What do you think?
Rate this book
EMP: Heading Home
The struggle to survive took all of David's effort in the months after the EMP. Caring for his ailing parents gave him both a purpose and duty to the small farm town he grew up in.
Now that his responsibility is over, he bets his life, and the lives of his friends, on a risky trek through the brutal winter to find and save his family in Chicago.
Fierce blizzards and arctic winds challenge their arduous journey as do the warlords and tyrants who hold fast to the remnants of civilization.
It is through this wasteland of suffering and death that David must face the odds and save his wife and daughter.
Now that his responsibility is over, he bets his life, and the lives of his friends, on a risky trek through the brutal winter to find and save his family in Chicago.
Fierce blizzards and arctic winds challenge their arduous journey as do the warlords and tyrants who hold fast to the remnants of civilization.
It is through this wasteland of suffering and death that David must face the odds and save his wife and daughter.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
137 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Wilson Harp
30 books66 followersWilson Harp is a writer based out of the American Midwest. As a military brat, he traveled and met people from many cultures and backgrounds. Exposure to so many different views has led him to an appreciation of an eclectic collection of music, film and literature.
His sense of wonder at stories and folklore started young and continues to this day, often affecting the themes and ideas in his writing. In his works you will find the old fashioned ideas of virtue and honor as the lifeline that pulls many of his characters through the situations they often find themselves.
When he isn't writing, you can often find him trying to perfect the cooking of meat over an open flame.
You can visit his webpage at www.wilsonharpbooks.com
His sense of wonder at stories and folklore started young and continues to this day, often affecting the themes and ideas in his writing. In his works you will find the old fashioned ideas of virtue and honor as the lifeline that pulls many of his characters through the situations they often find themselves.
When he isn't writing, you can often find him trying to perfect the cooking of meat over an open flame.
You can visit his webpage at www.wilsonharpbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 17, 2020
This second book in a series starts not too long after the first book ends. David still thinks about his wife and daughter in Chicago, sure in his heart that they must have survived, and after his mother dies, there is nothing to hold him in his home town. Things are running as smoothly as can be expected in the little town and he wants to come back, but he resolves to find his family and bring them back too.
His developing relationship with his old girlfriend, Anne, is a complication. He thinks she understands that he can't very well bring her along to help find his wife, but she doesn't want him to travel alone when there are dangers along the way from survivors who haven't been as organized as their town. Without giving away too many details, David begins his journey well supplied and with companions who can watch his back.
At first things seem far too easy, and it isn't until the last quarter of the book that their journey runs into serious hazards. It was at this point that I began to think that this book was going to be all about the journey and leave me having to buy a third book if I wanted to see how it would all come out. However, the story did come to an end with most things resolved, though one loose end could become a new story. In a way it seemed a little rushed at the end and it did start to lose me when a reaction to something didn't feel realistic, but over all I did enjoy the story, if not quite as much as the first book.
As a contribution to the Dystopian genre, I think the series has a lot to offer in dealing with details of how people might react and deal with surviving in a collapsed world.
His developing relationship with his old girlfriend, Anne, is a complication. He thinks she understands that he can't very well bring her along to help find his wife, but she doesn't want him to travel alone when there are dangers along the way from survivors who haven't been as organized as their town. Without giving away too many details, David begins his journey well supplied and with companions who can watch his back.
At first things seem far too easy, and it isn't until the last quarter of the book that their journey runs into serious hazards. It was at this point that I began to think that this book was going to be all about the journey and leave me having to buy a third book if I wanted to see how it would all come out. However, the story did come to an end with most things resolved, though one loose end could become a new story. In a way it seemed a little rushed at the end and it did start to lose me when a reaction to something didn't feel realistic, but over all I did enjoy the story, if not quite as much as the first book.
As a contribution to the Dystopian genre, I think the series has a lot to offer in dealing with details of how people might react and deal with surviving in a collapsed world.
December 7, 2015
A decent man's story
A very realistic story(read the first book first). This is a great continuation of the original, perhaps even better, but it is more enjoyable as a sequel.
A very realistic story(read the first book first). This is a great continuation of the original, perhaps even better, but it is more enjoyable as a sequel.
October 19, 2015
Intelligent Post Apocalypse story.
The most realistic PA story I've read, and I've read many. Almost all of us are not of a Rambo mentality, and the lead character is more like what we would actually be, than what we would like to be.
The most realistic PA story I've read, and I've read many. Almost all of us are not of a Rambo mentality, and the lead character is more like what we would actually be, than what we would like to be.
January 1, 2018
The Story Works, BUT...
This is the second book, EMP being the first. I was captivated by the story and all the twists and turns but I was not thrilled with the writing nor some of the details. Although not a writer per se I have always been very good at writing and proofreading. I believe both books could have been much better with at least another round of proofreading or input from another reader. I guess my experience with writing made the story less enjoyable for me.
Some of the things that bothered me may not have an I,pact on others enjoyment from this pair of books. So that those who read my review won’t be puzzled by my comments, I will give a few details.
First, in addition to my writing and proofreading skills, I have always been good with spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. My comments fir the most part do not apply to dialogue.
“Who and sometimes that refer to people. That and which refer to groups or things
The distinction between that and which, though a useful guideline, is not universally accepted as a hard-and-fast rule. For many centuries and up to the present, which has been routinely used by great writers and journalists to introduce essential clauses.” (From a Grammar book)
The author’s favorite word is “which” and is used almost exclusively. I firmly believe “who” should have been used for people.
I grew up in Illinois and am rather familiar with that state geographically. In this book, David and his friends are traveling to the northeast from south of St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago. The group makes its way to southern Illinois and learn of problems around Springfield to the north. In order to avoid the area they need to travel much further to the east and they head east and northeast. In my mind that should take them towards Indiana. They were also advised to enter Chicago heading east. I have not figured out how they made their way west. I can see where it was implied but the author never tells you.
In some places the author tells you Kenton is 300 miles from Chicago and in others it is 500 miles. This is not the actual path travelled but the distance.
The figures for the population of Kenton do not match up consistently. Yes, the population changes post-EMP several times but there are inconsistencies in both books.
If I overlook the mechanics telling the story, then it is a very good tale of speculation for the cause of an EMP, the immediate effects, and the long term coping. We have no idea what civilization will face after such an event but I find the story about how one man and his immediate sphere of influence deals with the hand they have been dealt. Law and order will break down and people will become distrustful of each other. In some cases someone will step forward and be a guiding light.
This is the second book, EMP being the first. I was captivated by the story and all the twists and turns but I was not thrilled with the writing nor some of the details. Although not a writer per se I have always been very good at writing and proofreading. I believe both books could have been much better with at least another round of proofreading or input from another reader. I guess my experience with writing made the story less enjoyable for me.
Some of the things that bothered me may not have an I,pact on others enjoyment from this pair of books. So that those who read my review won’t be puzzled by my comments, I will give a few details.
First, in addition to my writing and proofreading skills, I have always been good with spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. My comments fir the most part do not apply to dialogue.
“Who and sometimes that refer to people. That and which refer to groups or things
The distinction between that and which, though a useful guideline, is not universally accepted as a hard-and-fast rule. For many centuries and up to the present, which has been routinely used by great writers and journalists to introduce essential clauses.” (From a Grammar book)
The author’s favorite word is “which” and is used almost exclusively. I firmly believe “who” should have been used for people.
I grew up in Illinois and am rather familiar with that state geographically. In this book, David and his friends are traveling to the northeast from south of St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago. The group makes its way to southern Illinois and learn of problems around Springfield to the north. In order to avoid the area they need to travel much further to the east and they head east and northeast. In my mind that should take them towards Indiana. They were also advised to enter Chicago heading east. I have not figured out how they made their way west. I can see where it was implied but the author never tells you.
In some places the author tells you Kenton is 300 miles from Chicago and in others it is 500 miles. This is not the actual path travelled but the distance.
The figures for the population of Kenton do not match up consistently. Yes, the population changes post-EMP several times but there are inconsistencies in both books.
If I overlook the mechanics telling the story, then it is a very good tale of speculation for the cause of an EMP, the immediate effects, and the long term coping. We have no idea what civilization will face after such an event but I find the story about how one man and his immediate sphere of influence deals with the hand they have been dealt. Law and order will break down and people will become distrustful of each other. In some cases someone will step forward and be a guiding light.
September 21, 2017
Before you read this one, please note it is the second book in a series. You will need to read EMP first, or this one won’t make much sense to you.
Part of this review may contain a spoiler.
I always questioned book one in the series where the main character didn’t go and try and find his family. In this installment, many months after the EMP attack, he sets off on foot for a long walk back to Chicago with his friends. It started off a little slow for me, but around the 30% mark on the Kindle it started picking up and became an enjoyable story (albeit pretty short). The author did a good job of getting you to relate to his main characters, and made you feel as if you are right there in the middle of things with his description of the environment and situations. I’m not sure if this is the end of the EMP saga – if it is, I think there was a good conclusion to the story; if it will be continued, I will pick that installment up to see where the author’s imagination takes us.
Part of this review may contain a spoiler.
I always questioned book one in the series where the main character didn’t go and try and find his family. In this installment, many months after the EMP attack, he sets off on foot for a long walk back to Chicago with his friends. It started off a little slow for me, but around the 30% mark on the Kindle it started picking up and became an enjoyable story (albeit pretty short). The author did a good job of getting you to relate to his main characters, and made you feel as if you are right there in the middle of things with his description of the environment and situations. I’m not sure if this is the end of the EMP saga – if it is, I think there was a good conclusion to the story; if it will be continued, I will pick that installment up to see where the author’s imagination takes us.
August 4, 2024
Keeping a promise
Wow! What a great Solar Flare Coronal Event apocalypse story! The main character, David, was genuine, authentic, flawed, yet, ultimately Everyman. The story is NOT about a fully fledged Prepper, sitting on a ton of supplies, besieged by warlords or gangs of raiding marauders. David is the guy who’s marriage has disintegrated for reasons he cannot fathom. He had gone to visit his parents alone, without his teenage daughter Emma, 8 hours away by drive distance, after his wife asked for a trial separation, when the event happened. This story is about the community of his hometown pulling together to survive, & eventually thrive. Plus, David’s dangerous journey to find his wife & daughter, losses & facing betrayal.
Wow! What a great Solar Flare Coronal Event apocalypse story! The main character, David, was genuine, authentic, flawed, yet, ultimately Everyman. The story is NOT about a fully fledged Prepper, sitting on a ton of supplies, besieged by warlords or gangs of raiding marauders. David is the guy who’s marriage has disintegrated for reasons he cannot fathom. He had gone to visit his parents alone, without his teenage daughter Emma, 8 hours away by drive distance, after his wife asked for a trial separation, when the event happened. This story is about the community of his hometown pulling together to survive, & eventually thrive. Plus, David’s dangerous journey to find his wife & daughter, losses & facing betrayal.
April 15, 2020
Both of the EMP books were good reads. The author has a simple declarative style and the plot is interesting without being convoluted. The details about starting over were clear and the characters seemed like genuine and believable people. Very little bloodshed. Without being prissy, both books presented a lifestyle that is not the typical cannibalistic horror show these types of books usually have. I give this all 5 thumbs up and recommend both books heartily.
May 12, 2018
Captivating!
A well told story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A scenario that we could actually find ourselves facing. Lots of obstacles and challenges to be overcome, but not so many as to make the story unbelievable. Highly recommend this book!
A well told story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A scenario that we could actually find ourselves facing. Lots of obstacles and challenges to be overcome, but not so many as to make the story unbelievable. Highly recommend this book!
February 8, 2019
Hopeful post apoc story
A mostly clueless main character is helped on his journey by good friends. The story is less gritty than most, but doesn't shy from the hard realities of the genre. It reminded me of One Second After without the hoard.
A mostly clueless main character is helped on his journey by good friends. The story is less gritty than most, but doesn't shy from the hard realities of the genre. It reminded me of One Second After without the hoard.
February 24, 2019
A book for YA. - adventure , survival, attacked,
An interesting book where survival is had work and takes forever to master, or something like that ! Cuz we have a hell of a time surviving !
An interesting book where survival is had work and takes forever to master, or something like that ! Cuz we have a hell of a time surviving !
March 11, 2019
A realistic post EMP story
I thought the descriptions of what could happen after an EMP event we're realistic. Some of them more unpleasant realities of that kind of a situation we referred to but thankfully not described in detail.
I thought the descriptions of what could happen after an EMP event we're realistic. Some of them more unpleasant realities of that kind of a situation we referred to but thankfully not described in detail.
April 11, 2019
Great realistic pilgrimage
I liked this story and the main characters. The journey was described so well. The little twist at the end was clever. I'm really enjoying dystopian novels right now - if you are, too, then you should get this book!
I liked this story and the main characters. The journey was described so well. The little twist at the end was clever. I'm really enjoying dystopian novels right now - if you are, too, then you should get this book!
July 18, 2020
Wilson Harp is the master of this genre. A huge inspiration to many other authors like myself. Thanks very much for introducing me to the joys of reading, the frustrations of writing and the outright terror of EMPs!
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
January 27, 2021
Holy Survivalist Batman !
Wilson Harp can bring his characters to life in a simple manner that makes you root for their cause. The plot runs smoothly and the characters are vivid and gritty.
Wilson Harp can bring his characters to life in a simple manner that makes you root for their cause. The plot runs smoothly and the characters are vivid and gritty.
November 3, 2024
Government is not the answer
This writer obviously thinks that the government and the military should get to make their own rules without oversight. Remember kids... The nine scariest words in the English language are; I'm from the government and I'm here to help
This writer obviously thinks that the government and the military should get to make their own rules without oversight. Remember kids... The nine scariest words in the English language are; I'm from the government and I'm here to help
November 26, 2017
Great story thanks
Great story thanks I will read more of your books in the future so again thank you for being a good story teller
Great story thanks I will read more of your books in the future so again thank you for being a good story teller
December 14, 2017
A GREAT BOOK TWO
We enjoyed the conclusion of EMP, and we're glad we had a little HEA. Thank you for a very enjoyable and interesting story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
We enjoyed the conclusion of EMP, and we're glad we had a little HEA. Thank you for a very enjoyable and interesting story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
March 7, 2018
Excellent read
Such a good story from beginning to end. Showed that kindness can still exist even when the world comes to an end.
Such a good story from beginning to end. Showed that kindness can still exist even when the world comes to an end.
January 25, 2019
Excellent
I really enjoyed this story. I could definitely identify with the overwhelming need to find ones family. This is A really good tale with plenty of danger.
I really enjoyed this story. I could definitely identify with the overwhelming need to find ones family. This is A really good tale with plenty of danger.
February 6, 2019
Great read!
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! I didn’t realize this was a sequel but even without the 1st book it was awesome! I can’t wait to read the book I missed.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! I didn’t realize this was a sequel but even without the 1st book it was awesome! I can’t wait to read the book I missed.
February 10, 2019
Home
This was quite a hard journey. David, Anne,Ted, and Kenny all heading out in dead of Winter to find Ted's wife and daughter. Really enjoyed the adventure.
This was quite a hard journey. David, Anne,Ted, and Kenny all heading out in dead of Winter to find Ted's wife and daughter. Really enjoyed the adventure.
March 4, 2020
the series is a slow mover, I didn't really like the main character, I kept hoping he would get more
likable he never did, I thought the ending was pretty lame.
likable he never did, I thought the ending was pretty lame.
September 28, 2023
A family man
A man who does his best to take care of his parents, his community and his family during a time of difficult decisions and circumstances beyond his control.
A man who does his best to take care of his parents, his community and his family during a time of difficult decisions and circumstances beyond his control.
October 12, 2025
skimmed most of the book.
April 14, 2016
Actual EMP Event
I've read a few EMP books about what life would be like after a solar or nuclear EMP event. This was a really good one in two books. They're entertaining and they give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
What a lot of people don't realize is how close we are to an EMP event on any given day. In July 2012, the earth came closest to an event like this from the sun - the earth was just a week away, in its orbit, from running head-on into an event just like this one!
If you think I'm just spinning a yarn, get on the Internet and "Google" search for "2012 solar EMP."
I'm too old to be a "prepper" and no one believes me when I talk about stuff like this; but, I retired a number of years ago, after 42 years as an electrical engineer in the electric utility industry, and this is something we really feared.
If you don't want to prep water, weapons and food - at least have a few candles ready! Good Luck and God Bless!
I've read a few EMP books about what life would be like after a solar or nuclear EMP event. This was a really good one in two books. They're entertaining and they give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
What a lot of people don't realize is how close we are to an EMP event on any given day. In July 2012, the earth came closest to an event like this from the sun - the earth was just a week away, in its orbit, from running head-on into an event just like this one!
If you think I'm just spinning a yarn, get on the Internet and "Google" search for "2012 solar EMP."
I'm too old to be a "prepper" and no one believes me when I talk about stuff like this; but, I retired a number of years ago, after 42 years as an electrical engineer in the electric utility industry, and this is something we really feared.
If you don't want to prep water, weapons and food - at least have a few candles ready! Good Luck and God Bless!
September 27, 2016
EMP: Heading Home
I actually picked this book up without having read the first novel and was pleasantly surprised to find it stood on its own right from the start. While it is definitely a continuation from the first book, you are easily able to identify with the characters and what they are doing. The story is good, the pacing is steady, and the action is first rate. It seemed a little rushed towards the end, but resolved the main plot issue well. There could easily be a third book to resolve a minor cliffhanger and follow up with the main characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
I actually picked this book up without having read the first novel and was pleasantly surprised to find it stood on its own right from the start. While it is definitely a continuation from the first book, you are easily able to identify with the characters and what they are doing. The story is good, the pacing is steady, and the action is first rate. It seemed a little rushed towards the end, but resolved the main plot issue well. There could easily be a third book to resolve a minor cliffhanger and follow up with the main characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
December 18, 2015
A good read
This was an interesting book. The author wrote a book as it could have happened or as it might happen as in the late 1800s the earth did experience sun spots that took out the telegraph. I enjoyed enough to purchase his other books and hope they are as good as this one.
This was an interesting book. The author wrote a book as it could have happened or as it might happen as in the late 1800s the earth did experience sun spots that took out the telegraph. I enjoyed enough to purchase his other books and hope they are as good as this one.
September 15, 2015
A another quick read; brings back the characters a reader can care about and expands the horizons from the original book. Still a bit of a rose colored glasses aspect, but it is a nice change of pace from many books in this genre. The violence is there, but mostly seen from a distance.
July 10, 2018
This is the continuation of David's journey through the new world. After both parents pass away, he begins the journey to Chicago to find his wife and daughter. I like this short series because of its realism of what I believe things would look like without technology. I wish there were more.
January 6, 2016
I like book one, it was about survival of a small town. Book 2 was about the journey to get his family. It was really slow paced and in some places just boring.
It left open stories for a possible new book.
It left open stories for a possible new book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews