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Spaceman Chronicles #2
Descent
Clayton Shepard is lost, cold, alone, and determined to find his way home.
But he's landed on a planet he doesn't recognize. Earth isn't the same place he left months earlier.
There is little light, no heat, and limited communication.
As he works to find his way back to his family, they cope with the struggles of a new reality and a quickly devolving society.
What none of them know is that the radioactive blast that plunged their lives into darkness was only the first one.
More is on the way.
But he's landed on a planet he doesn't recognize. Earth isn't the same place he left months earlier.
There is little light, no heat, and limited communication.
As he works to find his way back to his family, they cope with the struggles of a new reality and a quickly devolving society.
What none of them know is that the radioactive blast that plunged their lives into darkness was only the first one.
More is on the way.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2017
139 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Tom Abrahams
71 books342 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 7, 2017
An exciting sequel to the first book!
Mr. Abrahams introduced us to Clayton Shephard in 'Spaceman' and his complex and arduous adventures to return to Earth after a cataclysmic CME. Now, Clayton is on terra firma in an unknown area. His wife and children are in Texas and have no way of knowing about his survival. As he attempts to find his way, his regrets about missing time with his family are becoming more oppressive. Can he find his way back to them? Are they safe? Has he failed as a father and protector to them? Will he even survive his current situation?..... And where is he now?
This story continues in a frantic pace and keeps the reader glued to the chair! Read in a single sitting, the book delves deep into the lives of the characters and teases with an underlying reason for the events that all will face. The collapse of the grid isn't permanent, but hardships arise immediately. Everyone must find their own will to survive what happened.....and there's more to come.
A worthy sequel and an excellent story. I can't wait for more! And kudos to Mr. Abrahams for noting (within the book) some of my other favorites from author, Murray McDonald! Outstandingly well done!
Mr. Abrahams introduced us to Clayton Shephard in 'Spaceman' and his complex and arduous adventures to return to Earth after a cataclysmic CME. Now, Clayton is on terra firma in an unknown area. His wife and children are in Texas and have no way of knowing about his survival. As he attempts to find his way, his regrets about missing time with his family are becoming more oppressive. Can he find his way back to them? Are they safe? Has he failed as a father and protector to them? Will he even survive his current situation?..... And where is he now?
This story continues in a frantic pace and keeps the reader glued to the chair! Read in a single sitting, the book delves deep into the lives of the characters and teases with an underlying reason for the events that all will face. The collapse of the grid isn't permanent, but hardships arise immediately. Everyone must find their own will to survive what happened.....and there's more to come.
A worthy sequel and an excellent story. I can't wait for more! And kudos to Mr. Abrahams for noting (within the book) some of my other favorites from author, Murray McDonald! Outstandingly well done!
January 22, 2017
Another Great Read
Book 2 did not disappoint! The continuing experiences of the survivors are woven together brilliantly and are filled with drama, mystery, and suspense. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series!
Book 2 did not disappoint! The continuing experiences of the survivors are woven together brilliantly and are filled with drama, mystery, and suspense. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series!
March 4, 2017
This was a very good continuation and second book in the spaceman series. It picks up right where the first book left off and also introduces us to a few new characters while our mix of all the known characters struggle through this new world. The author continually pokes fun at Canada and it is really hilarious. I particularly liked the fact that part of the book actually takes place in Canada as well. I also really enjoyed our Canadian character and how he is portrayed. Some of the jokes had me laughing out loud. Like I said before you cannot help but route for our main character. He's very well-developed and sort of a badass. The differing points of view and locations of these points of view really give the book some flavour. It did not take me long to get through this one as I could not put it down. I listened to the audiobook version and the narration was very very good. It is the same narrator as the first book and he does an excellent job casting the female characters as well as the male characters. His speech, timing, and tone really help you to engage in what is going on in the book. My only complaint is I wish there was more! Cannot wait for the third installment to come out, hopefully very very soon. Ehhhhh!!
February 11, 2017
A perfectly woven post-apocalyptic tale
The first book in this series was my top audiobook of 2016. It just felt so much different than all of the other post-apocalyptic books I'd read (and I read a lot of them). The space aspect was a new one that I'd honestly never considered -- mostly because the reason for the apocalypse in other books relate to something happening on Earth caused by us. This wasn't your typical everyday run-of-the-mill EMP. It was a CME Coronal Mass Ejection that causes all of the power to go out.
After crash landing on Earth -- Clayton has to find out where he is and is instantly thrown into surviving. Clayton's wife and child are back home, also trying to adjust to this new way of living. The story flips between them and a few other characters. Some bad guys and some government people who are setting the stage for book 3.
I was really worried about this book because of how much I enjoyed the first one. I rarely ever get that tingly sensation from a book -- so Descent had a lot to live up to. I knew that Abrahams couldn't continue to write about space and Clayton's struggle aboard the failing ISS. So, with that in my head, I dove into this head first hoping not to smack my head on the bottom.
I didn't, and this book was just as enjoyable as the first one. The action has moved from space down to Earth, but Clayton is in an almost as inhospitable place as before and has to find his way to safety before he can even consider heading home.
Abrahams sprinkles a lot of different things in this book that if I were to list here would make it sound completely disjointed and unorganized -- but he makes it work. He was able to weave these separate stories into one cohesive unit, making Descent an enjoyable post-apocalyptic thriller.
PA fans will find a lot of elements that they are used to in this, and a few that they aren't (I think). Abrahams is one of the best writers in this genre, and I will continue to buy his post-apocalyptic stories if he continues to weave stories like this one.
The saddest part of my review is that I basically can't write any details about this book without spoiling things. There were a lot of parts that I wanted to bring up while writing this, and I knew it would either spoil the first story a little or definitely spoil some of the surprises in this one.
Overall, Descent wasn't jaw-dropping amazing like SpaceMan, but it weaves a great post-apocalyptic story that you'll be upset if you miss.
The first book in this series was my top audiobook of 2016. It just felt so much different than all of the other post-apocalyptic books I'd read (and I read a lot of them). The space aspect was a new one that I'd honestly never considered -- mostly because the reason for the apocalypse in other books relate to something happening on Earth caused by us. This wasn't your typical everyday run-of-the-mill EMP. It was a CME Coronal Mass Ejection that causes all of the power to go out.
After crash landing on Earth -- Clayton has to find out where he is and is instantly thrown into surviving. Clayton's wife and child are back home, also trying to adjust to this new way of living. The story flips between them and a few other characters. Some bad guys and some government people who are setting the stage for book 3.
I was really worried about this book because of how much I enjoyed the first one. I rarely ever get that tingly sensation from a book -- so Descent had a lot to live up to. I knew that Abrahams couldn't continue to write about space and Clayton's struggle aboard the failing ISS. So, with that in my head, I dove into this head first hoping not to smack my head on the bottom.
I didn't, and this book was just as enjoyable as the first one. The action has moved from space down to Earth, but Clayton is in an almost as inhospitable place as before and has to find his way to safety before he can even consider heading home.
Abrahams sprinkles a lot of different things in this book that if I were to list here would make it sound completely disjointed and unorganized -- but he makes it work. He was able to weave these separate stories into one cohesive unit, making Descent an enjoyable post-apocalyptic thriller.
PA fans will find a lot of elements that they are used to in this, and a few that they aren't (I think). Abrahams is one of the best writers in this genre, and I will continue to buy his post-apocalyptic stories if he continues to weave stories like this one.
The saddest part of my review is that I basically can't write any details about this book without spoiling things. There were a lot of parts that I wanted to bring up while writing this, and I knew it would either spoil the first story a little or definitely spoil some of the surprises in this one.
Overall, Descent wasn't jaw-dropping amazing like SpaceMan, but it weaves a great post-apocalyptic story that you'll be upset if you miss.
July 8, 2017
When we left Clayton Shepard, he was . Surprisingly (or perhaps not) things don't get heaps better for him, or do they?
First, the good stuff. This has all the virtues of the first book - Shepard is an All American boy from central casting, but since he's a bone fide astronaut I'm happy to let that pass since I like to think that's a career that attracts the All American type. People generally act intelligently without being overpowered,Clayton thinks his way out of problems rather than shooting his way out of them, and I like hanging with him. The story moves in ways I didn't expect, and it was a fun time . What more could you want?
Snark time:
That's mostly nitpicking, though, and I had fun getting here - I'll hang with Clayton until the end.
First, the good stuff. This has all the virtues of the first book - Shepard is an All American boy from central casting, but since he's a bone fide astronaut I'm happy to let that pass since I like to think that's a career that attracts the All American type. People generally act intelligently without being overpowered,Clayton thinks his way out of problems rather than shooting his way out of them, and I like hanging with him. The story moves in ways I didn't expect, and it was a fun time . What more could you want?
Snark time:
That's mostly nitpicking, though, and I had fun getting here - I'll hang with Clayton until the end.
February 26, 2023
The solar flare.
The author Tom Abrahams is one of the known for writing excellent books and doing it beautifully.
This one is a trilogy and once again shows us how fast humans turn into animals when the complete infrastructure collapses because of lost of electricity and everything that uses microchips.
As I’m writing this review of the trilogy I’m still not done listening and as of now it’s very similar to all of books of this genre so nothing special yet which is disappointing for now with some very stupid behavior that you wouldn’t accept from adults.
The only thing that could save this trilogy is a very good twist or a few twists because that as of now if it continues the same way there is no hope and for me a waste of 22 hours of listening.
Yep this was a waste of time, Tom Abrahams is an awesome writer but not with this trilogy,
The Traveler series starting Marcus Battle is so much better and recommended.
I’m sorry but I can’t
Recommend this trilogy.
Oded Ostfeld.
The author Tom Abrahams is one of the known for writing excellent books and doing it beautifully.
This one is a trilogy and once again shows us how fast humans turn into animals when the complete infrastructure collapses because of lost of electricity and everything that uses microchips.
As I’m writing this review of the trilogy I’m still not done listening and as of now it’s very similar to all of books of this genre so nothing special yet which is disappointing for now with some very stupid behavior that you wouldn’t accept from adults.
The only thing that could save this trilogy is a very good twist or a few twists because that as of now if it continues the same way there is no hope and for me a waste of 22 hours of listening.
Yep this was a waste of time, Tom Abrahams is an awesome writer but not with this trilogy,
The Traveler series starting Marcus Battle is so much better and recommended.
I’m sorry but I can’t
Recommend this trilogy.
Oded Ostfeld.
June 30, 2017
Not as good as the first one. I really enjoyed book 1. Doing the EMP story from the perspective of an astronaut nearly trapped on the ISS was pretty cool. Now that he's back down to Earth it's getting a little bland and very similar to countless other SHTF stories. The inclusion of the underground base beneath Denver International was a cool addition, though. I also liked how Abrahams included much of the real-life info about C.O.G. plans and the like. I'm hoping book 3 winds up being a little better with the way things were built up in the book. All-in-all, this one was almost more of a prelude to the next one than it's own great story.
March 3, 2017
This was an enjoyable second book in what will be a multi-book series. I liked the story a lot, but it seems to now move in 4 separate story lines. It has moved away from the beginning premise of a cataclysmic trapped in space event. Now it is following a more typical world ending crisis storyline. I kind of liked the original premise of trapped in space because it was an seemingly original take on a somewhat formulaic storyline. Nevertheless, it is well written, I like the characters, it is apolitical and I look forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
Something for everyone
Whether you are survival fan, a space fan, a post apocalyptic fan, conspiracy theorist, or just a fan of a really engaging story, this book is for you. After hurtling to earth, a U.S. astronaut begins his long journey home to reunite with his family. But it's a much different world than when he left. A CME has destroyed the power grid, and civilization isn't far behind.
Whether you are survival fan, a space fan, a post apocalyptic fan, conspiracy theorist, or just a fan of a really engaging story, this book is for you. After hurtling to earth, a U.S. astronaut begins his long journey home to reunite with his family. But it's a much different world than when he left. A CME has destroyed the power grid, and civilization isn't far behind.
July 9, 2021
Post-Apocalyptic survival isn't usually my cup of tea, but I got invested enough in the characters reading Descent to read this one, too.
And now, of course, I need to read the third one to finish the story. Well-done Mr. Abrahams!
And another 10 points for again ending the book at a reasonable breaking point.
(Still the occasional minor quibble, but not enough to stop me from reading.)
And now, of course, I need to read the third one to finish the story. Well-done Mr. Abrahams!
And another 10 points for again ending the book at a reasonable breaking point.
(Still the occasional minor quibble, but not enough to stop me from reading.)
January 21, 2018
Great read again
After the first book the thought of what happened to the characters was something I could not let go off and I had to read the second chapter in this series. Ithis second book was just as good as the first and kept me hooked for hours. Looking forward to the third book now
After the first book the thought of what happened to the characters was something I could not let go off and I had to read the second chapter in this series. Ithis second book was just as good as the first and kept me hooked for hours. Looking forward to the third book now
December 14, 2020
Clayton Shepard is back on earth, but still far from home, a chance encounter sets him on his way again, but another event causes issues again. Meanwhile, his family struggle, as the lack of power kicks in and mob rule starts. Good book following the Shepard's, it also introduces a secret organisation looking to take advantage of the situation.
September 18, 2021
SpaceMan chronicles
Fantastic spin on a EOTWAWKI book. Abrahams always does his homework to make his books as accurate as they are entertaining. Just as intense as Traveler Series and a must read.
Fantastic spin on a EOTWAWKI book. Abrahams always does his homework to make his books as accurate as they are entertaining. Just as intense as Traveler Series and a must read.
March 2, 2017
Loved it!
This still feels like a reasonable and yet unique scenario. The writing is great, the characters are fun and well developed, and the plot threads are very engaging.
This still feels like a reasonable and yet unique scenario. The writing is great, the characters are fun and well developed, and the plot threads are very engaging.
March 20, 2017
Better than the first book...makes one wonder what might happen if the Carrington Event happened now.
June 12, 2017
Great stuff
The story continues to get better and better. I love the characters and how they work together for their survival.
The story continues to get better and better. I love the characters and how they work together for their survival.
February 28, 2018
Excellent book and series, highly recommended if you like the post-apocalyptic genre.
February 27, 2018
The slow burn continue but the unfolding evenrs leave you wanting to read on!
November 26, 2019
The story telling is good. Just didn't like three basic assumption of the story.
February 22, 2021
Great
The second book in this series did not disappoint at all. Once you start reading you just can’t put it down as something is happening on every page.
The second book in this series did not disappoint at all. Once you start reading you just can’t put it down as something is happening on every page.
March 19, 2017
Can hardly wait for book # 3!!
This is such a great story!! Poor Cal! Crashing down from the ISS into Alberta, Canada and then having to cross a glacier, pulling his dead astronaut buddies behind him on make do sleds because he refused to just leave them...this is a good man. He just wants to get home to his family in Texas and is determined that nothing will stop him! His family is having their own set of problems with the lawlessness some parts of society has adopted. His wife and 2 children must find a way, along with some neighbors, to survive until Cal comes home to them. The story is a page turner and I highly recommend it!
This is such a great story!! Poor Cal! Crashing down from the ISS into Alberta, Canada and then having to cross a glacier, pulling his dead astronaut buddies behind him on make do sleds because he refused to just leave them...this is a good man. He just wants to get home to his family in Texas and is determined that nothing will stop him! His family is having their own set of problems with the lawlessness some parts of society has adopted. His wife and 2 children must find a way, along with some neighbors, to survive until Cal comes home to them. The story is a page turner and I highly recommend it!
May 31, 2020
A return to Earth
Captivating and imaginative, the story drives itself. The last surviving astronaut has returned from the ISS with the bodies of his cosmonaut companions. His family is trying to find where he landed, but the new world situation is creating difficulties.
The characters have a life of their own and the author's brilliant mind steers their course in twisting paths. The amazing storyline promises new difficulties on every page. Hard to put down.
Captivating and imaginative, the story drives itself. The last surviving astronaut has returned from the ISS with the bodies of his cosmonaut companions. His family is trying to find where he landed, but the new world situation is creating difficulties.
The characters have a life of their own and the author's brilliant mind steers their course in twisting paths. The amazing storyline promises new difficulties on every page. Hard to put down.
March 3, 2017
Eagerly awaiting 5/17
February 14, 2017
Another really good book in this series... but all too short. I really like the characters and the developing scenarios. The book ends leaving the reader hanging. From a business sense I can understand it. ( the perils of Pauline ) But I lose a lot of the enthusiasm for the story when I have to wait another 6 months or a year for the next book. I wish all the books in the series would just be released at one time so we could enjoy it right up to the end.
Tom Abrahams is a really fine author... one of my favorites!
Tom Abrahams is a really fine author... one of my favorites!
February 5, 2017
Clayton Shepard has successfully landed the Soyuz back on Earth. But, where on Earth? Without contact to either NASA or the Russians he doesn’t know which continent he is on. His primary goal is to get home to his family. Meanwhile, his family is dealing with the beginnings of the worst humanity has to offer in this post-apocalyptic world. Oh, and, another CME is on the way that is as bad or worse than the previous one. That knowledge has set into action the Descent Protocol, a secret quasi-government, near extinction, recovery plan. What does this mean for Clayton and his family and the rest of humanity?
Abrahams’ second novel in The SpaceMan Chronicles, Descent: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller, is even better than the first book. Again, the story is being told from several points of view to give a complete picture of what is happening. We learn more about Clayton as he begins to doubt the choices he made that brought him to this place in his life. His wife, Jackie, and her neighbors discover that survival is in their own hands. This fast paced novel kept my heart racing as one obstacle after another kept delaying Clayton’s progress and challenged his family’s safety.
This is a must read. You may find, as I did, that you have to read it straight through without stopping.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
Abrahams’ second novel in The SpaceMan Chronicles, Descent: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller, is even better than the first book. Again, the story is being told from several points of view to give a complete picture of what is happening. We learn more about Clayton as he begins to doubt the choices he made that brought him to this place in his life. His wife, Jackie, and her neighbors discover that survival is in their own hands. This fast paced novel kept my heart racing as one obstacle after another kept delaying Clayton’s progress and challenged his family’s safety.
This is a must read. You may find, as I did, that you have to read it straight through without stopping.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
February 6, 2017
Tom Abrahams doesn't let us down in this great sequel to Spaceman! His descriptions of Clayton's journey home to his family, the dangers and injuries he suffers on the way makes you feel you are there with him, I was suffering with Clayton, and also felt with his family, who is waiting and hoping that their husband and father will come home to them. I hope that when the family finally gets back together they will experience some peace and safety. Yes, this family had become my family... Highly Recommended!!
February 6, 2017
Descent. Tom Abrahams
Book two in the series. As the title States, a post apocalyptic thriller!! Clayton, an American astronaut, has returned to earth after a massive EMP has occurred. All power is gone. Civilization is in chaos, it's every man and women for themselves... survival of the strongest. Or the best armed. He only wants to find his family, that all that matters to him. This is an extraordinary read!!! I can't wait for book three!!
Book two in the series. As the title States, a post apocalyptic thriller!! Clayton, an American astronaut, has returned to earth after a massive EMP has occurred. All power is gone. Civilization is in chaos, it's every man and women for themselves... survival of the strongest. Or the best armed. He only wants to find his family, that all that matters to him. This is an extraordinary read!!! I can't wait for book three!!
June 12, 2019
Excellent Read
Good story. I read the first two back to back and now must wait. Very interesting story reading about the survivors. But what in the world is the government doing? I guess we wait.
Very good series. Much recommend.
Good story. I read the first two back to back and now must wait. Very interesting story reading about the survivors. But what in the world is the government doing? I guess we wait.
Very good series. Much recommend.
March 27, 2017
On abandonne le côté The Martien dans l'Espace pour se recentrer sur les problèmes terrestres Très rapidement, il semble que la société se délite Quel rôle pour le gouvernement et les militaires ? pas très net, semble-t-il !
Mon plus grand reproche c'est que c'est trop détaillé ce qui ralentie considérablement le suspense et diminue la tension pour le lecteur, et toujours plus dans la description que le ressenti
Facile à lire si on s'efforce d'oublier tous les autres récits de ce type d'apocalypse déjà lus...
Je lirai la suite sans prise de tête parce que j'aime les récits où l'être humain dévoile soit son bon côté soit le côté obscur ...
Mon plus grand reproche c'est que c'est trop détaillé ce qui ralentie considérablement le suspense et diminue la tension pour le lecteur, et toujours plus dans la description que le ressenti
Facile à lire si on s'efforce d'oublier tous les autres récits de ce type d'apocalypse déjà lus...
Je lirai la suite sans prise de tête parce que j'aime les récits où l'être humain dévoile soit son bon côté soit le côté obscur ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews