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Dark New World #3
EMP Deadfall
Cassy and her Clan have made it alive to the promised oasis of her farm and prepare for the upcoming winter. But old enemies race to catch up to them and have a different plan in mind for the Clan. Meanwhile, resistance cells in New York face long odds, including betrayal from within and a tightening gauntlet from the invaders and their quislings. The 20s hint at a plot to level the playing field against the invaders, but their end-game is unclear. Will Ethan-the hacker known as Dark Ryder-uncover the truth in time, and if so will it make a difference? For the Clan, the Resistance, and Dark Ryder alike, a deadly trap awaits...
348 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2016
362 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2016
No fourth round
Well, folks, there won't be any reading of the fourth book in this series for me. Actually, three books was at least one book too many. When I read a book, I am first looking for some good entertainment. The last thing I am looking for is a book that spends a quarter of its pages preaching to me about God. If I want to hear from God, I will pick up my Bible and get it first hand. Second, as a woman, I really resent the fact that most post apocalyptic stories cast the female characters as so lacking in backbone that they are constantly looking for the male characters to take care of them and make all the hard decisions. These stories are always written by men who have obviously never heard of or believed the old adage that females are by far the deadlier of the species. (Just an aside, you authors could have left out everything regarding Taggert and his crew. Not only was it boring, but if it is your intention to weave him into the storyline with the Clan, you should have begun to do it one and a half books ago.)
Well, folks, there won't be any reading of the fourth book in this series for me. Actually, three books was at least one book too many. When I read a book, I am first looking for some good entertainment. The last thing I am looking for is a book that spends a quarter of its pages preaching to me about God. If I want to hear from God, I will pick up my Bible and get it first hand. Second, as a woman, I really resent the fact that most post apocalyptic stories cast the female characters as so lacking in backbone that they are constantly looking for the male characters to take care of them and make all the hard decisions. These stories are always written by men who have obviously never heard of or believed the old adage that females are by far the deadlier of the species. (Just an aside, you authors could have left out everything regarding Taggert and his crew. Not only was it boring, but if it is your intention to weave him into the storyline with the Clan, you should have begun to do it one and a half books ago.)
June 9, 2019
I don't think I'm going to continue on from this series. I enjoyed the first three books, but there are a few key reasons why I will not be moving along with this particular series. This one is a good one to end on.
1. Started getting longer by the 3rd book and full of unnecessary filler as a result.
The first two books were about half the length of the third one, which meant everything going on had a purpose and had to count. Nearly doubling the length of the third book didn't add anything of value, in my opinion. It simply forced the author to add more undesirable content which I will mention in a sec.
2. Sanctimonious and or simply preachy. Sweet Jesus. I am not a religious person. I did not realize just how heavy-handed in Jesus Christ our Lord this book was going to be. No disrespect, but give a reader a heads up and I will happily go elsewhere. I don't need to be beaten with a holy speech each and every time a character in the book is faced with a difficult decision to make or is trying to justify something horrible they are about to inflict on another person. Each and every time. Wow. I got to the point where I started skipping through (audible) the biblical judgment and chatter so I could get back to the story. So instead of a spoiler warning, I would appreciate if books provided a "yes, this is going to be religious-heavy." There are a few other EMP books read by Kevin P. that provided this heads up in the reviews so I didn't read those. Well, I'll correct myself, I tried to, but found the content to in fact be just too much for me to take and stopped. This book didn't have the same trigger warning.
3. So much violence against women (mostly in the misguided name of the Lord). I'm really starting to hate this trope in the end of the modern world (EMP, zombies, virus) story plots. Invariably, there is some megalomaniac, or several, who have decided women need to be enslaved and punished. We're "not good for much else" other than to be punished, or degraded, or mounted, and are then told we should like it. Sick. We are relegated to a submissive group of slaves who can "trade on" our bodies in order to eat or survive or our kids eat and survive. How about you consider our input and abilities. Instead, through threats of violence or direct violence, we are given no other choice but to be whores. We are told we were being uppity before (the outbreak or war or whatever), for simply having standards and free will, and have to be humbled.
We really need to ask ourselves what the hell is wrong with society when women are almost immediately enslaved for sex and violence the moment the bottom falls out. I've never once read an end of the world series where this didn't happen. Always starts out with a band of roughnecks taking down one poor woman, using her kid or threatening her directly to succumb or else, for her own good. When she is finally taken into the fold of "good people" it is usually after she's been rescued from the aforementioned scenario. So now she is jaded and damaged and will distrust the intentions of men for the rest of her life. Never read stories about a band of women completely dehumanizing a man for kicks. Makes me sick, and I'm sicker knowing it is completely accurate. This sort of things happens in supposedly civil society, so why not worsen with the lack of governing authority and punishment?
4. Women are written to be less confident and have to be built up by a man, recused by a man, etc. At no point does a woman stand tall and strong in this book without having to have some guy help build up her self-confidence; aiding her in making hard decisions; rescuing her from her rapist or band of rapists.
5. A lot of shoot first, never ask questions later, make horrible assumptions about people attitudes.
This volume seems to wrap up the key points of the previous volumes nicely for me. I don't wish to continue listening - per the above-mentioned reasons. Depressing, upsetting, sexist, violent, preachy, etc. People suffer, I get it. It happens. But these stories are dark and, at times, hopeless.
1. Started getting longer by the 3rd book and full of unnecessary filler as a result.
The first two books were about half the length of the third one, which meant everything going on had a purpose and had to count. Nearly doubling the length of the third book didn't add anything of value, in my opinion. It simply forced the author to add more undesirable content which I will mention in a sec.
2. Sanctimonious and or simply preachy. Sweet Jesus. I am not a religious person. I did not realize just how heavy-handed in Jesus Christ our Lord this book was going to be. No disrespect, but give a reader a heads up and I will happily go elsewhere. I don't need to be beaten with a holy speech each and every time a character in the book is faced with a difficult decision to make or is trying to justify something horrible they are about to inflict on another person. Each and every time. Wow. I got to the point where I started skipping through (audible) the biblical judgment and chatter so I could get back to the story. So instead of a spoiler warning, I would appreciate if books provided a "yes, this is going to be religious-heavy." There are a few other EMP books read by Kevin P. that provided this heads up in the reviews so I didn't read those. Well, I'll correct myself, I tried to, but found the content to in fact be just too much for me to take and stopped. This book didn't have the same trigger warning.
3. So much violence against women (mostly in the misguided name of the Lord). I'm really starting to hate this trope in the end of the modern world (EMP, zombies, virus) story plots. Invariably, there is some megalomaniac, or several, who have decided women need to be enslaved and punished. We're "not good for much else" other than to be punished, or degraded, or mounted, and are then told we should like it. Sick. We are relegated to a submissive group of slaves who can "trade on" our bodies in order to eat or survive or our kids eat and survive. How about you consider our input and abilities. Instead, through threats of violence or direct violence, we are given no other choice but to be whores. We are told we were being uppity before (the outbreak or war or whatever), for simply having standards and free will, and have to be humbled.
We really need to ask ourselves what the hell is wrong with society when women are almost immediately enslaved for sex and violence the moment the bottom falls out. I've never once read an end of the world series where this didn't happen. Always starts out with a band of roughnecks taking down one poor woman, using her kid or threatening her directly to succumb or else, for her own good. When she is finally taken into the fold of "good people" it is usually after she's been rescued from the aforementioned scenario. So now she is jaded and damaged and will distrust the intentions of men for the rest of her life. Never read stories about a band of women completely dehumanizing a man for kicks. Makes me sick, and I'm sicker knowing it is completely accurate. This sort of things happens in supposedly civil society, so why not worsen with the lack of governing authority and punishment?
4. Women are written to be less confident and have to be built up by a man, recused by a man, etc. At no point does a woman stand tall and strong in this book without having to have some guy help build up her self-confidence; aiding her in making hard decisions; rescuing her from her rapist or band of rapists.
5. A lot of shoot first, never ask questions later, make horrible assumptions about people attitudes.
This volume seems to wrap up the key points of the previous volumes nicely for me. I don't wish to continue listening - per the above-mentioned reasons. Depressing, upsetting, sexist, violent, preachy, etc. People suffer, I get it. It happens. But these stories are dark and, at times, hopeless.
May 22, 2017
What A Good Story!
I had to start with book 3, as books 1 & 2 don't have audio components that I need. Still, I came to love and admire these characters quickly, even without starting with them from the beginning. I also love the audio narrator - his voice is calm, but he reads it with the right emotions and pauses. I loved that Cassy's farm was different, using something called permaculture to grow. They also had a cool way to deal with waste. I read these books to learn techniques for survival in an interesting format, and I learned several new ones in this book. The plot is gripping, the characters relatable, the writing sound. Now I'm off to listen to book 4!
I had to start with book 3, as books 1 & 2 don't have audio components that I need. Still, I came to love and admire these characters quickly, even without starting with them from the beginning. I also love the audio narrator - his voice is calm, but he reads it with the right emotions and pauses. I loved that Cassy's farm was different, using something called permaculture to grow. They also had a cool way to deal with waste. I read these books to learn techniques for survival in an interesting format, and I learned several new ones in this book. The plot is gripping, the characters relatable, the writing sound. Now I'm off to listen to book 4!
May 13, 2017
Full tilt sequel!
This book ramps up the action 4 fold over book 2 and has great plot twist ending to get you ready for book 4. Pleasantly surprised at this stories development.
This book ramps up the action 4 fold over book 2 and has great plot twist ending to get you ready for book 4. Pleasantly surprised at this stories development.
August 7, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really w. Characters are realistic and get better and better.. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really w. Characters are realistic and get better and better.. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
April 6, 2018
Has lots of good info in it, also the story line keeps you captivated. Read (listened) to all 8 in a week.
April 8, 2018
Great story
This is a great story with lots to learn about be prepared for whatever could happen. I recommend this to everyone.
This is a great story with lots to learn about be prepared for whatever could happen. I recommend this to everyone.
June 8, 2018
Continued saga
Continue to follow the newly formed “clan” after an EMP hits the States. I have been unable to put this series down and now I eagerly start book 4.
Continue to follow the newly formed “clan” after an EMP hits the States. I have been unable to put this series down and now I eagerly start book 4.
July 20, 2018
Awesome series!!
The story and plot continue to evolve! The characters are very diverse bother the good and bad guys! Enjoyed the series so fa.
The story and plot continue to evolve! The characters are very diverse bother the good and bad guys! Enjoyed the series so fa.
March 9, 2019
Operation Backdraft
I loved that part the best! You have to enjoy reading about battles and fighting to like this story but so far it’s been realistic.
I loved that part the best! You have to enjoy reading about battles and fighting to like this story but so far it’s been realistic.
Read
May 9, 2020Emp book three. I
I will finish the series before I give a rating. I like the first two books ok but would like to finish them all
I will finish the series before I give a rating. I like the first two books ok but would like to finish them all
July 18, 2023
It's OK, I'll keep going
February 26, 2017
Good
Good book and exciting writing. All the characters interesting and some were just plain evil. I hope an EMP never happens but it is possible. Scary thought.
Good book and exciting writing. All the characters interesting and some were just plain evil. I hope an EMP never happens but it is possible. Scary thought.
November 7, 2016
The continued story of Cassy and "the clan"
4.5 out of 5 stars
Continuing the story of Cassy and her clan, EMP Deadfall takes place at the oasis that was Cassy's prepper compound. Unfortunately, there are still people out there who want to see her and everyone that she's helped dead.
EMP Deadfall was narrated by Kevin Pierce who has narrated the rest of the series. He does a perfect job, as always with this. The production quality and storytelling by Pierce made this story even better than it already was.
There was nothing wrong with book 3, it had a lot of great story in it and even more action, but it really feels like it is being drawn out now. I know that trilogies are the new thing and writing at least three books is becoming the norm. But not all stories need three books to tell. Like I said, I still enjoyed this book a lot.
Cassy has grown on me with each book, and she has really has proven to be a great leader for the clan. Her character has easily had one of the longest arc's in the whole series. She's grown, changed, and learned throughout each one. Each book leaving her a slightly different person and character. It's really awesome that Foster and Holden can write such a dynamic character that is able to adapt and grow like that.
Overall, EMP Deadfall had a lot of elements I really enjoyed, and a few things that felt like they were re-used from the other books. The re-use and extended shelf-life of this book only knock it down .5 in my rating because I still really enjoyed it!
I was given a free copy of this book.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Continuing the story of Cassy and her clan, EMP Deadfall takes place at the oasis that was Cassy's prepper compound. Unfortunately, there are still people out there who want to see her and everyone that she's helped dead.
EMP Deadfall was narrated by Kevin Pierce who has narrated the rest of the series. He does a perfect job, as always with this. The production quality and storytelling by Pierce made this story even better than it already was.
There was nothing wrong with book 3, it had a lot of great story in it and even more action, but it really feels like it is being drawn out now. I know that trilogies are the new thing and writing at least three books is becoming the norm. But not all stories need three books to tell. Like I said, I still enjoyed this book a lot.
Cassy has grown on me with each book, and she has really has proven to be a great leader for the clan. Her character has easily had one of the longest arc's in the whole series. She's grown, changed, and learned throughout each one. Each book leaving her a slightly different person and character. It's really awesome that Foster and Holden can write such a dynamic character that is able to adapt and grow like that.
Overall, EMP Deadfall had a lot of elements I really enjoyed, and a few things that felt like they were re-used from the other books. The re-use and extended shelf-life of this book only knock it down .5 in my rating because I still really enjoyed it!
I was given a free copy of this book.
March 25, 2017
Cassy and crew, now known as the Clan, have safely made the journey to her farm or homestead or compound depending how you look at it. She IS a prepper you know, and the farm is stocked with all the goodies any prepper worth their salt would have laid in. Our nemesis in hiding, Peter, has returned to his community to take charge, rally the troops against Cassy, and march on the Clan to relieve them of all their possessions and their lives. The invaders, believed to be North Koreans & Middle East, continue with their push inland. How this part of the plot will wind up is a mystery to me at this time. The other mysterious player called the 20s occasionally adds their two cents to the game with an eye towards disrupting the invaders, but this has yet to be exposed. Too many irons in the fire. I doubt if it’s possible to resolve all these issues by the end of this book. Looks like book four will be required. What about the Army, what are they doing? Evidently General Adam Hole has his work cut out for him. General A. Hole ha-ha! J.J. Holden must have thrown that in there for a laugh. Worked for me! Cassy and Clan continue to remake her farm into a community with rules based on fairness and justice.
March 28, 2023
This seems to wrap up the series but fell rather flat for me. Still way too much religion for my taste in this. Also there were a number of chapters about Taggart and his group, but they never really intersect with the Clan and never seemed to be much of a factor. The story would have been the same had that entire part been eliminated-I kept expecting Taggart to be in the group that comes to the Clan's rescue. As it is, the Taggart plot was an annoying distraction. I did rather like Choony.
On the re-read, I have amended since I know this was not the end of the series. Still too much religion, but the rest was building the story.
On the re-read, I have amended since I know this was not the end of the series. Still too much religion, but the rest was building the story.
December 22, 2016
This is the third book in the Dark New World series. The story picks up with the band of survivors reaching Cassy's farm ignorant in the knowledge that the leader of the White Stag group, Peter, has followed her and is readying an attack.
The battle for the farm and the survival of the clan are just part of the plot developments in this third installment of the series.
I was happy to learn that a fourth book in the series is due out in early 2017.
The battle for the farm and the survival of the clan are just part of the plot developments in this third installment of the series.
I was happy to learn that a fourth book in the series is due out in early 2017.
November 17, 2016
And joy the realistic book on an apocalypse world
I really enjoyed the realistic possibilities of good and bad and what can really come out there is no end to the fight between good and evil, as this boat shows it's only a fight for good people to do good things
I really enjoyed the realistic possibilities of good and bad and what can really come out there is no end to the fight between good and evil, as this boat shows it's only a fight for good people to do good things
September 1, 2016
EMP Deadfall review
EMP Deadfall is the third post apocalyptic survival book in the Dark New World series written by authors J. J. Holden and Henry Gene Foster.
EMP Deadfall is the third post apocalyptic survival book in the Dark New World series written by authors J. J. Holden and Henry Gene Foster.
October 22, 2016
WOW! What a finish
My goodness great book had me on the edge of my seat could not put my book down until I get to the end WOW!
My goodness great book had me on the edge of my seat could not put my book down until I get to the end WOW!
December 20, 2016
Excellent series! so intense .. i was literally biting my nails, wondering what was going to happen.
I can't hardly wait for the 4 th book to be out.
I can't hardly wait for the 4 th book to be out.
December 26, 2016
Dark
This has been the best prepper series I have read up to now. I can't wait for the next book!
This has been the best prepper series I have read up to now. I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews