What do you think?
Rate this book
When the Blackout arrives, Dax Harper finds himself alone and fighting for survival on the chaotic streets of New Orleans. He is on the run, desperately searching for his estranged sister as the riots intensify. An unexpected encounter with his ex-girlfriend thrusts Dax into a leadership position—one he’s not sure he can accept. As the hours pass, the city floods, pitting Dax in an epic battle against time and a mysterious new enemy threatening the future of humankind.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2017
417 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
J. Thorn
168 books171 followersWant a story that’s rooted in a fundamental aspect of being human?
I believe reading dark fiction can be healing. My overriding mission is to connect with you through my art, and I hope to inspire you to do the same. I’m a word architect and driven visionary. I’m obsessed with heavy metal, horror films and technology. And I admire strong people who are not afraid to speak their mind.
I grew up in an Irish Catholic, working class family and was the first to go to college. I didn’t have expensive toys, so I used my own imagination for entertainment. And then I abused alcohol for entertainment. I spent the first thirty years of my life convincing myself I wasn’t an addict and the last ten worrying about all the potential threats the substances hid from me.
Anxiety and depression are always hiding in the corner, waiting to jump me when I start to feel happiness.
I had to break through family programming and accept the role of the black sheep. In my 30s I started writing horror and formed a heavy metal band while my family rolled their eyes, sighed and waited for the “phase” to end.
I spent years paralyzing myself with self-loathing and criticism, keeping my creativity smothered and hidden from the rest of the world. I worked a job I hated because that’s what Irish Catholic fathers do. They don’t express themselves, they pay the damn mortgage. I may have left my guilt and faith behind long ago, but the scars remain.
My creativity is my release, my therapy and my place to work through it all. I haven’t had a drink in a long time, but the anxiety and depression are always lurking. Writing novels and songs keeps it at bay. I scream over anxiety with my microphone and I turn my guitar up loud enough to drown out the whispers of self-doubt.
I hope to leave a legacy of art that will continue to entertain and enrich lives long after I’m gone. I want others to see that you don’t have to conform to the mainstream to be fulfilled.
Don’t be afraid of the dark. Embrace it.
Experience:
By the end of 2014, J. Thorn will have published over one million words and sold over 100,000 ebooks, worldwide.
J. Thorn is a Top 100 Most Popular Author in Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy (Amazon Author Rank). In March of 2014 Thorn held the #5 position in Horror with his childhood idols Dean Koontz and Stephen King at #4 and #2 respectively. He is an official, active member of the Horror Writers Association and a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. J. is a contributor to disinformation.com and a staff writer for HeavyPlanet.net as well as a founding board member of the Author Marketing Institute.
Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He has spent the last twenty years researching mysticism and the occult in colonial American history.
I believe reading dark fiction can be healing. My overriding mission is to connect with you through my art, and I hope to inspire you to do the same. I’m a word architect and driven visionary. I’m obsessed with heavy metal, horror films and technology. And I admire strong people who are not afraid to speak their mind.
I grew up in an Irish Catholic, working class family and was the first to go to college. I didn’t have expensive toys, so I used my own imagination for entertainment. And then I abused alcohol for entertainment. I spent the first thirty years of my life convincing myself I wasn’t an addict and the last ten worrying about all the potential threats the substances hid from me.
Anxiety and depression are always hiding in the corner, waiting to jump me when I start to feel happiness.
I had to break through family programming and accept the role of the black sheep. In my 30s I started writing horror and formed a heavy metal band while my family rolled their eyes, sighed and waited for the “phase” to end.
I spent years paralyzing myself with self-loathing and criticism, keeping my creativity smothered and hidden from the rest of the world. I worked a job I hated because that’s what Irish Catholic fathers do. They don’t express themselves, they pay the damn mortgage. I may have left my guilt and faith behind long ago, but the scars remain.
My creativity is my release, my therapy and my place to work through it all. I haven’t had a drink in a long time, but the anxiety and depression are always lurking. Writing novels and songs keeps it at bay. I scream over anxiety with my microphone and I turn my guitar up loud enough to drown out the whispers of self-doubt.
I hope to leave a legacy of art that will continue to entertain and enrich lives long after I’m gone. I want others to see that you don’t have to conform to the mainstream to be fulfilled.
Don’t be afraid of the dark. Embrace it.
Experience:
By the end of 2014, J. Thorn will have published over one million words and sold over 100,000 ebooks, worldwide.
J. Thorn is a Top 100 Most Popular Author in Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy (Amazon Author Rank). In March of 2014 Thorn held the #5 position in Horror with his childhood idols Dean Koontz and Stephen King at #4 and #2 respectively. He is an official, active member of the Horror Writers Association and a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. J. is a contributor to disinformation.com and a staff writer for HeavyPlanet.net as well as a founding board member of the Author Marketing Institute.
Thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. from Duquesne University. He has spent the last twenty years researching mysticism and the occult in colonial American history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 20, 2018
I have so many conflicting opinions about this book. Did it have issues? yes. was it riddled with stereotypes and vulgar slang and dialogue? yes. was the writing amazing? I dont know, I audiobooked it. Did I almost DNF it ... yes, yes I did. but then something happened. About 1/2 way through, the book took a complete 180 and had me on the edge of my seat begging for more. And you better believe I already have book two ready for a listen.
Action, adventure, heartache and despair. Dawn has it all!
Action, adventure, heartache and despair. Dawn has it all!
May 9, 2018
A gripping, post-apocalyptic thriller that gets right into the action and doesn't let up. Dax serves as an engaging anti-hero and watching him and his group navigate apocalyptic New Orleans kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wish more explanation about how The Blackout happened and the unanticipated paranormal threat were offered in this book, but I'm sure it will be in the rest of the series. Overall, a fun and quick read.
October 3, 2017
Not all heroes are good men.
Dax comes back to New Orleans to find his sister and her children after an unknown disaster sends the world into a downward spiral.
It starts off with looters, violence and the threat of a flood, then it turns creepier with the discovery of the screamers. No one is safe.
I liked it. Tense, graphic, violent with an unexpected ending. Dax is easy to like despite the uncertainty about his past.
Dax comes back to New Orleans to find his sister and her children after an unknown disaster sends the world into a downward spiral.
It starts off with looters, violence and the threat of a flood, then it turns creepier with the discovery of the screamers. No one is safe.
I liked it. Tense, graphic, violent with an unexpected ending. Dax is easy to like despite the uncertainty about his past.
July 18, 2017
Thrilling adventure
I loved this book! Great characters and tons of action. What starts off as a book about power loss in New Orleans takes a turn when the main character Dax sees humans with super strength and glowing orange eyes. The action was nonstop and I can hardly wait 10 more days to read the next book in the series. What are these creatures and why do they want Dax so badly. Great read don't miss it!
I loved this book! Great characters and tons of action. What starts off as a book about power loss in New Orleans takes a turn when the main character Dax sees humans with super strength and glowing orange eyes. The action was nonstop and I can hardly wait 10 more days to read the next book in the series. What are these creatures and why do they want Dax so badly. Great read don't miss it!
May 7, 2020
Amateur night.
I only made it through 3 chapters before closing it.
The writing is like it was written by a high schooler, without any emotion at all; the author states facts of what happens rather than investing any emotion in it.
Just terrible. One star.
I only made it through 3 chapters before closing it.
The writing is like it was written by a high schooler, without any emotion at all; the author states facts of what happens rather than investing any emotion in it.
Just terrible. One star.
January 29, 2019
This book is about and escaped prisoner who's trying to find his family after the grid goes down in New Orleans .
This was quite an intro for a new series natural disaster or not power is out and it's not coming but on the city of New Orleans is failing the government is not responding no cops no ambulance no help people are own their own . Chaos ensues looting killing no one is safe as Dax makes his way through the city after escaping prison his only thoughts are for his sister and her children he needs to make sure their okay . On the way to his sister's he comes across his old high school sweetheart Cole who talks Dad into helping with the few survivors that's in her group . But another disaster is coming the pumps that keeps New Orleans from flooding is running out of fuel and city will flood again with no help from the government what will they do and how is Dax gonna get to his sister and her children . As they struggle to come up with a plan a new and deadlier threat takes hold of the devastated city some one or something is stalking the survivors and it's not human . Can't wait to read more of Dax's story as he and the few survivors left have to find their way out of the city with a deadly threat not far behind .
This was quite an intro for a new series natural disaster or not power is out and it's not coming but on the city of New Orleans is failing the government is not responding no cops no ambulance no help people are own their own . Chaos ensues looting killing no one is safe as Dax makes his way through the city after escaping prison his only thoughts are for his sister and her children he needs to make sure their okay . On the way to his sister's he comes across his old high school sweetheart Cole who talks Dad into helping with the few survivors that's in her group . But another disaster is coming the pumps that keeps New Orleans from flooding is running out of fuel and city will flood again with no help from the government what will they do and how is Dax gonna get to his sister and her children . As they struggle to come up with a plan a new and deadlier threat takes hold of the devastated city some one or something is stalking the survivors and it's not human . Can't wait to read more of Dax's story as he and the few survivors left have to find their way out of the city with a deadly threat not far behind .
November 12, 2022
First apocalyptic book I’ve read where the main character is African-American. There were a couple things that I didn’t expect, which was nice. I don’t like being able to predict everything that is going to happen in a book. The author did a good job portraying the type of hard decisions ppl might have to make in situations like this one. I like Dax for the most part but, not gonna lie… I’m having trouble getting past why he was in prison. People can change…I get that. I believe in second chances and forgiveness, but when a majorly poor choice affects young children…that’s difficult to forgive and forget.
He is now consistently trying to do the right thing all the time, but it keeps coming back to bite him. And because he does seem to have a change of heart, it is easier to root for him and hope all turns out well for him.
The ending was ok. I would have chosen a slightly different ending, but over all I’m satisfied with it. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Book 2–Dusk.
Parental Guidance
F words
Lord’s name in vain a few times.
Violence (not too graphic, but 2 scenes are gross)
No sex scenes
A kiss
No people on animal violence that I remember (thank goodness)
He is now consistently trying to do the right thing all the time, but it keeps coming back to bite him. And because he does seem to have a change of heart, it is easier to root for him and hope all turns out well for him.
The ending was ok. I would have chosen a slightly different ending, but over all I’m satisfied with it. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Book 2–Dusk.
Parental Guidance
F words
Lord’s name in vain a few times.
Violence (not too graphic, but 2 scenes are gross)
No sex scenes
A kiss
No people on animal violence that I remember (thank goodness)
March 13, 2018
I always enjoy J. Thorn's writing, and Dawn continues that trend. Dawn is set in New Orleans after a blackout. Dawn follows Dax, who is searching for his sister, when he comes upon his ex-girlfriend, and a group that has been hiding out at a daycare center. They are in a race against time, danger, gangs, and an enemy that threatens everyone's survival. Dawn is a great start to the Final Awakening series. All the main characters are fleshed out, and you understand their motivations for their actions. You can feel the danger all around the characters building, along with the tension as the characters fight to make it through the city and survive.
November 29, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
New Orleans was vulnerable to flooding due to its bowl shape and that the majority of the city was below water level.
The solution had been to pump the water away from the city, with backup generators swinging in when the electricity went down. However, this plan involved the supply of fuel to those generators.
When this tale begins, the whole electricity grid appears to have failed. With it, went communication and infrastructure such as.road signals, ATM'S, mobile phone lines.
Law and order became non-existent, so survival was a kill or be killed attitude.
New Orleans was vulnerable to flooding due to its bowl shape and that the majority of the city was below water level.
The solution had been to pump the water away from the city, with backup generators swinging in when the electricity went down. However, this plan involved the supply of fuel to those generators.
When this tale begins, the whole electricity grid appears to have failed. With it, went communication and infrastructure such as.road signals, ATM'S, mobile phone lines.
Law and order became non-existent, so survival was a kill or be killed attitude.
April 19, 2018
I liked the premise of the book, it reminds me a lot of the beginning of The Strain mixed with The Purge in some ways. That lawless feel of no system in place and people left to their own devices. The organization of the antagonist gangs and their need to produce drugs made me wonder how long the black out has been, that reference point only gets mentioned once and I think it tripped me up later in the book. Overall, great writing and dialog from the authors and a start to a promising series.
September 4, 2018
Dawn: Final Awakening. J. Thorn
All power is gone from New Orleans. An EMP? No one knows. FEMA will not be coming to help. No police . No help is on the way. Lawlessness exists . Survival is based on strength in numbers or weaponry. Dax is a survivor, an escapee from prison. This is a chilling tale of survival! Enjoyed immensely.
All power is gone from New Orleans. An EMP? No one knows. FEMA will not be coming to help. No police . No help is on the way. Lawlessness exists . Survival is based on strength in numbers or weaponry. Dax is a survivor, an escapee from prison. This is a chilling tale of survival! Enjoyed immensely.
October 7, 2019
I have the omnibus edition but just wanted to say that this is a fast-paced read (if a little slow at the beginning), with good characters and sense of place - some atmospheric scenes.
An awful situation with some political awareness yet its depth goes beyond the usual apocalyptic story...hmm, intriguing twists.
A recommended read.
An awful situation with some political awareness yet its depth goes beyond the usual apocalyptic story...hmm, intriguing twists.
A recommended read.
May 12, 2017
Decent
The story line is decent but the author falls into the trap that some do by starting the paragraph with the characters first name way too much. It's not done every time but enough to be annoying. A few typos here and there. All in all the book is good but not great.
The story line is decent but the author falls into the trap that some do by starting the paragraph with the characters first name way too much. It's not done every time but enough to be annoying. A few typos here and there. All in all the book is good but not great.
May 13, 2017
Worth the read
Okay, so I was a little bored in the first few chapters, but it gets so much better! I'm so disappointed that the story end where it did, but I can't wait to continue in book 2!
Okay, so I was a little bored in the first few chapters, but it gets so much better! I'm so disappointed that the story end where it did, but I can't wait to continue in book 2!
August 8, 2017
Great book
I loved this story, however I felt the beginning somewhat slow. I would have liked to have had a better understanding of what actually happened to cause the blackout. I will continue to read this series. I'm hooked.
I loved this story, however I felt the beginning somewhat slow. I would have liked to have had a better understanding of what actually happened to cause the blackout. I will continue to read this series. I'm hooked.
March 2, 2019
Interesting
A unique look at the apocalypse. I'm interested in finding out what comes next. Dax is a great leading man, far perfect, with too many flaws to count, he is who is needed.
A unique look at the apocalypse. I'm interested in finding out what comes next. Dax is a great leading man, far perfect, with too many flaws to count, he is who is needed.
October 24, 2019
Interesting twist on a classic monster
The New Orleans setting is almost a character in itself. I looking forward to.reading book 2 in the series to see how Dax overcomes the twist at the end of this book. This a a good vampire apocalypse story.
The New Orleans setting is almost a character in itself. I looking forward to.reading book 2 in the series to see how Dax overcomes the twist at the end of this book. This a a good vampire apocalypse story.
June 11, 2017
Wow. Started out a bit slow, but then picked up full speed. Just couldn't put it down. Loved every bit. Anxiously awaiting the second book
June 15, 2017
Another Thorn winner
Really enjoyed this 1st book. Thorn & Bohannon make a great writing team. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Really enjoyed this 1st book. Thorn & Bohannon make a great writing team. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
July 31, 2017
Intriguing
Love fiction like this. Something is always around the next corner. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Love fiction like this. Something is always around the next corner. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 22, 2017
This was so good!
April 10, 2018
Another excellent post-apocalyptic read that was simply devoured. Zero complaints.
January 15, 2019
Great read
Enjoyed reading this book and liked the way the characters acted through the story. This book is a good storyline
Enjoyed reading this book and liked the way the characters acted through the story. This book is a good storyline
July 21, 2019
My thoughts on the series as a whole can be seen on my blog: From the TBR Pile
February 8, 2021
Hmmm!
Well written and full of sights and smells, this book is the start of something that could be a wonderful series.
Well written and full of sights and smells, this book is the start of something that could be a wonderful series.
May 19, 2021
Dnf- 2 hours in.
Just not interested
Just not interested
March 4, 2025
Not great, but serviceable to listen to while working as a free one on audible
September 10, 2017
Not as good as i expected..
I felt the storyline was okay but not interesting enough to go to the second book usually it takes me two maybe three days to read a book this one I had to put down start reading another book... Then I'd go back it didn't hold my interest for very long I won't be getting book two.
I felt the storyline was okay but not interesting enough to go to the second book usually it takes me two maybe three days to read a book this one I had to put down start reading another book... Then I'd go back it didn't hold my interest for very long I won't be getting book two.
May 1, 2017
This is a good read, I recommend it to those who are into a bit darker dystopian reading. I got the feeling that besides the 'screemers' this could very well be the way things go down in a SHTF scenario!
May 1, 2017
I have been waiting for these two authors two work together on a novel and the first book in this dark new post-apocalypse series does not disappoint. The old world isn't as forgotten as it is in some of the authors' previous works such as Dustfall, everyone still remembers normal day to day life and explicitly feels the terror of a world bathed in darkness. As if it isn't bad enough that the entire grid has been deconstructed for mysterious reasons, our cast of characters find themselves trapped in New Orleans. To put it mildly, for obvious reasons New Orleans is a place that depends entirely and the recently destroyed grid. The authors' make it clear which real world tragedy inspired the events in this book, and I have to say that surprised me the most. I know Zach and J can scare the hell out of me, but it was great seeing another side of them where they handled real world tragedy deftly and with empathy. The way this tragedy has already shaped our cast before the grid even collapses is felt when not explicitly explained.
So I'm thinking, cool, this is what our story is about, we got our characters, we've got our tragedy, we've got a goal, I was ready to follow that path. Then our main character finds himself at an odd religious service. That's where I stop spoiling, and that's where the story really opens up.
Most of the cast is interesting, particularly the very able Chloe and the wonderfully dastardly Chuck, who horror fans are instantly going to fall in love with. That being said, the main character, Dax, finds himself outshined most of the time, and there's plenty of room for him to grow into a protagonist that we truly want to follow to the ends of the earth.
This is just the beginning and all the hints of what to come have left me nothing but excited. We're lucky these two are writing together.
So I'm thinking, cool, this is what our story is about, we got our characters, we've got our tragedy, we've got a goal, I was ready to follow that path. Then our main character finds himself at an odd religious service. That's where I stop spoiling, and that's where the story really opens up.
Most of the cast is interesting, particularly the very able Chloe and the wonderfully dastardly Chuck, who horror fans are instantly going to fall in love with. That being said, the main character, Dax, finds himself outshined most of the time, and there's plenty of room for him to grow into a protagonist that we truly want to follow to the ends of the earth.
This is just the beginning and all the hints of what to come have left me nothing but excited. We're lucky these two are writing together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews