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Blizzard
Everyone laughs at what Southerners call a “snowstorm.” A half-inch of the white stuff, and Atlanta panics.
No one’s laughing this time.
For Atlanta executive J. C. Riggins, the epic storm is only one of the killers he’ll have to face as he undertakes a desperate journey.
There’s also conflict behind the scenes at The Natural Environment Television Network (NE-TV) in Atlanta.
Do they go public with a prediction of a historic snowstorm (social media is already atwitter)? Or do they follow a more conservative, meteorologically responsible route?
No one’s laughing this time.
For Atlanta executive J. C. Riggins, the epic storm is only one of the killers he’ll have to face as he undertakes a desperate journey.
There’s also conflict behind the scenes at The Natural Environment Television Network (NE-TV) in Atlanta.
Do they go public with a prediction of a historic snowstorm (social media is already atwitter)? Or do they follow a more conservative, meteorologically responsible route?
250 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2015
About the author
H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
25 books107 followersH. W. “Buzz” Bernard is a bestselling, award-winning novelist.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 15, 2017
Another environmental disaster book by H. W. "Buzz" Bernard that kept me glued to my kindle all night long. It is well written and kept me wondering how much could one area stand. As a southerner, I understood the impact of this blizzard.
For my full review visit The Page Turner during Mystery Thriller Week February 12-22nd.
For my full review visit The Page Turner during Mystery Thriller Week February 12-22nd.
March 20, 2021
Lots of action. A really fun and exciting read!
March 19, 2015
What would happen if a major snowstorm hit the South? What would be the impact on transit, on the world's busiest airport, or on rural communities? Unfortunately "Blizzard" touches on them, but that's not the focus of the story - a desperate run by a desperate man takes that place (and parts of this stretched my credulity past breaking point).
Weather geeks may enjoy the discussions of the many variables of weather forecasting and the strengths of certain models. I've seen some of this information before, in other weatherman blogs and sites, but it's rare to see detailed information in mainstream media, and that's part of the appeal. Tom's conflict with Sophie reflects this: which is better, to be safe and accurate or to get the headlines and warn people but potentially fearmonger?
The character of Al is a bit too crude for my liking - I cringed in almost every conversation - and generally there was too much bad language for me to really enjoy it (this combination dropped my rating by a star) but I laughed when I read the description of eclectic Southern winter attire - it's so true!
So all in all, I'd treat this as a beach/airport read: somewhat disposable, but meatier than most.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Weather geeks may enjoy the discussions of the many variables of weather forecasting and the strengths of certain models. I've seen some of this information before, in other weatherman blogs and sites, but it's rare to see detailed information in mainstream media, and that's part of the appeal. Tom's conflict with Sophie reflects this: which is better, to be safe and accurate or to get the headlines and warn people but potentially fearmonger?
The character of Al is a bit too crude for my liking - I cringed in almost every conversation - and generally there was too much bad language for me to really enjoy it (this combination dropped my rating by a star) but I laughed when I read the description of eclectic Southern winter attire - it's so true!
So all in all, I'd treat this as a beach/airport read: somewhat disposable, but meatier than most.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2015
Living in the South, Deep South, you don’t expect blizzards, but with “global warming” and all the crazy weather, you never know what to expect. Look at what is happening right now! 2,200 Miles of Wintry Mess Coming Read the Story Reality bites like Jack Frost! That is why reading this book made my toes tingle with frost bite. We are not prepared for snow and ice at all, and we tend to say ‘it’ll never happen.’ HA! I HIGHLY recommend reading BLIZZARD by Buzz Bernard and all of his books! The weatherman even ties the storm we are experiencing with his last book, SUPERCELL. I had to share. http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/... You did it again, Buzz. We want more!!!
July 15, 2024
Lots of action and a lot of information about snowstorms down south. I learned a lot about the Mercedes g class vehicle that is similar to a jeep but far pricier and more impressive. When the car was stolen by taking it for a test drive I found that to be ludicrous. I cannot imagine a dealer permitting this for any kind of customer.and everyone in the book knew what this vehicle was. I had never heard of one before reading this. There was some sex but it was sort of formulaic. It seemed to be thrown in as part of an outline. Okay book though and I read the entire thing so I liked the action well enough.
July 5, 2024
5-star read that I listened to in one day!!
As an Atlanta resident I know very well about snowstorms and the city’s ability to handle it. That’s what first caught my interest in this book. The story took off and I was immersed for most of the day!!!
First read by this author and definitely not my last!!!
As an Atlanta resident I know very well about snowstorms and the city’s ability to handle it. That’s what first caught my interest in this book. The story took off and I was immersed for most of the day!!!
First read by this author and definitely not my last!!!
March 11, 2015
Storm of the millennium in Atlanta
I love disaster books - and what could be more of a disaster than two FEET of snow with high winds in Atlanta? In a city where two inches of snow closes down traffic, author Bernard imagines a superstorm hitting the Southeast.
There are a couple of storylines in BLIZZARD.
First, J.C. Riggins, team chief and Vice President of Systems Development of American-International Systems Solutions, Inc., carried the burden of heading the effort to put together the proposal to Rampart Aerospace & Defense. When problems show up in the billion dollar proposal, it is up to J.C. to get the revised proposal to Durham, North Carolina through the worst storm in anyone's memory. J.C. has problems at home that left him distracted and caused problems with the proposal in the first place. And the storm isn't the only thing preventing him from getting to Durham in time.
At the same time, we get to read the story of Tomasz Przybyszewski, who simply goes by Tom Priz. He is Network Chief of Meteorology of Natural Environment Television Network. He is trying to figure out what this massive storm is going to do plus what his boss is up to, too.
Great, believable characters and fun, convoluted storylines make this one disaster tale I'm glad I didn't miss. It was a trifle wordy but still held my interest all the way through.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from Belle Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I love disaster books - and what could be more of a disaster than two FEET of snow with high winds in Atlanta? In a city where two inches of snow closes down traffic, author Bernard imagines a superstorm hitting the Southeast.
There are a couple of storylines in BLIZZARD.
First, J.C. Riggins, team chief and Vice President of Systems Development of American-International Systems Solutions, Inc., carried the burden of heading the effort to put together the proposal to Rampart Aerospace & Defense. When problems show up in the billion dollar proposal, it is up to J.C. to get the revised proposal to Durham, North Carolina through the worst storm in anyone's memory. J.C. has problems at home that left him distracted and caused problems with the proposal in the first place. And the storm isn't the only thing preventing him from getting to Durham in time.
At the same time, we get to read the story of Tomasz Przybyszewski, who simply goes by Tom Priz. He is Network Chief of Meteorology of Natural Environment Television Network. He is trying to figure out what this massive storm is going to do plus what his boss is up to, too.
Great, believable characters and fun, convoluted storylines make this one disaster tale I'm glad I didn't miss. It was a trifle wordy but still held my interest all the way through.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from Belle Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
May 7, 2017
A neat wintertime read. A major snow storm is heading for Atlanta. A divorced weather channel meteorologist named Tom is conservative in his forecasting, putting him at odds with his ball-breaking boss, Sophie, who wants to sound the trumpets about the blizzard.
Meanwhile, a defense contractor employee named J.C. botches a major bid proposal. With the snow on its way, there’s almost no chance the bid can be corrected and FedExed in time for the deadline in Raleigh, North Carolina. But J.C. has a sick kid at home and can’t afford to lose his health insurance. He offers to get the bid package to Raleigh despite the snow storm.
By plane? No, the airports are closed. His car? Two-wheel drive. A rental? All workable models are booked up or unavailable. J.C. talks to his Mercedes dealer and lands a G-wagen loaner (a German-style humvee). Sweet!
I love the premise. Almost two feet of snow falls in an unprecedented Southeastern blizzard with forty-mile an hour winds and snow drifts of six or eight feet. J.C. has to fight the elements to get the bid to North Carolina in time. If the weather isn’t enough of a challenge, he crosses paths with a cop killer and outlaw biker gang along the way. Yikes!
Tom and Sophie have their own hot-and-cold conflict in the middle of getting snowed in the weather channel studios.
Buzz Bernard writes weather-related technical thrillers and this one is a real corker. Anybody in the Atlanta-area with public safety responsibilities or jobs that could be impacted by weather will find this book to be an entertaining and sobering what-if.
Meanwhile, a defense contractor employee named J.C. botches a major bid proposal. With the snow on its way, there’s almost no chance the bid can be corrected and FedExed in time for the deadline in Raleigh, North Carolina. But J.C. has a sick kid at home and can’t afford to lose his health insurance. He offers to get the bid package to Raleigh despite the snow storm.
By plane? No, the airports are closed. His car? Two-wheel drive. A rental? All workable models are booked up or unavailable. J.C. talks to his Mercedes dealer and lands a G-wagen loaner (a German-style humvee). Sweet!
I love the premise. Almost two feet of snow falls in an unprecedented Southeastern blizzard with forty-mile an hour winds and snow drifts of six or eight feet. J.C. has to fight the elements to get the bid to North Carolina in time. If the weather isn’t enough of a challenge, he crosses paths with a cop killer and outlaw biker gang along the way. Yikes!
Tom and Sophie have their own hot-and-cold conflict in the middle of getting snowed in the weather channel studios.
Buzz Bernard writes weather-related technical thrillers and this one is a real corker. Anybody in the Atlanta-area with public safety responsibilities or jobs that could be impacted by weather will find this book to be an entertaining and sobering what-if.
August 6, 2024
Blizzard by H.W. "Buzz" Bernard is a fun read with a gripping storyline. While the plot is simple and there aren't too many characters introduced, the book keeps you engaged from start to finish.
The action never becomes over-the-top and feels realistic for the most part. Sure, the protagonist, JC, could have used his opportunities better to escape his captor, but overall, his actions were believable.
The only downside was the relationship between Sophie and Tom. While the author tried to build sexual tension between the two characters, their actions were not congruent. It came across like two teenagers awkwardly finding their way for the first time, which did not fit with their other actions. The love-hate dynamic felt forced and could have been left out entirely.
Surprisingly, the story has a very satisfactory ending, with most, if not all, questions answered.
While the writing may not be in the class of Stephen King, Tom Clancy, or Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston, it is a nicely told story. I will certainly read more of Bernard's books.
The action never becomes over-the-top and feels realistic for the most part. Sure, the protagonist, JC, could have used his opportunities better to escape his captor, but overall, his actions were believable.
The only downside was the relationship between Sophie and Tom. While the author tried to build sexual tension between the two characters, their actions were not congruent. It came across like two teenagers awkwardly finding their way for the first time, which did not fit with their other actions. The love-hate dynamic felt forced and could have been left out entirely.
Surprisingly, the story has a very satisfactory ending, with most, if not all, questions answered.
While the writing may not be in the class of Stephen King, Tom Clancy, or Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston, it is a nicely told story. I will certainly read more of Bernard's books.
June 2, 2019
Even though this thriller was published several years ago, this story is even more relevant today in the new era of extreme weather in the U.S.and around the world. Based on the expertise that only a professional meteorologist could provide, the reader is taken on a breathtaking thriller road trip through a Southern blizzard that may sound unlikely but is backed up by real weather science. A bonus for the reader is a chance to learn what often goes on behind the scenes on your weather news channel.
December 21, 2023
Mr. Bernard has done it again! He delivers an action packed story with fast pacing and great characters.
Blizzard was a book that I could not put down. His characters are multifaceted with goodness and near-evil in many.
It is a wonderful engrossing winter story. I learned much about winter weather, particularly in the south. The plot kept me awake.
The characters rocked my emotions.
I always enjoy Mr. Bernard's books as he is a great writer. Blizzard is his best yet, IMHO.
Blizzard was a book that I could not put down. His characters are multifaceted with goodness and near-evil in many.
It is a wonderful engrossing winter story. I learned much about winter weather, particularly in the south. The plot kept me awake.
The characters rocked my emotions.
I always enjoy Mr. Bernard's books as he is a great writer. Blizzard is his best yet, IMHO.
July 25, 2024
unexpected treasures
I through divine intervention discovered H.W.’s books. Now finished Cascadia and Blizzard.
What fun storytelling, in what seems like total believable narration. If you enjoy happy endings (hallmark on steroids) you will love these. Many thanks and blessings to this amazing author .
I through divine intervention discovered H.W.’s books. Now finished Cascadia and Blizzard.
What fun storytelling, in what seems like total believable narration. If you enjoy happy endings (hallmark on steroids) you will love these. Many thanks and blessings to this amazing author .
December 29, 2018
Review to come.
January 2, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, not being a fan of “action” fiction. I found it very interesting; the author’s writing style is polished and effective.
February 15, 2021
Always good
The story was quite compelling. A time limit, a blizzard and who is the bad guy? I always enjoy these weather related tales.
The story was quite compelling. A time limit, a blizzard and who is the bad guy? I always enjoy these weather related tales.
January 24, 2025
This was a fun book. Loved the weather science, with a pretty interesting plot. I thought it was pretty clever. Enjoyed this read!
February 18, 2025
Literally shocked this has so many 4 and 5 star reviews. This book did NOTHING chapter after chapter…
Not to mention the amount of times “G’Vagon” was said…for the love of god, just call it the CAR.
Not to mention the amount of times “G’Vagon” was said…for the love of god, just call it the CAR.
March 17, 2017
This is the 2nd book I've read by this author. I didn't like it as much as Supercell but still a good read. Start was slow but once it gets going you don't want to put it down. A major snowstorm hits the south. The main character is trying to reach Raleigh Durham during the storm to keep his job and pay for his son's cancer treatments. He meets obstacles at every turn including getting carjacked. The 2nd story is the news weather center. I probably could have done without the "romance" at the weatther center as it didn't add anything to the story. The author does an excellent job of describing what it would be like to be in the blizzard. A bit unbelievable at times but overall an exciting thriller to read.
August 12, 2024
This is a well written storyline with a lot of action. It has believable characters that maintain the storyline
April 29, 2015
This was the third of Buzz Bernard's series of weather-based novels I've read. As in the first two titles of the series -- "Eyewall" and "Supercell," -- he gets it all right, from the excellent meteorological setup to the page-turning thriller aspect. Not surprising, given his background as a Weather Channel meteorologist. And he's getting better at fleshing out his female romantic interest characters. In the earlier titles, I found the attraction to the male protagonists to be a bit forced and unbelievable, but that's a pretty minor drawback. I didn't buy the books for a romance but for a rollicking romp through severe weather with higher stakes, and Buzz delivers both with a bang. I had a hard time putting all three books down and despite being very busy with little time to read, blasted through each book in 2-3 nights. I can't wait for his next one.
February 19, 2015
I found there were multiple stories surrounding an impending and unprecedented winter storm. However, only two of those stories kept my interest; the love of a sick child by a 'do anything for my child father' and 'a do no good, get outta my way or else, fleeing law breaker.' The weather center, disgusting male egos in the workplace, sexual innuendos, and workplace fraternization nearly forced me to put the book down. BLIZZARD could have been a much better story had it focused more on the father son relationship. The ending left me wondering what happened to Cole.
Per FTC rules, I received this book free via Goodreads.com
Per FTC rules, I received this book free via Goodreads.com
January 20, 2016
I've read and enjoyed all of H. W. "Buzz" Bernard's books. 'Blizzard' was a perfect book to read on cold winter days/nights (and yes, it can get cold here in Florida). Anyway, the action starts in Atlanta in the middle of a record breaking blizzard. There are plenty of twists and turns and lots of suspense. I've been to Atlanta many times and hope I never encounter a blizzard there. I recommend every one of this author's books and hope that he continues to write more.
March 17, 2015
Another solid thriller from H.W. Bernard. While a couple of plot points strained credulity, overall this is a well-written novel with interesting characters and a fast-moving story line. The descriptions of the blizzard were especially intense, and I found myself feeling as if I were there in the middle of the raging storm.
December 20, 2015
The carjacking of a tank in a blizzard
A highly enjoyable quick read. Not really a disaster novel but more of a suspenseful thriller in the midst of a natural disaster. The blizzard is really the setting for the story. The characters are well developed and the story exciting. This is the second Bernard book I have read and enjoyed both of them.
A highly enjoyable quick read. Not really a disaster novel but more of a suspenseful thriller in the midst of a natural disaster. The blizzard is really the setting for the story. The characters are well developed and the story exciting. This is the second Bernard book I have read and enjoyed both of them.
May 4, 2015
Another page turning book !!!
I don't write reviews because honestly I'm no good at it. But I have read all of his books and I love them. Please give this author a try his books will not disappoint.
I don't write reviews because honestly I'm no good at it. But I have read all of his books and I love them. Please give this author a try his books will not disappoint.
January 6, 2017
Another great read by Mr. Bernard
I've read his other books and this one did not disappoint. Interesting plotlines, good writing and believable characters all meshed to craft a "couldn't put it down" novel.
I've read his other books and this one did not disappoint. Interesting plotlines, good writing and believable characters all meshed to craft a "couldn't put it down" novel.
February 22, 2016
Not as good as Supercell, but a good read.
November 14, 2016
Riviting
This is a book that you just can't put down! I liked it so much that I was up half the night reading. Great book!
This is a book that you just can't put down! I liked it so much that I was up half the night reading. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews