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Disruption #2
Push Back
PUSH BACK the second book of THE DISRUPTION SERIES is now available.
Earth reels in the aftermath of a savage solar storm, a global disaster of unprecedented proportion which leaves most of the world without electrical power or the means to restore it. Across the world, the responses of unprepared national governments’ are too little, too late. In the U.S., order collapses and opportunistic forces rise to fill the power vacuum, as what remains of a self-serving federal bureaucracy prioritizes the survival of politicians and bureaucrats over that of the general population.
As chaos and starvation spread, isolated pockets of survivors unite to survive. In Texas, Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of seamen and ex-Coastguardsmen gather their families close and resist the depredations of a hoard of escaped convicts. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a similarly determined group of survivors attempts to use salvaged resources, not only to save themselves, but also to feed the hungry.
But not everyone is happy about the efforts of the valiant and resourceful few. Secure in his Camp David compound, a corrupt president consolidates power and builds a mercenary force to deal with any possible challenges to his absolute authority and to seize all dwindling resources for ‘government use and fair distribution.’
Survivors of the natural disaster are thus dealt another blow as they’re betrayed by the very government established to protect them. Do they knuckle under to a dictator, or do they PUSH BACK?
Earth reels in the aftermath of a savage solar storm, a global disaster of unprecedented proportion which leaves most of the world without electrical power or the means to restore it. Across the world, the responses of unprepared national governments’ are too little, too late. In the U.S., order collapses and opportunistic forces rise to fill the power vacuum, as what remains of a self-serving federal bureaucracy prioritizes the survival of politicians and bureaucrats over that of the general population.
As chaos and starvation spread, isolated pockets of survivors unite to survive. In Texas, Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of seamen and ex-Coastguardsmen gather their families close and resist the depredations of a hoard of escaped convicts. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a similarly determined group of survivors attempts to use salvaged resources, not only to save themselves, but also to feed the hungry.
But not everyone is happy about the efforts of the valiant and resourceful few. Secure in his Camp David compound, a corrupt president consolidates power and builds a mercenary force to deal with any possible challenges to his absolute authority and to seize all dwindling resources for ‘government use and fair distribution.’
Survivors of the natural disaster are thus dealt another blow as they’re betrayed by the very government established to protect them. Do they knuckle under to a dictator, or do they PUSH BACK?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
373 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
R.E. McDermott
13 books128 followersRobert E. McDermott grew up on the Gulf Coast. After graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he worked in positions from ship’s officer to shipping company management, traveling widely, and living and working in a number of countries. He splits his time between the U.S. and Singapore, where he operates a marine consultancy, advising clients on ship construction and operations. Deadly Straits is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 13, 2016
Interesting.
Could this happen one day? We can't prevent natural disasters, but we can prevent man made disasters. First by getting involved in our city level, not just by casting our vote maybe every four years. Also not being dependent on somebody else growing what we need to eat. This story shows that without electronic devices we can fix what is broken. FEMA in this story reminded me hurricane and Louisiana, not long ago. Hope this story won't make NRA's membership grow. There are lots of good people around to fight with the evil.
Could this happen one day? We can't prevent natural disasters, but we can prevent man made disasters. First by getting involved in our city level, not just by casting our vote maybe every four years. Also not being dependent on somebody else growing what we need to eat. This story shows that without electronic devices we can fix what is broken. FEMA in this story reminded me hurricane and Louisiana, not long ago. Hope this story won't make NRA's membership grow. There are lots of good people around to fight with the evil.
June 30, 2020
DNF
I can’t do it. No more.
Too much endless, needless, rambling exposition and never ending logistics that go on and on and on with little to no character building. And not only that, but there are SO many characters that it’s hard to grasp who’s who and what they are doing. I’m done
I can’t do it. No more.
Too much endless, needless, rambling exposition and never ending logistics that go on and on and on with little to no character building. And not only that, but there are SO many characters that it’s hard to grasp who’s who and what they are doing. I’m done
June 4, 2025
Having really enjoyed book 1 of this, I was so looking forward to listening to this one. Well the author didn't disappoint!! This one was much better than the first and even though it was over 13 hrs long, I devoured it in a day.
This starts straight after the ending of book 1 so the story flows really well and we are immediately drawn into the story. I absolutely loved seeing the characters again and seeing them grow and develop. Their lives don't get any easier and their struggle to survive, not only the lack of essentials, but also the gangs, gets so much harder. Plus they end up meeting others and some of their groups grow. The overall plot is complex and engaging. The author has put layers in place and is slowly starting to unravel them and we are finally seeing glimpses of where it's going.
This was so much better than the first and had much more action, plot development and intrigue and I can not wait to see where the characters and plot leads us! It's a series that I have no problem in recommending and one that I know I will re-read.
Kevin Pierce seems to be the go to narrator for books of this type and it's easy to see why. He is easy to listen to and knows how to tell a great story. He is always clear and concise and has a range of tones and cadences that bring the story to life.
*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
This starts straight after the ending of book 1 so the story flows really well and we are immediately drawn into the story. I absolutely loved seeing the characters again and seeing them grow and develop. Their lives don't get any easier and their struggle to survive, not only the lack of essentials, but also the gangs, gets so much harder. Plus they end up meeting others and some of their groups grow. The overall plot is complex and engaging. The author has put layers in place and is slowly starting to unravel them and we are finally seeing glimpses of where it's going.
This was so much better than the first and had much more action, plot development and intrigue and I can not wait to see where the characters and plot leads us! It's a series that I have no problem in recommending and one that I know I will re-read.
Kevin Pierce seems to be the go to narrator for books of this type and it's easy to see why. He is easy to listen to and knows how to tell a great story. He is always clear and concise and has a range of tones and cadences that bring the story to life.
*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
July 28, 2016
McDermott Does it Again
Although this is book no 2 of a series McDermott keeps you on the edge of your seat, my only slight regret is the length of time we had to wait from Book 1 to publication of book 2 hope book 3 is well on the way as am in need of knowing whether the gangs win, the corrupt President wins, the rogue army wins, or, the good people who are trying to stay safe whilst protecting and keeping others safe.
Although the story is based in 2020 after solar flares knocks out most of the Northern hemisphere, the real inner story is about greed of a few and survival of others. It's a story of life, although based in the U.S. it is about how people react, how there inner selves change in times of stress, change and the need to keep alive.
As always McDermott conveys the story extremely well changing from one caricature to another and so on, but, keeps the reader interested to the point of not being able to put the book down.
I eagerly await the final book (if McDermott keeps to his original plan) to see whether good or evil win, in most cases of all of McDermott's books good defeats evil but in this case who knows.
Other R.E.McDermott books to watch out for is his books on Dugan, next one long overdue!
If you like thrillers then give this series a read, in fact give all of R.E.McDermott books a try, housing be disappointed.
Although this is book no 2 of a series McDermott keeps you on the edge of your seat, my only slight regret is the length of time we had to wait from Book 1 to publication of book 2 hope book 3 is well on the way as am in need of knowing whether the gangs win, the corrupt President wins, the rogue army wins, or, the good people who are trying to stay safe whilst protecting and keeping others safe.
Although the story is based in 2020 after solar flares knocks out most of the Northern hemisphere, the real inner story is about greed of a few and survival of others. It's a story of life, although based in the U.S. it is about how people react, how there inner selves change in times of stress, change and the need to keep alive.
As always McDermott conveys the story extremely well changing from one caricature to another and so on, but, keeps the reader interested to the point of not being able to put the book down.
I eagerly await the final book (if McDermott keeps to his original plan) to see whether good or evil win, in most cases of all of McDermott's books good defeats evil but in this case who knows.
Other R.E.McDermott books to watch out for is his books on Dugan, next one long overdue!
If you like thrillers then give this series a read, in fact give all of R.E.McDermott books a try, housing be disappointed.
September 4, 2021
Highly recommend reading Book #1 first.
The book starts out with a really good recap of Under A Tell-Tale Sky.
Off and running from the get go! The action never quits. Although there is no slow down from the first book, in fact it speeds up, this one has a fair amount of humor in it.
A summary of who the players are:
A congressman and his son, on the run from FEMA ( the bad guys) because he has evidence of misdeeds by the President;
A bunch of gangbangers in NC being provisioned by FEMA to take out-
Fort Box, which has been fortified as a safe haven for those wanting to escape FEMA;
The container ship Pecos Trader, with Captain Hughes and company, which has made it to Texas and is also offering a safe haven;
Escaped cons in Texas, parading as law enforcement officers, intent on taking out the Pecos Trader and everyone in it;
Tex and Wiggins, just trying to get home to NJ and ME, but have the same problem of dodging FEMA;
And George. Way to go, George!
There are a bunch of other characters you will remember from the first book and some new ones too. I liked how the author didn’t just go back and forth between each plot line, but spent a lot of time on each one.
In a crisis such as this, you would expect there to be givers and takers. This story has plenty of both! This is book two of a trilogy and I await the exciting conclusion. If you will be waiting too, I recommend you explore R.E. McDermott’s Tom Dugan series. That will keep you entertained!
The book starts out with a really good recap of Under A Tell-Tale Sky.
Off and running from the get go! The action never quits. Although there is no slow down from the first book, in fact it speeds up, this one has a fair amount of humor in it.
A summary of who the players are:
A congressman and his son, on the run from FEMA ( the bad guys) because he has evidence of misdeeds by the President;
A bunch of gangbangers in NC being provisioned by FEMA to take out-
Fort Box, which has been fortified as a safe haven for those wanting to escape FEMA;
The container ship Pecos Trader, with Captain Hughes and company, which has made it to Texas and is also offering a safe haven;
Escaped cons in Texas, parading as law enforcement officers, intent on taking out the Pecos Trader and everyone in it;
Tex and Wiggins, just trying to get home to NJ and ME, but have the same problem of dodging FEMA;
And George. Way to go, George!
There are a bunch of other characters you will remember from the first book and some new ones too. I liked how the author didn’t just go back and forth between each plot line, but spent a lot of time on each one.
In a crisis such as this, you would expect there to be givers and takers. This story has plenty of both! This is book two of a trilogy and I await the exciting conclusion. If you will be waiting too, I recommend you explore R.E. McDermott’s Tom Dugan series. That will keep you entertained!
November 29, 2016
There's a lot to like in Push Back for fans of real-life thrillers. The action is non-stop on several fronts, the overall premise remains (too) plausible, and the characters likable. Like many people with Kindles, I have a library littered with books abandoned from 2% to 75% completed. No such problem here: I bulled through Push Back in a week, staying up past my bedtime a couple of times.
However, I didn't find installment #2 as strong as its predecessor, Under a Tell-Tale Sky which does a better job of integrating the various plot lines. Some books in a series you can read in any order, but this is not one of them: start at the beginning. These books contain many characters and lots going on in parallel, but the storylines are easy to follow and the action is relentless. I highly recommend McDermott's first two books and eagerly await the finale, Promises to Keep, as there are a lot of loose ends that I'm sure will be imaginatively tied up.
However, I didn't find installment #2 as strong as its predecessor, Under a Tell-Tale Sky which does a better job of integrating the various plot lines. Some books in a series you can read in any order, but this is not one of them: start at the beginning. These books contain many characters and lots going on in parallel, but the storylines are easy to follow and the action is relentless. I highly recommend McDermott's first two books and eagerly await the finale, Promises to Keep, as there are a lot of loose ends that I'm sure will be imaginatively tied up.
April 26, 2018
Very fast read-start with under a tell tale sky. Good characters, great continuing story with multiple story branches that reconnect here and there but also stand alone. There is sea ship/coast guard component to the story that is a different angle on emp fiction and makes it uniquely interesting. The story is legitimized by the authors sea background with out being over done. Probably this series and one second after are the 2 best I have ever read. I wish there were more.
This is definitely worth your time.
Cp.
This is a stand alone review-I paid for all the books. Its just a good enough series for me to write a review
This is definitely worth your time.
Cp.
This is a stand alone review-I paid for all the books. Its just a good enough series for me to write a review
June 11, 2021
Part 2 of the disruption series is better than Part 1. The pace is very fast and there are fewer disparate stories to follow. The bulk of this story follows the crew of the Pecos Trader and their pretty epic fight against the Texas gang of Aryan Brotherhood. The Appalachian Trail gang - Tex and Willard - have their own struggles trying to get to Maine, with no shortage of carnage and disappointment along the way. The crew at Ft Box in Wilmington are also well engaged with both the gang bangers and the insanely corrupt FEMA Special Reaction Force. Pretty exciting story. I am looking forward to the final book!
November 18, 2021
Could Solar Flares Be Like EMPs ?
McDermont presents a story of the catastrophic impact of a Class 5 Solar Flare that turns our modern world into an apocalyptic nightmare. ‘Push Back’ describes the survival of 3 groups of people frantically searching for food, shelter, personal safety all with a desire to return home when society goes crazy as everything is disrupted from the loss of electricity. A good ‘survival’ read although one group’s journey to safety gets too long to hold the reader’s interest, hence 3 stars vs. 4.
McDermont presents a story of the catastrophic impact of a Class 5 Solar Flare that turns our modern world into an apocalyptic nightmare. ‘Push Back’ describes the survival of 3 groups of people frantically searching for food, shelter, personal safety all with a desire to return home when society goes crazy as everything is disrupted from the loss of electricity. A good ‘survival’ read although one group’s journey to safety gets too long to hold the reader’s interest, hence 3 stars vs. 4.
March 9, 2022
Suspenseful thriller!
Gripping and exciting story about survival in a world without the conveniences people are so accustomed to. The harrowing experience each character must deal with against the evils of man keeps you at the edge of your seat, hoping all turns out well. I love how the author writes what's happening to each character and hoping that they, the good guys, will end up together to form a strong front against the bad guys. The 3rd book will be on my hit list for sure! 😉😉😁😁
Gripping and exciting story about survival in a world without the conveniences people are so accustomed to. The harrowing experience each character must deal with against the evils of man keeps you at the edge of your seat, hoping all turns out well. I love how the author writes what's happening to each character and hoping that they, the good guys, will end up together to form a strong front against the bad guys. The 3rd book will be on my hit list for sure! 😉😉😁😁
January 16, 2019
A solid follow-up to the first book in the trilogy. I enjoyed the continuing developments of the characters and situations. I thought that the portrayal of the government during the crisis was a good addition, which is usually missing from these kinds of stories. Initially, wasn't convinced that the leadership would act as they did but after some consideration, it may not be that much of a stretch considering modern realities. I look forward to the conclusion of the series.
September 12, 2023
the story builds
Being the second book in the trilogy, I was worried that this book would be ‘less’ than the 1st, worried that maybe the writer would get lazy or cut corners, but that was not the case at all!
The story grew and progressed in a very realistic manner, following the unimaginable change in society in general, dividing the good and the bad. This is a 1st rate story, that very entertaining and enlightening.
Being the second book in the trilogy, I was worried that this book would be ‘less’ than the 1st, worried that maybe the writer would get lazy or cut corners, but that was not the case at all!
The story grew and progressed in a very realistic manner, following the unimaginable change in society in general, dividing the good and the bad. This is a 1st rate story, that very entertaining and enlightening.
September 27, 2017
Much Better Than Book 1
Had considered not reading anymore after so much cursing in Book 1. I found that I had started to really care about the diverse characters in each location. Plot seemed better focused and the book was much more interesting. Looking forward to reading Book 3.
Had considered not reading anymore after so much cursing in Book 1. I found that I had started to really care about the diverse characters in each location. Plot seemed better focused and the book was much more interesting. Looking forward to reading Book 3.
February 8, 2018
Decent
Good story with likable characters.
Good guys don't always have everything just magically go there way. I can picture the hard work and planning they do to get were they are. I can also feel their pain when they work so hard, and get they loose a loved one.
Grab a copy if you like disaster books.
Good story with likable characters.
Good guys don't always have everything just magically go there way. I can picture the hard work and planning they do to get were they are. I can also feel their pain when they work so hard, and get they loose a loved one.
Grab a copy if you like disaster books.
August 20, 2024
Great middle book
Often it seems the 2nd book of a trilogy is little more than a way to increase the author’s bottom line. In this case, R E McDermott has written a great book that expands on the characters and storylines from book 1, but also a book that stands on its own. I’m ready for book three now.
Often it seems the 2nd book of a trilogy is little more than a way to increase the author’s bottom line. In this case, R E McDermott has written a great book that expands on the characters and storylines from book 1, but also a book that stands on its own. I’m ready for book three now.
February 5, 2017
The 2nd in the Disruption series, this book continues the story well enough.
It's not spectacular, but it is done well enough.
I enjoyed it, and I look forward to the third and final installment.
It's not spectacular, but it is done well enough.
I enjoyed it, and I look forward to the third and final installment.
March 15, 2017
Couldn't wait after reading the first book. I immediately went to the kindle store to start the second book and am now aggregated to find the third not out yet! Can't wait! Great stories with numerous intertwined plotlines.
December 30, 2017
This is a good second book of this series. Lots of action and progress on the various story lines. Even though it is clear all of the story lines will eventually converge on Wilmington, there are almost too many different parts going on at the same time. I do look forward to the next book.
May 9, 2019
Gripping read
Really well developed characters and thought provoking story that challenges our comfortable, predictable life. There is more evil and more honour in people than we usually consider.
Really well developed characters and thought provoking story that challenges our comfortable, predictable life. There is more evil and more honour in people than we usually consider.
August 7, 2020
Good story
Push Back is a well written story that is constantly engaging. The chacters are all very interesting. If you are someone who enjoys reading post-apocalyptic novels this a must read.
Push Back is a well written story that is constantly engaging. The chacters are all very interesting. If you are someone who enjoys reading post-apocalyptic novels this a must read.
May 2, 2021
Great Continuation
I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Definitely not a stand alone book, but it dove into the characters more and got pretty suspenseful toward the end. I found Wiggins’ & Tex’s journey to be a little repetitive. Looking forward to book 3!
I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Definitely not a stand alone book, but it dove into the characters more and got pretty suspenseful toward the end. I found Wiggins’ & Tex’s journey to be a little repetitive. Looking forward to book 3!
July 11, 2024
In this second installment of the series, the fast pace continues. Those resisting the evil and corrupt work together to fight off continued attacks and oppression. The heroes and heroines of the series are evolving past survival toward establishing a new society.
October 24, 2024
A good read!
This was so good! I can not wait to read the next one. Although there are multiple story lines the author does a good job of keeping them interesting and not getting lost in one another!
This was so good! I can not wait to read the next one. Although there are multiple story lines the author does a good job of keeping them interesting and not getting lost in one another!
August 4, 2017
Enjoyed this, but it wasn't nearly as compelling as the first in the series. I'll probably complete the trilogy, but I'm really hoping for a more interesting finish than the mid-part.
August 10, 2017
DISRUPTION SERIES:PUSH BACK
Very realistic plot & very BELIEVEABLE character development. Thoroughly enjoyed this series & can't wait for final book in DIRUPTION SERIES to come o
Very realistic plot & very BELIEVEABLE character development. Thoroughly enjoyed this series & can't wait for final book in DIRUPTION SERIES to come o
November 5, 2017
Hard to review
I did not enjoy this book quite as much as the first one. I thought it dragged in some places.
I did not enjoy this book quite as much as the first one. I thought it dragged in some places.
December 12, 2017
An exciting read.
Surprises and twists all the way through. The story pushes you along. What would I do if this really happened?
Surprises and twists all the way through. The story pushes you along. What would I do if this really happened?
November 21, 2019
Audio book
Decent 2nd part tonthe series, enough action and drama to keep it interesting without being boring.
Looking forward to the conclusion.
Decent 2nd part tonthe series, enough action and drama to keep it interesting without being boring.
Looking forward to the conclusion.
May 10, 2020
Good Stuff
A very good read that’s getting better as we go. start with book one and hang for a CME end of the world as we know it ride.
A very good read that’s getting better as we go. start with book one and hang for a CME end of the world as we know it ride.
November 29, 2021
Well Done!
Great read! One of the better series I have read. Lot of different story lines but very thought out by the author!
Great read! One of the better series I have read. Lot of different story lines but very thought out by the author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews