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The Pocket: An EMP Survival Thriller
THEY DIDN’T NEED TO WIN A WAR OF BULLETS. THEY JUST NEEDED TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS.
On a Tuesday evening, every circuit from the Pacific to the Atlantic dies at once. No warning. No coming back. Fire Captain Jacob Rome is twenty-five miles from home. He walks. Past stalled cars, past the first fires, past the first bodies. This is the shape of a country realizing, in real time, that no one is coming.
His wife Olivia is already moving. A NICU nurse, two kids, a cold house, a propane tank that won't last the winter. She doesn't panic. She prepares.
What they build is called The Pocket. A stretch of Oregon foothill. A handful of frightened neighbors turned garrison. Office workers and schoolteachers learning to butcher, to dig, to stand watch with a rifle across their knees.
But The Pocket can't hold forever. Winter is close. A splinter becomes sepsis. A neighbor becomes a threat. And somewhere beyond the dark, the people who threw the switch are planning their next move.
The EMP wasn't the end of America. It was the opening move.
On a Tuesday evening, every circuit from the Pacific to the Atlantic dies at once. No warning. No coming back. Fire Captain Jacob Rome is twenty-five miles from home. He walks. Past stalled cars, past the first fires, past the first bodies. This is the shape of a country realizing, in real time, that no one is coming.
His wife Olivia is already moving. A NICU nurse, two kids, a cold house, a propane tank that won't last the winter. She doesn't panic. She prepares.
What they build is called The Pocket. A stretch of Oregon foothill. A handful of frightened neighbors turned garrison. Office workers and schoolteachers learning to butcher, to dig, to stand watch with a rifle across their knees.
But The Pocket can't hold forever. Winter is close. A splinter becomes sepsis. A neighbor becomes a threat. And somewhere beyond the dark, the people who threw the switch are planning their next move.
The EMP wasn't the end of America. It was the opening move.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
C.J. Lenz
4 books8 followersAs a Fire Captain and Paramedic, I see real-world emergencies up close on a regular basis. That experience is the backbone of my post-apocalyptic writing, where I trade real-world crisis response for fictional scenarios about what happens when people are left entirely on their own.
I write grounded, realistic survival fiction driven by the actual mechanics of self-reliance. Away from the station, I live in Oregon with my wife and two boys on a ten-acre property that keeps us busy. Off duty, you'll usually find me tending to my apiary, turning wrenches on my tractor, or working through the draft of my next release.
I write grounded, realistic survival fiction driven by the actual mechanics of self-reliance. Away from the station, I live in Oregon with my wife and two boys on a ten-acre property that keeps us busy. Off duty, you'll usually find me tending to my apiary, turning wrenches on my tractor, or working through the draft of my next release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 8, 2026
Wow, an incredible debut novel that grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go.
This book starts following a fire captain at work who experiences a near-apocalyptic change to life as he knows it. Quickly he focuses on creating a world where his family not only can survive, but begin to thrive. Throughout this he experiences challenges that continually grow in scale, but he never ceases to showcase an incredible resilience and steadfast character.
As a native of the Pacific Northwest, I can’t speak enough to how well Lenz captures the feel of Oregon. Wet, cold, relentless, and for those caught in it not prepared; lethal.
Throughout this book we’re introduced to many characters, but the core remains the same. Fight like hell to protect your loved ones, your community, your home. As one problem is resolved, new ones take their place as The Pocket (a group or survivors living in a world forced back into the medieval after a series of EMP strikes) is never given a moments respite.
From figuring out how to sprout seedlings in the oppressive winter, to facing off against the aggressors that set everything in motion, Lenz captures the indomitable human spirit while balancing compassion within a world that no longer makes space for it.
Though the book grows in suspense and dread as it progresses, our main antagonist prioritizes uniting those around him around a common goal, but does not shy away from doing what needs to be done to ensure his family’s and his community’s survival.
I would recommend this to all readers, and am excited to see what else C.J. Lenz has in store.
This book starts following a fire captain at work who experiences a near-apocalyptic change to life as he knows it. Quickly he focuses on creating a world where his family not only can survive, but begin to thrive. Throughout this he experiences challenges that continually grow in scale, but he never ceases to showcase an incredible resilience and steadfast character.
As a native of the Pacific Northwest, I can’t speak enough to how well Lenz captures the feel of Oregon. Wet, cold, relentless, and for those caught in it not prepared; lethal.
Throughout this book we’re introduced to many characters, but the core remains the same. Fight like hell to protect your loved ones, your community, your home. As one problem is resolved, new ones take their place as The Pocket (a group or survivors living in a world forced back into the medieval after a series of EMP strikes) is never given a moments respite.
From figuring out how to sprout seedlings in the oppressive winter, to facing off against the aggressors that set everything in motion, Lenz captures the indomitable human spirit while balancing compassion within a world that no longer makes space for it.
Though the book grows in suspense and dread as it progresses, our main antagonist prioritizes uniting those around him around a common goal, but does not shy away from doing what needs to be done to ensure his family’s and his community’s survival.
I would recommend this to all readers, and am excited to see what else C.J. Lenz has in store.
July 17, 2026
Very believable EMP tale
This is one very believable story about the aftereffects of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) caused by nuclear devices that were launched at 90,000 feet at various spots over the Earth to wipe out communications equipment, computers, or even put the entire electrical network of targeted countries out of commission. In this modern world, where everything runs by computer chips, that means everything stopped running.
The story focuses on one man mainly, Jacob Rome, a firefighter before the EMP hit, and to a certain extent, his wife Olivia who is a nurse. They live on 10 acres of property in western Oregon.
This story went into a lot of detail about what this man and his neighbors went through after the EMP hit. It explores the months following, especially the first winter, in a lot of depth. Disaster preparedness, Jacob's leadership role, neighbor conflicts and then as the story goes on the conflict deepens and the enemy changes.
This is a long book - 500+ pages. Most authors would have probably split this into two books. I, for one, am very glad that he didn't. It made for a lengthy read but I enjoyed every minute of it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book from the author through NetGalley. Thank you.
This is one very believable story about the aftereffects of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) caused by nuclear devices that were launched at 90,000 feet at various spots over the Earth to wipe out communications equipment, computers, or even put the entire electrical network of targeted countries out of commission. In this modern world, where everything runs by computer chips, that means everything stopped running.
The story focuses on one man mainly, Jacob Rome, a firefighter before the EMP hit, and to a certain extent, his wife Olivia who is a nurse. They live on 10 acres of property in western Oregon.
This story went into a lot of detail about what this man and his neighbors went through after the EMP hit. It explores the months following, especially the first winter, in a lot of depth. Disaster preparedness, Jacob's leadership role, neighbor conflicts and then as the story goes on the conflict deepens and the enemy changes.
This is a long book - 500+ pages. Most authors would have probably split this into two books. I, for one, am very glad that he didn't. It made for a lengthy read but I enjoyed every minute of it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book from the author through NetGalley. Thank you.
August 13, 2026
Amazing!
I loved every part of this book and can't wait to start the second one! Great author and now on my must read list!
I loved every part of this book and can't wait to start the second one! Great author and now on my must read list!
August 23, 2026
Great new take on an apocalypse. Well written and engaging storyline.
July 13, 2026
Very well written.
Living in Oregon, Mr. Lenz wrote this so that the outsider to Oregon can picture the trees, the mountains, the beach, the smells, the weather. I read everyday and I am looking forward to next book in this series. Thank you for writing a book of decent length and so realistic, I could feel the emotions of the characters
Living in Oregon, Mr. Lenz wrote this so that the outsider to Oregon can picture the trees, the mountains, the beach, the smells, the weather. I read everyday and I am looking forward to next book in this series. Thank you for writing a book of decent length and so realistic, I could feel the emotions of the characters
July 1, 2026
I really enjoyed The Pocket. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put down. The descriptions of Oregon’s Pacific Northwest were so vivid that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
The author’s knowledge of EMPs and post-apocalyptic survival really shines throughout the story. Rather than just being an action-packed adventure, it also makes you think about how prepared you would be if something similar ever happened.
The character development was well done, and there were a couple of characters whose stories I’d love to see explored further in future books. By the time I finished, I found myself wishing there were more pages left to read.
If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction with believable survival scenarios, engaging characters, and a strong sense of place, I highly recommend this book. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.
The author’s knowledge of EMPs and post-apocalyptic survival really shines throughout the story. Rather than just being an action-packed adventure, it also makes you think about how prepared you would be if something similar ever happened.
The character development was well done, and there were a couple of characters whose stories I’d love to see explored further in future books. By the time I finished, I found myself wishing there were more pages left to read.
If you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction with believable survival scenarios, engaging characters, and a strong sense of place, I highly recommend this book. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.
July 2, 2026
The Pocket is one of those books that pulls you in from the very first pages.
C.J. Lenz’s writing is so descriptive that I could vividly picture every scene as it unfolded, making it feel like I was right there alongside the characters. The story kept me engaged and constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter.” The characters felt real, the tension continued to build, and I found it hard to put the book down.
If you enjoy survival fiction with great storytelling and strong character development, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
C.J. Lenz’s writing is so descriptive that I could vividly picture every scene as it unfolded, making it feel like I was right there alongside the characters. The story kept me engaged and constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter.” The characters felt real, the tension continued to build, and I found it hard to put the book down.
If you enjoy survival fiction with great storytelling and strong character development, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
July 1, 2026
An epic thriller that also doubles as a doomsday prepping tutorial. The story was engaging and eye opening as to how unprepared I am in the event of such a disaster occurring in the real world. I am eagerly anticipating the follow-up novel in this sensational series.
July 1, 2026
The Pocket drew me in and kept me interested all the way through. It is packed with action, but also enough emotion to really bond with the characters. Highly recommend!
June 15, 2026
Not my usual genre but worth the read! Any book that leaves me thinking about it and wanting to get back to the story when I’m at work, or driving, or otherwise unable to read at that moment, is a good book for me!
Review of advance copy
I went through a wide range of emotions reading this book. The initial fear when the lights went out. Will Jacob make it home and if so, what will he find when he gets there? Joy when the family is reunited. Curiosity, are they at all prepared and what did they prep?
Olivia, the quiet strength and backbone of the pocket. Always doing what needs to be done without anyone having to ask.
There were a couple of groups who didn't initially band together, but seemed to respect each other. Then the marauders moved nearby.
Instead of going to battle, Jacob rose to leadership once again to not only reach out to other survivors, but to also join forces with the biker gang to fight an even bigger war.
They were victorious, but there were many losses. I'll never get tired of reading about salt of the earth people who know what it means to work hard and earn your keep. Who always show up and show out when it matters the most. "The house was no longer empty. It was guarded by men who knew the value of the dirt and the cost of the gate." Gets me every time I read it.
I will be anxiously awaiting to read what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Olivia, the quiet strength and backbone of the pocket. Always doing what needs to be done without anyone having to ask.
There were a couple of groups who didn't initially band together, but seemed to respect each other. Then the marauders moved nearby.
Instead of going to battle, Jacob rose to leadership once again to not only reach out to other survivors, but to also join forces with the biker gang to fight an even bigger war.
They were victorious, but there were many losses. I'll never get tired of reading about salt of the earth people who know what it means to work hard and earn your keep. Who always show up and show out when it matters the most. "The house was no longer empty. It was guarded by men who knew the value of the dirt and the cost of the gate." Gets me every time I read it.
I will be anxiously awaiting to read what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Pocket was a bit of a surprise and a breath of fresh air. Lenz avoids the typical, formulaic post-apocalyptic storyline and instead offered a fresh take on the genre.
I was impressed with the character development. The relationships and interpersonal conflicts between the different groups felt natural and added depth to the story without overshadowing the main plot.
I also appreciated the amount of technical information included in the book, but more importantly, Lenz didn't cram technical details down my throat. The info was blended seamlessly into the narrative, making work really well.
If you're looking for a good Post-EMP read that breaks from the usual post-apocalyptic tropes, while delivering compelling characters, believable conflict, and well-integrated technical details, The Pocket is absolutely worth snagging.
I'm definitely anticipating the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was impressed with the character development. The relationships and interpersonal conflicts between the different groups felt natural and added depth to the story without overshadowing the main plot.
I also appreciated the amount of technical information included in the book, but more importantly, Lenz didn't cram technical details down my throat. The info was blended seamlessly into the narrative, making work really well.
If you're looking for a good Post-EMP read that breaks from the usual post-apocalyptic tropes, while delivering compelling characters, believable conflict, and well-integrated technical details, The Pocket is absolutely worth snagging.
I'm definitely anticipating the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2026
I wrote this story for a simple reason: I was looking for a survival thriller that felt genuinely real, and I couldn't quite find what I was looking for.
I wanted to step away from the invincible "superhero" tropes and glossy happy endings. This book is about normal, grounded people placed in extraordinary circumstances. They rely on real grit, practical instincts, and split-second decisions where every choice has a consequence.
If you're looking for a down-to-earth, high-stakes story about what it actually takes to survive when everything hits the fan, I hope this lands with you. Thank you for reading, and I'd love to hear your thoughts when you finish!
I wanted to step away from the invincible "superhero" tropes and glossy happy endings. This book is about normal, grounded people placed in extraordinary circumstances. They rely on real grit, practical instincts, and split-second decisions where every choice has a consequence.
If you're looking for a down-to-earth, high-stakes story about what it actually takes to survive when everything hits the fan, I hope this lands with you. Thank you for reading, and I'd love to hear your thoughts when you finish!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the very first page, The Pocket hooks you and doesn't let go. Instead of the usual over-the-top Hollywood apocalypse, this book zeroes in on the raw, exhausting reality of what happens when the grid goes dark. Jacob and Olivia’s struggles feel incredibly grounded—worrying about thawing freezers, uninstalled wood stoves, and the impossible moral choices of protecting your family versus helping your neighbors. It’s tense, character-driven, and makes you look at your own pantry a little differently. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book in the Western Eclipse series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I'm not excited about a book after the first chapter it gets boxed waiting for the next garage sale...
This book was hugely surprising..Took me in hook, line and sinker..not sure if it's because I'm a firefighter groupy or because my immediate family has a long history in this career but this book really spoke to me..
I read it in 6 days and could not put it down..
Captivating, entertaining, emotional and educational..A book written with rich texture and closer to the truth than we might realize...
I can see a mini series in the future...
This book was hugely surprising..Took me in hook, line and sinker..not sure if it's because I'm a firefighter groupy or because my immediate family has a long history in this career but this book really spoke to me..
I read it in 6 days and could not put it down..
Captivating, entertaining, emotional and educational..A book written with rich texture and closer to the truth than we might realize...
I can see a mini series in the future...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jacob Rome is the new John Connor of the millennium. I mean if you like post-apocalyptic survival fiction, this book is a MUST read!
What you will enjoy is 1) A survival-focused story grounded in realistic emergency situations 2) Practical, believable problem-solving rather than relying on action and 3) A post-apocalyptic setting that emphasizes ordinary people (taken from real life) adapting after society changes.
If you enjoy realistic EMP and societal-collapse novels, this book is definitely worth considering.
Great read!
What you will enjoy is 1) A survival-focused story grounded in realistic emergency situations 2) Practical, believable problem-solving rather than relying on action and 3) A post-apocalyptic setting that emphasizes ordinary people (taken from real life) adapting after society changes.
If you enjoy realistic EMP and societal-collapse novels, this book is definitely worth considering.
Great read!
October 2, 2026
well thought out take on EMP survival
I really enjoyed reading this. I have started a lot of books in this genre and just never finished them because they are all the same. This book was quite different. It wasn’t all gang wars and constant violence. There was violence but it wasn’t senseless. There was a lot of useful information that I pray I never have to use, but it was interesting how they survived and solved all the problems that arose. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this. I have started a lot of books in this genre and just never finished them because they are all the same. This book was quite different. It wasn’t all gang wars and constant violence. There was violence but it wasn’t senseless. There was a lot of useful information that I pray I never have to use, but it was interesting how they survived and solved all the problems that arose. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy
Once I started his book I was hooked. It started with some early on tough decisions for the main character which helped me feel connected to the story. He continued with life altering decisions for friends, family, and eventual comrades. In this story it would wind up building the story and then punch you in the gut through character connection. It kept me locked in all the way to the finish. This is a solid read and I'm excited to get the next book.
September 10, 2026
Complete AI slop
The book is between 80 and 90 percent AI generated according to several model scans,and definitely reads like it. Dialog is sparse and unnatural. Action sequences are sterile and lack any emotion. Descriptions of everyday objects are overly detailed for absolutely no reason. Repetitive usage of phrases to fill pages. This is a complete insult to readers. If you’re going to use AI to write a novel then label it as such.
The book is between 80 and 90 percent AI generated according to several model scans,and definitely reads like it. Dialog is sparse and unnatural. Action sequences are sterile and lack any emotion. Descriptions of everyday objects are overly detailed for absolutely no reason. Repetitive usage of phrases to fill pages. This is a complete insult to readers. If you’re going to use AI to write a novel then label it as such.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a great read. A story of survival and life in a post disaster world. The character development was compelling. The plot moved at a good pace and the story arc took some unexpected twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the details about the gear and methods used to survive. Overall it was a great book. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Review of advance copy
Very engaging and fast paced. Character development has you feeling like you know them personally. I found it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this debut novel and look forward to finishing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun read! This was my first time reading this genre and I really enjoyed it. It made me think seriously about the way we live and the devastation something like this would cause. The book has strong characters and a good balance of drama and action. Worth the read!
July 3, 2026
The Pocket had me hooked from the very beginning! I'm not a big reader, so the book has to be good from the get go! C. J. Lena made the story creative and captivating! I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m only partially done reading this book but I am hooked. It has a way of capturing my attention and making me imagine all the details as if I were in the book myself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic story, gripping and descriptive right from the start. Absolutely reccomend to anyone and everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great read. Can't wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a captivating read! It felt like a movie playing in my mind as I read through. I’m loving the characters and how they all came together. Looking forward to the next books in this series.
July 1, 2026
Awesome book! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and would 100% recommend to people in the EMS field or adventurous readers.
August 26, 2026
Great book
Good plot, characters are well written and engaging. It gives a good hard look at life without technology and the challenges that must be overcome
Good plot, characters are well written and engaging. It gives a good hard look at life without technology and the challenges that must be overcome
August 26, 2026
Made it to about 33%. Sorry to be a Negative Nancy, but I just didn't like it. This book was just too slow for me and didn't seem to have much in the way of character develoement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews