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Powerless Nation #1
Outage
When fifteen-year-old Dee is left at her grandpa’s farm in rural Washington, she thinks her life is over. She may be right.
An electromagnetic-pulse attack has destroyed the country’s power grid, sending the United States back to the Dark Ages. Now Dee and Grandpa must face a world without electricity and clean water—let alone cell phones and the Internet—as well as the chaos brought on by this sudden catastrophe. Soon their town begins to collapse as disease and lawlessness run rampant. With handsome, troubled Mason and friendly boy-next-door Hyrum at her side, Dee fights to survive and deals with a new, undeniable attraction at the same time.
Meanwhile, a corrupt, power-crazed sheriff is administering a terrifying brutality and preying on the sick and the well supplied. When he sets his sights on Grandpa’s farm, can Dee put her feelings aside to save her home—and take back the power she’d feared was forever lost?
An electromagnetic-pulse attack has destroyed the country’s power grid, sending the United States back to the Dark Ages. Now Dee and Grandpa must face a world without electricity and clean water—let alone cell phones and the Internet—as well as the chaos brought on by this sudden catastrophe. Soon their town begins to collapse as disease and lawlessness run rampant. With handsome, troubled Mason and friendly boy-next-door Hyrum at her side, Dee fights to survive and deals with a new, undeniable attraction at the same time.
Meanwhile, a corrupt, power-crazed sheriff is administering a terrifying brutality and preying on the sick and the well supplied. When he sets his sights on Grandpa’s farm, can Dee put her feelings aside to save her home—and take back the power she’d feared was forever lost?
223 pages, ebook
First published May 13, 2014
117 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 13, 2016
Breezed through this book. Hooked from the beginning very clean and intriguing young adult dystopian. My favorite. =}
August 22, 2019
Outage was a surprising read...in a good way! I wasn't expecting all that much when I started, just because it seemed like it would be yet another typical dystopian read. But I found myself interested in the story pretty much right away and I read it pretty quickly as I just wanted to see how things would end. I'm not sure if I will read the next book or not, but I enjoyed this one.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
March 19, 2015
Actual rating - 3.5
Dee annoyed me slightly at the start, but after everything happened, she turned into a pretty good character.
This was a quick and decent read. There was a few moments where I felt a bit bored, but they didn't last too long thanfully.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
Dee annoyed me slightly at the start, but after everything happened, she turned into a pretty good character.
This was a quick and decent read. There was a few moments where I felt a bit bored, but they didn't last too long thanfully.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 9, 2018
VERDICT: passing grade, YA fiction
A quick YA speculative fiction read that was OK. I'd say 3 to 3.5 stars for Young Adult readers (perhaps ages 12 to 16-ish), or ~2.5 stars for adults. This book is part 1 of a trilogy.
Note that I didn't specifically call it science fiction, because it concerns events entirely within the realm of possibility, with our current science/technology. The main character (a 15-year old girl) was good, and the supporting cast was decent, if not fleshed out well. Events are limited to a rural area, though apparently the story is expanded in the subsequent books.
READ IT IF: you enjoy reality-based apocalyptic scenarios, or if you wonder how you might prepare for a nationwide power and communications outage
SKIP IT IF: you are looking for deep characters and mind-boggling developments, or if the least tiny bit of religious content (mostly consisting of ) is not your thing.
Overall, it was good for what it was -- a YA apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic / survival tale that's more or less reality-based.
BONUS POINTS FOR:
++ nice cover art
++ the wee bit of Christian-ish content was never preachy or overwhelming
++ ending not a complete cliffhanger (but there is a Book 2 & 3).
++ family-safe, unless you count
MILD DEMERITS:
-- the bad guy(s) were one-sided
NEUTRALS: feels like an author's first novel (and probably is?), but above average for such. This mostly showed in some dialogue that felt overly explanatory, rather than true-to-life.
FUN AUTHOR INFO: Ellisa lives with her husband, two children, two dogs and a cat in southern California, where she knows just enough about prepping to prolong her agony in the event of the apocalypse.
SIMILAR TO: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer -- a YA book that's a bit more on the SciFi side.
A quick YA speculative fiction read that was OK. I'd say 3 to 3.5 stars for Young Adult readers (perhaps ages 12 to 16-ish), or ~2.5 stars for adults. This book is part 1 of a trilogy.
Note that I didn't specifically call it science fiction, because it concerns events entirely within the realm of possibility, with our current science/technology. The main character (a 15-year old girl) was good, and the supporting cast was decent, if not fleshed out well. Events are limited to a rural area, though apparently the story is expanded in the subsequent books.
READ IT IF: you enjoy reality-based apocalyptic scenarios, or if you wonder how you might prepare for a nationwide power and communications outage
SKIP IT IF: you are looking for deep characters and mind-boggling developments, or if the least tiny bit of religious content (mostly consisting of ) is not your thing.
Overall, it was good for what it was -- a YA apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic / survival tale that's more or less reality-based.
BONUS POINTS FOR:
++ nice cover art
++ the wee bit of Christian-ish content was never preachy or overwhelming
++ ending not a complete cliffhanger (but there is a Book 2 & 3).
++ family-safe, unless you count
MILD DEMERITS:
-- the bad guy(s) were one-sided
NEUTRALS: feels like an author's first novel (and probably is?), but above average for such. This mostly showed in some dialogue that felt overly explanatory, rather than true-to-life.
FUN AUTHOR INFO: Ellisa lives with her husband, two children, two dogs and a cat in southern California, where she knows just enough about prepping to prolong her agony in the event of the apocalypse.
SIMILAR TO: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer -- a YA book that's a bit more on the SciFi side.
September 3, 2015
I breezed through OUTAGE in just a few days. I would call it an apocalyptic novel instead of post-apocalyptic (ie Hunger Games) because the plot is about a terrorist attack that takes down the power grid and makes all electronic devices zap. Teenagers might view it as a horror novel in that light. I liked the cast of characters, the Virtus plot, and how different families started working together to survive. The villain was also sufficiently nasty that I was pleased with how things wrapped. Well done!
October 9, 2015
I'm a huge fan of apocalyptic tales and the more realistic the better. Outage is a believable story that could happen which I did enjoy! I listened to this on audio so especially enjoyed Kate Rudd's narration.
I have the 2nd book downloaded and look forward to more of this scary apocalypse that Barr has created!
I have the 2nd book downloaded and look forward to more of this scary apocalypse that Barr has created!
January 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It had just enough bad guy excitement and surprises mixed with all the small details of life without power. Very good!
September 26, 2017
I've read several post-EMP type books but this one has stood out among the sea. For the most part, there isn't a lot of action - no real fighting among factions, no wars that the characters are involved in. Most of the book is about the arguably boring aspect of surviving by farming and daily chores. But somehow it's still pretty interesting and I enjoyed it.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
dnf
January 29, 2019I endured 29% of this perfect example of why self-publishing is more bad than good, but after coming across "mannequin" spelled "manikin" I officially give up. Even spell check gave up on this author. This book isn't the least bit original, the writing is terrible, and the MC is extremely dull. I'm honestly not sure how this book has such a high rating.
August 31, 2017
3.5 stars!!
May 20, 2015
Dee is fifteen-year-old girl after tragedy and difficulty with dealing with her pain, her parents are going on a cruise ship without her. She is left at her grandpa's who has a farm in rural Washington.
Within days normal life crashed down for every one when EMP attacks destroys all electronics and most off the cars, there's no way to communicate with others anymore. Running water, electricity and everything that we are used to is gone.
Dee finds out very soon that as soon as that's goes people's manners and humanity go to.
Together with her grandpa she makes allies with Hyrum and his family. Mason joins them to.
What I liked; Dee character she is good, she may be young but from inside out she has her heart at the right place and she shows it with deed's and not only with words.
I loved Hyrum family they way they stayed true trough their believes, Angela is a fantastic mom, she gives her children love and attention just the way it should be. We always read about horrible parents and finally this book had a good role model.
I'm not a religious person and had no problem with the few sentences that were referred to religion.
Her grandpa is a good person and role model to.
This book did give some dummy proof explanation about the EMP and trough the story you get some good tips about survival to.
What I was missing:
More action, the love building was almost absent, because all their work and escape effort were going perfectly, there was a lack off conflict, to make to story more juicy. All the things they tried worked, they were not suffering from cold or hunger. The group had to work hard but I was surprised that they didn't had to fight off more people for their food.
The writing is good and I liked the story, the characters are good, I just need more action in this book. I will be buying the sequel.
Within days normal life crashed down for every one when EMP attacks destroys all electronics and most off the cars, there's no way to communicate with others anymore. Running water, electricity and everything that we are used to is gone.
Dee finds out very soon that as soon as that's goes people's manners and humanity go to.
Together with her grandpa she makes allies with Hyrum and his family. Mason joins them to.
What I liked; Dee character she is good, she may be young but from inside out she has her heart at the right place and she shows it with deed's and not only with words.
I loved Hyrum family they way they stayed true trough their believes, Angela is a fantastic mom, she gives her children love and attention just the way it should be. We always read about horrible parents and finally this book had a good role model.
I'm not a religious person and had no problem with the few sentences that were referred to religion.
Her grandpa is a good person and role model to.
This book did give some dummy proof explanation about the EMP and trough the story you get some good tips about survival to.
What I was missing:
More action, the love building was almost absent, because all their work and escape effort were going perfectly, there was a lack off conflict, to make to story more juicy. All the things they tried worked, they were not suffering from cold or hunger. The group had to work hard but I was surprised that they didn't had to fight off more people for their food.
The writing is good and I liked the story, the characters are good, I just need more action in this book. I will be buying the sequel.
October 14, 2015
I've been on a post-apocalyptic kick lately, and this one was a winner for me! I loved this story from the first page. It doesn't take long for the action to start, and when it does, it was amazing through the very end.
I really liked Dee as a character. At first, you can tell she's somewhat of a pampered, angsty fifteen year old, pretty average in that way, and who is mad at her parents. They've dropped her off at her grandpa's farm while they're off to an Alaskan cruise. You can tell something has happened between them at the beginning, but you don't know quite what it is. As soon as they leave, Dee gets it into her head that she's going to leave and uses her grandpa's truck to do it. She picks up a hitchhiker, and from that point on, things get really interesting.
I loved Dee from that point on. The author didn't waste a bunch of time letting her fifteen year old heroine sit around and angst further, whining about circumstances or denying what's happening. She's smart and acts immediately. She learns quick, and she works to get back to her grandpa.
This story ends up with a small mis-matched group of characters working together at her grandpa's farm and learning to survive in a new world where there's no electricity, no good drinking water, and barely any food. I loved and adored every single character in this story, and and they all fit together so perfectly and lent some sort of special element to the story.
Aside from the obvious threat and danger of survival, there's also an external threat that comes from a source they never might expect. There was survivalist training, an element of suspense, some heartbreak, and some romance. The author did an amazing job pulling me in and holding my attention until the last exciting, amazing moment. I will definitely be sticking with this series to find out what happens next!
I really liked Dee as a character. At first, you can tell she's somewhat of a pampered, angsty fifteen year old, pretty average in that way, and who is mad at her parents. They've dropped her off at her grandpa's farm while they're off to an Alaskan cruise. You can tell something has happened between them at the beginning, but you don't know quite what it is. As soon as they leave, Dee gets it into her head that she's going to leave and uses her grandpa's truck to do it. She picks up a hitchhiker, and from that point on, things get really interesting.
I loved Dee from that point on. The author didn't waste a bunch of time letting her fifteen year old heroine sit around and angst further, whining about circumstances or denying what's happening. She's smart and acts immediately. She learns quick, and she works to get back to her grandpa.
This story ends up with a small mis-matched group of characters working together at her grandpa's farm and learning to survive in a new world where there's no electricity, no good drinking water, and barely any food. I loved and adored every single character in this story, and and they all fit together so perfectly and lent some sort of special element to the story.
Aside from the obvious threat and danger of survival, there's also an external threat that comes from a source they never might expect. There was survivalist training, an element of suspense, some heartbreak, and some romance. The author did an amazing job pulling me in and holding my attention until the last exciting, amazing moment. I will definitely be sticking with this series to find out what happens next!
December 27, 2016
**I received an ecopy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
The book started off roughly. Dee, the 15 year old MC, was acting like a pouty 15 year old. Her parents are leaving for a cruise and Dee is dropped off on her Grandpa's farm. No computers, no cell phone reception, no internet. *cue world's tiniest violin* She decides to take off with his truck (how very kind of her), but doesn't know how to drive stick and stalls it. Grandpa catches her and instead of being angry, promises to teach her to drive it. He lets her take it into town to possibly meet some kids her age. On her way into town, she picks up an OMGSOCUTE hitchhiker who happens to be close to her age. They continue to head into town when she wrecks the truck. This is the EMP. From there, it all becomes chaos.
I personally loved this portion of the book that was dedicated to how things would really go down in an apocalyptic situation. I think it was more realistic that people were trying to help each other moreso than fend for themselves. I do think that Dee's complete 180-degree personality change was a far reach. I think that the love triangle that started was not accurately played out...one guy just steps aside and doesn't say anything after flirting with Dee and spending time with her?? Okay. Grandpa was such a sweet soul and probably my favorite character. I loved that the author went down the dark, gory road. I felt it made the story more authentic.
It takes a bit to get used to the third-person omniscient point-of-view because it's written so awkwardly. I don't know how else to explain it, but it took a lot of rereading for me to grasp what was going on at times. It could be quite uncomfortable at times to read.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
The book started off roughly. Dee, the 15 year old MC, was acting like a pouty 15 year old. Her parents are leaving for a cruise and Dee is dropped off on her Grandpa's farm. No computers, no cell phone reception, no internet. *cue world's tiniest violin* She decides to take off with his truck (how very kind of her), but doesn't know how to drive stick and stalls it. Grandpa catches her and instead of being angry, promises to teach her to drive it. He lets her take it into town to possibly meet some kids her age. On her way into town, she picks up an OMGSOCUTE hitchhiker who happens to be close to her age. They continue to head into town when she wrecks the truck. This is the EMP. From there, it all becomes chaos.
I personally loved this portion of the book that was dedicated to how things would really go down in an apocalyptic situation. I think it was more realistic that people were trying to help each other moreso than fend for themselves. I do think that Dee's complete 180-degree personality change was a far reach. I think that the love triangle that started was not accurately played out...one guy just steps aside and doesn't say anything after flirting with Dee and spending time with her?? Okay. Grandpa was such a sweet soul and probably my favorite character. I loved that the author went down the dark, gory road. I felt it made the story more authentic.
It takes a bit to get used to the third-person omniscient point-of-view because it's written so awkwardly. I don't know how else to explain it, but it took a lot of rereading for me to grasp what was going on at times. It could be quite uncomfortable at times to read.
March 1, 2015
Interesting Idea, but...
The concept started off with good possibilities but fell a little flat on the execution. Their story never went beyond "little house on the prairie" living. Loved the grandpa character but unfortunately his surviving an EMP shot to his pacemaker, and then surviving a heart attack with no care other than inept CPR and rest...well, okay I suspended disbelief there...and then again with the almost instant typhoid cure...and numerous other times...
Some spots rambled a bit...but skipping those parts, overall it was an interesting story, and the ending was satisfying. So my rating is a 3 1/2...better than average.
The concept started off with good possibilities but fell a little flat on the execution. Their story never went beyond "little house on the prairie" living. Loved the grandpa character but unfortunately his surviving an EMP shot to his pacemaker, and then surviving a heart attack with no care other than inept CPR and rest...well, okay I suspended disbelief there...and then again with the almost instant typhoid cure...and numerous other times...
Some spots rambled a bit...but skipping those parts, overall it was an interesting story, and the ending was satisfying. So my rating is a 3 1/2...better than average.
February 12, 2015
It's nice to find a post apocalyptic book that leaves you feeling hopeful. Without glossing over the atrocious aftermath of a disastrous event, the author somehow manages to leave you with the feeling that these people have a chance to survive, and you're really glad because they feel like your friends. The book also makes a real case for the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency. Thought provoking, suspenseful and fast-paced, this is a great read!
August 12, 2016
This book was just ok. Not any different than many others. Not sure if this is a series or not but I don't think I would read anymore. Religion was inserted a couple of time which made me check to make sure I didn't pick up a christian fiction book, which there is nothing wrong with but I like to know before I start reading because the slant is different on the story.
February 26, 2016
A compelling and well-written story about what could happen in the event of on EMP attack.
I loved watching the progression of the main character, Dee. It was also fascinating to read about how the families in the book prepared themselves for survival. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I'm very curious to find out what happened to the cruise ship.
I loved watching the progression of the main character, Dee. It was also fascinating to read about how the families in the book prepared themselves for survival. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I'm very curious to find out what happened to the cruise ship.
May 8, 2015
Great book. Several in my family have read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Great and timely subject, good characters, safe reading, keeps you wanting more.
Book 2 is good, also.
Ray Gorham
Book 2 is good, also.
Ray Gorham
March 25, 2016
Easy read.Not a lot of huge words which makes it easy to picture in your head.Instant gratification for people like me who only want to give an afternoon to cover a book.
February 17, 2020
I liked . Didn't love it, but liked it enough to keep reading.
Pros:
--Compassionate, likable protagonist with plenty of character growth
--Intriguing plot
--No love triangles. Despite there being two eligible, good-looking guys, only one becomes a love interest while the other remains a friend. (Thank you for this, Barr!)
--Subtle faith woven throughout. Barr doesn't try to hammer you with her religion; she uses it sparingly and appropriately.
--Clean romance. As an adult reader, it makes me squirmy to read scenes with teenagers getting it on. In YA I've always cared so much more about the main story than the romance. Romance is icing on the cake, but you've got to have a solid cake first, and Barr seems to understand that.
Cons:
--Some unrealistic details. I.e. Cars wouldn't crash during an EMP. They'd slow to a stop.
--Info dumps in the beginning. Specifically, the scene where Dee and Mason stop at a couple's house, and the woman explains the concept of EMPs in a monologue that feels a lot like an expository essay. It was out of place--like her speech was copied/pasted from Google to let the reader know what was going on--when it could have been sprinkled more organically throughout the book.
--Villains who are too villainy. Starvation will bring out the worst in anyone, but let's give Hank a little more complexity other than being a two-dimensional big bad wolf thief/rapist/murderer...especially since he's not starving.
--Good guys who refuse to kill the bad guys in self-defense. I'm over this trope.
--Which brings me to my final con--the end. There's simply no excuse for a family armed to the nines to
It's worth noting that I'm a painfully picky reader. Outage is interesting and entertaining, and I think Barr's YA target audience will really enjoy it.
Pros:
--Compassionate, likable protagonist with plenty of character growth
--Intriguing plot
--No love triangles. Despite there being two eligible, good-looking guys, only one becomes a love interest while the other remains a friend. (Thank you for this, Barr!)
--Subtle faith woven throughout. Barr doesn't try to hammer you with her religion; she uses it sparingly and appropriately.
--Clean romance. As an adult reader, it makes me squirmy to read scenes with teenagers getting it on. In YA I've always cared so much more about the main story than the romance. Romance is icing on the cake, but you've got to have a solid cake first, and Barr seems to understand that.
Cons:
--Some unrealistic details. I.e. Cars wouldn't crash during an EMP. They'd slow to a stop.
--Info dumps in the beginning. Specifically, the scene where Dee and Mason stop at a couple's house, and the woman explains the concept of EMPs in a monologue that feels a lot like an expository essay. It was out of place--like her speech was copied/pasted from Google to let the reader know what was going on--when it could have been sprinkled more organically throughout the book.
--Villains who are too villainy. Starvation will bring out the worst in anyone, but let's give Hank a little more complexity other than being a two-dimensional big bad wolf thief/rapist/murderer...especially since he's not starving.
--Good guys who refuse to kill the bad guys in self-defense. I'm over this trope.
--Which brings me to my final con--the end. There's simply no excuse for a family armed to the nines to
It's worth noting that I'm a painfully picky reader. Outage is interesting and entertaining, and I think Barr's YA target audience will really enjoy it.
January 10, 2019
When Dee is dropped off at her grandfather's rural farm where he practices as a veterinarian, she's nose deep in grief and self-pity. Angered at being stuck where there's no cellphone or internet service while her parents go on a cruise, and still grappling with the death of her younger brother, she's ready to take the $300 she's saved and buy a one way bus ticket back to her home on the east coast. On her way into town after cooling off a bit, helped by her grandfather's teaching her how to drive a stick shift, she picks up a guy hitchhiking who's a bit older than she is and they hit it off quickly. then truck dies suddenly and she hits a tree. This is the start of a new and frightening life. Everything electric or electronic has been fried by an EMP, cause unknown.
While she adjusts, and she must do so quickly as Gramp's pacemaker is a casualty of the EMP, Dee learns a lot about herself, how a crisis quickly separates the good and the evil in society and that faith and family don't always mean what you thought they did. It's a good, solid read and I ordered the two other books in the series right after I finished this one.
While she adjusts, and she must do so quickly as Gramp's pacemaker is a casualty of the EMP, Dee learns a lot about herself, how a crisis quickly separates the good and the evil in society and that faith and family don't always mean what you thought they did. It's a good, solid read and I ordered the two other books in the series right after I finished this one.
August 11, 2024
Outage was a quick, interesting read that held my attention from start to finish. After EMPs destroy the USA's power grids and thus all telecommunication services, fifteen-year-old Dee, who is staying on her grandfather's farm while her parents go on a cruise, suddenly finds life new and frightening.
On the whole, the author realistically depicted what could happen in a countrywide emergency. The chaos, the loss of law and order and the desperate need for survival were well portrayed. Although it was despicable how some people behaved in this new world, seeing how others rallied together to help each other was heartwarming.
At first, Dee annoyed me. She was whiney and sullen, but I liked how Barr developed her character throughout the novel. By the end of the story, she became a strong, resourceful and caring young woman who worked hard to ensure the safety of others.
While a couple of events stretched credibility, Outage was a thought-provoking novel, and I enjoyed seeing how Dee, her grandfather and the people they took in worked together on the farm to stay warm, well-fed and safe without electricity. A worthwhile read.
On the whole, the author realistically depicted what could happen in a countrywide emergency. The chaos, the loss of law and order and the desperate need for survival were well portrayed. Although it was despicable how some people behaved in this new world, seeing how others rallied together to help each other was heartwarming.
At first, Dee annoyed me. She was whiney and sullen, but I liked how Barr developed her character throughout the novel. By the end of the story, she became a strong, resourceful and caring young woman who worked hard to ensure the safety of others.
While a couple of events stretched credibility, Outage was a thought-provoking novel, and I enjoyed seeing how Dee, her grandfather and the people they took in worked together on the farm to stay warm, well-fed and safe without electricity. A worthwhile read.
April 15, 2021
Good book. A few holes in plot (Jasper not barking during first home invasion, sanitation- 8 people would require a lot of water to flush toilets!, Dee's truck stalling at emp then starting back up- from what I've read, either thevemp fries the electronics or it doesn't! ,Mason still having a gun after he'd been caught, sammy and katy going downstairs when they were hiding with a teenager and the mom who didn't notice they were going!- Please! What? were they too busy staring at the door to notice!? , etc.). It also would have been nice if the author had explained what a cattle guard was- unless I missed it. The way they handled the bad guys was very unrealistic, if young adult friendly. If people are trying to kill you, use the guns!
but I'd still recommend it!
but I'd still recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2017
3.5 A survival story, and a believable one, for the most part. Definitely entertaining, I felt like I was watching this story. Not necessarily living it like other stories, but intensely observing. The only character you really get to know is the protagonist, Dee, because you get inside her head. Near the beginning you discover that one of the characters is part of a Mormon family, but to my relief and delight the book never gets preachy or religious. I've watched enough of the new tv shows about post-apocalyptic survival, so there was nothing particularly surprising happening, but the descriptions and panic and planning and problem-solving kept me interest from beginning to end.
November 7, 2021
3 stars. Audiobook. Suggested by my reading app after finishing "Into the Forest" I figured why not continue with the end-of-days survival theme. Written by an LDS author, this is a pretty wholesome YA story with some religious undertones but nothing, I think, too preachy. In this tale an electro-magnetic pulse knocks out all the power and electronic devices, but luckily these are farm people so... you know... they're already kinda set up to survive. My problem here is my peeve with a lot of YA action stories. I mean... a 15yo girl is the one out saving everyone? Really? Not like, any of the adults? The story took a dive for me when all the action with the one-note EVIL bad guy and crew kicked in toward the end. There are two more books in this series... but neither the library or my book subscription app carry them so I think I'll pass for now.
February 14, 2019
Thank you
I have read many books on many natural disasters and man-made disasters. Outage, has been a great book on EMPs. Not only does it display the damage, that can be done to our way of living. But it also showed the very real despicable, horrific & self serving behavior of many. The coming together of neighbors, strangers, the week the strong, young and aged. Can turn desperate times into times of hope. With that futures can be built. Thanks for the great read.
I have read many books on many natural disasters and man-made disasters. Outage, has been a great book on EMPs. Not only does it display the damage, that can be done to our way of living. But it also showed the very real despicable, horrific & self serving behavior of many. The coming together of neighbors, strangers, the week the strong, young and aged. Can turn desperate times into times of hope. With that futures can be built. Thanks for the great read.
October 22, 2017
Gave me a lot to think about
What would you do and where would you go if the power grid went down? How long could you survive? All these questions and more filled my head as I read, anxious to find answers.
Am I going to start stockpiling canned goods? Probably not, but I may pick up a water purification kit just to have on hand.
What would you do and where would you go if the power grid went down? How long could you survive? All these questions and more filled my head as I read, anxious to find answers.
Am I going to start stockpiling canned goods? Probably not, but I may pick up a water purification kit just to have on hand.
July 15, 2019
I didn’t realize this was a young adult novel, thus I was more liberal with my rating than I normally would be. It was ok. Lots of obvious inconsistencies irritated me tremendously, and some scenes and plot resolutions were utterly unbelievable. The writing was just ok otherwise. I have nothing to recommend strongly, but it was a somewhat entertaining, quick read.
August 2, 2017
I enjoyed it much more then I thought I would.
Ready read, likeable characters.
Quick read with a believable and thought provoking story line.
I would read the second book in the series
Ready read, likeable characters.
Quick read with a believable and thought provoking story line.
I would read the second book in the series
October 1, 2018
I love survival stories and this was one of them. It was a quick read and that ensured that I was into the story form start to the end. The farm chores did bore me and I didn't even realize when Mason became her boyfriend. But all in all it was quite engaging.
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