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Once Upon an Apocalypse #2
Once Upon an Apocalypse: Book 2 - The Search
John and Jill have finally made it home only to find their children are not in Repose. Where are they and why aren’t they here? Questions are answered and new ones abound as we go back to The Day. Follow along as the Repose Alliance Group comes together to brace themselves and their community for the trials ahead. Some will thrive, some will die as desperate people begin to do desperate things. Carefree days are gone as a boy must become a man and a girl must become a woman. Are they ready? Trying times are ahead . . . Reviews “Wow!!! My heart is racing. What a great story. I want more!” L. Lanier “Following a devastating EMP event, young Will Carter, better prepared than most, is determined to find his special friend Lizzy and relocate her to the safety of his community. But can she survive long enough to be found? Obstacles and dangers abound for both, and a new villain emerges in this second book of Jeff Motes' Once Upon An Apocalypse series.
------Cathy Marler, The Radio Librarian
------Cathy Marler, The Radio Librarian
278 pages, Hardcover
Published December 20, 2016
246 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 1, 2017
What happens when a disaster occurs that renders the nation incapable of action and exposes the vulnerability of individuals to starvation, violence and the depredation of their fellow human beings?
In the series Once Upon an Apocalypse by Jeff Motes, multiple families in southern Alabama find themselves coping with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event without warning. A sufficiently strong EMP will destroy solid state circuit boards instantly turning the modern electronics upon which we depend to worthless junk; and the event depicted in the story does exactly that.
The series focuses on the interaction of members of several families; particularly the families of Jill Barnes and John Carter as they find themselves suddenly devoid of modern conveniences and transportation, sources of food or fuel, medicine or basics like tooth paste and toilet paper. Circumstances force them to depend upon what they have in hand for their survival.
In book 2, The Search, the focus is on Lizzie Barnes and Will Carter. Jill Barnes and John Carter have survived the weeks long ordeal of a two-hundred fifty mile journey following the EMP event. Arriving home, they find Lizzie and Will are missing. The Search is the story of Lizzie’s sojourn to Amy Wright’s house and Will’s efforts to find her and bring her home to Repose to be with his family. Along the way, Lizzie encounters threats of sexual assault and jealously as well as a helping hand or two. She learns to take help where she can find it, and to help others where she can.
Will encounters threats of theft, as well as the need to help ensure other’s survival before he can locate Lizzie. He is called upon to do things no mid-teen should ever have to do.
When Amy Wright’s father, Jimmy, leaves for his job at the mill and returns seriously injured, he is a changed man in every way. He becomes calculating and ruthless. After a neighbor leaves the area, and the neighbor’s remaining food stores are stolen by a violent gang of thieves, he becomes obsessed with his own family’s survival.
The Search, written in the first person, is a scenario demonstrating survival skills exhibited by well-prepared characters as well as an entertaining, nail-biting, story painting a bleak, but realistic portrait of what people can expect in times of serious disaster. Although Will and Lizzy are teenagers, they are mentally prepared to do what is necessary to survive. What Lizzy lacks in skills, she makes up in determination; and Will fills in the blanks with both determination and survival skills. They are well developed characters, sound of inner character and belief, for whom the reader cannot help but cheer. Sadly, The Search has many characters who are victims whether they are aware of it or not; Jimmy Wright is one of them.
The Search will leave most readers disturbed and perhaps a bit shaken; perhaps not as much as The Journey Home, but none will walk away untouched.
In the series Once Upon an Apocalypse by Jeff Motes, multiple families in southern Alabama find themselves coping with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event without warning. A sufficiently strong EMP will destroy solid state circuit boards instantly turning the modern electronics upon which we depend to worthless junk; and the event depicted in the story does exactly that.
The series focuses on the interaction of members of several families; particularly the families of Jill Barnes and John Carter as they find themselves suddenly devoid of modern conveniences and transportation, sources of food or fuel, medicine or basics like tooth paste and toilet paper. Circumstances force them to depend upon what they have in hand for their survival.
In book 2, The Search, the focus is on Lizzie Barnes and Will Carter. Jill Barnes and John Carter have survived the weeks long ordeal of a two-hundred fifty mile journey following the EMP event. Arriving home, they find Lizzie and Will are missing. The Search is the story of Lizzie’s sojourn to Amy Wright’s house and Will’s efforts to find her and bring her home to Repose to be with his family. Along the way, Lizzie encounters threats of sexual assault and jealously as well as a helping hand or two. She learns to take help where she can find it, and to help others where she can.
Will encounters threats of theft, as well as the need to help ensure other’s survival before he can locate Lizzie. He is called upon to do things no mid-teen should ever have to do.
When Amy Wright’s father, Jimmy, leaves for his job at the mill and returns seriously injured, he is a changed man in every way. He becomes calculating and ruthless. After a neighbor leaves the area, and the neighbor’s remaining food stores are stolen by a violent gang of thieves, he becomes obsessed with his own family’s survival.
The Search, written in the first person, is a scenario demonstrating survival skills exhibited by well-prepared characters as well as an entertaining, nail-biting, story painting a bleak, but realistic portrait of what people can expect in times of serious disaster. Although Will and Lizzy are teenagers, they are mentally prepared to do what is necessary to survive. What Lizzy lacks in skills, she makes up in determination; and Will fills in the blanks with both determination and survival skills. They are well developed characters, sound of inner character and belief, for whom the reader cannot help but cheer. Sadly, The Search has many characters who are victims whether they are aware of it or not; Jimmy Wright is one of them.
The Search will leave most readers disturbed and perhaps a bit shaken; perhaps not as much as The Journey Home, but none will walk away untouched.
August 3, 2021
Great storyline
If it weren't wrapped in an edition of DIY Militia For Dummies. What could have been a sweet yet suspenseful young love story is burdened w/ an inventory of weapons & ammo. All I need to know is that the character is armed, as warranted by the story. Period. I DON'T need, nor want, to know the make, model, range, barrel length, type of ammo, magazine load, how it loads, nor all the accoutrements that go w/ it! Of course, one weapon is not enough, so we go through this multiple times, ad nauseam! The Prepper stuff is fine, but this felt more like reading a catalogue from Easy Buy Guns & Ammo, You Want It, We Got It, Or We'll Get It! On top of all this, I get loads of technical how-to info on off the grid necessities. Probably more than I'd get if I bought the products! The story was good, but it is simply too much work to tunnel through all these unnecessary trimmings. I think the author would have better success, just sticking to the stories b/c they ARE enjoyable! I read this second book hoping the author had got all this out of his system w/ Book 1, & would focus on the story, but I was wrong. I will not read any further in this series, & this makes me sad b/c I really want to know what happens w/ Will & Lizzie, John & Jill, & Grandpa & Mrs. Barnes! And Sid! Does he get on the right track? Does Cole get his comeuppance? I'll never know, b/c I'm not wading through all the gun talk & other technical instruction that overpowers the actual story.
If it weren't wrapped in an edition of DIY Militia For Dummies. What could have been a sweet yet suspenseful young love story is burdened w/ an inventory of weapons & ammo. All I need to know is that the character is armed, as warranted by the story. Period. I DON'T need, nor want, to know the make, model, range, barrel length, type of ammo, magazine load, how it loads, nor all the accoutrements that go w/ it! Of course, one weapon is not enough, so we go through this multiple times, ad nauseam! The Prepper stuff is fine, but this felt more like reading a catalogue from Easy Buy Guns & Ammo, You Want It, We Got It, Or We'll Get It! On top of all this, I get loads of technical how-to info on off the grid necessities. Probably more than I'd get if I bought the products! The story was good, but it is simply too much work to tunnel through all these unnecessary trimmings. I think the author would have better success, just sticking to the stories b/c they ARE enjoyable! I read this second book hoping the author had got all this out of his system w/ Book 1, & would focus on the story, but I was wrong. I will not read any further in this series, & this makes me sad b/c I really want to know what happens w/ Will & Lizzie, John & Jill, & Grandpa & Mrs. Barnes! And Sid! Does he get on the right track? Does Cole get his comeuppance? I'll never know, b/c I'm not wading through all the gun talk & other technical instruction that overpowers the actual story.
June 9, 2024
Less annoying than the first one, somehow lizzy in this book seems far more mature than her giggly mom did in the last book. Excessive description of gear continues.
The story was interesting and enjoyable. Characters were pretty shallow - either all evil or all decency and morals - or decency, morals, and amazing skills and preps.
And a woman had her baby. On her back. Despite our mc claiming to have learned about natural childbirth. On her back and of course clamping and cutting the cord immediately. Seems like Jeff Motes could research gear all day long but couldn't be bothered to learn how to have a baby.
The story was interesting and enjoyable. Characters were pretty shallow - either all evil or all decency and morals - or decency, morals, and amazing skills and preps.
And a woman had her baby. On her back. Despite our mc claiming to have learned about natural childbirth. On her back and of course clamping and cutting the cord immediately. Seems like Jeff Motes could research gear all day long but couldn't be bothered to learn how to have a baby.
November 4, 2024
Better than the 1st
I don't really think better than the 1st but Jeff's writing in a younger point of view is pretty believable. Also in the 1st book he used the character, Jack, to show lack of good choices. In this one with Jimmy, he did amazingly better. Throughout the entire book, I am thinking how much I do not like Jimmy. He is the guy in the scary movie heading right into death. He is the difference between following God and not following God. Jeff also does point out listening to that voice is the guidance we should all do. I pray every day that I am smart enough to hear His voice, let alone follow it.
Thank you Jeff.
I don't really think better than the 1st but Jeff's writing in a younger point of view is pretty believable. Also in the 1st book he used the character, Jack, to show lack of good choices. In this one with Jimmy, he did amazingly better. Throughout the entire book, I am thinking how much I do not like Jimmy. He is the guy in the scary movie heading right into death. He is the difference between following God and not following God. Jeff also does point out listening to that voice is the guidance we should all do. I pray every day that I am smart enough to hear His voice, let alone follow it.
Thank you Jeff.
July 26, 2017
Decent EMP book
I think this book could really be a great book but the narrators with their fake accents and the sometimes feeling like I'm being lectured or in a class. I'm from the deep south and so very familiar with the southern accent, I have a very deep one. Other than that the book was a good book. The story line and plot were great. I caught myself wanting to smack a few of the characters and rooting lizzy on when she beat the snot outta that creep. I am hoping there will be another book soon. I gave the book 4 stars because of the fake accents but loved the story.
I think this book could really be a great book but the narrators with their fake accents and the sometimes feeling like I'm being lectured or in a class. I'm from the deep south and so very familiar with the southern accent, I have a very deep one. Other than that the book was a good book. The story line and plot were great. I caught myself wanting to smack a few of the characters and rooting lizzy on when she beat the snot outta that creep. I am hoping there will be another book soon. I gave the book 4 stars because of the fake accents but loved the story.
January 23, 2017
Great Clean Read
Book was good, story is great. In the beginning however there were far too many he said I said they said statements. Pic a conversation between two there is no need to constantly use the said phrases. I do appreciate that the prime characters are Christians. Most don't realize many peppers are believers.
Can't wait for book three!
Book was good, story is great. In the beginning however there were far too many he said I said they said statements. Pic a conversation between two there is no need to constantly use the said phrases. I do appreciate that the prime characters are Christians. Most don't realize many peppers are believers.
Can't wait for book three!
May 9, 2017
Provocative and insightful!
I think this series deserves 10 stars for teaching us how to be prepared even though it is considered a Sci-fi/fantasy.
It is a serious wake up call we should be putting into place "right now" there is no time like the present, who knows what tomorrow will bring!
I think this series deserves 10 stars for teaching us how to be prepared even though it is considered a Sci-fi/fantasy.
It is a serious wake up call we should be putting into place "right now" there is no time like the present, who knows what tomorrow will bring!
August 8, 2017
Anticipation
Once more I am in awe.
Anticipation, like the song says....
Lizzy please outsmart Jeff, or whomever could do you harm! Don't let your guard down.
You've come a long way baby!
Will, so impressed by your actions, training, listening to your "gut". A fine upstanding young man.
Your parents must be so proud of you.
Once more I am in awe.
Anticipation, like the song says....
Lizzy please outsmart Jeff, or whomever could do you harm! Don't let your guard down.
You've come a long way baby!
Will, so impressed by your actions, training, listening to your "gut". A fine upstanding young man.
Your parents must be so proud of you.
February 3, 2018
READ THE BOOKS
I started this book yesterday and since I couldn’t stop reading I have already finished it. Book One was excellent and Book Two just continues keeping you on the edge wondering, hoping and praying the people you are rooting for make it back home alive and safely. It also makes you think long and hard about your own preparedness level.
I started this book yesterday and since I couldn’t stop reading I have already finished it. Book One was excellent and Book Two just continues keeping you on the edge wondering, hoping and praying the people you are rooting for make it back home alive and safely. It also makes you think long and hard about your own preparedness level.
April 10, 2018
Leaves you wanting more
Unlike the first book, this one had a couple of jagged edges near the end. A wrong word here and there, bits that were (obviously) rewritten. Nothing I would call a deal breaker, just bits that interrupt the story and make it a bit less immersive. I'm itching to start the next book as soon as I finish this review, so.. buh-bye! :)
Unlike the first book, this one had a couple of jagged edges near the end. A wrong word here and there, bits that were (obviously) rewritten. Nothing I would call a deal breaker, just bits that interrupt the story and make it a bit less immersive. I'm itching to start the next book as soon as I finish this review, so.. buh-bye! :)
April 19, 2018
Book #2
Interesting spin on the story. Same theme just seen through the eyes of the son. Definitely a like father like son situation. Raise a kid right...
Enjoyed the Christian aspect of the book. The author made thankful prayer so much a part of their lives, it was enlightening. Looking forward to reading Book #3.
Interesting spin on the story. Same theme just seen through the eyes of the son. Definitely a like father like son situation. Raise a kid right...
Enjoyed the Christian aspect of the book. The author made thankful prayer so much a part of their lives, it was enlightening. Looking forward to reading Book #3.
May 26, 2018
Jeff Motes continues his excellence in The Search (Once Upon an Apocalypse #2). Book one had me hooked with the outstanding characters and well-developed universe. Book two continues the legacy of great writing I found in book one. These books are hard to put down for normal daily activities. I highly recommend Jeff Motes books.
September 23, 2019
Intriguing story, well told
Not quite as good as the first book, but still very exciting. There seem to be many more typos and missing and added words where they don’t belong. Sad to say, they interrupt the flow of the story. I love the prayers and the individuals private thoughts about themselves and their relationship with God.
Not quite as good as the first book, but still very exciting. There seem to be many more typos and missing and added words where they don’t belong. Sad to say, they interrupt the flow of the story. I love the prayers and the individuals private thoughts about themselves and their relationship with God.
October 30, 2019
Really great reading
If you don’t mind the continual praying and other Christian references you’ll enjoy this series. The storyline is intriguing and plausible, the characters are interesting and relatable. It’s teotwawki so there’s violence but it’s not extreme or explicit. A great series for YA and adult apocalyptic fiction readers.
If you don’t mind the continual praying and other Christian references you’ll enjoy this series. The storyline is intriguing and plausible, the characters are interesting and relatable. It’s teotwawki so there’s violence but it’s not extreme or explicit. A great series for YA and adult apocalyptic fiction readers.
March 1, 2021
Disturbing and not my idea of Christian. Seemed like 1/2 might be imitation Christian and the other 1/2 very graphic and bad. Will skim the last one to see what happens to the children. Read 'One Second After' instead(as it does not claim to be Christian and does not have the unnecessary graphic material)
May 31, 2017
Waiting on number 3
Looking forward to number 3. Because I am from Alabama this book was more enjoyable to me and I appreciate the author's use of actual places to give authenticity. Keep up the good work.
Looking forward to number 3. Because I am from Alabama this book was more enjoyable to me and I appreciate the author's use of actual places to give authenticity. Keep up the good work.
August 8, 2017
I am still waiting for the sequel from the first book. Book two just adds to the uncertainty of what is going on. The story are very good. The way they keep their faith is inspiring but now, I have to wait on two different stories to continue. Bummer!
October 15, 2017
Wow. Just as good as the first one.
Can’t wait to read Book Three. Both One and Two keep you on the edge and leave you wanting to read more. The writer has obviously done his research. Highly recommended reading.
Can’t wait to read Book Three. Both One and Two keep you on the edge and leave you wanting to read more. The writer has obviously done his research. Highly recommended reading.
January 9, 2018
Interesting story
This one will keep you wondering. I just wish it wouldn't tell the story from the past perspective. I want to know what happened after Jill and John made it home.
This one will keep you wondering. I just wish it wouldn't tell the story from the past perspective. I want to know what happened after Jill and John made it home.
May 22, 2018
Basically the same stuff but with the young people. Books really gets going good when Jimmy starts his act trying to get his daughter to...…………………………..I really wasn't going to buy the third book but had to see if Jimmy gets his just desserts.
June 5, 2018
Brilliant
I loved this second book! Well written with great characters! This second book follows the families of Jill and John.The setting is Jackson and Repose Alabama. We follow along what happens to the families after the Emp. I am excited to read more.
I loved this second book! Well written with great characters! This second book follows the families of Jill and John.The setting is Jackson and Repose Alabama. We follow along what happens to the families after the Emp. I am excited to read more.
May 8, 2019
And survival continues
This is a wonderful story, where the worst of people meets God's people. Surviving an EMP as a survivalist and christian. Great series once you start reading you will not want to put it down.
This is a wonderful story, where the worst of people meets God's people. Surviving an EMP as a survivalist and christian. Great series once you start reading you will not want to put it down.
June 17, 2020
Jeff Motes
I love the story line and while it is clear who the good and bad guy's are not predictable. Really enjoyed this series and now moving on to book 3. God bless you Mr. Moats.
I love the story line and while it is clear who the good and bad guy's are not predictable. Really enjoyed this series and now moving on to book 3. God bless you Mr. Moats.
September 9, 2017
Good story but
I don't like the way it ended. I realize the need to transition to the third book but this seemed awkward.
Looking forward to book three.
I don't like the way it ended. I realize the need to transition to the third book but this seemed awkward.
Looking forward to book three.
July 7, 2018
Awesome! The story pulled me in and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
October 16, 2018
Wow
What a great book. It's so strange how quickly people can turn on each other. Surviving can be hard enough without worrying about who you can trust.
What a great book. It's so strange how quickly people can turn on each other. Surviving can be hard enough without worrying about who you can trust.
October 28, 2018
The Search review
The Search is the second fast-paced post apocalyptic book in the Once Upon an Apocalypse series written by author Jeff Motes.
The Search is the second fast-paced post apocalyptic book in the Once Upon an Apocalypse series written by author Jeff Motes.
January 31, 2019
3 1/2 stars, thoughts later... maybe lol.
February 19, 2019
Good read
Another good book in the Apocalypse series. It is frightening to see how evil grips so many people in times of disaster.
Another good book in the Apocalypse series. It is frightening to see how evil grips so many people in times of disaster.
April 5, 2019
I could not put the books in this series down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews