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Damaged Climate #1
Tornado Warning
Ryan Gibson finds himself thrust into a nightmare as a monstrous tornado devastates the peaceful town of Harper Springs, Texas. Separated from his wife during the chaos, he seeks refuge in a cellar with his injured son, desperate for the storm to pass and for help to arrive. But as the hours turn into days and the days into weeks, it becomes clear that rescue may not come.Isolated and forgotten, Ryan and his son battle against the elements as tornadoes continue to ravage the already battered landscape. Survival becomes their only focus, as their meager supplies dwindle, and the specter of despair looms large. Ryan faces an agonizing decision—risk venturing out into the treacherous aftermath in search of aid, or remain sheltered, clinging to hope for a rescue that may never come.Amid the harsh realities of their new existence, a truth emerges—Harper Springs will never be the tranquil haven it once was. The bonds of community are tested, and the survivors must confront the depth of their strength and resilience. As Ryan's son's health deteriorates and his wife remains missing, he must summon every ounce of courage and resourcefulness to navigate this treacherous new world.As Ryan grapples with impossible choices and unyielding uncertainty, the true essence of the human spirit shines through. Will he find the strength to endure, rebuild, and reclaim their shattered lives, or will they forever be pawns in Mother Nature's relentless game?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2016
706 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Tate
43 books23 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 29, 2024
Much better than I expected it was going to be! I'm mostly interested in Tornadoes and I didn't anticipate reading the rest in the series but I've changed my mind! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys natural disaster series!
May 23, 2019
A dangerous weather pattern is threatening the town of Harper Springs in Texas and everyone is on alert. Ryan has been storm spotting for the local fire department and has a narrow escape from a deadly twister but when the next one hits, his wife is not at home, his father is miles away and he has to try and take care of his son until help arrives. However when help does not come, looters are appearing and supplies are running out, Ryan is faced with the prospect of trying to get to the town with no idea of what state it is in or what dangers he might find on the road.
Natural disasters have always fascinated and scared me in equal measures. I love watching things like Storm Chasers and I almost went on a storm chasing holiday in the US but chickened out at the last minute. Part of me wishes that I had gone now. I can never resist wild weather programmes on TV so I was interested as soon as I saw this trilogy of bad weather novels. They are also quickish reads which is ideal for a night of entertainment. I bought the series based on reading a sample couple of chapters free on Amazon and liking the look of the story and it didn't disappoint.
Ryan is a normal guy who fixes cars for a living and does his storm chaser for the local fire department whenever there are reports of bad weather coming in. During this particular period, the weather has been threatening Harper Springs and the nearby towns where his family and his wife's family live, causing damage everywhere. Ryan himself has a scary encounter with a tornado that he barely escapes from and they hope that the worst is over. However when Cecilia nips out for something she forgot for dinner, the tornado hits the town dead on. Ryan and his son Ty barely make it to the storm shelter and with no idea where his wife is, Ryan is stuck, trying to look after Ty and hoping for rescue. With only potential looters in the area and no sign of help, Ryan knows that he needs to look for help and find out what happened to Cecilia.
The lack of law enforcement coming from the town means that isolated homes like Ryan's are a prime target for looters who want to take supplies from any survivors for themselves. Two nasty individuals are doing the rounds, killing or enslaving survivors they find and Ryan fears that they might harm his son if they can't get help soon. Ryan's father Darryl has his own problems as he sets out to find his son and grandson, dodging the same looters and hoping that no more storms are going to hit the area while he is travelling. Ryan's dilemma is over Ty who is not well enough to travel but cannot be left alone, despite Ryan needing to find help for both of them, and for his wife.
This was an enjoyable survival story with characters that you do care about. Ryan is just a normal guy who needs to think on his feet in the aftermath of a disaster. He is not a super prepper but the extra supplies he gathered for storm season could be the difference between life and death for him and his son after the tornado hits. He is also a bit shocked by the appearance of the looters so soon after the disaster but is determined to protect his son at all costs. I also liked following Darryl on his adventure as he tries to find the rest of his family. Overall I liked the book and hope to read the rest of the trilogy soon.
Natural disasters have always fascinated and scared me in equal measures. I love watching things like Storm Chasers and I almost went on a storm chasing holiday in the US but chickened out at the last minute. Part of me wishes that I had gone now. I can never resist wild weather programmes on TV so I was interested as soon as I saw this trilogy of bad weather novels. They are also quickish reads which is ideal for a night of entertainment. I bought the series based on reading a sample couple of chapters free on Amazon and liking the look of the story and it didn't disappoint.
Ryan is a normal guy who fixes cars for a living and does his storm chaser for the local fire department whenever there are reports of bad weather coming in. During this particular period, the weather has been threatening Harper Springs and the nearby towns where his family and his wife's family live, causing damage everywhere. Ryan himself has a scary encounter with a tornado that he barely escapes from and they hope that the worst is over. However when Cecilia nips out for something she forgot for dinner, the tornado hits the town dead on. Ryan and his son Ty barely make it to the storm shelter and with no idea where his wife is, Ryan is stuck, trying to look after Ty and hoping for rescue. With only potential looters in the area and no sign of help, Ryan knows that he needs to look for help and find out what happened to Cecilia.
The lack of law enforcement coming from the town means that isolated homes like Ryan's are a prime target for looters who want to take supplies from any survivors for themselves. Two nasty individuals are doing the rounds, killing or enslaving survivors they find and Ryan fears that they might harm his son if they can't get help soon. Ryan's father Darryl has his own problems as he sets out to find his son and grandson, dodging the same looters and hoping that no more storms are going to hit the area while he is travelling. Ryan's dilemma is over Ty who is not well enough to travel but cannot be left alone, despite Ryan needing to find help for both of them, and for his wife.
This was an enjoyable survival story with characters that you do care about. Ryan is just a normal guy who needs to think on his feet in the aftermath of a disaster. He is not a super prepper but the extra supplies he gathered for storm season could be the difference between life and death for him and his son after the tornado hits. He is also a bit shocked by the appearance of the looters so soon after the disaster but is determined to protect his son at all costs. I also liked following Darryl on his adventure as he tries to find the rest of his family. Overall I liked the book and hope to read the rest of the trilogy soon.
March 18, 2017
A story of surviving massive storms
3.5 out of 5 stars
I love weather stories. I took a meteorology class in college because I wanted to learn more about extreme weather. I also (if you couldn't tell by my other reviews) love post-apocalyptic books so when I saw that this seemed to combine both of them into one package I was pretty excited.
The story revolves around Ryan and his small town in Texas. A major tornado hits the town, and then another and another. Things turn from bad to worse in a heartbeat and everything gets turned upside down. Ryan's son is injured and his wife is missing. Everything has fallen apart in a matter of hours.
First and foremost -- this is a post-apocalyptic book. Not the zombie apocalypse or and EMP strike. But mother nature unleashing her fury and leveling part of the earth. It's not as much about the weather as it is about the survival of one family. Go into this thinking that you're going to be watching some of Twister mixed a little with the story part (saving his son) in The Day After Tomorrow and you'll enjoy it. If you go into it thinking you're going to get an in-depth look at what a tornado is and the destruction that it does and you'll be disappointed.
Tom Kruse's narration was a little rough. He definitely over-acted the entire book and it made parts of it hard to listen to. A tip that some/most audiobook reviewers won't give you -- speed the book up a little. Sometimes small things that bother me at normal speed go away at faster speeds. That was the case with Tornado Warning. Kruse's voice definitely became less of an annoyance and more of a narration at faster speeds.
Overall this floated between a 3 and a 4 for me. I think that I'm going to rate it closer to a 4 because I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It was a different post-apocalyptic story and I liked the characters and their interactions.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I love weather stories. I took a meteorology class in college because I wanted to learn more about extreme weather. I also (if you couldn't tell by my other reviews) love post-apocalyptic books so when I saw that this seemed to combine both of them into one package I was pretty excited.
The story revolves around Ryan and his small town in Texas. A major tornado hits the town, and then another and another. Things turn from bad to worse in a heartbeat and everything gets turned upside down. Ryan's son is injured and his wife is missing. Everything has fallen apart in a matter of hours.
First and foremost -- this is a post-apocalyptic book. Not the zombie apocalypse or and EMP strike. But mother nature unleashing her fury and leveling part of the earth. It's not as much about the weather as it is about the survival of one family. Go into this thinking that you're going to be watching some of Twister mixed a little with the story part (saving his son) in The Day After Tomorrow and you'll enjoy it. If you go into it thinking you're going to get an in-depth look at what a tornado is and the destruction that it does and you'll be disappointed.
Tom Kruse's narration was a little rough. He definitely over-acted the entire book and it made parts of it hard to listen to. A tip that some/most audiobook reviewers won't give you -- speed the book up a little. Sometimes small things that bother me at normal speed go away at faster speeds. That was the case with Tornado Warning. Kruse's voice definitely became less of an annoyance and more of a narration at faster speeds.
Overall this floated between a 3 and a 4 for me. I think that I'm going to rate it closer to a 4 because I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It was a different post-apocalyptic story and I liked the characters and their interactions.
January 30, 2018
When I was a little girl, I watched a movie about a tornado and it freaked me out so bad, I was terrified of big storms for a few years. Now I find big storms like this interesting and I was excited to see a book about one and what happens to the people caught in one. The story itself wasn't to bad, but it also wasn't what I expected. I would have loved more details about the storm(s) and the state of the town after it hit. I feel like if it had more details it would have been been better. Something about survival, more of a post apocalyptic story. I wanted to be drawn into the story and feel like I was there, but it fell a little flat. There were also some points where the author forgot who they were talking about and used the wrong names... Something that bothered me since i had to pause to make sure who they were even talking about. I got this for free from bookbub so I can't comment to harshly. Though I don't see me continuing the story in the other books that follow. Well, unless they are free as well. Not a bad read and had some interesting parts that kept me interested enough to finish.
September 9, 2025
This is the first of three books about different kinds of climate changes. This one is about a series of massive, devasting tornados that come through Texas, pretty much leveling everything in sight. Ryan and his son are able to take cover in their storm shelter, but his wife had been on her way to town and he isn't sure that she is still even alive. His son has been badly hurt, but Ryan can't leave him to search for help until his dad arrives to check on them, walking because cars have been swept away or just too mangled to drive. Although the walk to town is just ten miles, we are repeatedly told that it has been at least two weeks since the first tornado rolled through. That is ridiculous. It certainly doesn't take 2 weeks to walk ten miles. Also, there is a lot of filler while Grandpa is deciding whether or not to try to get Tyler to town by himself, since his broken arm and head injury are getting worse. I don't think I will be reading the next two books.
September 15, 2017
Fantastic Book
I didn't know how much I would like this book. I'm a self proclaimed weather nerd and a trained storm spotter through the National Weather Service and I was concerned about inaccurate science, but there were none to be found. It is a very well written and thought out book and I was hooked from the first chapter. There was just a couple of misspelled words, but not enough to be off putting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series. I highly recommend.
I didn't know how much I would like this book. I'm a self proclaimed weather nerd and a trained storm spotter through the National Weather Service and I was concerned about inaccurate science, but there were none to be found. It is a very well written and thought out book and I was hooked from the first chapter. There was just a couple of misspelled words, but not enough to be off putting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series. I highly recommend.
May 19, 2019
An interesting look at the effect of living in an area were there are tornado. A person has no idea of what they are like. The sudden shift of the weather, in a few minutes, to the noise and wind is unbelievable. The quick decision is one prepared enough. The lost and devastation is unreal, it takes a toll on people,,no matter how long they live with them. In this, the wife goes to town, a mere ten miles, when a tornado comes, he takes the boy to their shelter.The heavy decision of what to do after. Makes this a compelling story to read, and very well described..
May 5, 2017
Mother nature at her worst
Devastating tornadoes. No contact with the world at large. And no help is on the way. A very scary outlook for Ryan and his family. I love his devotion to his family. I want to know how widespread the devastation is. How does an entire town of people disappear?
Devastating tornadoes. No contact with the world at large. And no help is on the way. A very scary outlook for Ryan and his family. I love his devotion to his family. I want to know how widespread the devastation is. How does an entire town of people disappear?
July 25, 2017
Pertinent apocalyptic climate change novel
A sudden swarm of tornadoes, floods and extreme heat destroy miles and miles of homes and forests, and only those with a stocked storm shelter survive it. A family is separated, and some of them are injured. This part of the story covers their journey while looking for each other, and for help.
A sudden swarm of tornadoes, floods and extreme heat destroy miles and miles of homes and forests, and only those with a stocked storm shelter survive it. A family is separated, and some of them are injured. This part of the story covers their journey while looking for each other, and for help.
July 26, 2017
Continuity warnings
The story is engaging, but it's hard to get past the several serious continuity errors. Ex: our hero acquires guns after leaving home, but later thinks he left half at home with his father. Or, the fact that his father walked from a farm south of town to a farm north of town in 24 hours, but it took him several weeks to do a shorter distance.
The story is engaging, but it's hard to get past the several serious continuity errors. Ex: our hero acquires guns after leaving home, but later thinks he left half at home with his father. Or, the fact that his father walked from a farm south of town to a farm north of town in 24 hours, but it took him several weeks to do a shorter distance.
July 27, 2017
A fun read with a what if theme for an Apocalyptic end
Slightly exaggerated but still a fun read. Not the smartest survivalist but then again not many are. In the event something did happen I would imagine that neighbors would turn on each other very quickly, despite what people may wish to believe. Surviving is a very strong instinct.
Slightly exaggerated but still a fun read. Not the smartest survivalist but then again not many are. In the event something did happen I would imagine that neighbors would turn on each other very quickly, despite what people may wish to believe. Surviving is a very strong instinct.
July 29, 2017
The story is tough, and the characters tougher. Conditions are just that much more disastrous than everyday extreme weather, wiping peoples lives and even footprint from this Earth. Nobody gets a break, even the protagonists, unless it's skin or bones.
This book is well told (spelling and grammar errors aside), and leaves me wanting more. I hope the series keeps getting better.
This book is well told (spelling and grammar errors aside), and leaves me wanting more. I hope the series keeps getting better.
August 11, 2023
Coping after a tornado
This story shows how important early warning for tornadoes are. Without that extra preparation time you may not be able to get to shelter. In this story it showed the breakdown of civility when communication is interrupted, homes destroyed and looting become issues to overcome.
This story shows how important early warning for tornadoes are. Without that extra preparation time you may not be able to get to shelter. In this story it showed the breakdown of civility when communication is interrupted, homes destroyed and looting become issues to overcome.
January 11, 2024
tornado warning
I liked the fact that in most apoplectic books there are so many characters, I, at least, at times have to go back to see which groups are which and where they are. So far this has allowed me to focus more on the characters. The descriptions of the weather are so realistic, I live in Massachusetts so we rarely get catastrophic weather.
I liked the fact that in most apoplectic books there are so many characters, I, at least, at times have to go back to see which groups are which and where they are. So far this has allowed me to focus more on the characters. The descriptions of the weather are so realistic, I live in Massachusetts so we rarely get catastrophic weather.
February 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book
With the changes in earth's climate - extreme heat and cold, bigger, stronger and more unpredictable storms and disappearing rivers and lakes, what does the future hold? Is this book a look at the future? I don't know but I might stock up on extra supplies before hurricane season.
With the changes in earth's climate - extreme heat and cold, bigger, stronger and more unpredictable storms and disappearing rivers and lakes, what does the future hold? Is this book a look at the future? I don't know but I might stock up on extra supplies before hurricane season.
July 16, 2017
Survival is difficult
Page turner of survival after a tornado. Worries about his injured son and missing wife is realistically portrayed.. The journey for help is hampered by weather, lack of food and water and dangerous men.
Page turner of survival after a tornado. Worries about his injured son and missing wife is realistically portrayed.. The journey for help is hampered by weather, lack of food and water and dangerous men.
August 1, 2017
Do you believe
Interesting I certainly don't want to give away the story so all I am going to say is if this is your type of genre, as you follow the characters, think about what you would do or not do in this situation.
Interesting I certainly don't want to give away the story so all I am going to say is if this is your type of genre, as you follow the characters, think about what you would do or not do in this situation.
November 9, 2022
Different spin
I enjoyed this read a lot. It has a different spin as to what could happen. Kept me guessing. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I am looking forward to reading #2 in the series.
I enjoyed this read a lot. It has a different spin as to what could happen. Kept me guessing. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I am looking forward to reading #2 in the series.
July 4, 2023
Tornado Warning
A timely story about what happens when you ignore global warming signs.
One family’s struggle to survive when powerful tornados sweep through taking everything in their path.
A timely story about what happens when you ignore global warming signs.
One family’s struggle to survive when powerful tornados sweep through taking everything in their path.
July 15, 2017
Good
This book was scary, I have always been terrified of storms and tornados are my worst nightmare! But this book tells a good story.
This book was scary, I have always been terrified of storms and tornados are my worst nightmare! But this book tells a good story.
July 15, 2017
Keeps you on the edge!
It is just one of those booked you don't want to put down. A real page turner. Makes you wonder what you would do.
It is just one of those booked you don't want to put down. A real page turner. Makes you wonder what you would do.
July 17, 2017
Tornado Warning review
Tornado Warning is the first post apocalyptic book in The Damaged Climate series written by author J. R. Tate. Cliffhanger ending.
Tornado Warning is the first post apocalyptic book in The Damaged Climate series written by author J. R. Tate. Cliffhanger ending.
July 17, 2017
Good read
Loved the story line. Could possibly happen in the real world. Can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens.
Hope there can be a happy ending
Loved the story line. Could possibly happen in the real world. Can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens.
Hope there can be a happy ending
July 19, 2017
Did not want to stop reading
Well written. Deep thinking of could this happen do we need to pay more attention. What can we do to stop this and how to survive if it did.
Well written. Deep thinking of could this happen do we need to pay more attention. What can we do to stop this and how to survive if it did.
July 25, 2017
Living in Kansas, this book scared the pants off of me. I am certain that most people are ill prepared for an event like this. I bought the next book to continue the saga.
August 1, 2017
Great read.
If anyone likes a good survival or super storm stories they will absolutely enjoy this book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
If anyone likes a good survival or super storm stories they will absolutely enjoy this book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
April 20, 2019
Very different story
This story kept me reading all the way through . Both the storyline and the chatacters were out of this world. Bravery was amazing
This story kept me reading all the way through . Both the storyline and the chatacters were out of this world. Bravery was amazing
August 17, 2017
There is a decent story with generally likable characters but the plot is rather unrelently depressing with little optimism or positive views to lighten the story.
September 22, 2017
Good read
This is a good read- a little predictable, but I like a good ending. Of course it isn't really an ending with other books to follow the rest of the story.
This is a good read- a little predictable, but I like a good ending. Of course it isn't really an ending with other books to follow the rest of the story.
December 16, 2017
Readable, but...
Tate writes well, but I had trouble accepting the premise that the storms were so powerful that EVERYTHING was blown away with virtually no debris left behind.
Tate writes well, but I had trouble accepting the premise that the storms were so powerful that EVERYTHING was blown away with virtually no debris left behind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews