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After the EMP Saga #4
Chaos Comes
Two weeks into the apocalypse, would your switch be flipped? Colt Potter's a no-nonsense air marshal who doesn't hesitate to use his skills. When he sets off on his own, leaving the comfort of a warm bed, good looking woman, and the University of Oregon behind, he's ready to be a solitary man. Rescuing a fifteen-year-old girl is the last thing he needs. When you have nothing left, can you find the will to survive? Dani may be young, but she's no stranger to hardship. When the pangs of hunger drive her to the brink, Dani makes the difficult choice to steal. She knows she might get caught. She never expects a stranger to save her. The end of the world brings out the best and worst in all of us. Joining forces isn't part of the plan, but desperate times call for desperate measures. With danger around every corner, will Colt and Dani find the strength to trust each other? Or will the past ruin any chance of seeing the future? The EMP is only the beginning. Chaos Comes is the start of a new trilogy in the After the EMP saga, a post-apocalyptic thriller series following ordinary people trying to survive after a geomagnetic storm destroys the nation's power grid. It can be read first.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2017
1018 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Harley Tate
47 books159 followersWhen the world as we know it falls apart, how far will you go to survive?
Harley Tate writes edge-of-your-seat post-apocalyptic fiction exploring what happens when ordinary people are faced with impossible choices.
Subscribe to Harley's newsletter for two exclusive prequels you can't get anywhere else: www.harleytate.com/subscribe
The end of life as we know it brings out the best and worst in all of us. The apocalypse is only the beginning.
Harley Tate writes edge-of-your-seat post-apocalyptic fiction exploring what happens when ordinary people are faced with impossible choices.
Subscribe to Harley's newsletter for two exclusive prequels you can't get anywhere else: www.harleytate.com/subscribe
The end of life as we know it brings out the best and worst in all of us. The apocalypse is only the beginning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 24, 2018
A few words about the series timeline: to date, the "After the EMP" book series has been in trilogy format. "After the EMP" one through three follows Madison, her friends and her parents as they cope with the aftermath of an electro-magnetic wave wiping out California's electrical grid. Chaos Comes begins the second trilogy which primarily follows Colt, a former SEAL, and Danielle, a teenager who comes from an underprivileged background. The third trilogy that begins with 'Southern Grit,' follows a middle-class white couple as they cope with disaster in Atlanta. All are novella length and quick reads.
And now a few words about my timeline: I had a very significant eleven-day vacation, returning late Thursday night after a will-they/won't-they-fly flight, followed by a post-travel headache on Friday, and two days of work on the weekend. That all would have been tolerable, had not major construction begun on our house's only bathroom on Monday. All the tile ripped out, new bathtub, new drywall, new floorboard. Changing this wasn't optional, as we had been in the contractor's line-up for months. Then, just as the project was nearing end (you know, not at the end, but at least with functional toilet and ability to take baths), he announced he'd also begin on the deck remodeling, which entailed removing an old wooden deck and replacing it with a composite. Understand, all of this takes place in context of a house with two dogs, one of which is territorial, and two Amazon parrots, who absolutely adore drama and feel they can best contribute by screaming loudly. For extra layering, let's remember I work as a hospital nurse, late shift, from 3pm to 11:30pm, so I absolutely never go to bed before 1 a.m. and construction people seem to start somewhere between 7 and 8 a.m.
Is it any wonder I was ready for the world to end? Chaos begins, indeed.
Chaos Comes reminded me in the best way of an 80s action movie. Our good guys are Good Guys, and have loads of redemptive moments, even if they are just a little bit oinkish. Things are going to Work Out. Using Danielle ('Dani') as a main character gives Tate a little chance to explore the idea of how someone used to fending for themselves might manage in the apocalypse. I rather liked Dani's character in this one, as well as Cole's gradual realization that even if he has skills to save himself, no man is an island.
I thought it was better written than the first book in the series; not that the first was terrible, by any means, but it felt like the storyline was more cohesive and focused. It's not as much about long-term survival as getting to somewhere 'safe.' There's still a few awkward writing moments like when the Bad Guys make their intentions helpfully and publicly clear, but really, it's a technique I think we've all become used to from television and movies:
“Request for clarification, Echo 6. If we encounter hostiles what is the protocol?” The radio crackled. “All hostiles are to be eliminated on sight. No prisoners are authorized. Over.” Colt blinked. It was true. "
There's also still little authorial asides (in the guise of Colt's voice) regarding society:
"Not the video games and the 24/7 news and the never-ending quest for escape. But the little things. The simpler things we can all get back to"
but that's mitigated by a moment of two of self-aware humor:
"Time to play action hero."
Definitely what I needed during the past few weeks. I highly recommend it if you are sleep-deprived and cranky.
And now a few words about my timeline: I had a very significant eleven-day vacation, returning late Thursday night after a will-they/won't-they-fly flight, followed by a post-travel headache on Friday, and two days of work on the weekend. That all would have been tolerable, had not major construction begun on our house's only bathroom on Monday. All the tile ripped out, new bathtub, new drywall, new floorboard. Changing this wasn't optional, as we had been in the contractor's line-up for months. Then, just as the project was nearing end (you know, not at the end, but at least with functional toilet and ability to take baths), he announced he'd also begin on the deck remodeling, which entailed removing an old wooden deck and replacing it with a composite. Understand, all of this takes place in context of a house with two dogs, one of which is territorial, and two Amazon parrots, who absolutely adore drama and feel they can best contribute by screaming loudly. For extra layering, let's remember I work as a hospital nurse, late shift, from 3pm to 11:30pm, so I absolutely never go to bed before 1 a.m. and construction people seem to start somewhere between 7 and 8 a.m.
Is it any wonder I was ready for the world to end? Chaos begins, indeed.
Chaos Comes reminded me in the best way of an 80s action movie. Our good guys are Good Guys, and have loads of redemptive moments, even if they are just a little bit oinkish. Things are going to Work Out. Using Danielle ('Dani') as a main character gives Tate a little chance to explore the idea of how someone used to fending for themselves might manage in the apocalypse. I rather liked Dani's character in this one, as well as Cole's gradual realization that even if he has skills to save himself, no man is an island.
I thought it was better written than the first book in the series; not that the first was terrible, by any means, but it felt like the storyline was more cohesive and focused. It's not as much about long-term survival as getting to somewhere 'safe.' There's still a few awkward writing moments like when the Bad Guys make their intentions helpfully and publicly clear, but really, it's a technique I think we've all become used to from television and movies:
“Request for clarification, Echo 6. If we encounter hostiles what is the protocol?” The radio crackled. “All hostiles are to be eliminated on sight. No prisoners are authorized. Over.” Colt blinked. It was true. "
There's also still little authorial asides (in the guise of Colt's voice) regarding society:
"Not the video games and the 24/7 news and the never-ending quest for escape. But the little things. The simpler things we can all get back to"
but that's mitigated by a moment of two of self-aware humor:
"Time to play action hero."
Definitely what I needed during the past few weeks. I highly recommend it if you are sleep-deprived and cranky.
May 5, 2018
“Never give up. That’s what you’re saying.” “The second you do, you might as well be dead.”
I love this saying! Colt never have up and we shouldn't either, no matter what the situation is. I look forward to reading the next book. Happy reading!
I love this saying! Colt never have up and we shouldn't either, no matter what the situation is. I look forward to reading the next book. Happy reading!
August 25, 2017
Liked it better than the first three...
The first three books in this series were good, but this book's change in characters and plot were of more interest. When I'm reading these types of books, I'm looking for adventure, and this book delivers. The other three books went into a little too much soul searching on the part of the main female lead, and I felt she should have wised up a little sooner, but they were also good reads.
The reason I gave the book four stars instead of five were the length of the books. They are all very short. The first three could be one novel with the fourth a spin-off. Good read and I do recommend the books if you like these types of adventures.
The first three books in this series were good, but this book's change in characters and plot were of more interest. When I'm reading these types of books, I'm looking for adventure, and this book delivers. The other three books went into a little too much soul searching on the part of the main female lead, and I felt she should have wised up a little sooner, but they were also good reads.
The reason I gave the book four stars instead of five were the length of the books. They are all very short. The first three could be one novel with the fourth a spin-off. Good read and I do recommend the books if you like these types of adventures.
December 27, 2017
The first three books in this series had a lot of soul searching-adjusting to the new world drama. It felt like it was somewhat drug out. I still liked them, but, with new characters and a new plot line, the 4th book takes the cake for being my favorite. A lot faster paced, more action, and an interesting story line keeps you turning the pages. I will definitely be reading the other two books to finish out the series.
June 13, 2019
Strong suspense, several instances of strong violence, and the girl Dani does get crude sexual comments /threats directed at her by the usual expected dirt-bags. Very gripping, engaging read, that has you wanting to see if Dani and Colt make it to safety.
This has been an amazing series! Highly recommended,but start with the Darkness books.
This has been an amazing series! Highly recommended,but start with the Darkness books.
December 30, 2017
This is a continuation of the After the EMP series. This is a more of a companion trilogy since it mirroers the timeline of events in Darkness Begins. The characters are connected since Colt is the air marshall on the flight that Madison's dad was the pilot.
It is a tale of survival and finding allies in unexpected places. Colt finds his in a street child named Dani. This is just the beginning of their story. It is a well written, entertaining book with engaging characters and plot
It is a tale of survival and finding allies in unexpected places. Colt finds his in a street child named Dani. This is just the beginning of their story. It is a well written, entertaining book with engaging characters and plot
February 26, 2018
This series continues with new characters and new twists. I am still enjoying this series. It really makes me think
September 3, 2018
Wow
New characters and the problems they are facing along with a tie in of the first three books. This series just gets better and better.
New characters and the problems they are facing along with a tie in of the first three books. This series just gets better and better.
April 2, 2025
As I close the pages in the final 9th book (series 1-9, all titled with the words "Hope or Chaos", of this series, "After the EMP: )", I found it a little bit hard to breathe. This is a continuing saga of a group of survivors who have banded together to attempt to forge a future in a world gone black, following a massive solar flare and an electro-magnetic pulse that has, for all intents and knowledge, wiped out the entire North American developed world, possibly even the known world as well. The books focus only on US soil, but it isn't a stretch to imagine that the damage and loss of societal function could be universal, as well. For once, it isn't a virus. It's the source of light, heat, life, our sun. The center of our solar system has just destroyed most of us. Who will live through these new dark days? Would you?
It is gripping, imaginative and compelling writing. The cast of characters are pretty mundane: A couple of the typical American family types, middle-aged and middle class, all working away in their lives when they are upended by the surge that effectively wipes out every single facet of communication, which of course means survival on the meanest level: Shelter, food and water. There's a retired couple, their grandson, and some neighbors in a quiet suburban environment.
But chaos is here, and it means nothing is the same.
There are no corner marts to dash into for bottled water, maybe there are some big box stores that might be scavenged for necessary supplies, but essentially everything they had is now gone. There's no internet, no community services, no fire, police, emergency personnel-everything and everyone is gone, either starved and dead in their homes, unaware of their own helplessness, or ravaged by roving gangs of hardened criminals who will take what they want, from whomever they encounter.
It's not just survival of the fittest, it is survival of the swiftest. Who will be first to figure out the devastation and how will they manage to survive their new bleak future? And where? For how long? When will help arrive? Where is the military, FEMA, the DC hotheads and BS artists, the ones who are supposed to be around to help? Where is everyone? Isn't that what a government is supposed to do?
Apparently, not. There's nothing left. No one is coming to help.
The short answer is to be found in the well thought out structure of the stories, most are about 250 pages or fewer; but in each one of nine, there is always the pressing issue of daily survival and constant escape from yet another source of panicky destruction.
Who faces their future prepared to die? Not many, it seems. Aside from stocking up on bottled water, maybe some canned goods or toilet paper, the average household is grossly unprepared for this new type of Armageddon.
If you wanted to Google HOW to: you can't. There isn't any Google, not now. Not in this new world.
So who is left? A typical suburban wife, who happens to be a librarian, her husband, a retired Marine who most recently has worked as an airline pilot. their daughter, a 20 year old college student, and some of her friends. Her former roommate, also a student, her average as-are-most-people parents, a young but savagely intense 15 year old girl, the daughter of a down and out meth-head mom; and as luck would have it, a former Navy Seal, who had been an Air Marshal on the last flight the pilot manned, and a former Army Ranger. Some will become family as the days wear on, some will not. As the stories unfold, the histories are brief, but the bonds become stronger because they must.
How all their lives intersect and mesh becomes most of the focus of all 9 books. There are some cast development changes as people succumb to accidents, violence, some basic stupidity and poor choices; and a few who wander across the new world order stage either bent on finding like-minded folks to increase survival chances, or determined to destroy and ravage whatever they might before they too, succumb to misery, death, disenfranchisement and death.
It's a crap shoot of a new world.
All that said, it is page turning excitement. Who will make the tough choices, who will help guide, lead, defend and display heroic characters or deadly destructive determinism? You might find yourself, as I did, staying up late into the night to finish one more piece of the saga.
It's a no-holds-barred reading journey. But, like any out of date roadmap, there are some points where you just might find yourself thinking, "Well, duh. No one thought THAT would be a good idea".
That's up to you. There were a couple of the characters I wanted to slap the stupid out of, some I thought needed to be left in an abandoned cave because they couldn't adapt and improvise and others I thought just should have stayed in the dark and faced their own demise, dignified or not.
I couldn't quite understand their motivation to keep the Pollyanna pity party going for long. The emotional overtone a couple of the characters kept insisting had to be firmly kept intact, pleading that all living creatures deserve a break, some human kindness and empathy would always be just and should always be the first focus. I thought that was typical, but not quite bright. There is always a bleeding heart social worker sort of mindset that, even in the face of all contrary evidence, just would never further the eventual survival of the group at large. It was annoying because it seemed that some people never learned from having experience thrown in their faces again and again. At some point, who comes first, family or foe? Who gets to choose? Who should decide how things go? Will the person you help turn around and stab you in the back, the moment they can? No one is to be trusted.
As a veteran, I have to put in a rousing cheer for the former military dudes. When in doubt, most of the time, they came through and showed the group the best, if not the most palatable, choices to be made. And they were kick ass with all sorts of weapons, both standard and some homemade pieces I would never have been able to see if they hadn't been pointed out to me. Inventive. I might never look at a ping pong ball quite the same way again.
As for the kids, teens and just-barely-adult-aged-college coeds: I think the overwhelming attitude there was that no one was going to take away from them whatever they could scrounge up to serve as gear, food, shelter, or transportation. Naturally, a couple of them didn't make it just by being on the tail end of the evolutionary chart of adaptive natures. But a couple of them were just nice kids, not pampered, but not particularly creative or resourceful enough to stay warm and dry, or fed; they always looked to those older and perhaps more experienced to provide for them. I wouldn't say they were lazy, but they were used to fluffy lifestyles, chips, pizza and carefree existence-until all that they knew changed in a single moment. Who made it vs who didn't was up for grabs.
And there were the bad guys: Gangs, groups, druggies, burn-outs and hangers-on. Every social scene has its own to contend with. But their theme wasn't to live and adapt, it was to overpower and assume control through violence. There was also an interesting, but not well-fleshed out National Guard company, where the chain of command went rogue and the lower ranks either went along or stopped breathing. What might have started out as a rescue effort quickly became one petty-minded officer's demagogue idea of authority and control, but for him, I suspect that didn't actually end very well, once the group escaped his grasp and fled for their lives to another state. His story was never quite completed. But in fairness, he was a creepy bully who probably didn't last very long. One hopes.
There is some invention as the new form of barter, trade and currency. On occasion, what was scavenged and salvaged was repurposed to new function, but for the most part, the group quickly discarded what they could not easily carry on their backs, and kept moving. It's resupply and refurbish or find new uses for old products. One easily recognized item is medical supply. Without pharmacy and first aid, no one is going to last very long. That's an interesting long-running theme.
The books all take place within the first year of the EMP event, so the pace is broken down into the number of days following the catastrophe. There is a dog-eat-dog setting, each and every day, new challenges are faced and new, more difficult decisions must be made. At the start, it's spring break time and should be time to relax and kick back. It turns out to be just the beginning of the journey. There's a difficult year coming up.
The changing seasons catch them by surprise. If there had been a greater time frame involved, we might have seen more creative use of what was salvaged and repurposed based on what worked last month, and what might need to happen if next month were going to be endured. But because it was only within a one-year time frame, that point of view wasn't explored.
As the small group grows and adds a few more members, and as some meet sudden and nasty endings, there are hidden highs and lows throughout the story. If it had been presented as one volume, I probably would haven't finished it, but since it was done in a serial fashion with HOPE being the underlying theme throughout, it was easy and compelling storytelling.
There are some who believe this type of scenario will never be a true reality. Maybe. In my little life, if I had to base my future on what is in my store of supplies now, I'm sure I wouldn't be what could be called a long term survivor. I'm older and disabled, I don't drive and I live in a quiet neighborhood of mostly retired people. But that's not saying I wouldn't try, if I were able. But what about the neighbors? Who is friend and who quickly becomes for? It's an interesting situation that turns on a dime.
IRL, people would have to make their own choices, and either live or die by their beliefs. Is this fiction or foretelling? I don't know. It doesn't seem entirely impossible; given our current day political issues and the people who seem to influence decisions the most, I think our government might quickly collapse and devolve into an everyman-for-himself scenario more easily than most people believe possible. It could happen. Just a few years ago, people were killing each other to buy toilet paper for heaven's sake. Why would the collapse of the grid be so unbelievable now? I don't want to think like that, but I don't disbelieve it either.
In the end, this group of stories did make me think about the sad state of affairs we now face, every day as we struggle to pay our bills, keep our homes cool in summer and warm in winter. We choose to save our money or spend as if tomorrow were the last days. Every choice we make today might be the one we regret tomorrow.
As one character kept insisting, "It's the right thing to do!". Nope. Sometimes, it isn't right. Or fair. But she was a character in a novel, and now that I have finished the series, I will move on to read something new.
The thought of the ending of the world doesn't trouble most people. We want our consumer goods, our new cars, swimming pools, vacations, and full bellies. That's been the story of humans for as long as we have been walking upright. Get, have and keep more.
This is still fiction. Thought provoking and shiver-inducing at times, but still fiction.
Right?!
Gosh, I hope so.
But maybe I will stock up on some more water, blankets and MRE's, the next time I shop.
I mean, it couldn't hurt, could it?
I recommend this series. It's well written and entertaining, and if nothing else, it does make you think:
REALLY?
It is gripping, imaginative and compelling writing. The cast of characters are pretty mundane: A couple of the typical American family types, middle-aged and middle class, all working away in their lives when they are upended by the surge that effectively wipes out every single facet of communication, which of course means survival on the meanest level: Shelter, food and water. There's a retired couple, their grandson, and some neighbors in a quiet suburban environment.
But chaos is here, and it means nothing is the same.
There are no corner marts to dash into for bottled water, maybe there are some big box stores that might be scavenged for necessary supplies, but essentially everything they had is now gone. There's no internet, no community services, no fire, police, emergency personnel-everything and everyone is gone, either starved and dead in their homes, unaware of their own helplessness, or ravaged by roving gangs of hardened criminals who will take what they want, from whomever they encounter.
It's not just survival of the fittest, it is survival of the swiftest. Who will be first to figure out the devastation and how will they manage to survive their new bleak future? And where? For how long? When will help arrive? Where is the military, FEMA, the DC hotheads and BS artists, the ones who are supposed to be around to help? Where is everyone? Isn't that what a government is supposed to do?
Apparently, not. There's nothing left. No one is coming to help.
The short answer is to be found in the well thought out structure of the stories, most are about 250 pages or fewer; but in each one of nine, there is always the pressing issue of daily survival and constant escape from yet another source of panicky destruction.
Who faces their future prepared to die? Not many, it seems. Aside from stocking up on bottled water, maybe some canned goods or toilet paper, the average household is grossly unprepared for this new type of Armageddon.
If you wanted to Google HOW to: you can't. There isn't any Google, not now. Not in this new world.
So who is left? A typical suburban wife, who happens to be a librarian, her husband, a retired Marine who most recently has worked as an airline pilot. their daughter, a 20 year old college student, and some of her friends. Her former roommate, also a student, her average as-are-most-people parents, a young but savagely intense 15 year old girl, the daughter of a down and out meth-head mom; and as luck would have it, a former Navy Seal, who had been an Air Marshal on the last flight the pilot manned, and a former Army Ranger. Some will become family as the days wear on, some will not. As the stories unfold, the histories are brief, but the bonds become stronger because they must.
How all their lives intersect and mesh becomes most of the focus of all 9 books. There are some cast development changes as people succumb to accidents, violence, some basic stupidity and poor choices; and a few who wander across the new world order stage either bent on finding like-minded folks to increase survival chances, or determined to destroy and ravage whatever they might before they too, succumb to misery, death, disenfranchisement and death.
It's a crap shoot of a new world.
All that said, it is page turning excitement. Who will make the tough choices, who will help guide, lead, defend and display heroic characters or deadly destructive determinism? You might find yourself, as I did, staying up late into the night to finish one more piece of the saga.
It's a no-holds-barred reading journey. But, like any out of date roadmap, there are some points where you just might find yourself thinking, "Well, duh. No one thought THAT would be a good idea".
That's up to you. There were a couple of the characters I wanted to slap the stupid out of, some I thought needed to be left in an abandoned cave because they couldn't adapt and improvise and others I thought just should have stayed in the dark and faced their own demise, dignified or not.
I couldn't quite understand their motivation to keep the Pollyanna pity party going for long. The emotional overtone a couple of the characters kept insisting had to be firmly kept intact, pleading that all living creatures deserve a break, some human kindness and empathy would always be just and should always be the first focus. I thought that was typical, but not quite bright. There is always a bleeding heart social worker sort of mindset that, even in the face of all contrary evidence, just would never further the eventual survival of the group at large. It was annoying because it seemed that some people never learned from having experience thrown in their faces again and again. At some point, who comes first, family or foe? Who gets to choose? Who should decide how things go? Will the person you help turn around and stab you in the back, the moment they can? No one is to be trusted.
As a veteran, I have to put in a rousing cheer for the former military dudes. When in doubt, most of the time, they came through and showed the group the best, if not the most palatable, choices to be made. And they were kick ass with all sorts of weapons, both standard and some homemade pieces I would never have been able to see if they hadn't been pointed out to me. Inventive. I might never look at a ping pong ball quite the same way again.
As for the kids, teens and just-barely-adult-aged-college coeds: I think the overwhelming attitude there was that no one was going to take away from them whatever they could scrounge up to serve as gear, food, shelter, or transportation. Naturally, a couple of them didn't make it just by being on the tail end of the evolutionary chart of adaptive natures. But a couple of them were just nice kids, not pampered, but not particularly creative or resourceful enough to stay warm and dry, or fed; they always looked to those older and perhaps more experienced to provide for them. I wouldn't say they were lazy, but they were used to fluffy lifestyles, chips, pizza and carefree existence-until all that they knew changed in a single moment. Who made it vs who didn't was up for grabs.
And there were the bad guys: Gangs, groups, druggies, burn-outs and hangers-on. Every social scene has its own to contend with. But their theme wasn't to live and adapt, it was to overpower and assume control through violence. There was also an interesting, but not well-fleshed out National Guard company, where the chain of command went rogue and the lower ranks either went along or stopped breathing. What might have started out as a rescue effort quickly became one petty-minded officer's demagogue idea of authority and control, but for him, I suspect that didn't actually end very well, once the group escaped his grasp and fled for their lives to another state. His story was never quite completed. But in fairness, he was a creepy bully who probably didn't last very long. One hopes.
There is some invention as the new form of barter, trade and currency. On occasion, what was scavenged and salvaged was repurposed to new function, but for the most part, the group quickly discarded what they could not easily carry on their backs, and kept moving. It's resupply and refurbish or find new uses for old products. One easily recognized item is medical supply. Without pharmacy and first aid, no one is going to last very long. That's an interesting long-running theme.
The books all take place within the first year of the EMP event, so the pace is broken down into the number of days following the catastrophe. There is a dog-eat-dog setting, each and every day, new challenges are faced and new, more difficult decisions must be made. At the start, it's spring break time and should be time to relax and kick back. It turns out to be just the beginning of the journey. There's a difficult year coming up.
The changing seasons catch them by surprise. If there had been a greater time frame involved, we might have seen more creative use of what was salvaged and repurposed based on what worked last month, and what might need to happen if next month were going to be endured. But because it was only within a one-year time frame, that point of view wasn't explored.
As the small group grows and adds a few more members, and as some meet sudden and nasty endings, there are hidden highs and lows throughout the story. If it had been presented as one volume, I probably would haven't finished it, but since it was done in a serial fashion with HOPE being the underlying theme throughout, it was easy and compelling storytelling.
There are some who believe this type of scenario will never be a true reality. Maybe. In my little life, if I had to base my future on what is in my store of supplies now, I'm sure I wouldn't be what could be called a long term survivor. I'm older and disabled, I don't drive and I live in a quiet neighborhood of mostly retired people. But that's not saying I wouldn't try, if I were able. But what about the neighbors? Who is friend and who quickly becomes for? It's an interesting situation that turns on a dime.
IRL, people would have to make their own choices, and either live or die by their beliefs. Is this fiction or foretelling? I don't know. It doesn't seem entirely impossible; given our current day political issues and the people who seem to influence decisions the most, I think our government might quickly collapse and devolve into an everyman-for-himself scenario more easily than most people believe possible. It could happen. Just a few years ago, people were killing each other to buy toilet paper for heaven's sake. Why would the collapse of the grid be so unbelievable now? I don't want to think like that, but I don't disbelieve it either.
In the end, this group of stories did make me think about the sad state of affairs we now face, every day as we struggle to pay our bills, keep our homes cool in summer and warm in winter. We choose to save our money or spend as if tomorrow were the last days. Every choice we make today might be the one we regret tomorrow.
As one character kept insisting, "It's the right thing to do!". Nope. Sometimes, it isn't right. Or fair. But she was a character in a novel, and now that I have finished the series, I will move on to read something new.
The thought of the ending of the world doesn't trouble most people. We want our consumer goods, our new cars, swimming pools, vacations, and full bellies. That's been the story of humans for as long as we have been walking upright. Get, have and keep more.
This is still fiction. Thought provoking and shiver-inducing at times, but still fiction.
Right?!
Gosh, I hope so.
But maybe I will stock up on some more water, blankets and MRE's, the next time I shop.
I mean, it couldn't hurt, could it?
I recommend this series. It's well written and entertaining, and if nothing else, it does make you think:
REALLY?
February 13, 2018
This is the fourth book in the EMP series.
In this book we meet two new characters Dani and Colt, Colt was on Captain Sloane plane if you have read the first three books you will know what I am on about. When they had to do a forced landing. Therefore, they are connecting to the first three books In a way.
I found this book faster paced than the others but I love the story. So much going on and keeps you turning the pages.
In this book we meet two new characters Dani and Colt, Colt was on Captain Sloane plane if you have read the first three books you will know what I am on about. When they had to do a forced landing. Therefore, they are connecting to the first three books In a way.
I found this book faster paced than the others but I love the story. So much going on and keeps you turning the pages.
July 30, 2025
This is the continuation from the trilogy series and ties back to the pilot Walter, who we've met previously, who was trying to reach his wife and daughter back in Sacramento.
This post-apocalyptic book was engaging, with thrilling action and page-turning suspense throughout, making it hard to put down. With well-developed, engaging characters and nonstop action
These are two new characters within the same world, Colt is the air marshall on the flight that Madison's dad was the pilot on the plane where an emergency landing by Walter occured.
Colt was a no muckarounds kind of guy, no commitments, no family, a loner, so with this in mind and two weeks into when the world was plunged into darkness he realises he needs to be on the move, he's more than ready to be that solitary man again. First things first he needed to secure food, water, amo and more weapons.
On a food supply run he stumbles across a young teenage girl Dani being detained by a soldier for stealing food. Before things start to escalate out of hand Colt steps in and defuses the situation. Other than her ailing grandmother and a drugged up mother Dani is tougher than many give her credit for. She's had to survive more situations than any teenager should have. Colt didn't want to take care of a teenage girl, or become a father figure whom she looked up to, but the more time he spent with her he wanted to protect her.
This one had more hand to hand combat over the previous trilogy, the other series surrounded Madison whom was Walter's daughter, so a lot of soul searching occured as she questioned right from wrong, do they let them live or do they kill them? Who do they help?
Super excited to jump into the next book!
This post-apocalyptic book was engaging, with thrilling action and page-turning suspense throughout, making it hard to put down. With well-developed, engaging characters and nonstop action
These are two new characters within the same world, Colt is the air marshall on the flight that Madison's dad was the pilot on the plane where an emergency landing by Walter occured.
Colt was a no muckarounds kind of guy, no commitments, no family, a loner, so with this in mind and two weeks into when the world was plunged into darkness he realises he needs to be on the move, he's more than ready to be that solitary man again. First things first he needed to secure food, water, amo and more weapons.
On a food supply run he stumbles across a young teenage girl Dani being detained by a soldier for stealing food. Before things start to escalate out of hand Colt steps in and defuses the situation. Other than her ailing grandmother and a drugged up mother Dani is tougher than many give her credit for. She's had to survive more situations than any teenager should have. Colt didn't want to take care of a teenage girl, or become a father figure whom she looked up to, but the more time he spent with her he wanted to protect her.
This one had more hand to hand combat over the previous trilogy, the other series surrounded Madison whom was Walter's daughter, so a lot of soul searching occured as she questioned right from wrong, do they let them live or do they kill them? Who do they help?
Super excited to jump into the next book!
June 6, 2018
I've read six After the EMP series. They all have problems and don't rise to my being able to recommend any of them. They were interesting enough for me to read. Especially since they only cost me a buck or two each. The author definitely has an ax to grind. (To be fair many of these after disaster stories do.) Several of his particular axes rubbed me the wrong way. Many times he will have characters be convinced not to do something, but if his particular main character decides to do it, it suddenly becomes the thing to do. There is a lot of, surviving is the point of all of morality. His characters are very uneven. Many times they do things because that would give the story more conflict rather than this is how it would work in the real world. His impatience for any alternate theories for how to live one's life bothered me a great deal. Still, I read six of them and am reading the seventh. Take that for what it's worth.
October 21, 2019
Great reading
I wish there was more about Walter and his group from the first 3 books. They were a great storyline. This one is almost as great. While the beginning of the series was more relatable because of the other characters I’m enjoying this part of the book too. It’s nice to find an author who’s writing isn’t all blood, death and violence. Lots of character development and an intriguing storyline. Can’t wait to start the next book.
I wish there was more about Walter and his group from the first 3 books. They were a great storyline. This one is almost as great. While the beginning of the series was more relatable because of the other characters I’m enjoying this part of the book too. It’s nice to find an author who’s writing isn’t all blood, death and violence. Lots of character development and an intriguing storyline. Can’t wait to start the next book.
August 6, 2020
This fourth book is really action packed. Colt, the ex-Navy Seal and Air Marshall saves Dani from some rogue soldiers. The action keeps going when Dani)s mother shows up at Dani’s grandmother’snursing home and has her moved to the college hospital. Even thoug Colt tried to talk her out of going with them, she felt she couldn’t leave her grandmother. The rest of the book goes from bad to worse, but you need to read it yourself to get the full impact.
May 4, 2025
great story
I’ve really enjoyed this series of books. While it may not be perfect, it’s well edited and somewhat realistic.
The story is about people not necessarily the country. While it’s a isolated plot in the storyline it is very possible in the scheme of things and entertaining.
Yes there are sad and stupid things in it along with a bit of total fictional unrealism it is plausible.
I’ve really enjoyed this series of books. While it may not be perfect, it’s well edited and somewhat realistic.
The story is about people not necessarily the country. While it’s a isolated plot in the storyline it is very possible in the scheme of things and entertaining.
Yes there are sad and stupid things in it along with a bit of total fictional unrealism it is plausible.
August 24, 2017
Page Turner
Was looking for a book to read and got the first in this series. After reading that one I purchased the rest. I simply could not stop reading!
The story is good, the characters are well developed and situations are believable, if depressing.
Awaiting the next installment.
Was looking for a book to read and got the first in this series. After reading that one I purchased the rest. I simply could not stop reading!
The story is good, the characters are well developed and situations are believable, if depressing.
Awaiting the next installment.
December 29, 2017
Another Post EMP Thriller With The In Characters!
The fourth in the series introduces is to two people who were on Captain Sloane's 747 when they were forced to land. Colt becomes a reluctant hero who saves Dani and maybe a small neighborhood from a rogue Colonel. The adventure continues!
The fourth in the series introduces is to two people who were on Captain Sloane's 747 when they were forced to land. Colt becomes a reluctant hero who saves Dani and maybe a small neighborhood from a rogue Colonel. The adventure continues!
January 20, 2019
An HT. SYFY. Novel/(ATEMP-4)/Safety then the National Guard Goes Rogue
HT. has. penned a SYFY. novel about one survivor of a 747 landing in Eugene, Oregon after the EMP. The assigned U.S. Marshal stays with a stewardess for a short while and then heads towards the wilderness. A Young girl needs help an the ex DEAL has to help. This is an excellent read for the genre.... DEHS
HT. has. penned a SYFY. novel about one survivor of a 747 landing in Eugene, Oregon after the EMP. The assigned U.S. Marshal stays with a stewardess for a short while and then heads towards the wilderness. A Young girl needs help an the ex DEAL has to help. This is an excellent read for the genre.... DEHS
May 21, 2019
Wow
It’s not fair that Harley can weave such a compelling and riveting story. She is too good at developing characters that we love and care about.
I feel like with this new shift in story that Harley is just showing off at this point. But that’s okay with me, I’ll keep enjoying an outstanding series.
It’s not fair that Harley can weave such a compelling and riveting story. She is too good at developing characters that we love and care about.
I feel like with this new shift in story that Harley is just showing off at this point. But that’s okay with me, I’ll keep enjoying an outstanding series.
October 4, 2021
Great read . The author found a great way to keep this series going with fresh people
And fresh ideas. Plus being able to li k the two major characters is the story line. HE TEND to repeat their fears over and over again with is boring but they last only a half page so skipping over the rehash is simple.
And fresh ideas. Plus being able to li k the two major characters is the story line. HE TEND to repeat their fears over and over again with is boring but they last only a half page so skipping over the rehash is simple.
August 7, 2017
Intriguing
I enjoyed this book in the series as well as the others. The characters are interesting and well developed. I look forward to reading what happens to them in the next book.
I enjoyed this book in the series as well as the others. The characters are interesting and well developed. I look forward to reading what happens to them in the next book.
May 16, 2018
If you like post apocalyptic book, this book starts out with a gripping storyline I thought. It was not what I expected after reading the previous books in the series. However, it did not leave me disappointed either.
December 31, 2017
Good story but not nearly as compelling as the first series.
This book lacks the intensity of the previous series and the disaster plays less of a roll...like a secondary character. Still a good read.
This book lacks the intensity of the previous series and the disaster plays less of a roll...like a secondary character. Still a good read.
January 2, 2018
Good Book!!
I couldn’t put this book down.I stayed up to the wee hours reading I had to finish it.Colt is someone you want on your side .I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I couldn’t put this book down.I stayed up to the wee hours reading I had to finish it.Colt is someone you want on your side .I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
January 31, 2018
Good Read
Tyranny is tyranny whether it is foreign or domestic. It should always be resisted and opposed. That is why we have the second amendment. Every American citizen should be armed and prepared - ESPECIALLY good people!
Tyranny is tyranny whether it is foreign or domestic. It should always be resisted and opposed. That is why we have the second amendment. Every American citizen should be armed and prepared - ESPECIALLY good people!
March 1, 2018
Chaos Comes
Five stars most definitely. Excellent story about survival, friendship and family. Working together as a cohesive team does seem to make their lives better even with the outside interference.
Five stars most definitely. Excellent story about survival, friendship and family. Working together as a cohesive team does seem to make their lives better even with the outside interference.
May 11, 2018
I like Colt
Of all four volumes to date, he is the most qualified to be a hero. I know how a child in distress can trigger a need to protect. Even though Dani is 15, she is a child who needs someone like Colt.
Of all four volumes to date, he is the most qualified to be a hero. I know how a child in distress can trigger a need to protect. Even though Dani is 15, she is a child who needs someone like Colt.
June 19, 2018
Life goes on
Loved it! The lights are out. When will they work again? Or will they ever? After a plane comes down up in the mountains and walking to a town for help it should get better, Right?
Loved it! The lights are out. When will they work again? Or will they ever? After a plane comes down up in the mountains and walking to a town for help it should get better, Right?
September 27, 2018
Love!
First off I love the connection to Walt and how the stories intertwine, second I love the relationship between Dani and Colt! Thirdly I love that there is a purpose for them and that’s what drives the story!
First off I love the connection to Walt and how the stories intertwine, second I love the relationship between Dani and Colt! Thirdly I love that there is a purpose for them and that’s what drives the story!
January 14, 2019
Gotta keep reading!
Thoroughly hooked on this series ! Have to see what happens next. The author gets you wrapped up in the characters lives and leaves you wanting to know what happens next..
Thoroughly hooked on this series ! Have to see what happens next. The author gets you wrapped up in the characters lives and leaves you wanting to know what happens next..
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