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Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
About the author
Sam J Fires
45 books83 followersSam J Fires is a #1 bestselling author of gripping post-apocalyptic and dystopian thrillers.
Her stories are driven by flawed, resilient characters forced to survive the unthinkable—when the power goes out, the world collapses, and every choice comes at a cost. Expect high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and characters who fight to the bitter end.
In real life, Sam would be the first to admit she probably wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own worlds.
👉 Be sure to follow Sam on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-j...
Her stories are driven by flawed, resilient characters forced to survive the unthinkable—when the power goes out, the world collapses, and every choice comes at a cost. Expect high-stakes tension, emotional depth, and characters who fight to the bitter end.
In real life, Sam would be the first to admit she probably wouldn’t last five minutes in one of her own worlds.
👉 Be sure to follow Sam on Bookbub for the latest on sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-j...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 26, 2026
This was a very enjoyable start to this series. Lately, I've been more interested than usual in "grid down" scenarios because the Sun is going through a prolonged period of especially active solar storms. Some of these have been very strong and more strong ones are predicted. However, in reality predictions aren't worth much because the Sun is going to do what the Sun is going to do and its folly to think we understand it. Besides, even if we predicted it there isn't a darn thing we could do if the Sun flings an especially strong one at us. With our reliance on technology, whether it be from an EMP or strong solar storm, we could literally wake up tomorrow and find ourselves back in the Stone Age. As we see in "Fallout," it wouldn't be pretty.
If you read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction you know that most such books are formulaic. There is always someone trapped far away from loved ones who is trying to get home. That person often picks up a diverse band of stragglers who accompany them. There is usually a vehicle involved, often a military type vehicle, or, as in this case, an old truck. Somebody brings along a weapon or weapons. More often than not there are rogue military units involved. Additionally, thanks to Kyla Stone starting the trend, these days a particularly intelligent and loyal K-9 usually is added into the group. However, some of the more prolific authors have gotten so into the formula that character development has suffered. It's like they are producing the same story over and over again with only the names changed. Thankfully, that isn't the case with "Fallout."
Sure, this book follows the basic formula. But, Sam Fires has taken the time and care to develop especially interesting characters for this story. There are a lot of different places he could go with the story arc and character development in this series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series to find out how the characters' unique backgrounds play into the future books.
If you read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction you know that most such books are formulaic. There is always someone trapped far away from loved ones who is trying to get home. That person often picks up a diverse band of stragglers who accompany them. There is usually a vehicle involved, often a military type vehicle, or, as in this case, an old truck. Somebody brings along a weapon or weapons. More often than not there are rogue military units involved. Additionally, thanks to Kyla Stone starting the trend, these days a particularly intelligent and loyal K-9 usually is added into the group. However, some of the more prolific authors have gotten so into the formula that character development has suffered. It's like they are producing the same story over and over again with only the names changed. Thankfully, that isn't the case with "Fallout."
Sure, this book follows the basic formula. But, Sam Fires has taken the time and care to develop especially interesting characters for this story. There are a lot of different places he could go with the story arc and character development in this series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series to find out how the characters' unique backgrounds play into the future books.
April 2, 2026
Fallout starts out with a bang and continues to be fast paced and exciting in every chapter. Very strong storyline and great likeable characters. Love Rosa Morgan, Carter and Caeser the dog. Definitely recommend book 1 of this EMP Survival series.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
📚 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬 📚 [ REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star ]...
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ 𝐅A𝐋L𝐎U𝐓 ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first full length book in the new (EMP Collapse) series by Author SAM J FIRES. Told in multiple Pov's. (Rosa, Morgan, Carter)
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
To get an ARC for the first time from this author was a huge big deal, I've nearly read all of this authors books and have loved each and every one of them, so a few squeals later and after composing myself I dived right in that very same day..
With multiple POV's this book gives it that unique feeling of diversity within a world that changed so rapidly, without any warning whatsoever and the way each and everyone of them had to step up and adapt to a changing world kept me glued to the pages.
We're first introduced to Rosa and Morgan, co-workers on the same shift in a 5 star country club in Vegas, they weren't besties but Morgan was kind to her when she first started on the job. When out of the blue things started happening all at once, first the wifi, the power and the landline phones stopped working simultaneously, then a helicopter all but fell out of the sky landing on the clubs patio roof it's occupants dead, the only survivor was their dog which came out relatively unscathed.
Carter (Morgan's brother) three months ago when a judge ruled against him in regards to his daughter being better off without him, had tried to get his life back on track, go to meetings, stay off the pills and did nearly everything that was required of getting his daughter back. In the office that day when the power went out and the generators didn't click in immediately he felt something was off, the hum in the air didn't sound right. The internet, networks and machinery stopped working, looking out the window all cars were stalled in their places unable to move. Accidents, panic, death.
Getting to his sister Morgan was his first priority, then his daughter who was hours away staying with his parents.
Even though things had escalated rapidly with looting and danger on every corner, Carter's past was catching up to him and a debt he owed didn't just go away in what he assumes is an EMP and a changed world.
My favourite character was Rosa, homeless, streetsmart she kept the rag tag group as safe as she could, but some things were out of her hands and death was bound to occur and touch their group leaving a profound impact on her especially, she was a soft soul, caring about those around her, but when it came to survival she was tough and stepped up when it mattered the most.
Such a unique, unputdownable, story which has been craving that next book which I can't wait to read...
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ 𝐅A𝐋L𝐎U𝐓 ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first full length book in the new (EMP Collapse) series by Author SAM J FIRES. Told in multiple Pov's. (Rosa, Morgan, Carter)
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
To get an ARC for the first time from this author was a huge big deal, I've nearly read all of this authors books and have loved each and every one of them, so a few squeals later and after composing myself I dived right in that very same day..
With multiple POV's this book gives it that unique feeling of diversity within a world that changed so rapidly, without any warning whatsoever and the way each and everyone of them had to step up and adapt to a changing world kept me glued to the pages.
We're first introduced to Rosa and Morgan, co-workers on the same shift in a 5 star country club in Vegas, they weren't besties but Morgan was kind to her when she first started on the job. When out of the blue things started happening all at once, first the wifi, the power and the landline phones stopped working simultaneously, then a helicopter all but fell out of the sky landing on the clubs patio roof it's occupants dead, the only survivor was their dog which came out relatively unscathed.
Carter (Morgan's brother) three months ago when a judge ruled against him in regards to his daughter being better off without him, had tried to get his life back on track, go to meetings, stay off the pills and did nearly everything that was required of getting his daughter back. In the office that day when the power went out and the generators didn't click in immediately he felt something was off, the hum in the air didn't sound right. The internet, networks and machinery stopped working, looking out the window all cars were stalled in their places unable to move. Accidents, panic, death.
Getting to his sister Morgan was his first priority, then his daughter who was hours away staying with his parents.
Even though things had escalated rapidly with looting and danger on every corner, Carter's past was catching up to him and a debt he owed didn't just go away in what he assumes is an EMP and a changed world.
My favourite character was Rosa, homeless, streetsmart she kept the rag tag group as safe as she could, but some things were out of her hands and death was bound to occur and touch their group leaving a profound impact on her especially, she was a soft soul, caring about those around her, but when it came to survival she was tough and stepped up when it mattered the most.
Such a unique, unputdownable, story which has been craving that next book which I can't wait to read...
April 2, 2026
Fallout, book 1 in the EMP Collapse series, is a post-EMP survival thriller set in Las Vegas and is based around Rosa, A homeless waitress who survives in the tunnels under the city, Morgan, Rosa's boss, and Carter, her brother, among others.
Rosa is a remarkable character, someone no-one would ever expect to be the capable leader she rapidly becomes. Carter is an addict with a drug dealer named Samson pursuing the group through the city, further complicating an already difficult situation, especially when paired with the withdrawal Carter is experiencing, which is written better than any other character in withdrawal I've encountered in fiction. The rest of the writing is spot on with a great plot, lightning fast pacing, great dialogue and great narrative quality and lots of twists and turns
Fallout also distinguished itself from most of the post-EMP survival thriller genre by utilizing characters with realistic skills and resources. There is no fully functioning homestead or isolated farmhouse to reach, no expert survivalist or Special Forces operators, just regular people thrown into a situation that's almost impossible for them to wrap their heads around. I love books like Fallout in which the people who you might expect to be useless in such a situation turn out to be the most capable characters, and no-one does this better than Fries!
Overall, 5/5 stars, though it deserves more! Highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic thrillers and especially post-EMP survival thrillers. Fallout would make a great introduction to the post-EMP survival thriller genre to readers, 14 years old or older, who have yet to read such a book due to its extremely realistic feel and lack of graphic sexualized violence so common in apocalyptic thrillers
Fallout is more than worth the wait!
Note: read as an ARC reader
Rosa is a remarkable character, someone no-one would ever expect to be the capable leader she rapidly becomes. Carter is an addict with a drug dealer named Samson pursuing the group through the city, further complicating an already difficult situation, especially when paired with the withdrawal Carter is experiencing, which is written better than any other character in withdrawal I've encountered in fiction. The rest of the writing is spot on with a great plot, lightning fast pacing, great dialogue and great narrative quality and lots of twists and turns
Fallout also distinguished itself from most of the post-EMP survival thriller genre by utilizing characters with realistic skills and resources. There is no fully functioning homestead or isolated farmhouse to reach, no expert survivalist or Special Forces operators, just regular people thrown into a situation that's almost impossible for them to wrap their heads around. I love books like Fallout in which the people who you might expect to be useless in such a situation turn out to be the most capable characters, and no-one does this better than Fries!
Overall, 5/5 stars, though it deserves more! Highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic thrillers and especially post-EMP survival thrillers. Fallout would make a great introduction to the post-EMP survival thriller genre to readers, 14 years old or older, who have yet to read such a book due to its extremely realistic feel and lack of graphic sexualized violence so common in apocalyptic thrillers
Fallout is more than worth the wait!
Note: read as an ARC reader
April 14, 2026
FALLOUT REVIEW
Sam Fires has done it again! FALLOUT begins with a bang and doesn’t stop long enough to let you catch your breath. His style of writing snags you from the very beginning and the anticipation of what may happen next is electric.
The characters, from very different social standings, break down the barriers of “us vs. them” to work together to survive. At the end of the book I wanted to know where Rosa got her medical training to help the group deal with significant injuries. What was Ralph’s story? How did he end up living where he was? I hope Sam Fires explains their stories in the books that follow.
What surprised me the most how quickly Las Vegas fell apart in the first day. In the city, with all those casinos, there should’ve been an abundant amount of food that the group could have survived on if they had gone to one. It seems like they almost disappeared as a functional concept, but in reality, there are hundreds of people who work and live in those casinos.
The other surprise was how in the first day, how organized and violent the street gangs were to overtake and gain access to the condo building where Carter and Morgan lived. And ransacking the city to the extent they did.
Does no one use the bathroom? Especially the dog, Cesar. There’s no way a dog can go without going to the bathroom for as long as the story is told within 2 1/2 days.
And the character TJ, after the bite he got from Cesar. he shouldn’t have been able to be on his feet ready to fight with Lee against the group. It’s a war. He was even walking given the force of the bite and the unsanitary condition in which the bite happened.
Overall, I thought it was a great book. Very exciting and I can’t wait to read the next one. I hope it comes out soon.
Sam Fires has done it again! FALLOUT begins with a bang and doesn’t stop long enough to let you catch your breath. His style of writing snags you from the very beginning and the anticipation of what may happen next is electric.
The characters, from very different social standings, break down the barriers of “us vs. them” to work together to survive. At the end of the book I wanted to know where Rosa got her medical training to help the group deal with significant injuries. What was Ralph’s story? How did he end up living where he was? I hope Sam Fires explains their stories in the books that follow.
What surprised me the most how quickly Las Vegas fell apart in the first day. In the city, with all those casinos, there should’ve been an abundant amount of food that the group could have survived on if they had gone to one. It seems like they almost disappeared as a functional concept, but in reality, there are hundreds of people who work and live in those casinos.
The other surprise was how in the first day, how organized and violent the street gangs were to overtake and gain access to the condo building where Carter and Morgan lived. And ransacking the city to the extent they did.
Does no one use the bathroom? Especially the dog, Cesar. There’s no way a dog can go without going to the bathroom for as long as the story is told within 2 1/2 days.
And the character TJ, after the bite he got from Cesar. he shouldn’t have been able to be on his feet ready to fight with Lee against the group. It’s a war. He was even walking given the force of the bite and the unsanitary condition in which the bite happened.
Overall, I thought it was a great book. Very exciting and I can’t wait to read the next one. I hope it comes out soon.
April 9, 2026
Fallout: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (EMP Collapse Book 1), my thirty-ninth read from author Sam J. Fires. It's been over a year since I read Grip of Eternity: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (After the End Book 7), the concluding book in his After the End series.
Another enjoyable, well-written, entertaining 371-page technothriller, the first book in his new EMP Collapse series. Fires is the king of EMP technothrillers and this time he's added homelessness into his characters and a dog! “I was given a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Now I need to wait until March of 2027 to continue the story. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Another enjoyable, well-written, entertaining 371-page technothriller, the first book in his new EMP Collapse series. Fires is the king of EMP technothrillers and this time he's added homelessness into his characters and a dog! “I was given a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Now I need to wait until March of 2027 to continue the story. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 29, 2026
Fallout - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
An EMP demolishes all technology in Sam J Fires' outstanding survival-thriller Fallout, that relates how recovering addict Carter joins forces with a disparate group - Rosa, Morgan, Tanner, Ralph and Caesar the bull mastiff, to seek help from Carter's sponsor Marty on the other side of Las Vegas. There's tragedy before and after they leave the apartment block and you can be sure there will be many more dangers and face-offs ahead.
Fallout is packed full of character-led action, many dramatic scenes, while your emotions will keep you fully engaged throughout and ready for Book 2.
Grab a copy today - and keep your go-bag packed ready, just in case!
An EMP demolishes all technology in Sam J Fires' outstanding survival-thriller Fallout, that relates how recovering addict Carter joins forces with a disparate group - Rosa, Morgan, Tanner, Ralph and Caesar the bull mastiff, to seek help from Carter's sponsor Marty on the other side of Las Vegas. There's tragedy before and after they leave the apartment block and you can be sure there will be many more dangers and face-offs ahead.
Fallout is packed full of character-led action, many dramatic scenes, while your emotions will keep you fully engaged throughout and ready for Book 2.
Grab a copy today - and keep your go-bag packed ready, just in case!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wait, what? Nooo, I need more!
This is a fantastic book, and I can't wait for the next one. An EMP and the world descends into chaos. A group of people are thrust into a new reality none of them are prepared for and they will come together ill-prepared to survive the mayhem and violence that is everywhere. Complex and realistic characters who will do their best to survive in a world turned upside down. Violence, murder, and plenty of twists in the plot that left me reeling. I loved this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provide by the author.
This is a fantastic book, and I can't wait for the next one. An EMP and the world descends into chaos. A group of people are thrust into a new reality none of them are prepared for and they will come together ill-prepared to survive the mayhem and violence that is everywhere. Complex and realistic characters who will do their best to survive in a world turned upside down. Violence, murder, and plenty of twists in the plot that left me reeling. I loved this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provide by the author.
April 13, 2026
The first in Sam J. Fires post-apocalyptic thriller series, EMP Collapse, Fallout is a thrill ride of a read.
The action starts from the very beginning and doesn't let up. Along the way there is tragedy, a loyal dog, and some good people and bad.
With characters like Rosa, Morgan, Carter, and Caesar, the aforementioned dog, the book is full of people you love and hate. I have to admit that there were tears on my part.
When an author makes you care about the characters they have written you know that it's a good book.
The action starts from the very beginning and doesn't let up. Along the way there is tragedy, a loyal dog, and some good people and bad.
With characters like Rosa, Morgan, Carter, and Caesar, the aforementioned dog, the book is full of people you love and hate. I have to admit that there were tears on my part.
When an author makes you care about the characters they have written you know that it's a good book.
April 2, 2026
What happens in a city when everything comes to a sudden halt?
How do people react
when their power goes out and they lose water pressure?
when they can't call for help?
when the cash registers and ATMs stop working?
when their cars either won't start or stop on the highway?
How do Rosa, Morgan, Carter, Tanner, and Marty react?
Don't ask the book's AI! Read the book for yourself; it will be worth the time.
How do people react
when their power goes out and they lose water pressure?
when they can't call for help?
when the cash registers and ATMs stop working?
when their cars either won't start or stop on the highway?
How do Rosa, Morgan, Carter, Tanner, and Marty react?
Don't ask the book's AI! Read the book for yourself; it will be worth the time.
April 3, 2026
What is an apocalypse without humanity surviving, dying, loving, hating, giving and taking and some start to break apart. Lucky for this reader that Sam J. Fires covers it all. And not just the main characters. There’s also the dog, Caesar. Caesar stands with Rosa and Morgan, offering comfort and protection. There were parts I cried and parts I cheered. Not once did the author let the momentum slip. Next book please!
April 4, 2026
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
April 4, 2026
Change keeps happening fast and erratic to the unexpected collapse of their worlds. A few are brought together to share: pain, sorrow, loss, food, stories, hopes, fears, failures and grit.
A group of people who would never cross pathes have to rely on each other's strengths and support each other's weaknesses.To survie another day.
A group of people who would never cross pathes have to rely on each other's strengths and support each other's weaknesses.To survie another day.
April 13, 2026
Another great apocalyptic story from Sam J Fires. I have been reading his books for a long time.
A man that just wants to get to his daughter after an EMP takes out Vegas. His sister and her co-worker witness a horrific accident before they are trying to make it home to her brother.
Over a few days, we witness their ordeal of just getting through the city. Cliffhanger until we get
Book 2!
A man that just wants to get to his daughter after an EMP takes out Vegas. His sister and her co-worker witness a horrific accident before they are trying to make it home to her brother.
Over a few days, we witness their ordeal of just getting through the city. Cliffhanger until we get
Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A good, well written storyline. Plenty of action, strong characters and an extremely testing time. I can't wait to see what comes next. I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2026
This is a stay up late reading Post-Apocalyptic thriller!!! It is extremely well written with wonderful plot twists and turns! The characters are so well written…they seem very realistic, relatable and human. This is an awesome start to Sam J Fires newest series…I highly recommend it!!
April 3, 2026
I could not put this down. The author does an amazing job of conveying the harsh realities of survival after an EMP strikes. You follow a band of survivors on their quest to survive when civilization quickly takes a turn for the worse.
April 5, 2026
Another amazing series that won’t disappoint. Full of suspense and danger. How will the survivors manage to put their lives back together. Food and shelter are scarce. What’s to become of them. Love everything by this author.
April 6, 2026
I already need the 2nd book due to how thrilling and amazing this book was. Sam is a genius in her fast paced story telling and I can’t get enough of her works.
10/10 and I cannot wait to see what’s next
10/10 and I cannot wait to see what’s next
April 2, 2026
Another great book by Sam Fires. I love Sam’s books he writes page turners with great diverse characters and wonderfully interesting storylines. I highly recommend!
April 2, 2026
This was very good! A well written, exciting adventure with well developed characters & plot! A super good read! I do recommend!
April 2, 2026
Another ripper read, loving these apocalyptic novels. The reality depicted being very much as I would expect.
April 3, 2026
Sam J. Fires is a master of the post apocalyptic genre and this series starter does not disappoint. Can't wait for book to in the series.
April 11, 2026
great read
Great read, very good storyline. Lots of tragedy good end of the world stuff. I recommend this to every avid post apocalyptic reader
Great read, very good storyline. Lots of tragedy good end of the world stuff. I recommend this to every avid post apocalyptic reader
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who needs EMP problems when life and the characters have created a mess already? Well Fallout wouldn’t be the thriller it is without it. There is action, tension, and times when you should not hesitate to duck or run. Fires has done it again and given us a series that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book to come out.
“Thank you, Fire & Brimstone Press, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Fire & Brimstone Press, for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews