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UK Dark #1
UKD1
“What would happen if……?”
Many people ask themselves the question, but how many actually do something about it?
Tom lives in Birmingham, England with his family. After asking himself the question and researching what could happen, he decided it wouldn’t do any harm to be a little bit prepared. Just in case.
He discovers the world is going to be hit by a massive Coronal Mass Ejection from the sun, which will turn the whole planet dark.
He only has a few days to get ready.
Will they survive?
People want what they have, but is he prepared to kill to protect it?
Many people ask themselves the question, but how many actually do something about it?
Tom lives in Birmingham, England with his family. After asking himself the question and researching what could happen, he decided it wouldn’t do any harm to be a little bit prepared. Just in case.
He discovers the world is going to be hit by a massive Coronal Mass Ejection from the sun, which will turn the whole planet dark.
He only has a few days to get ready.
Will they survive?
People want what they have, but is he prepared to kill to protect it?
- GenresPost ApocalypticFiction
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2015
51 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 22, 2018
I was keen to read this book but sadly could not finish it. I read hundreds of books a year and the writing style in this just didn’t flow.
I found the start really dragged with a lot of information that is not really that relevant. This is where that writers rule of “show don’t tell” the reader should have been applied.
I just got bored and despite what sounded like a good plot it didn’t hold me. Good editing might improve this book.
I found the start really dragged with a lot of information that is not really that relevant. This is where that writers rule of “show don’t tell” the reader should have been applied.
I just got bored and despite what sounded like a good plot it didn’t hold me. Good editing might improve this book.
July 23, 2017
I highly recommend this book! CME takes down the power grid, and everything grounds to a halt.
May 13, 2017
Tom is a fan of zombie and apocalypse books which leads him to wonder what he would do to protect his family if disaster came. He and wife Becky decide to start prepping, so when Tom sees some disturbing things on the news, he knows he has less than a week before a huge solar flare changes their lives forever. The question is, who do you share the information with and will they believe you?
I liked Tom because he is a normal guy, living in the UK, who loves to read my favourite kinds of books and I could relate to him completely. When you read these prepper, EMP, solar flare and zombie books, you can't help putting yourself in those situations and wondering what you would do different. That is part of the fun and excitement of reading those genres. Tom starts to seriously think how he would protect his family if a disaster hit, especially when the UK does not allow homeowners to have guns.
One thing I love about prepper disaster books is following the person in their disaster preperations as they plan their food stockpile, home defence, weapons, strategy, power etc. They discuss the merits of staying at home or going to their caravan in Wales. They make lists and start to buy in the supplies they think they need. However, things soon turn manic when Tom finds out about a solar flare that will hit in under a week, and he and Becky rush to get as much as they can in the time they have left. Tom sees a man doing the same kind of mad shopping and realises that he and Jerry are both preppers. Jerry has information that they only have three days and with a day to go, Tom tries to tell his friends and family what is about to happen. It leaves you with the question of when to confide in your loved ones, whether they will believe you, and which of your neighbours to help. If you tell too many, everyone who didn't believe you will come begging for help later. If you tell nobody, are you condemning them to their fate?
When the disaster starts to unfold, Tom quickly tells his neighbours to stockpile what they can from nearby shops before things get too dangerous to go out, and the street becomes a community determined to work together for defence and supplies, aided by Jerry and Allan, a local policeman. The neighbours get organised based on their skills, share food, collect supplies and plan how to defend their street from unfriendly thieves. However, not everyone in the street prove to be team players, leading to a few surprising developments.
There is also the issue of the armed and dangerous raiders who are killing and raping their way through the neighbourhood, and pose a threat to our team's survival. It leads to the moral question of whether to just defend themselves or go on the offensive to stop the danger. There is also the question of whether to help those who come to ask for food at their barricades or whether to assist those on the street who aren't pulling their weight or who want to leave. It was interesting to see how the people all reacted to each new challenge.
So why only three stars? I'm not really sure. I liked it as a decent apocalypse read and it was great to see a book set in the UK. There aren't enough good books in the genre with UK characters and scenarios. It makes a nice change to see people who can't just buy a shed load of guns to solve all their defence issues. Gun use in this book is certainly limited and I liked seeing changes to the usual plot. For me, there was just something missing to take it from a decent read to something great but I'm not sure what! Nothing wrong with the book or writing so I probably would try more books by the author.
I liked Tom because he is a normal guy, living in the UK, who loves to read my favourite kinds of books and I could relate to him completely. When you read these prepper, EMP, solar flare and zombie books, you can't help putting yourself in those situations and wondering what you would do different. That is part of the fun and excitement of reading those genres. Tom starts to seriously think how he would protect his family if a disaster hit, especially when the UK does not allow homeowners to have guns.
One thing I love about prepper disaster books is following the person in their disaster preperations as they plan their food stockpile, home defence, weapons, strategy, power etc. They discuss the merits of staying at home or going to their caravan in Wales. They make lists and start to buy in the supplies they think they need. However, things soon turn manic when Tom finds out about a solar flare that will hit in under a week, and he and Becky rush to get as much as they can in the time they have left. Tom sees a man doing the same kind of mad shopping and realises that he and Jerry are both preppers. Jerry has information that they only have three days and with a day to go, Tom tries to tell his friends and family what is about to happen. It leaves you with the question of when to confide in your loved ones, whether they will believe you, and which of your neighbours to help. If you tell too many, everyone who didn't believe you will come begging for help later. If you tell nobody, are you condemning them to their fate?
When the disaster starts to unfold, Tom quickly tells his neighbours to stockpile what they can from nearby shops before things get too dangerous to go out, and the street becomes a community determined to work together for defence and supplies, aided by Jerry and Allan, a local policeman. The neighbours get organised based on their skills, share food, collect supplies and plan how to defend their street from unfriendly thieves. However, not everyone in the street prove to be team players, leading to a few surprising developments.
There is also the issue of the armed and dangerous raiders who are killing and raping their way through the neighbourhood, and pose a threat to our team's survival. It leads to the moral question of whether to just defend themselves or go on the offensive to stop the danger. There is also the question of whether to help those who come to ask for food at their barricades or whether to assist those on the street who aren't pulling their weight or who want to leave. It was interesting to see how the people all reacted to each new challenge.
So why only three stars? I'm not really sure. I liked it as a decent apocalypse read and it was great to see a book set in the UK. There aren't enough good books in the genre with UK characters and scenarios. It makes a nice change to see people who can't just buy a shed load of guns to solve all their defence issues. Gun use in this book is certainly limited and I liked seeing changes to the usual plot. For me, there was just something missing to take it from a decent read to something great but I'm not sure what! Nothing wrong with the book or writing so I probably would try more books by the author.
August 14, 2017
This book is entertaining enough, the writing isn't great but it's basically like indulging in a survivalist fantasy. However I couldn't shook off the feeling it was extremely sexist. Women have no role in this book other than caretakers or victims. Overall that's pretty poor and boring and meant I couldn't enjoy the book.
September 1, 2019
There is a lot to commend in this book. It takes place in the UK, which is fun to see things from "that" area. There is a lot of info and ideas about preparing for potential disaster and also what to do if the disaster occurs, as it did here. I also really likes that these ordinary people and neighbors banded together to work as a unit to survive. I was put off by the writing style which was often choppy and the dialogue, in particular, did not flow well. There were some odd spacing in the sentences which I tended to assume was a Kindle format issue. I will most likely read the next book to see what happens and hope that the writing might improve with experience.
May 16, 2021
This book is laughably bad: one-dimensional characters, inane dialogue, embarrassing internal monologue, plotting which a two-year-old could conjure and the most convenient set of circumstances ever committed to post-apocalyptic fiction (Need a doctor? Bumped into one at the shops. Need guns? Said doctor’s brother dropped some off the day before “the event”. Need an engineer? “Oh neighbour! Why did you never mention what you did before?” Etc).
And yet it is strangely compelling. There is something so very satisfying – particularly during these days of the pandemic – to read about people making things work after societal breakdown. I’ve already downloaded book two…
And yet it is strangely compelling. There is something so very satisfying – particularly during these days of the pandemic – to read about people making things work after societal breakdown. I’ve already downloaded book two…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
This was a really tough one for me to pick a rating for. On the one hand, I love the idea behind the plot, especially the fact it takes place in the UK, which doesn't seem to happen much in these kinds of books. On the other hand, the plot dragged, especially in the early chapters. If it had some editing to improve the pacing, and fix some of the issues where the author tells us things rather than showing them, this could be a fantastic read. As it is, it's only a kind of good read. Such a shame, because it has so much potential.
June 27, 2017
Keeps you reading
This is an unusual type of read one I was not too sure would keep my attention, I mean a prepper story were the guy is not even a real prepper he's just worried about the what ifs. Anyway it has a great story line and actually keeps you interested in the what if and whys. Each character is unique just as any group of actual survivors would be! Great read with plenty of thought provoking moments
This is an unusual type of read one I was not too sure would keep my attention, I mean a prepper story were the guy is not even a real prepper he's just worried about the what ifs. Anyway it has a great story line and actually keeps you interested in the what if and whys. Each character is unique just as any group of actual survivors would be! Great read with plenty of thought provoking moments
October 24, 2018
I struggled to get through this book. As mentioned by other reviewers, the writing did not flow. There was a lot of "and then we discussed this" in the narrative. Events which could have been explained and detailed better seemed to be rushed over and the timeline I thought was a little to quick for the fall of society. It's a shame as I enjoyed the 2 Zombie castle books which are much better written. I'm quite surprised this series has such a high rating as I felt quite disappointed by the end.
November 3, 2019
Great idea to have all the electronics taken out but, rather too many plot devices, in that everyone you would need "Just happens" to turn up on a small Birmingham back street.
Could also have done with a few more view points of the other people, and being a little more detached from the lead character, who got rather annoyingly repetitive after a while.
Some issues with the time line, but over all manages to keep pretty factual, if tricky to believe, yet still a good read.
Could also have done with a few more view points of the other people, and being a little more detached from the lead character, who got rather annoyingly repetitive after a while.
Some issues with the time line, but over all manages to keep pretty factual, if tricky to believe, yet still a good read.
June 25, 2017
Well done
I really enjoyed this book. It centers on an average neighborhood showing their efforts to make their way through a now powerless world. The sun has knocked out all modern electrical systems, computers, communications systems,etc. Now these folks have to band together to survive in their new world.
I really enjoyed this book. It centers on an average neighborhood showing their efforts to make their way through a now powerless world. The sun has knocked out all modern electrical systems, computers, communications systems,etc. Now these folks have to band together to survive in their new world.
August 20, 2017
Scary but uplifting
Talk about the end of days! This story is so vitally portrayed that it's scary. What would we do if the whole economy collapsed including finding food to eat. The group in the story come across as real and amazingly about to work together for the good of the community. Highly recommend.
Talk about the end of days! This story is so vitally portrayed that it's scary. What would we do if the whole economy collapsed including finding food to eat. The group in the story come across as real and amazingly about to work together for the good of the community. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2018
Enjoyed this book immensely.
I really enjoyed reading a different take on a kind of post apocalypse type book. In fact I read this very quickly and am set to start the next after this review.
It is refreshing to have a realistic story where the characters behave like I would expect and not go full Hollywood! FanFabtaduc)
I really enjoyed reading a different take on a kind of post apocalypse type book. In fact I read this very quickly and am set to start the next after this review.
It is refreshing to have a realistic story where the characters behave like I would expect and not go full Hollywood! FanFabtaduc)
July 19, 2017
Good start to a series
Nicely written and very informative on how to prepare for an EMP event. I'm not totally involved with the characters (yet) but it's definitely good enough that I want to continue with the series :)
Nicely written and very informative on how to prepare for an EMP event. I'm not totally involved with the characters (yet) but it's definitely good enough that I want to continue with the series :)
April 10, 2020
Just... don’t waste your time
This book is unreadable from every pint of view. No decent plot snd characters as flat as a surf board. A shopping list would be a more interesting read.
This book is unreadable from every pint of view. No decent plot snd characters as flat as a surf board. A shopping list would be a more interesting read.
June 13, 2022
A very enjoyable book. It’s a great change being on home turf and being able to imagine how they go about they’re day to day trying to survive without starving or being killed by some gang. The characters are normal people really I can relate to them. I think number two is a goer.
July 20, 2017
Great start
A really good employable read and fast paced. Keen to see how the story develops further. A good pur phase!
A really good employable read and fast paced. Keen to see how the story develops further. A good pur phase!
July 20, 2017
Good read
Enjoyed the book. Good story well told. Well worth a read. Looking forward to starting book two. Was set up nicely.
Enjoyed the book. Good story well told. Well worth a read. Looking forward to starting book two. Was set up nicely.
August 14, 2017
UDK1
Well done! Great plot with interesting twists. Storyline kept my interest to the very end. A b c d e
Well done! Great plot with interesting twists. Storyline kept my interest to the very end. A b c d e
February 20, 2018
Great Read
Good post apocalyptic story. Different from.the usual books I have read but great so far and will be buying the others to see how it pans out.
Good post apocalyptic story. Different from.the usual books I have read but great so far and will be buying the others to see how it pans out.
August 30, 2019
UKD1
Enjoyed reading this book, it gives a good account of normal people living in
Actually almost written like an instruction book on surviving.
Enjoyed reading this book, it gives a good account of normal people living in
Actually almost written like an instruction book on surviving.
March 19, 2020
Another good post apocalyptic tale from the UK
July 29, 2020
Great book on a EMP. This book has a great survival story and is very entertaining. I recommend this book. I’m looking forward to the next book.
January 5, 2017
I enjoyed it. Very good for a first book,and hardly ANY mistakes. He has a decent proof reader,LOL. The only issue I have is everything went a little fast. Or perhaps the neighborhood was really smart and got their #### together quickly because of that,hehehe. Looking forward to starting the next one.
November 6, 2015
At last a good story-survival book for the UK! Great presentation scenario explored in detail, interesting characters and highly readable content. Read it in one sitting. If there will ever be a continuation I will buy it in a heartbeat for sure!
March 24, 2016
Solar EMP
Well written account from a refreshingly British point of view.
Concept and skills needed for survival well thought out, not just relying on massive fire power,(unrealistic in UK environment.) Great read!
Well written account from a refreshingly British point of view.
Concept and skills needed for survival well thought out, not just relying on massive fire power,(unrealistic in UK environment.) Great read!
August 26, 2015
Excellent
Well written, great characters and situations that are believable. My only dissatisfaction is where is part 2???? Hoping to see it out soon.
Well written, great characters and situations that are believable. My only dissatisfaction is where is part 2???? Hoping to see it out soon.
April 6, 2020
Great book
Put things into perspective for when SHTF, I'd definitely recommend the book to others. I learnt a lot from this book about survival after CME
Put things into perspective for when SHTF, I'd definitely recommend the book to others. I learnt a lot from this book about survival after CME
January 24, 2018
REVIEW OF THE UKD SERIES: This turned out to be, of all things, a series of "cozy disaster novels"! And I thoroughly enjoyed them—especially as, unusually, they're written by a Brit and set in the UK. The books have an informal, chatty style, and they arise out of the author's own real-life decision that "being a bit prepared" for an apocalyptic event "wouldn't do any harm"—though he hastens to assure readers that he's not a 'prepper' (heaven forbid!)—i.e., a nut who goes crazy about being prepared for every eventuality. Nevertheless when the disaster actually hits (a huge electromagnetic pulse from the sun), he's pretty well set up with masses of stored food, etc. The story is, like, "so I did this, and then that happened, so I did that…"—as someone would tell it to his mates in the pub. It also abounds in typical British understatement, self-deprecation, and middle-class morality. What I found very refreshing compared to American disaster novels (e.g. 'The Survivalist' series, which I'd just read), was the horror and hesitation everyone struggles with when they're forced to defend themselves with guns—and even kill people! In other ways British liberal values keep clashing with the harsh reality of the situation. Life must always be saved, even when it's a wounded enemy hell-bent on your own destruction… Otherwise the books explore a number of post-apocalyptic situations, like having to raise barricades and set up a defended area ("the road", where the survivors are a bunch of neighbours in a Birmingham suburb) foraging for food and fighting off aggressive competitors, a plague of rats starting a new bubonic plague, and so on. What I particularly enjoyed was when they make contact with what remains of the British government, and meet a young army captain who turns out to be Prince Harry! They later also meet the rest of the surviving royals, including Her Majesty and Prince Philip, who are being kept safe in an underground bunker. The 'government' are delighted to discover the survivors at "the road", which is the only truly viable community in that area that has survived. They then get government help in the form of supplies, equipment and military support when things get too hot. The last comment also brings out the 'cozy' aspect of these books: You're never in any doubt that they'll make it! Even through death, disaster and disease, the conviction is always there that they'll make it. And of course nothing serious happens to the main character, Tom, and his family. Highly unrealistic, and many would criticise the author for this 'triumphalism'—but to me it provided the kind of comfortable atmosphere that I enjoy in cozy mysteries. Verdict: Thoroughly enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews