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After the EMP Saga #5
Chaos Gains
If the world fell apart, could you trust a stranger with your life? Colt clawed his way back from the brink of death, but his injuries are the least of his worries. A rogue militia controls the nearby college, with plans to take over the entire town. It’s a handful of ordinary people against an organized force. Staying alive won’t be easy. When faced with the unthinkable, could you stand your ground? Colt and Dani turn Melody’s whole world upside down. Instead of following orders and staying quiet, she’s helping strangers and lying to the men in charge. One misstep and she’s no longer an innocent civilian; she’s a hostage. If Colt and his friends can’t rescue her in time, she’ll have to summon the strength to save herself. The end of the world brings out the best and worst in all of us. Dani never expected to find friends while running for her life. With the militia closing in, everyone has a part to play. It’s a dangerous game of cat and mouse where the stakes are constantly changing. Who will survive and who will pay the ultimate price? The EMP is only the beginning. Chaos Gains is book five in the After the EMP series, a post-apocalyptic thriller series following ordinary people trying to survive after a geomagnetic storm destroys the nation’s power grid.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2017
899 people are currently reading
123 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 47 reviews
June 23, 2018
In to every apocalypse, a little rain must fall. Well, not rain, here--that's a metaphor, silly--but rather the apocalypse standby trope, Fighting Back Against the Man and His Military. In this case, we're pretty sure the military has gone rogue, so it's okay. Plus, they want to torture kittens, eat pets and run a brothel. Clearly not your average military.
Colt and Danielle have found a moment of respite after the events of the prior book and are resting up, healing Colt's wounds and basically deciding how much they'd like to get involved in the troubles of a small university town that seems to be run by the National Guard, but is actually a militia. With an apparent bunch of idiots for militia members, I guess, who go from being normal Guard types to men who would do these things.
This entry into the series feels even more like an action movie than the last, and while I appreciate the different focus from the first trilogy, it was too much thriller for me to really enjoy it. Put 'Jack Reacher' in for 'Colt,' and 'toothbrush' in for 'Danielle,' and you'd almost have any Reacher thriller. The story really isn't about survival as much as it is about waking up a cowed population. In the tradition of action heroes, it continues to venerate Colt, eventually adding in a newer associate. My take home message was that women are strong, mostly, but, you know, different, and may need a tough guy to help them figure out when compassion is appropriate. Except with said tough guy, naturally. There's also an ankle broken at the appropriately distressing moment. Danielle continues to be the exception to the female rules.
Tate continues to find bon mots of cultural commentary irresistible:
"Reducing the flow of information was an effective strategy to keep law and order with a minimum of security. If you thought your neighbor was complying and the one after that and the one after that"
which I don't necessarily mind; I'm generally a strong believer in critical analysis (I know you are surprised by this, dear reader), but again, it doesn't feel quite natural. Colt does connect it to population control in Afghanistan or somewhere, so it made a little more sense, but he forgets to mention how publicized removal and killing of 'sympathizers' also plays more than a minor role in population control.
Anyway, I didn't hate it, despite my somewhat snarky review, but more than the other trilogy, this ends on a somewhat unfinished note. I haven't taken the bait yet--I really was in the mood for the end of civilization--hey, if I have to use the neighbor's bathroom, maybe everyone else should suffer with me--and skipped ahead to Southern Grit, book seven in the trilogy that begins with a couple experiencing the breakdown in the Atlanta area.
Two and a half stars, rounding down strictly on the 'enjoyment' scale. It was better written than my average 2-star book, but had I enjoyed it, I would have picked up the next installment instead of skipping ahead. Besides, Kindle informs me it took me seven days or so to finish, which really shouldn't be the case.
Colt and Danielle have found a moment of respite after the events of the prior book and are resting up, healing Colt's wounds and basically deciding how much they'd like to get involved in the troubles of a small university town that seems to be run by the National Guard, but is actually a militia. With an apparent bunch of idiots for militia members, I guess, who go from being normal Guard types to men who would do these things.
This entry into the series feels even more like an action movie than the last, and while I appreciate the different focus from the first trilogy, it was too much thriller for me to really enjoy it. Put 'Jack Reacher' in for 'Colt,' and 'toothbrush' in for 'Danielle,' and you'd almost have any Reacher thriller. The story really isn't about survival as much as it is about waking up a cowed population. In the tradition of action heroes, it continues to venerate Colt, eventually adding in a newer associate. My take home message was that women are strong, mostly, but, you know, different, and may need a tough guy to help them figure out when compassion is appropriate. Except with said tough guy, naturally. There's also an ankle broken at the appropriately distressing moment. Danielle continues to be the exception to the female rules.
Tate continues to find bon mots of cultural commentary irresistible:
"Reducing the flow of information was an effective strategy to keep law and order with a minimum of security. If you thought your neighbor was complying and the one after that and the one after that"
which I don't necessarily mind; I'm generally a strong believer in critical analysis (I know you are surprised by this, dear reader), but again, it doesn't feel quite natural. Colt does connect it to population control in Afghanistan or somewhere, so it made a little more sense, but he forgets to mention how publicized removal and killing of 'sympathizers' also plays more than a minor role in population control.
Anyway, I didn't hate it, despite my somewhat snarky review, but more than the other trilogy, this ends on a somewhat unfinished note. I haven't taken the bait yet--I really was in the mood for the end of civilization--hey, if I have to use the neighbor's bathroom, maybe everyone else should suffer with me--and skipped ahead to Southern Grit, book seven in the trilogy that begins with a couple experiencing the breakdown in the Atlanta area.
Two and a half stars, rounding down strictly on the 'enjoyment' scale. It was better written than my average 2-star book, but had I enjoyed it, I would have picked up the next installment instead of skipping ahead. Besides, Kindle informs me it took me seven days or so to finish, which really shouldn't be the case.
May 13, 2018
"Life is all about facing challenges head on. You can’t take a back seat in your own life. It’s only as good as the effort you put into it. "
I love this quote! No matter what you're going through you, you have to put the effort in.
I love the Cole and Dani story. Can't wait to read the next book.
I love this quote! No matter what you're going through you, you have to put the effort in.
I love the Cole and Dani story. Can't wait to read the next book.
March 23, 2018
I have really been enjoying this series of books. Most of the time when I get to the 5 th or 6 th book they really get repetitive but this series has been different enough to keep my interest. There have been a few things that the characters have done that I really question if I could do the same if I were in there shoes.
October 8, 2017
I usually do not purchase books that are less than 300 or 300+ pages in size, especially at $2.99 a pop for each of the five books, but what can I say: I got caught up in them. This isn't the last, however, so I can only hope that the next doesn't contain the F word, has more pages in it, and has a little less visual on the almost-rape scenes. In TEOTWAWKI scenarios, however, I am very sure that my sensitivities would be pushed to the max if I was the one living out the time. I do wish that Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. carries this series, but alas, it's either quit reading her books or purchase them. At least she has thrown in one freebie companion book. Make Goodwin is sill my favorite because he makes his books realistic without going into too much graphic details and he keeps the language down. To her credit, the F word was only used once in this book, none in the others, but that's more than I like. And, to be honest, to be, saying f**ing, fricking, and frigging is the same as saying it straight out. I did believe hers were more realistic than part of William Forstchen's series, although his has some redeemable parts as well.
October 19, 2017
Another great chapter in the EMP series. Colt & Dani were rescued by 2 families who don't believe things are that bad. Jarvis is on the hunt for Colt & Dani but their rescuers want to sit & wait because they think they are safe. But when their neighbors are viciously beaten they realize how bad it is. Dani is shot & Melody & Gloria are taken prisoner. Larkin, an old military buddy of Colt's saves Melody & they return to find the neighborhood burned. They all meet at Lucas' house(the traitor who turned them in) & plan a rescue for Gloria. They all survive with Gloria & meet at Dani's old apartment building to recover.
They discover that Jarvis turned the power on. Colt knows he should have shot him during the rescue attempt but then Dani would have been captured.
Excellent read!
They discover that Jarvis turned the power on. Colt knows he should have shot him during the rescue attempt but then Dani would have been captured.
Excellent read!
December 28, 2017
Things continue to escalate in this 2nd book dealing with Colt & Dani. (5th overall) They have made new friends in their war against Jarvis. With these friendships come new responsibilities, that come with new dangers & adventures.
Maybe I’m naive, but the total breakdown of moral character of every person in uniform seems overboard. The National Guard is made up of the guy across the street & the person you guy to church with. This is a starkly Black & white confrontation. Jarvis bad / Colt & Dani good. Makes for a good story. I’m sticking with this. Enjoying it.
Maybe I’m naive, but the total breakdown of moral character of every person in uniform seems overboard. The National Guard is made up of the guy across the street & the person you guy to church with. This is a starkly Black & white confrontation. Jarvis bad / Colt & Dani good. Makes for a good story. I’m sticking with this. Enjoying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
January 20, 2019
An HT. SYFY. Novel (A TEMP - 5)/Pressure By The Rogue National Guard
HT. had. penned a SYFY. Novel About the people after EM P and the effect it has had on the population. The Rogue NG. Had either chased away or killed anyone who stands against them. Colt and Dani ate two who have been fighting back, but the enemy used an overwhelming advantage. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
HT. had. penned a SYFY. Novel About the people after EM P and the effect it has had on the population. The Rogue NG. Had either chased away or killed anyone who stands against them. Colt and Dani ate two who have been fighting back, but the enemy used an overwhelming advantage. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
September 22, 2017
Love this series.!!!
This series is very well written and I could not put it down had to read them all. I suggest this series to anyone and all who like this genre and even if you don't this series will draw you in. Awesome read. I really stayed up all night because I couldn't stop .
This series is very well written and I could not put it down had to read them all. I suggest this series to anyone and all who like this genre and even if you don't this series will draw you in. Awesome read. I really stayed up all night because I couldn't stop .
December 30, 2017
Another Thrilling Post Apocalypse Story!
The fifth in the series is one roller coaster ride after another of fighting the evil Colonel trying to make Eugene, Oregon his fiefdom. Surviving takes a lot of work and planning and five minds add ideas to come up with winning ways to beat the Colonel at his own game.
The fifth in the series is one roller coaster ride after another of fighting the evil Colonel trying to make Eugene, Oregon his fiefdom. Surviving takes a lot of work and planning and five minds add ideas to come up with winning ways to beat the Colonel at his own game.
January 15, 2018
The continuation of the After the EMP series does not disappoint. The fast paced journey that Tate created in the first four books as we follow Colt, Dani, and Melody as they just try and survive in this new world. The character of Colt deepens in complexity as he begins to open himself up to the others. It is a worthwhile read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2018
This series will draw you in and not let go. It is very additive.
It is so well written you do not want to put it down, they do not disappoint. So much action, believable characters and just love being on this journey with them. Such a roller coaster of a series. Cannot wait to get stuck into book 6
It is so well written you do not want to put it down, they do not disappoint. So much action, believable characters and just love being on this journey with them. Such a roller coaster of a series. Cannot wait to get stuck into book 6
October 6, 2021
Not bad...way to much looking back
And really starting to make me gag. The author trys to make basically weak women into super heroine. Ankle is busted but she can use both feet to move backward, or they get punched in face and can still mouth off,on and on and the guys keep listening to emotional BS AND have to get them out of a jam or die.
And really starting to make me gag. The author trys to make basically weak women into super heroine. Ankle is busted but she can use both feet to move backward, or they get punched in face and can still mouth off,on and on and the guys keep listening to emotional BS AND have to get them out of a jam or die.
June 25, 2024
They keep getting better
Better and more complex character development, good villains if not sympathetic, interesting plot and characters and still just as unbelievable but well written, five books into the series and this might have been the best one yet. Author has really hit their stride. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Better and more complex character development, good villains if not sympathetic, interesting plot and characters and still just as unbelievable but well written, five books into the series and this might have been the best one yet. Author has really hit their stride. I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 24, 2017
Review
Very good reading. No multimillionaire prepper just reasonably regular people. Hope for more books in the series. It is always to find a series that you haven't read with several books available.
Very good reading. No multimillionaire prepper just reasonably regular people. Hope for more books in the series. It is always to find a series that you haven't read with several books available.
September 26, 2017
My favorite so far.
Please keep this series going. I can't help but hope that the two separate parties will somehow get together in the future. Looking forward to the next installment.
Please keep this series going. I can't help but hope that the two separate parties will somehow get together in the future. Looking forward to the next installment.
October 7, 2017
Another good book, the story still being focused on Colt and Dani. The evil military borders on cliche in this genre and I do think that most rank and file would not behave so poorly. There is a "good" military guy here, though. I look forward to next in the series.
January 2, 2018
Even better than the 4th book and is definitely the best book in the series, thus far. I'm excited to move on to the last book, book 6, and see how things end. Book 5 is a non-stop action page turner for sure!
February 2, 2018
Still Tracking
There was enough hear to move me on to the next installment. It is beginning to become “unbelievable” as a rag tag group of initial survivors supposedly takes on a determined National Guard Lt.Col. with at least a battalion of soldiers.
There was enough hear to move me on to the next installment. It is beginning to become “unbelievable” as a rag tag group of initial survivors supposedly takes on a determined National Guard Lt.Col. with at least a battalion of soldiers.
February 18, 2018
Can't put it down!
I love this series! I love these people! I read this in a couple hours and can't wait to start the next one! I want to see how the Sloanes merge with Colt and Dan is group.
I love this series! I love these people! I read this in a couple hours and can't wait to start the next one! I want to see how the Sloanes merge with Colt and Dan is group.
May 29, 2018
The good the bad and the ugly
A group of survivors do what survivors do, whatever they must to live and take care of their own. Jarvis reminds me of one of the villains from The Walking Dead. I hope Colt doesn't develop the degree of angst that has ruined that story.
A group of survivors do what survivors do, whatever they must to live and take care of their own. Jarvis reminds me of one of the villains from The Walking Dead. I hope Colt doesn't develop the degree of angst that has ruined that story.
August 6, 2020
This was another great book. Dani gets shot, some people get kidnapped. Colonel Jarvis just keeps getting worse. This one was really action-packed. The more I read the more I like Dani the fifteen year old. She has almost always had a hard life. I sure hope it gets better. On to book six.
September 25, 2021
A thoroughly engrossing series, some very different characters co-habitating, which allows for some very interesting and surprising interactions. I learned things that I didn't know before and that always makes for good reading.
October 18, 2024
Lots Of Action!
In this book the action came alive!
A lot of different people and each had action on their own.
For anyone that hasn't been in war at it's worst, Harley Tate has described settings that are very realistic.
In this book the action came alive!
A lot of different people and each had action on their own.
For anyone that hasn't been in war at it's worst, Harley Tate has described settings that are very realistic.
October 7, 2017
Too true
This was so like it could be true. It shows how folks act when in a really bad situation. Some heroes, some monster's.
This was so like it could be true. It shows how folks act when in a really bad situation. Some heroes, some monster's.
October 11, 2017
Great reading
I love the series and am looking forward to book six. Also looking forward to any other books By this author, if Harley writes it I will read it
I love the series and am looking forward to book six. Also looking forward to any other books By this author, if Harley writes it I will read it
November 17, 2017
The Action Never Stops!
Very exciting story with great characters the reader can relate to. Can’t wait for book six. Be sure to start the series with book one.
Very exciting story with great characters the reader can relate to. Can’t wait for book six. Be sure to start the series with book one.
December 16, 2017
Chaos Gains review
Chaos Gains is the fifth exact post apocalyptic book in the After the EMO series written by author Harley Tate.
Chaos Gains is the fifth exact post apocalyptic book in the After the EMO series written by author Harley Tate.
December 22, 2017
More on surviving an EMP.
February 28, 2018
Chaos Gains
I love Colt and Dani's story.
Dani's Mother is a woman you love to hate and hate her we do. Looking forward to reading more!
Excellent story.
I love Colt and Dani's story.
Dani's Mother is a woman you love to hate and hate her we do. Looking forward to reading more!
Excellent story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews