Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

EMP Aftermath #8

Plagued World

Rate this book
Society collapsed. But the true nightmare is only beginning…

Bear and Laurel are still reeling from the attack on their small community. Their clinic has been reduced to ashes, and what little remains of their medical supplies won’t last long. They need time to recover—but fate has other plans.

A brutal illness rages through the battered community, and there’s nothing Laurel can do to stop it. One by one, Thunder Bay’s residents are falling sick. Now, Trent is infected—and getting worse. With only natural remedies at their disposal, time is running out. They have to stop the spread before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, Gideon and Sharon travel with Kate, desperate to leave old enemies behind. But long, dangerous miles still separate them from the relative safety of Thunder Bay. And to make matters worse, someone is following them…

With two frightened children depending on them for protection, they’d rather avoid a fight. But every time they slip away, their pursuers close in again. It’s not bandits. It’s not hostile locals. They’re being hunted.

And soon, there’ll be nowhere left to run…

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Grace Hamilton

175 books322 followers
Grace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.

Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"

It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
69 (75%)
4 stars
17 (18%)
3 stars
5 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Wels.
52 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2026
The 8th book in the EMP Aftermath series is fast-moving and involves a wide variety of challenges, including; the plague, wolf attacks and Chicago mobsters. Laurel and Bear are tasked with trying to keep members of the community from dying of the actual plague after an arson fire burns down the clinic along with most of their medical supplies. Trent is emotionally struggling with the loss of Alyssa (in the last book) and the family rallies to save his life. Gibson et al, finally make it to the settlement, with a truck load of medications and the Mob on their tail. A lot happens interpersonally and the characters are constantly adapting to the events around them. I wish the story slowed down a bit and was longer.
***I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for this review.***
Profile Image for Sandra "Jeanz".
1,283 reviews177 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 13, 2026
The cover depicts a male and female figure with masks on carrying weapons, which could be either Laurel and Bear, or Gideon and Mae. The cover fits well with the rest of the series book covers so far and it would make me pick it up from a book store shelf.

When I saw the title and the figures on the cover with masks I knew we were in for a highly contagious illness attacking the character we have grown to love, so I was immediately wondering how things would work out especially as the community have not really recovered from the medical clinic and its supplies being burnt down.

When a mysterious illness begins striking down people, Laurel has to act quickly whilst not causing alarm in an already tired and despondent community. When she visits the home of what turns out to be patient zero she cannot believe what she is seeing, the elderly man seriously ill with something he seems to have caught from the numerous cats he insists in keeping in his home as pets. You really see how far medicine has jumped back since the EMP, with no hospitals, no modern technology, vaccines and very little in the way of medicines. The illness spreads faster than the fire at the medical centre did and soon Laurel is making house calls to an increasing number of ill people. At first, she doesn’t believe what she is thinking, she thinks she is overreacting but her fears are real, the illness is the plague. Thunder Bay must isolate itself to prevent the spread, people need to keep themselves to themselves, stay indoors and take the herbal medication to treat the symptoms and the preventative herbal teas that Laurel and her family are making around the clock. The difficulty is getting all the residents of Thunder Bay to believe that the illness if the plague and how serious is, having them comply with the new restrictions on movement as well as having them put their faith in herbal medicines & preventatives when there is nothing else available. All this falls to Laurel, Bear, Mae, Trent and the trusted friend of Bear, Lyle. This small group of five need to go around the whole community of Thunder Bay delivering provisions without causing mass panic. Despite all precautions Trent falls ill with the plague. He is isolated within the cabin and treat with the herbal medications at hand.

Gideon and his group think their luck has changed when they meet Kate and her armoured vehicle, however it soon becomes apparent that Kate has not tole the group the whole truth about who she is, what she is carrying and how she came into possession of it. Kate also doesn't tell Gideon and his group that she is being chased down by the Rossi mafia family who do not care who is killed as collateral damage as long as they get back what belongs to them as well as some retribution on who took it. As always there are a lot of difficult decisions to be made....do they risk going to Thunder Bay with the Rossi Mafia on their trail, but it they don’t go there where else can they go? Also, Gideon knows that the medical supplies would be put to good use by Laurel, shared in the community not sold to the highest bidder like the Rossi Mafia want to do with them. The group attempt to lose the Rossi thugs following them but know its highly likely that they will come looking for them after the Rossi Mafia Bosses son Matty Rossi is shot by Gideon. They decide to go to Thunder Bay and if the Rossi thugs follow them there make a stance there. Eventually they arrive on the outskirts of Thunder Bay and see a sign warning of illness and saying Do Not Enter etc which makes Gideon, Sharon and Lisa even more determined to see their friend with the medication they have with them.

The Rossi thugs do arrive in Thunder Bay and a risky plan is formed by Laurel and Bear, in an attempt to weaken the men, they put them in the home of the now deceased patient zero. It works to a point but these are dangerous men and Matty Rossi uses drugs and is unhinged wanting to shoot everyone and anyone. Things come to a head when the Rossi men first kidnap Thomas, the young boy now in Gideons care. Laurel, Bear, Sharon, Lisa, Gideon and Lyle decide to try to retrieve Thomas. Everything is going to plan then when one of the men grabs Mae, Gideon sees red and shots are fired! A battle ensues sadly one of my favourite characters dies in the battle.

The Thunder Bay residents regroup and decide to try and lure the remaining members of the Rossi gang into a ravine where they can hopefully pick them off without losing any more Thunder Bay people. Bear and Lyle organise for Mae and the children to hide out at the Harkins place. Harkins may be a little eccentric but he does help when needed.

Another battle ensues, Matty Rossi is killed, a truce is made but I can’t help thinking that the war between the Rossi Mafia and the Thunder Bay residents is far from over.

I loved Gideon, Sharon and Lisa reuniting with Bear, Laurel, Mae and Trent. I enjoyed the introduction of the new character of Kate, though have to admit to being angry with her sometimes with her quite selfish attitude. Her younger brother died due to an asthma attack, brining home the fact that previously treatable conditions can be deadly in this new EMP Aftermath world. I could identify with Sharon and Lisa when it seems Kate is more bothered about her dog Beau and disregarding the danger that Thomas is also in. I’m still on the fence about her character and wouldn’t trust her 100% she seems to want to help the Thunder Bay Residents, that have taken her in despite the danger she brought to them, but she also seems like she would probably make a deal to save herself at the expense of others.

The book did have some happier news from Mae, though it does immediately put Gideons nose out of joint as he has always had a not always so secret crush on Mae and its certainly clear the feelings aren’t particularly reciprocated. Mae’s news also strengthens Maes position that she has not been pining for Gideon and is making a life for herself that doesn’t necessarily include Gideon in a romantic sense.

I also became angry with Gideon in this book, the way he lost his temper and said some really nasty things to Mae. It was kind of sweet how he had a “not so secret” love crush on Mae. I think you could say he was besotted by her and the idea of a future they could have together. Unfortunately Mae simply sees him as a good friend, and army colleague, though she makes this fairly clear she still remains friends with him. I was so angry when despite this he became rather possessive, and judgemental of Mae insinuating she wasn’t in a position to make wise choices and look after herself when we all know that Mae is definitely the daughter of Bear and Laurel, the best survivalist, preppers and when needed combatants when needed. Mae also has a protective sibling figure in Trent too. Gideon may think he is being protective but he certainly steps way over the mark and Mae lets him know.

I really love Trent, he has been through such a lot, lost everything, then finding Bear and becoming part of the family. Then just as he is experiencing first love with Alyssa, she is badly injured and dies. Trent has still not come to terms with the loss of Alyssa and still blames Laurel for her death which makes the atmosphere a difficult one to work with, however they manage to call a truce so they can work together making herbal medicine and delivering it to the community. Then when Trent succumbs to the plague, Laurel finds herself treating the young man that she views as a son, trying desperately to save his life, in the hope if he recovers, they can straighten out the way he feels about Laurel and what he considers Laurels part in Alyssa’s death.

Of course, I still adore Laurel and Bear and the way this devastation in the world has brought them back together, the way they protect their family, friends and the Thunder Bay community.

I’m also looking forward to more from the newer characters of Lyle, Harkins and Kate as well as more from the existing characters that are all more well known.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that it was another great book in the EMP Aftermath Series

Summing up, really sad to see the lives of some characters end, but interested to see where the character of Harkins will develop, maybe he will be the one to help Mae heal her heart and plan for the future? I honestly cannot wait to read more!
777 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
This is book 8 of the EMP Aftermath series. This book has 43 chapters and each chapter is told from a different characters POV.

This book introduced a whole new cast of characters which include Kate and the Rossi Crime Family. The introduction of these two facets creates an entirely new angle to the current storyline, and not for the better.

I do love that Lisa, Sharon, and Gideon were brought back into the story but like most things, we were not guaranteed a happy ending.

This story ends with a major decision waiting to be made. The kind of decision that can change the entire outcome of every character we’ve been introduced to so far. I cannot believe the plague was introduced into the story! Maybe I should have based on the title but holy cow!

The one good thing - thank goodness about Trent! I might have had to stop reading otherwise! I really do like Lyle and Harkins was a treat at the end! I especially liked how the town FINALLY showed up! I mean, come on! After everything that Laurel and Bear have done for them, it’s about time they returned the favor!
1,400 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 31, 2026
After the attack and the fire that took out the clinic along with most of their medical supplies things just keep going downhill. Now there's an outbreak that is spreading and Laurel doesn't have the supplies to stop it. Meanwhile Gideon and Sharon meet Kate, and she is helping them get to Thunder Bay but someone dangerous is following her because of what she took and danger is following them. Trent now is sick and Mae is pregnant can they get the supplies they need. Ms. Hamilton puts you right into the book and you feel what they are feeling I laughed and I teared up in parts and didn't want to put the book down till I found out what was going to happen.
Profile Image for Amy Campbell.
74 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
April 6, 2026
As much as I love Ms. Hamilton's work, this one just didn't click for me. One of the main plot points is that the post-apocalyptic version of the Chicago mob comes to Thunder Bay. The way that unfolded just did not seem realistic to me.

Another plot point was the illness sweeping the community. That fell a little short to me too. The antibiotics that arrived happened to be the kind to knock down the plague? How handy!

I still love the characters and will definitely read the next one, but this one had some holes for me that were small quibbles that grated.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3,768 reviews21 followers
April 15, 2026
Plagued World is the eighth book in the EMP Aftermath Series which continues this exciting saga of the Thunder Bay community members as an epidemic is spreading through its' population. Laurel is attempting to help those who are ill but without medications and medical supplies it is becoming an impossible situation. Kate, Sharon, and Gideon are facing danger on the road as they travel with their stolen but precious cargo to Thunder Bay. This suspenseful book has well written returning characters, plot twists, great world building, action, danger, and excellent writing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,475 reviews60 followers
Review of advance copy
April 9, 2026
I am in love with this entire series and this one is my favourite. It's actually really scary because it really could and does happen. There is a virus and it is spreading fast and killing people. Without the medicine to treat it they need to rely on natural remedies. I like Bear and Laurel and I wanted to keep reading about their trials and tribulations. I hope that there will be another book so we can meet Mae's baby.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,915 reviews46 followers
Review of advance copy
April 11, 2026
This was just what I needed to go back into this world - I hadn't read books in this series for such a long time (I know the author has been busy with other books) and this just felt so right and comfortable. I don't think it would work if you haven't read the other books in the series. The work on the relationships continue as well as the normal having to deal with trouble and this time it was the plague spread by fleas - very topical. I just love the world building in these stories it works so well and at the end I was bereft as I just wanted more.
Profile Image for Michelle.
11.4k reviews28 followers
April 24, 2026
Laurel and Bear are back in book eight, Plagued World, of the EMP Aftermath series. This book picks up where book seven left off and takes the reader on the chaotic journey the community goes through after the loss of the medical clinic, dealing with a major illness, and so much more. A lot happens in this page turning story, and after that ending, I can't wait to read the next book in this captivating series. I recommend this book, this series, and this author to everyone who loves to read post-apocalyptic stories. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
5,274 reviews57 followers
April 26, 2026
Grace Hamilton is a prolific author of series set in the timelines of "after the end of the world as we know it". I've read MANY of her books. Filled with characters facing no clear choices, they must gather their families and begin the challenge of rebuilding a safe life. Even though Hamilton has written many books revolving around the same triggering event, they are all different, and there are no repeated scenes. I'm pretty sure I could live through an EMP with the knowledge I've picked up from reading Hamilton's books.
17.7k reviews203 followers
May 4, 2026
The world is now broken from an. EMP blast. This will follow 2 different couple as they try to survive in the aftermath of the attack. On couple know their medical supplies are not going to last long so they need to find another way. Especially when one falls prey to the illness spreading through the town. The others have to protect 2 children while avoiding those who are chasing them. Follow them to see how they will navigate this new world
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a thrilling read
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
2,061 reviews64 followers
Review of advance copy
April 4, 2026
Plagued World is Book 8 in the EMP Aftermath Series by Grace Hamilton. In book 7, the clinic was burned to the ground. Bear, Laurel and the other community members are facing community illness with not a lot of medical supplies. There is chaos and grumbling… stay or leave. I found that this author wrote a gripping book that kept me turning pages until The End! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Laura.
29 reviews
April 15, 2026
Laurel and Bear continue to protect their family and community. After the devistating loss of their medical clinic and most of the medical supplies, the community is hit by a fast spreading illness. Laurel struggles to treat the community with limited supplies while keeping her family safe, especially pregnant Mae.
At the same time Gideon and his group are encountering obstacles while trying to reach Thunder Bay.
I definitely looking forward to book 9.
38 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
This whole series has been full of Edge of your seat moments, heart in your mouth, tear jerking moments and I highly recommend reading it. It has great characters you easily become firmly attached to immediately, others you learn to accept/like along the way and of course there are those characters you love to hate too!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2026
This was by far the best book in the series so far it kept me at the edge of my seat and i thoughly enjoyed it. I am sad to see this series end after the next book but am excited to see what comes in the finale and upcoming series!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
671 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 31, 2026
This book was another emotional, action packed, page turner and suspenseful read. I'm now a anxiously awaiting the next chapter.

65 reviews
April 16, 2026
Grace's Plagued World is continuing in book 8, gripping reading.

Captivating series this has become.

ARC Reader. Voluntary review, the stars counting the most as I'm no wordsmith.
Profile Image for Rachel Joi Maples.
3,216 reviews36 followers
April 18, 2026
absolutely loving this series of EMP Aftermath … book 8 “Plagued World” by Grace Hamilton completely drew me in!
Profile Image for ✨ Chayze ✨.
456 reviews
June 1, 2026
Book 8 in the series and it continues with yet another obstacle in this post-EMP world. Good read!
341 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2026
Plagued World

The Author throws a curve at us with the introduction of a dreaded infectious disease. Will the characters survive this new insult?
Profile Image for Marjorie.
40 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 10, 2026
Plagued World is book #8 of 9 expected in the EMP Aftermath series. Plagued World starts almost immediately after book #7. The characters of Bear, Laurel, Mae and Trent are trying to clean up the mess of last book’s arsonist left for them. During the clean up they discover an older resident and his cats of Thunder Bay sick with the same respiratory illness. The illness spreads rapidly and Laurel soon figures out it is the plague, spread by fleas from animal to human.

Meanwhile Gideon is finishing his journey with the 2 kids, Lisa, Sharon and their new friend Kate and her huge white dog Beau. They arrive in Thunder Bay and break the quarantine set up to join their friends, but the bad guys chasing Kate and her cargo break it as well…

Bear and his family continue on in their characters and keep developing in a deep emotional way when faced by a never before seen threat to their community. Kate is a new character and she is drawn right into the family.

If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, I am not sure this one will work well as a stand alone. The story keeps the saga moving forward at a nice pace with the same vividness and reality that all Grace Hamilton’s stories do. Definitely recommend any of Grace Hamilton’s books to you and if you have read this series, make sure to pick this one up and the final one to come!

Genre(s): apocalyptic, fantasy, prepper, survivalist
Bad Language: none
Intimate Scenes/Reference: mild for kissing
Violence: gun fights, no graphic descriptions
Substance Abuse: mild alcohol use
Mental Health:none
Addiction:none.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,286 reviews146 followers
March 24, 2026
An illness is spreading rapidly in Thunder Bay, and Laurel finds herself powerless to combat it without any medication. She is doing everything within her power to assist everyone while ensuring the safety of Mae and her unborn child, but now Trent has also fallen ill.

At the same time, Gideon, Sharon, Lisa, and Kate are on the run, particularly Kate, who has stolen a truck loaded with medications. They are attempting to reach Thunder Bay, but their chances are dwindling after they shoot one of the men who was firing at them. Their situation has escalated from a desire for revenge to a thirst for blood, putting Gideon, Sharon, Lisa, and Kate in greater danger than ever before.

The more I read, the more I was drawn in, and I couldn't have stopped even if I had wanted to, which I certainly didn't, as everyone's circumstances grew more intense with each page I turned.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I can't emphasize it enough: this is one of the best series I've ever encountered. The world-building improves with every book, and the suspense keeps me hanging on every word as I eagerly anticipate the fates of the characters. I wish I could turn the pages faster as I race toward the conclusion, not that I want it to end—certainly not now, and not ever.

I wholeheartedly recommend that all fans of dystopian fiction pick up a copy of Plagued World today for another exhilarating installment in the EMP Aftermath series!
Profile Image for J.L. Huffman.
Author 3 books7 followers
July 22, 2026
The Author throws a curve at us with the introduction of a dreaded infectious disease. Will the characters survive this new insult?
Profile Image for Aaron Baker.
40 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
Plagued World reminded me of why I started loving Grace Hamilton’s books so many years ago. The pacing was excellent. The character development was top notch. There’s clear and present danger, and there are steps that are taken to move toward a needed conclusion. This may be the best book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,776 reviews53 followers
Read
April 13, 2026
I did enjoy this part of the series! As always lost of excitement & mayhem as the main characters try to survive & thrive in this post apocalyptic world. Good ideas & lots of tension, a good really read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews