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Solar Reboot
Is it the end of the world?
2020 New York City Big Book Distinguished Favorite Science Fiction / 2020 The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized Solar Reboot by Matthew D. Hunt in the categories of both Adventure and Science Fiction as a distinguished favorite.2019 Finalist in both Best New Fiction and Science Fiction categories from International Book Awards/American Book fest / 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist in Action/Adventure / 2018 Best Indie Book Award in Action/Adventure / 2018 Gold Global Ebook Award in Science Fiction / 2018 IPPY Award in Science Fiction / 2018 Cygnus Book Awards First in Category Winner in Science Fiction from Chanticleer International Book Awards / 2018 Washington State Book award finalist in Fiction “This tale's sharp focus on imperfect but appealing characters sets it apart from standard genre fare.” - Kirkus Reviews When the solar flares first erupt, Cameron tries to rationalize the disaster away. The electrical grid will come back up. The government will reassure the panicked populace. The hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes will abate. Most importantly, Cameron’s husband and daughter will get home safely from New York City. Instead, Cameron finds herself alone as the world tears itself apart. Her best hope for refuge is the family’s isolated cabin, but distance isn’t the only obstacle Cameron faces. Society has been destroyed, and a bunch of scared, confused people are trying to figure out how to survive. They need a leader with a firm grip on reality and a steady hand, but does Cameron want the responsibility of so many lives? Meanwhile, Cameron’s family travels across a ruined America in a quest to reunite with her. Alex believes that his wife is safe at their cabin in the Pacific Northwest, but he doesn’t know if his diabetic daughter, Piper, can survive the journey without access to insulin. As father and daughter fight to survive, they bear witness to not only the horrific violence desperation unleashes but also the grace and compassion of ordinary people.
2020 New York City Big Book Distinguished Favorite Science Fiction / 2020 The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized Solar Reboot by Matthew D. Hunt in the categories of both Adventure and Science Fiction as a distinguished favorite.2019 Finalist in both Best New Fiction and Science Fiction categories from International Book Awards/American Book fest / 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist in Action/Adventure / 2018 Best Indie Book Award in Action/Adventure / 2018 Gold Global Ebook Award in Science Fiction / 2018 IPPY Award in Science Fiction / 2018 Cygnus Book Awards First in Category Winner in Science Fiction from Chanticleer International Book Awards / 2018 Washington State Book award finalist in Fiction “This tale's sharp focus on imperfect but appealing characters sets it apart from standard genre fare.” - Kirkus Reviews When the solar flares first erupt, Cameron tries to rationalize the disaster away. The electrical grid will come back up. The government will reassure the panicked populace. The hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes will abate. Most importantly, Cameron’s husband and daughter will get home safely from New York City. Instead, Cameron finds herself alone as the world tears itself apart. Her best hope for refuge is the family’s isolated cabin, but distance isn’t the only obstacle Cameron faces. Society has been destroyed, and a bunch of scared, confused people are trying to figure out how to survive. They need a leader with a firm grip on reality and a steady hand, but does Cameron want the responsibility of so many lives? Meanwhile, Cameron’s family travels across a ruined America in a quest to reunite with her. Alex believes that his wife is safe at their cabin in the Pacific Northwest, but he doesn’t know if his diabetic daughter, Piper, can survive the journey without access to insulin. As father and daughter fight to survive, they bear witness to not only the horrific violence desperation unleashes but also the grace and compassion of ordinary people.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2017
24 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Matthew D. Hunt
3 books20 followersBorn and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Matthew D. Hunt is a proud father of three, an award-winning author, and an Emmy-nominated filmmaker known for his innovative storytelling and captivating visuals.
Throughout his career, Hunt has worked on a variety of T.V. series, short films, documentaries, and feature films. He has also written the multi-award-winning novel "Solar Reboot" which has been widely praised for its engaging characters, innovative world-building, and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in a post-apocalyptic future.
In addition to his creative work, Hunt is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, having taught and lectured on writing and film at several conventions around the United States, including the honor of being a judge and lecturer for the Ms. Wheelchair USA competition for the past 5 years. His passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence continue to inspire others in the creative community.
Throughout his career, Hunt has worked on a variety of T.V. series, short films, documentaries, and feature films. He has also written the multi-award-winning novel "Solar Reboot" which has been widely praised for its engaging characters, innovative world-building, and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in a post-apocalyptic future.
In addition to his creative work, Hunt is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, having taught and lectured on writing and film at several conventions around the United States, including the honor of being a judge and lecturer for the Ms. Wheelchair USA competition for the past 5 years. His passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence continue to inspire others in the creative community.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 23, 2017
Damn, what a tremendous debut. Matthew D. Hunt delivers a gritty, post apocalyptic treat that is better than most i've read from some of the more seasoned PA writers. A solar flare has created havoc, and the gradual devastation is terrifying. I was so impressed with the immense characters, and solid, and realistic dialogue. Plots within plots, make Solar Reboot a very clever, and original tale.
The author really understands his characters, and they never deviate from expected behaviour to do anything ridiculous.
Really excited at the prospect of more books from this massive talent.
The author really understands his characters, and they never deviate from expected behaviour to do anything ridiculous.
Really excited at the prospect of more books from this massive talent.
November 17, 2017
One of the best post-apocalyptic books I have ever read.. Very fast paced thriller and has a lot of twists and turns that will keep you from putting it down. The strong emotional attachment in this family to find each other in a torn World is very emotional. It delves into the important facts on how hard it would be to keep up with diabetic meds, especially for a teenager. I am looking forward to further adventures of this family.
October 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and journey they took was filled with humor and peril but with a constant message of hope and perseverance. With the book finished, I sit here and wonder how the characters are doing and whether the world returned to normal or if it remained as it was. I hope hunt is planning another book because I have a feeling this isn't the last we've seen of these characters and this world. With that said, pick it up and read the book. I enjoyed it and you may too.
September 7, 2018
Alex Robinson, Park Ranger, has spent his adult life preparing for the unexpected. But the unexpected can hit at most inconvenient times. After traveling across the country from Seattle to New York City with his pre-teen daughter to her out-of-state swim meet, he hears on the radio – “scientists at NASA are now reporting that the solar flare is much larger than they had anticipated . . .” and then the largest solar flare in history hits. And so this Science Fiction adventure begins.
Stuck on the other side of the country from his wife Cameron, with planes falling from the skies, electricity grid nonexistent and the population’s palpable fear, Alex must find a way to reunite the family in Seattle. And so his dangerous journey across the country begins, amidst his own fears whether he has what it takes if confronted and if necessary to lie, or to steal, or even to kill in order to keep his daughter safe in this changed world. As the story unfolds, they are faced with unpredictable crisis situations that will test them both.
In the meantime, conditions are not any better in the Seattle area. Cameron decides to retreat to the family rustic cabin that was built within a mountain community. There she will face the uncertainties of nature, and the sometimes dark side of human nature. There is a mystery uncovered that demands to be solved, and no one has a clue what they’ve let themselves in for.
There are no guarantees of safety or survival in this dramatically charged new world. It’s a thought provoking book asking questions about trust, loyalty, family, and what is truly important to a life. At the same time, humor is infused throughout for a fun read filled with a very intriguing assortment of characters.
Solar Reboot is Matthew D. Hunt’s debut novel. Matthew D. Hunt is proof that it's never too late to follow your dreams. As he reached middle age, he was inspired by film icons Richard Hatch and Tony Todd to rework his entire life and pursue a career as an independent film producer/writer where he rapidly became known for his unique ability to guide the creative process. Now with numerous projects under his belt such as "5th Passenger", "Junkie", and "Nobility" to name a few, he’s also made his novel debut with Solar Reboot.
This book has won a bronze IPPY award for Science Fiction, Gold Medal Winner of the 2018 Global Ebook award, and most recently is a finalist in the 2018 Washington State Book Awards.
And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Matthew D. Hunt
Stuck on the other side of the country from his wife Cameron, with planes falling from the skies, electricity grid nonexistent and the population’s palpable fear, Alex must find a way to reunite the family in Seattle. And so his dangerous journey across the country begins, amidst his own fears whether he has what it takes if confronted and if necessary to lie, or to steal, or even to kill in order to keep his daughter safe in this changed world. As the story unfolds, they are faced with unpredictable crisis situations that will test them both.
In the meantime, conditions are not any better in the Seattle area. Cameron decides to retreat to the family rustic cabin that was built within a mountain community. There she will face the uncertainties of nature, and the sometimes dark side of human nature. There is a mystery uncovered that demands to be solved, and no one has a clue what they’ve let themselves in for.
There are no guarantees of safety or survival in this dramatically charged new world. It’s a thought provoking book asking questions about trust, loyalty, family, and what is truly important to a life. At the same time, humor is infused throughout for a fun read filled with a very intriguing assortment of characters.
Solar Reboot is Matthew D. Hunt’s debut novel. Matthew D. Hunt is proof that it's never too late to follow your dreams. As he reached middle age, he was inspired by film icons Richard Hatch and Tony Todd to rework his entire life and pursue a career as an independent film producer/writer where he rapidly became known for his unique ability to guide the creative process. Now with numerous projects under his belt such as "5th Passenger", "Junkie", and "Nobility" to name a few, he’s also made his novel debut with Solar Reboot.
This book has won a bronze IPPY award for Science Fiction, Gold Medal Winner of the 2018 Global Ebook award, and most recently is a finalist in the 2018 Washington State Book Awards.
And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Matthew D. Hunt
December 27, 2017
Surprise hit
This story was surprising to me about how quickly it sucked me in. The plot describes how normal people react to tragedy and the social changes that will occur during a global catastrophe.
Loved it!
This story was surprising to me about how quickly it sucked me in. The plot describes how normal people react to tragedy and the social changes that will occur during a global catastrophe.
Loved it!
November 17, 2017
One of the best post-apocalyptic books I have ever read.. Very fast paced thriller and has a lot of twists and turns that will keep you from putting it down. The strong emotional attachment in this family to find each other in a torn World is very emotional. It delves into the important facts on how hard it would be to keep up with diabetic meds, especially for a teenager. I am looking forward to further adventures of this family.
October 31, 2017
Awesome book! I love how it uses the tragedy of the solar storms to show not just the worst of humanity but the best as well. It completely upends the typical post-apocalyptic genre and end on a positive note as if to say "yes life can get bad and there are people who can make things worse but there are good folks out there that make the world worth living in too".
October 4, 2017
You'd need a lot of money for this level of prepping..
Cameron is an ex-military medic working as a nurse in an ER in Seattle. Her husband Alex is a forest ranger. They have a home in Seattle, and a cabin in what amounts to a gated community. I had no idea those careers paid so much. They have a year's worth of food for themselves and their daughter, Piper. And lots of wine and alcohol.
Only problem is that when TSHTF, Alex and Piper are in New York city. Half the story is told from Cameron's viewpoint, and the other half from Alex's.
Cameron has to bug out from Seattle to the cabin, where she becomes a leader, much to her dismay. Apparently things happened in the military that cause her to not want to be in charge.
Alex and Piper's adventures while trying to go all the way across the continent are adventurous, to say the least, particularly since Piper is a diabetic and needs insulin.
Now, after a huge CME knocks out electricity, we have planes crashing, and the power is out completely across the eastern states, also in Washington state, but they can still find refrigerated insulin. Huh.
Also, the cars still seem to work, which is possible, but they can sometimes get the phones to work. Again, huh.
So lights are out but refrigerators work. Kind of strange.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, (oops, I meant the very nicely decorated cabin) Cameron is having to deal with some very troubling issues with the security guard, (for the gate. At the gated community.) and some other people who are trying to find a refuge.
So although it was an interesting storyline, some details really didn't make sense. Admittedly, I am not an expert on CME's, but if planes are falling out of the sky, and power is off, why are the refrigerators in pharmacies working? Why do they have any cell service? And why choose a gated community as a bug out location?
Cameron was a bit bossy and 'in your face' at times, Alex was kind of neurotic, and Piper was a pretty good kid.
Most people would not have the money for the level of comfort and style for their preps, but I don't hold it against these characters.
Results: I'm sure wiser people can explain these discrepancies, but they bother me. Again, I'm no expert. The story was interesting, there's lots of adventure, bad guys and good guys, and was fairly enjoyable.
For those concerned about such things, there was an occasional curse word, but no graphic scenes of sex. There was of course violence, but it wasn't too graphic either.
Cameron is an ex-military medic working as a nurse in an ER in Seattle. Her husband Alex is a forest ranger. They have a home in Seattle, and a cabin in what amounts to a gated community. I had no idea those careers paid so much. They have a year's worth of food for themselves and their daughter, Piper. And lots of wine and alcohol.
Only problem is that when TSHTF, Alex and Piper are in New York city. Half the story is told from Cameron's viewpoint, and the other half from Alex's.
Cameron has to bug out from Seattle to the cabin, where she becomes a leader, much to her dismay. Apparently things happened in the military that cause her to not want to be in charge.
Alex and Piper's adventures while trying to go all the way across the continent are adventurous, to say the least, particularly since Piper is a diabetic and needs insulin.
Now, after a huge CME knocks out electricity, we have planes crashing, and the power is out completely across the eastern states, also in Washington state, but they can still find refrigerated insulin. Huh.
Also, the cars still seem to work, which is possible, but they can sometimes get the phones to work. Again, huh.
So lights are out but refrigerators work. Kind of strange.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, (oops, I meant the very nicely decorated cabin) Cameron is having to deal with some very troubling issues with the security guard, (for the gate. At the gated community.) and some other people who are trying to find a refuge.
So although it was an interesting storyline, some details really didn't make sense. Admittedly, I am not an expert on CME's, but if planes are falling out of the sky, and power is off, why are the refrigerators in pharmacies working? Why do they have any cell service? And why choose a gated community as a bug out location?
Cameron was a bit bossy and 'in your face' at times, Alex was kind of neurotic, and Piper was a pretty good kid.
Most people would not have the money for the level of comfort and style for their preps, but I don't hold it against these characters.
Results: I'm sure wiser people can explain these discrepancies, but they bother me. Again, I'm no expert. The story was interesting, there's lots of adventure, bad guys and good guys, and was fairly enjoyable.
For those concerned about such things, there was an occasional curse word, but no graphic scenes of sex. There was of course violence, but it wasn't too graphic either.
December 11, 2018
Reading this was a total pleasant surprise!
Solar Reboot is an adventure story about the early days of an Apocalypse due to every electronic device in the world is shutting down.
We have all read or watched dozen of stories about this subject but for once, and I do not say this lightly – for once, the protagonists are smart.
They have leadership, compassion & can make sound decisions quickly. There is no use of senseless violence, nor annoying story shortcuts.
I am glad I read this book, it gave me my hopes back about this genre.
Solar Reboot is an adventure story about the early days of an Apocalypse due to every electronic device in the world is shutting down.
We have all read or watched dozen of stories about this subject but for once, and I do not say this lightly – for once, the protagonists are smart.
They have leadership, compassion & can make sound decisions quickly. There is no use of senseless violence, nor annoying story shortcuts.
I am glad I read this book, it gave me my hopes back about this genre.
November 19, 2018
This book is AMAZING!!!! It kept me on edge the whole time. I honestly felt like I could picture everything I was reading in my mind, as if I was watching it on TV. Such an easy read.
I have a couple bones to pick with this author- he really had me emotionally invested. I was so transfixed in the story that I couldn't see the plot twists (WHICH ARE AMAZING) coming. Also, you NEED to write a second book cause there is so many things left unsaid that I want to know. I think this book would be a great show. In fact I think this book turned into a TV Show could give The Walking Dead a run for its money. All in all, if you want a good book to escape into you should read this one! Guess I have to wait around and see if he does a second book, till then I am going to be reading it again because its that good!
I have a couple bones to pick with this author- he really had me emotionally invested. I was so transfixed in the story that I couldn't see the plot twists (WHICH ARE AMAZING) coming. Also, you NEED to write a second book cause there is so many things left unsaid that I want to know. I think this book would be a great show. In fact I think this book turned into a TV Show could give The Walking Dead a run for its money. All in all, if you want a good book to escape into you should read this one! Guess I have to wait around and see if he does a second book, till then I am going to be reading it again because its that good!
April 1, 2018
The book was not very well edited, as seems more common today. But I couldn't put it down. I love apocalypse themed books and this one was realistic for the most part. It made me realize how totally unprepared most of us are (including me) for a disaster of earthly proportions. I liked the main characters, which is an important factor to me. I was frightened a lot of the time I was reading, which may seem masochistic, but made me want to keep reading until a point came where I could stop holding my breath and relax. I found myself thinking and talking about this book when I wasn't reading, which is always a positive sign that I like it.
It made sense that the author is a screen writer. It seemed written for television or a movie. And I will definitely see it when it is produced!
It made sense that the author is a screen writer. It seemed written for television or a movie. And I will definitely see it when it is produced!
August 24, 2018
This was a good read for me. I found it very easy to become engaged and invested in the characters, especially the children. Clearly the author built a strong sense of family into the characters in order to engage his readers. I really enjoyed being on the edge emotionally as I read this book and the plot twists that the author built into the story. I don't often enjoy post-apocalyptic stories so I'm glad this one had a good balance of humor to offset the global tragedy the characters struggle through. There is a sense of fantasy in some aspects that helped pull me through each page as well. I hope this story expands into a series!
March 9, 2020
Absolutely loved this book, The characters all had great range, realistic reactions and interactions, the story kept me truly engaged! I loved how the main character Cameron actually learn and changed her mind about the situation and went from "it'll be ok " to "Maybe we should get more prepared". As a father I also loved the interaction between Alex and Piper, I could picture myself in the character.
I got the audio from Audible and liked it so much I ordered the paperback. Hope this Author writes more!!!
I got the audio from Audible and liked it so much I ordered the paperback. Hope this Author writes more!!!
February 4, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed the Audio book. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer do a wonderful job narrating this compelling story. Hunt creates in depth characters and writes in such a way that I feel like I am there. His characters have real life flaws and issues *no one is perfect* and the humor at the right times had me laughing out loud, while the suspense had me not getting out of the car just to find out what happened next. It left me wanting more without feeling that the story wasn't finished.
March 15, 2025
Rating went down a star bc ending was wayyy too rushed. Felt like the time you’re writing a really cool, detailed creative writing piece in school, and just as you’re about to write the ending of all endings, the teacher tells you you’ve got 5 minutes left and you panick and just quickly get down the bare minimum. Overall the book was enjoyable though, some offensive stereotypes could’ve been removed however hun…
November 16, 2025
For all the awards mentioned in the books description, I expected a better book.
Characters were too quick to shoot others and at times without emotion. No lasting remorse.
The climate science was off and what was there was difficult to believe.
Many inconsistencies with power off and things working. Able to break into buildings easily.
Probably would have rated it four stars if all the awards hadn't set my expectations so high.
Characters were too quick to shoot others and at times without emotion. No lasting remorse.
The climate science was off and what was there was difficult to believe.
Many inconsistencies with power off and things working. Able to break into buildings easily.
Probably would have rated it four stars if all the awards hadn't set my expectations so high.
October 4, 2025
Very captivating and suspense filled. I really want to see this as a tv series or a movie. I hope Mr. Hunt picks the story up again later so we can continue to follow these characters in a world gone mad. This is a book I will likely read several times. Great job!!! I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it.
January 31, 2021
Pretty generic easy listening post apocalypses sci-fi novel. Nothing special but nothing bad.
The author mentioned in the forward that he originally intended this as a screen play. Think it would probably play better there due to the lack of depth on many of the characters and situations.
The author mentioned in the forward that he originally intended this as a screen play. Think it would probably play better there due to the lack of depth on many of the characters and situations.
May 27, 2018
I have a ne favorite author!!!
October 28, 2018
A delight! Well written. A page turner’
dnf
September 16, 2019Typical American action flick. Nothing wrong with it. Just not my cup of tea.
September 7, 2020
Refreshing look at dystopian family life. Some very exciting adventures and empathy-filled human touches. Dual readers; Kate Reading and Michael Kramer do a fine narration.
March 20, 2024
An overall thrilling and well-written tale of adventure and suspense in a modern apocalypse setting. Very good and worth the read!
August 17, 2018
A good, solid, page-turner apocalypse story where one party is traveling across a devolving landscape to meet another party holed up in a compound. I could definitely imagine this as a gripping TV series. I was a little disappointed the majority of characters who died were minorities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2023
I really wanted to like this-- and it does have some good points, but the flaws are bigger.
I liked the two simultaneous story lines following different family members. As they all travel, you get to see more places and experience the universe of the book. The pacing was great and the storytelling style would have broad appeal.
There are big plot problems, though, which sank my opinion of the book. There are several fairly large contradictions, like when a character stops to buy jackets in a store that's being overrun by a nearly-riotous crowd; he leaves the store wishing he had bought sleeping bags but didn't because he didn't want to fight through the crowd. Two pages later, sleeping bags have miraculously appeared in his trunk. The more widely-traveled characters meet unbelievable circumstances: everything that could possibly go wrong does, and then each and every time they are saved be equally-unlikely circumstances. My disbelief was maxed out.
{spoiler bit ahead}
The other story line introduced a lot of side characters, and was really well done mostly, with the growing group having realistic interpersonal stresses. But then towards they end, an added bad-guy subplot was wedged in. It was completely unnecessary to the larger story. It would have made more sense if it was included much earlier, which would have also increased the tension. Having it shoved in just at the end was a poor choice.
I wanted more The End of the World Running Club. This is not it.
I liked the two simultaneous story lines following different family members. As they all travel, you get to see more places and experience the universe of the book. The pacing was great and the storytelling style would have broad appeal.
There are big plot problems, though, which sank my opinion of the book. There are several fairly large contradictions, like when a character stops to buy jackets in a store that's being overrun by a nearly-riotous crowd; he leaves the store wishing he had bought sleeping bags but didn't because he didn't want to fight through the crowd. Two pages later, sleeping bags have miraculously appeared in his trunk. The more widely-traveled characters meet unbelievable circumstances: everything that could possibly go wrong does, and then each and every time they are saved be equally-unlikely circumstances. My disbelief was maxed out.
{spoiler bit ahead}
The other story line introduced a lot of side characters, and was really well done mostly, with the growing group having realistic interpersonal stresses. But then towards they end, an added bad-guy subplot was wedged in. It was completely unnecessary to the larger story. It would have made more sense if it was included much earlier, which would have also increased the tension. Having it shoved in just at the end was a poor choice.
I wanted more The End of the World Running Club. This is not it.
August 20, 2020
This was an addictive book. I read it in less than a day. it didn't hurt that Kate Reading, one of my favorite narrators, read was one of the narrators.
I loved that it wasn't too heavy or too sad. The book struck the right balance between hope and terror. I'm only giving it two stars because there were too many white people killing Black people and People of Color for me. It lost a whole star when it killed a Black woman solely for one of the protagonists to get pissed off to ask questions she should have been asking from the get-go.
I loved that it wasn't too heavy or too sad. The book struck the right balance between hope and terror. I'm only giving it two stars because there were too many white people killing Black people and People of Color for me. It lost a whole star when it killed a Black woman solely for one of the protagonists to get pissed off to ask questions she should have been asking from the get-go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews