its wildlife, and even when all is lost, finding love, true love where if you're separated from each other there isn't anything left.
When the polls shift, throwing the Earth and everything out wack, run for the hills and kiss everything goodbye and hope you can survive to see the next day. Of course, what's the point if you're surviving and no one or nothing else is as lucky.
This is the first book that I have had the chance to read by Joseph D Nirmaier and I can truthfully tell you it will not be my last. I enjoyed this book so much that I honestly recommend it to all readers. You will not be disappointed in reading this book.
1/01/26 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
When your life's anchor that holds you in the present with love and compassion and happiness and opens you body and soul to each moment together starts slipping away, way too early all hope for a future fades before your eyes, life itself becomes just memories, hopefully, good memories before you take your last breath. Living through the beginning of the Earth's final days opens your heart and soul to what's important and it isn't possessions, it isn't status, it's loving someone or something and being loved in return. This book 'The Earth Exhaled' is not your usual post-apocalyptic tale or scenario, it's the determination of two adults that meet at the beginning of the end and through a short time together they not only fall in love but the share a love that makes the romantic classics feel somewhat lacking compared to the relationship between Nate and Casey.
The Earth Exhaled by Joseph D Nirmaier is one of the many post-apocalyptic stories that I have read so far but definitely one that stands out above the rest with an original storyline that will touch your heart and break your heart at the same time. It's a story that shows strength through living right, caring for those around you, caring for nature and its wildlife, and even when all is lost, finding love, true love where if you're separated from each other there isn't anything left.
When the polls shift, throwing the Earth and everything out wack, run for the hills and kiss everything goodbye and hope you can survive to see the next day. Of course, what's the point if you're surviving and no one or nothing else is as lucky.
This is the first book that I have had the chance to read by Joseph D Nirmaier and I can truthfully tell you it will not be my last. I enjoyed this book so much that I honestly recommend it to all readers. You will not be disappointed in reading this book.
October 16, 2025
I couldn’t put it down!
What an incredible story! It’s rare to find a book about world extinction event that has so much heart in it. I loved the main characters! Nate, ex Army, headed out for a weekend camping trip. Casey, ready to leave the city behind for some peace and quiet, both ending up in the same place when the earth begins its death spiral.
This is an incredibly touching story of 2 people coming together, trying to make the best decisions they can but ultimately the earth has the final say.
I can’t recommend this one enough!
What an incredible story! It’s rare to find a book about world extinction event that has so much heart in it. I loved the main characters! Nate, ex Army, headed out for a weekend camping trip. Casey, ready to leave the city behind for some peace and quiet, both ending up in the same place when the earth begins its death spiral.
This is an incredibly touching story of 2 people coming together, trying to make the best decisions they can but ultimately the earth has the final say.
I can’t recommend this one enough!
January 24, 2026
Emotional and sweet.....And of course horrific.
And I loved every minute of it! Such brave and strong characters. Not at all what I was expecting. I have read many SHTF books, totally different from any I have read in the past.
Very highly recommended!
Good job, Mr. Nirmaier!
And I loved every minute of it! Such brave and strong characters. Not at all what I was expecting. I have read many SHTF books, totally different from any I have read in the past.
Very highly recommended!
Good job, Mr. Nirmaier!
February 3, 2026
There are post-apocalyptic books about survival.
There are post-apocalyptic books about rebuilding.
And then there are books like this one, rare, brave, and deeply unsettling.
This is not a story about saving the world.
It is a story about being human while the world ends.
A sudden magnetic pole shift throws Earth into chaos.
Cities drown.
Climates collapse.
Fault lines tear open. Satellites fall silent.
Society disintegrates within days.
Science explains the how, but this story is never about spectacle.
It is about small people living inside an unstoppable event.
Nate is an Army veteran who never truly found his place after the war.
Casey is running, from her past, from pain, from herself.
They meet by chance.
They stay together out of necessity.
And slowly, that necessity becomes choice.
The romance here is not sweet.
Not light.
Not comforting.
It is quiet, raw, cautious, and built through small gestures, shared fear, and growing trust.
Two tired souls recognizing each other in the ruins.
One of the most beautiful symbols in the story is the rescued fawn.
It does not change the outcome.
It does not save anything.
But it represents something essential: as long as compassion exists, humanity still exists.
And then the book does something most stories refuse to do.
There is no miracle.
No last-minute scientific breakthrough.
No hidden refuge.
No escape.
The weakened magnetosphere allows the full force of the sun’s radiation to reach Earth.
Life ends.
All life.
It is shocking.
It is devastating.
And somehow… it is beautiful.
The author chooses honesty over comfort.
He allows the ending to be final.
Yet he shapes that finality into something intimate and meaningful.
Nate and Casey do not save the world.
They find each other.
They choose each other.
They love each other.
And in this story, that is everything.
This book stays with you.
It makes you think about time.
About how much we waste it.
About how easily we take people for granted.
About how fragile and temporary existence truly is.
Did I like this story?
Yes.
Did I like how it made me feel?
Not always.
Because it is uncomfortable.
Because it is heavy.
Because it forces you to face total extinction, a concept I personally struggle to accept or even imagine.
But that discomfort is exactly why this book is powerful.
It is well written.
Well structured.
Emotionally honest.
Filled with real survival, real fear, and real connection.
This is not a feel-good apocalypse.
This is an awakening.
A story that reminds us that maybe the meaning of life is not to last forever, but to love while we are here.
November 18, 2025
Choppy at best
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, then in my opinion, went all over the place. The storyline got lost, like what was the premise of the book? The pole shifts, the earthquakes, the helicopters??, The antagonists became non existent, there just wasn't much flow. There was a fawn and out of no where there was a doe... They were a new couple yet they didn't have to speak to know each others thoughts, especially in times of stress and trials. The ending was a sad one though. Just wasn't as good as reviews showed.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, then in my opinion, went all over the place. The storyline got lost, like what was the premise of the book? The pole shifts, the earthquakes, the helicopters??, The antagonists became non existent, there just wasn't much flow. There was a fawn and out of no where there was a doe... They were a new couple yet they didn't have to speak to know each others thoughts, especially in times of stress and trials. The ending was a sad one though. Just wasn't as good as reviews showed.
July 31, 2025
Slow burn apocalyptic romance, not so much a thriller.
The Earth Exhaled tells the story of Hate and Casey, two people who find each other as the world slowly begins to die. This is not an apocalyptic survival thriller, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable, even if its not quite what I was expecting, a change of pace is nice once in a while. At first, things deteriorate so slowly that many deny its occurring, or claim that a 1°change in Earth's magnetic poles won't have severe consequences. As the Earth begins swallowing land and sulfuric fumes begin to appear, people start taking things more seriously, but things get irreparably bad. Nate and Casey are both excellent, empathic characters. Both are damaged in ways they didn't understand until they found each other. There isn't a ton of dialogue between the two, so the narrative quality is of paramount importance, luckily, the descriptive quality is of the highest caliber, slowly increasing the odds in ways our characters can't prepare for. I was expecting more of a fast paced thriller, not apocalyptic survival romance, but I still really enjoyed the book. 4/5 stars. Recommended for those who know what they're getting, I'm guessing those expecting the book will rate it 5 stars, so long as they aren't offended by Christian mythology.
The Earth Exhaled tells the story of Hate and Casey, two people who find each other as the world slowly begins to die. This is not an apocalyptic survival thriller, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable, even if its not quite what I was expecting, a change of pace is nice once in a while. At first, things deteriorate so slowly that many deny its occurring, or claim that a 1°change in Earth's magnetic poles won't have severe consequences. As the Earth begins swallowing land and sulfuric fumes begin to appear, people start taking things more seriously, but things get irreparably bad. Nate and Casey are both excellent, empathic characters. Both are damaged in ways they didn't understand until they found each other. There isn't a ton of dialogue between the two, so the narrative quality is of paramount importance, luckily, the descriptive quality is of the highest caliber, slowly increasing the odds in ways our characters can't prepare for. I was expecting more of a fast paced thriller, not apocalyptic survival romance, but I still really enjoyed the book. 4/5 stars. Recommended for those who know what they're getting, I'm guessing those expecting the book will rate it 5 stars, so long as they aren't offended by Christian mythology.
February 11, 2026
This novel earned one of my very rare 5 star ratings. At the end of the story, you absolutely know there will be no book two of a twenty book series.
This is a work of fiction based on a theory that has no basis from history, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. It's not about preppers with millions to spend on every gizmo they think they need nor is it about survivalists living in a rural compound defend their land from the starving hordes from the inner city.
This is a story about two loners that by either just dumb luck or the Grace of God happened to meet in very difficult times and both finding out they need each other then love follows. The story outlines events that would most likely happen given the story line.
I found the choice of the New Madrid fault very interesting as what the story depicts is somewhat based on the plate tectonics theory and what the New Madrid fault attempted to do in ancient history.
This was a very good story that was thoroughly enjoyable.
This is a work of fiction based on a theory that has no basis from history, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. It's not about preppers with millions to spend on every gizmo they think they need nor is it about survivalists living in a rural compound defend their land from the starving hordes from the inner city.
This is a story about two loners that by either just dumb luck or the Grace of God happened to meet in very difficult times and both finding out they need each other then love follows. The story outlines events that would most likely happen given the story line.
I found the choice of the New Madrid fault very interesting as what the story depicts is somewhat based on the plate tectonics theory and what the New Madrid fault attempted to do in ancient history.
This was a very good story that was thoroughly enjoyable.
October 31, 2025
Absolute MUST Read!
The Earth Exhaled is an amazing tale of ordinary people finding their way in a world turned against them. Join Nate and Casey and dive into a story so real you expect to look out the window to see the world has changed.
Heart pounding action along with some tear-filled ones, and a steady journey to their final destination all makes for an amazing read. This one shining line, "And for one long, hard-earned evening, the apocalypse could wait." sums up the rhythm and reality of the new world they found themselves in.
Move this amazing tale to the top of your TBR pile, you will be glad you did!
The Earth Exhaled is an amazing tale of ordinary people finding their way in a world turned against them. Join Nate and Casey and dive into a story so real you expect to look out the window to see the world has changed.
Heart pounding action along with some tear-filled ones, and a steady journey to their final destination all makes for an amazing read. This one shining line, "And for one long, hard-earned evening, the apocalypse could wait." sums up the rhythm and reality of the new world they found themselves in.
Move this amazing tale to the top of your TBR pile, you will be glad you did!
October 29, 2025
Unique story. Worth reading to the very end.
Not the usual blood, guts and gore of the apocalypse genre. The pace dragged at times, but the end result is well worth it. The deep explanation of Casey and Nate's feelings for each other are a reminder of what most of our lives could be like.
Would love to discuss the book and its meanings with my Literature class of years ago. This is from an ex hunter, angler, soldier, construction worker and yes, even a teacher when the body finally broke down.
Not the usual blood, guts and gore of the apocalypse genre. The pace dragged at times, but the end result is well worth it. The deep explanation of Casey and Nate's feelings for each other are a reminder of what most of our lives could be like.
Would love to discuss the book and its meanings with my Literature class of years ago. This is from an ex hunter, angler, soldier, construction worker and yes, even a teacher when the body finally broke down.
November 17, 2025
This is another planetary disaster story but it has a different approach. In this case the Earth's poles are moving in a way they should be doing. There's Nate, listening to prepper radio and Casey, a woman who tries to go camping but her car is damaged.
There's a magnetic collapse in process as the two of them meet. You have storms, floods, the Internet dies and a private military force. Mt. Rainer erupts, satellites fall and things get even worse.
Not a happy story.
There's a magnetic collapse in process as the two of them meet. You have storms, floods, the Internet dies and a private military force. Mt. Rainer erupts, satellites fall and things get even worse.
Not a happy story.
November 27, 2025
Good story; spoiler alert for review:
I'm not sure how to fairly describe this book. The story itself was good, but not for the people who like happy/hopeful endings. Working up to the end was slower than I like and although I understood the feelings, I didn't FEEL them the way I do in a really well written story. By a certain point in the mid-end of the story, you just know that there's not going to be a happy ending.
I'm not sure how to fairly describe this book. The story itself was good, but not for the people who like happy/hopeful endings. Working up to the end was slower than I like and although I understood the feelings, I didn't FEEL them the way I do in a really well written story. By a certain point in the mid-end of the story, you just know that there's not going to be a happy ending.
August 4, 2025
Unlike any post apocalyptic novel I have ever read
A deeply moving story of a couple thrown together by circumstance. Becoming a team, they face catastrophe after catastrophe, with survival, fear, strength, compassion, determination, & despite the never-ending destruction, love, love, love.
A deeply moving story of a couple thrown together by circumstance. Becoming a team, they face catastrophe after catastrophe, with survival, fear, strength, compassion, determination, & despite the never-ending destruction, love, love, love.
August 10, 2025
Wow! What a story! So much different than the usual apocalyptic books I read. The ending seemed sad but not unexpected . The characters were well drawn and you felt you knew them and were right there experiencing everything that they went through. This is an author to watch. I’ve already ordered the other books that he’s written.
November 13, 2025
Earth’s Story
The characters were written in such a way that anyone could identify with them. Since the plot was so tightly woven, there was never a question about the conclusion. The story told of all our human strength, but also our human frailty. The journey was filled with action and tenderness juxtaposed that emphasized our humaneness. This is a must read novel.
The characters were written in such a way that anyone could identify with them. Since the plot was so tightly woven, there was never a question about the conclusion. The story told of all our human strength, but also our human frailty. The journey was filled with action and tenderness juxtaposed that emphasized our humaneness. This is a must read novel.
December 17, 2025
What a bummer! Am I supposed to think the fact that they "found God" is the HEA? I worked in a hospital for 30 years watching people die. I need happy endings, but this book did not deliver. The approach to the apocalypse is unusual, and I kept reading in anticipation of thr good part, but it never came.
August 12, 2025
I loved this book
Firstly. What kind of On The Beach bullshit was this. It was great. I definitely cried the last chapter but it was good. It was a good book. A great story. Well told.
Firstly. What kind of On The Beach bullshit was this. It was great. I definitely cried the last chapter but it was good. It was a good book. A great story. Well told.
September 4, 2025
Riviting, page tuner
I have read many end of the world books. This author keeps the suspense going. Just when you think you know what is coming next the story turns and gets better. This was hard to put down and drew tears by the final page. Definitely worth reading!
I have read many end of the world books. This author keeps the suspense going. Just when you think you know what is coming next the story turns and gets better. This was hard to put down and drew tears by the final page. Definitely worth reading!
September 25, 2025
great book, very realistic
This is not first time reading Joseph Nirmaier and I was very pleased. This book was very realistic, just normal everyday people living through the end of the world.
This is not first time reading Joseph Nirmaier and I was very pleased. This book was very realistic, just normal everyday people living through the end of the world.
September 26, 2025
wow!
I don’t know how I stumbled on this book but man what a story!
I loved everything about it! A lot different from other end of the world books I’ve read. Don’t want to spoil anything! Highly recommend!!
I don’t know how I stumbled on this book but man what a story!
I loved everything about it! A lot different from other end of the world books I’ve read. Don’t want to spoil anything! Highly recommend!!
October 12, 2025
The World’s Ending
Wow. This book was so well written and introspective. Casey and Nate were extraordinary characters and very, very interesting. I really enjoyed the read, the science- unspoken and spoken. Very unputdownable.
Wow. This book was so well written and introspective. Casey and Nate were extraordinary characters and very, very interesting. I really enjoyed the read, the science- unspoken and spoken. Very unputdownable.
October 14, 2025
A very different take on the Apocalypse.
This book is unique, unlike any other Apocalyptic fiction I have come across. I'll not give out any spoilers because it is best experienced by letting the story unfold. I highly recommend it!
This book is unique, unlike any other Apocalyptic fiction I have come across. I'll not give out any spoilers because it is best experienced by letting the story unfold. I highly recommend it!
October 25, 2025
This was not at all the read I was expecting. This is a truly exceptional work! I am certainly not a romanticist, but this is a multi-dimensional love story, and it works so very well. Kudos to the author for a great read!!!!
August 29, 2025
Unexpected
Rarely has a modern book touched me. This one did. Deeply, I think that's saying as much as needed. Sometimes fewer is better
Rarely has a modern book touched me. This one did. Deeply, I think that's saying as much as needed. Sometimes fewer is better
September 29, 2025
The Earth
What a beautiful story. So sad but so enlightening. I think that’s how it will be in the end. So well written.
October 4, 2025
Unexpected
It was a good book but I wished for a happier ending. I hope Nate and Casey are happy in heaven
It was a good book but I wished for a happier ending. I hope Nate and Casey are happy in heaven
October 9, 2025
Absolutely haunting yet beautiful. One of the best books I've ever read! This end of the world story is the way I would want to go out, with love! I couldn't put this book down!
October 12, 2025
I'm so glad I stumbled on this book. So unlike the other end of the world books I've read. I loved everything about it...even the end, sad that it was.
November 2, 2025
Awesome book!
I want pu the way this book touched me. It was an awesome read! An uplifting book from cover to cover!
I want pu the way this book touched me. It was an awesome read! An uplifting book from cover to cover!
November 24, 2025
Well Written
Well written (which is hard to find in this genre), but a pretty depressing picture of the end of the world.
Well written (which is hard to find in this genre), but a pretty depressing picture of the end of the world.
December 20, 2025
Wishing won't help 😭
Well written and I cared about the characters. I wish it had ended differently but it couldn't have and remained true to the story line.
Well written and I cared about the characters. I wish it had ended differently but it couldn't have and remained true to the story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews