Breaking Point: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller

by Harley Tate

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2026

About the author

When the world as we know it falls apart, how far will you go to survive?

Harley Tate writes edge-of-your-seat post-apocalyptic fiction exploring what happens when ordinary people are faced with impossible choices.

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The end of life as we know it brings out the best and worst in all of us. The apocalypse is only the beginning.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair warning: If you've ever experienced a big earthquake, this book will make your heart race and your palms sweat. Breaking Point is a fast-paced thriller set in Kentucky and Missouri when the powerful New Madrid Fault once again lets loose. The writing is visceral, accurately describing the terrifying consequences and destruction of the modern infrastructure we rely on. If you've lived through strong earthquakes, you'll recognize the descriptions of your brain trying to make sense of what you're feeling initially. Even the strange stillness just before the quake and the way the air smells. And then, the panic when there is nothing to hold on to and nowhere to hide. In this story, through three family members, the reader experiences the powerful earthquake on a school bus in rural Kentucky, in downtown St. Louis, and on the Missouri River. (As a retired teacher who used to take students on out-of-state trips as Erin Mason did, this scenario made me nauseous.) Breaking Point reminds us that no matter how advanced our technology and engineering are, we cannot control plate tectonics, and we ignore the warnings at our own peril. This is an exciting start to a new series by Harley Tate!

[Matt Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tate is back in a big way with Breaking Point!

Breaking Point, the 1st installment in an apocalyptic survival thriller based around a massive earthquake that tears the country apart. From beginning to end, Breaking Point is an intense, taut, white knuckle ride that will have you up reading well into the early morning. The writing is first rate, with great narrative quality, extremely clear descriptions of the disaster from 4 perspectives, well rounded characters, especially for the 1st book in the series. Cassidy is the standout character for me. Despite never wanting anything with leadership, but she steps up in big ways. I can't wait for the sequel given the cliffhanger ending! Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic survival thrillers, thrillers in general and anyone already a fan of Tate! Just about anyone will enjoy Breaking Point!

[Linda Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappointed in the ending

I enjoyed this book, but there is no ending so maybe there is a second book coming. I hope so, I want to see if they all get together. I liked the characters and thought them real to life