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The fabric of American society has been torn asunder by an EMP attack on the United States. The enormity of what has happened is sinking in to the population. No area of the country has been spared. From the big cities to the rural countryside, all have been impacted. Loved ones are stranded far from home, their suffering families not knowing their fate.
Food is in short supply, transportation has come to a halt, and a short trip across the county can become deadly.
Law and order has fallen by the wayside. Desperation is setting in, and desperate people will do desperate things. The struggles and the fight to survive is real. The physical, mental, and emotional scars will last a lifetime.
The time is now for individuals and communities to come together in order to survive. But will they? Will you?
Those that survive will never be the same.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2017

125 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

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Jeff Motes

4 books32 followers

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5 stars
486 (68%)
4 stars
158 (22%)
3 stars
54 (7%)
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7 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Joni.
116 reviews63 followers
March 4, 2021
confusing... prepper manual w narrative ... male / female attitudes towards each other... maybe I am too old for this?? read this last one only for the children's story
Profile Image for Kelly.
51 reviews
May 31, 2020
I loved this book! There is strength in numbers when times get tough. The characters in this book exude strength! I've heard there will be more to this series but book three leaves you in a good place if there aren't more books in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Clabe Polk.
Author 22 books16 followers
September 8, 2017
What happens when a disaster occurs that renders the nation incapable of action and exposes the vulnerability of individuals to starvation, violence and the depredation of their fellow human beings?

In the series Once Upon an Apocalypse by Jeff Motes, multiple families in southern Alabama find themselves coping with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event without warning. A sufficiently strong EMP will destroy solid state circuit boards instantly turning the modern electronics upon which we depend to worthless junk; and the event depicted in the story does exactly that.

The series focuses on the interaction of members of several families; particularly the families of Jill Barnes and John Carter as they find themselves suddenly devoid of modern conveniences and transportation, sources of food or fuel, medicine or basics like tooth paste and toilet paper. Circumstances force them to depend upon what they have in hand for their survival.

In book 3, Gathering Home, Lizzie is at Amy Wright’s house. Will has been able to learn where the Wrights live and has arrived to take her to reunite with the rest of her family and with Will’s family in Repose. However, Amy’s father, Jimmy Wright, becoming unbalanced by injury, shock at his family’s circumstances and his lack of knowledge and survival skills begins plotting to keep Will and Lizzie with them. He tries to convince Amy and Lynn Wright that Amy should seduce Will stealing his loyalty from Lizzie and so that his survival skills are used to ensure the survival of the Wright family. As Jimmy Wright is faced with a string of challenges, he fails each time; and each time, Will saves the day fueling his resentment and felling of failure. Will he take his resentment out on Will? On Lizzie, or will he threaten his on family with his lack of control?

A showdown is coming. Exactly who the participants are is not clear until it happens. Will Jimmy Wright win or lose? Do Will and Lizzie make it back to Repose and see their families again? Only readers who buy the book will know for sure; at least from this review.

In many ways, Gathering Home is the most riveting of this series; the characters are vulnerable throughout the book and except for Will, both clueless and virtually helpless. Jimmy’s reaction to events drops them ever deeper into the quick-sand of despair as every decision he makes proves to be the wrong decision.

Like the rest of this series, Gathering Home will leave most readers disturbed, a bit shaken and none will walk away untouched.
Profile Image for Marie.
304 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2019
Don't waste your time to finish the series : I spoil it for you : the good ones arrive home after multiple twists and they'll live HEA (ror as much as you could after an EMP strike)

Reveiw for Book 1 still accurate for book 2 and Book 3 :

The story was good but severely hampered by the formatting. Also, the technique of replaying a scene through another characters POV got old very fast : the book could be shorten by half !
Too much unnecessary "filler" info, technical details about every sort of weapon..... I had a tendency to start skipping all the wordy verbiage.
There was also a lot of praying and asking God for for help and guidance (in book 3, twice in 30 mins. apart... arggghhh)
. That's ok in small doses; while I do think people in an actual disaster would pray or find solace in religion, this was excessive.
47 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2017
Each one better than the one before!

Jeff Motes had done it again. This third installment in his Once Upon an Apocalypse series deftly ties together the threads of the first two books and does it with pulse pounding intensity. This series highlights the things that could happen, especially in today's volatile political climate, and does it with characters and situations that certainly ring true. He shows the comfort that true Faith can bring as well as the wisdom of preparing for
'just in case'. This series is exciting, thought provoking and informative with characters that are engaging and endearing. I highly recommend it.
307 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2018
Once this book got moving it was really good. I read all three and enjoyed them all. I am so glad Jimmy ' had some sense knocked into him.' But knowing what we know today about war torn countries life is worse than this book describes. My son is also an Apocalypse type writer and he recommended these books. I usually do not read Apocalypse books but am glad I did this time. I finished the third one last night and already forgot what happened to Amy's mother!!!
I have to go back a few pages to find out. DUH!!!

I recommend these books but feel that the third can be a stand alone read because of all the background in it. But you really want to read all three.
339 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2019
A series I would read again!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this apocalyptic series. If you don’t mind the constant praying and references of God then you’ll enjoy it too. The characters are interesting and relatable, the storyline intriguing and plausible. There’s violence but this is apocalyptic fiction series so it’s expected. It’s not extremely bloody or explicit which makes great reading for mature YA and adult readers alike. Recommend to everyone who enjoys TEOTWAWKI books.
Profile Image for Sharon Marie Himsl.
Author 3 books5 followers
Read
February 11, 2020
A fast paced, rather violent series. Lots of fighting and guns as the characters struggle to survive. I skipped over the extensive detail on guns and survivalist lore. You could almost pull it out as a manual later should such events actually happen. I found the characters interesting and wanted to know how they would fare in the end so kept reading. I'm glad the main characters survive and find love, but what a terrible world they find themselves in. The author also shows the power of faith in God and the difference it makes in the decisions they make.
Profile Image for Cynthia S Bonczynski.
26 reviews
August 12, 2017
Highly anticipated book didn't disappoint!

Allot of us have been waiting for the release of book 3 in the series. I read it in just two days, because I had work to do, otherwise it would be been one day...it's that kind of book, you just cast out it down! Hope there's more in this series, if love to follow their saga further! These are great books packed with useful information.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lian.
76 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2017
Inspiring , uplifting , stands out from all the rest of these types of books

I have read almost every EMP book out there on Amazon but never have I read one that brought my fate back stronger than ever. If you read this type of book list this trilogy of books is a violent but it's backed up by faith and that's what's going to be needed if this scenario ever comes to this country
Profile Image for angela power.
10 reviews
November 24, 2017
AWESOME and I couldn't put my kindle down!

I have really enjoyed reading this Apocalyptic Series. I just wish there was a fourth book. The story is great, and I loved the characters in these books. If you enjoy reading apocalyptic books, do read this series, it was way worth my time. I, as always learn new things regarding how to survive during very bad times, by reading these books. I love them! Please keep writing you great adventurous stories! Thank you, Angela P.
264 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2019
An awesome series!

This series is a great read. Jeff Motes has surpassed every other series with this one! The story of old friends, new friends and a community of people that are helping each other to survive when the world falls apart around them. The love, support and faith of these folks will leave you waiting for the next installment. For me, the faith is what hooked me from the beginning!
63 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2017
Excellent continuation of the series.

A Heartfelt foreword started this very enjoyable book. Uniquely real, believable characters and plot lines. Unlike many books of this genre, the author uses dialogue that is realistic. The warnings and advice in this story are becoming more prophetic everyday. Take heed!
10 reviews
August 17, 2017
The Day

Faith, determination and stamina needed to withstand the hardships this family must endure to return to normalcy. A normalcy that will be forever changed through ones instincts, and survival mode.

A deep-seated family upbringing through the guidance of our Lord shows one can survive these changing times.
90 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2017
What a book

I've read a lot of apocalyptic books but all I can say is man what a good book this is. I just wish there was another one so I could keep reading . The characters are ones you will fall in love with and a whole lot of action to go with it. It's the best I've read in a long long time. I highly recommend it.
1 review1 follower
February 6, 2019
To prepare...

I respect the author. The Christianity threaded throughout the story was gently done. The main characters never faltered in their faith. The events, the reactions and the consequences were believable and thought provoking. scary , terrifying. I loved the main characters and was hoping the author would keep them safe.
58 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2021
Best ever!

I truly enjoyed these three books. If your interested or kindly interested in prepping, this series of fictional novels are for you. If you like adventure stories with intriguing plots and action this series is for you. The lead character is apply named, John Carter. Too bad there is only 10 stars the series deserves many more.
2 reviews
August 13, 2017
This is truly a good read.A family that prays together stays together

This is truly a too read. A family that prays together stays together. I think everyone should this book .way to go Jeff.
2 reviews
August 19, 2017
Very good

All three of the parts for outstanding. Character development is superb. All three blocks are very readable and exciting. One of the best books of this genre that I have experienced.
Profile Image for Bob.
126 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2017
Excellent

This is the best of the three books of Once upon an Apocalypse. The characters are wonderful, the action is awesome and the romance is natural and beautiful. I am thankful to God for the chance to read this story.
2 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2017
One of the better EMP series

Great character development. The prepper and technical jargon is well described and logical as is the unfolding of the plot. I hope there will be more in this series.
41 reviews
October 28, 2017
Great ending

A little slower than the first two books but still a good read. True to the faith and still gives god tips for survival of n uncertain times. Really shows the need for training and the proper tools to survive.
13 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2017
Hope the series continues.

At first the writing style takes a little getting used to, but after a while seeing the story through the eyes of multiple characters becomes very interesting. Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Marlene Johnson.
4 reviews
November 24, 2017
.

I chose this book because I love end times stories and the Third book in the series. I didn't like the way it went I to the long drawn out description of the guns. I just wanted to know what was going to happen. I loved the plot and it makes me want to be more prepared





2 reviews
January 26, 2018
Great set of books

This has been a great read , but as you get further in to the third book they start to rehash way to much . It’s like rereading or you lost your place.
But all in all I loved the books.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,398 reviews23 followers
April 19, 2018
Book #3

Enjoyed the book and the series. Fast paced conclusion to the two families. The character Jimmy. A man you love to hate. I wanted to crawl inside my kindle and choke him.

Looking forward to reading more from this author.
17 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2018
Great series!

I read this entire series back to back because I just had to know how it all ended and found that I loved every character (the good guys). The villains were as expected ... deplorable! The community had prepared to the best of their ability and with the grace of God were able to succeed in many thing in this dystopian world. Jeff Motes world building and character development was great!
6 reviews
May 4, 2018
Quite the journey

Kind of cheezy and preachy at times....but for the life of me, I could not put it down. This series had the best character development of any I have read for a long time. Kudos to Mr. Motes.
35 reviews
May 14, 2018
Great series!

I got hooked on the first book and each one was better. The information explained in these books will become valubal info if and when SHTF. The story like is great too.
201 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2018
Jeff Motes continues his excellent writing with Gathering Home (Once Upon an Apocalypse #3). This has been an outstanding series. Talk about a wild ride, if this was a roller coaster it would be one of the better coasters in the world. I highly recommend this series and Jeff Motes as a writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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