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The EMP #2
Staying Alive
How long would you last?
It's been two weeks since the EMP. Getting out was just the beginning. Staying alive is proving harder than anyone could have imagined.
Max knows people will come from the cities. He knows they'll be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to ensure their own survival. Will he be able to lead the others in the defense of the farmhouse, even when he's still recovering from his injuries?
Georgia is in charge of hunting. Each trip into the woods brings her closer to danger. It's just a matter of time before she runs into people who will do anything to get her gun and her gear. How dangerous do things have to get before she stops trying to provide for her kids?
John is Max's estranged brother. He'd always made fun of Max for worrying about being prepared. Now, he's trapped in his upscale apartment with no gear and no food. He's wishing he was more like his brother. Does he want to have what it takes to try to get out of the city?
Staying Alive is book 2 of The EMP, a post-apocalyptic survival thriller series. It deals with real people fighting for their survival every inch of the way.
It's been two weeks since the EMP. Getting out was just the beginning. Staying alive is proving harder than anyone could have imagined.
Max knows people will come from the cities. He knows they'll be ready to fight, to do whatever it takes to ensure their own survival. Will he be able to lead the others in the defense of the farmhouse, even when he's still recovering from his injuries?
Georgia is in charge of hunting. Each trip into the woods brings her closer to danger. It's just a matter of time before she runs into people who will do anything to get her gun and her gear. How dangerous do things have to get before she stops trying to provide for her kids?
John is Max's estranged brother. He'd always made fun of Max for worrying about being prepared. Now, he's trapped in his upscale apartment with no gear and no food. He's wishing he was more like his brother. Does he want to have what it takes to try to get out of the city?
Staying Alive is book 2 of The EMP, a post-apocalyptic survival thriller series. It deals with real people fighting for their survival every inch of the way.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2017
1203 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 17, 2023
My Musings
I enjoy these characters quit a lot. The two kids are showing maturity, even Sadie. Georgia's my hero! Max is the foundation of their group, and Chad has changed a lot too. Now, he did get over his dope sickness amazingly fast, unbelievably fast. I'll continue on with the series. Happy reading!
I enjoy these characters quit a lot. The two kids are showing maturity, even Sadie. Georgia's my hero! Max is the foundation of their group, and Chad has changed a lot too. Now, he did get over his dope sickness amazingly fast, unbelievably fast. I'll continue on with the series. Happy reading!
November 6, 2017
No zombies...
I'm trying to understand some of the reviews for this book. I've read the first book. Became totally engrossed with Max, Mandy, Georgia and the others.
They seem to be loaded down with problems, not much food or water. Max is recovering from a gunshot wound, there are strange people in the woods wanting to take what little they have. Too many people coming from the woods and they're not friendly. So should they stay or go? Also, brother John is trying to make his way to the farm.
IMO this book was as good as the first & I hope to read more from these characters...😊
I'm trying to understand some of the reviews for this book. I've read the first book. Became totally engrossed with Max, Mandy, Georgia and the others.
They seem to be loaded down with problems, not much food or water. Max is recovering from a gunshot wound, there are strange people in the woods wanting to take what little they have. Too many people coming from the woods and they're not friendly. So should they stay or go? Also, brother John is trying to make his way to the farm.
IMO this book was as good as the first & I hope to read more from these characters...😊
July 1, 2019
Definitely better than the first one. I found I was holding my breath during some of the tense times. And most of the times are tense while trying to stay alive.
October 28, 2017
Seriously?
I was eager to read this book after reading the first one but this one wasn't as good as the first one and on top of that it ended with a cliffhanger ending, my biggest pet peeve when reading a series. Between the way the story felt like every aspect was being drawn out and the ending that left things with more questions than answers I'm not sure if I'll continue to read this series.
I was eager to read this book after reading the first one but this one wasn't as good as the first one and on top of that it ended with a cliffhanger ending, my biggest pet peeve when reading a series. Between the way the story felt like every aspect was being drawn out and the ending that left things with more questions than answers I'm not sure if I'll continue to read this series.
September 19, 2023
GREAT SERIES THAT JUST CONTINUES TO GET BETTER WITH EACH BOOK
Rynn Westfield continues with The EMP Survival Thriller "Staying Alive" (The EMP Book 2). It's a great read for all. It brings together basically strangers from different backgrounds struggling to survive each day just to make it to the next. I really enjoyed book 2 in this series and hope you do too. Starting book 3 shortly.
Rynn Westfield continues with The EMP Survival Thriller "Staying Alive" (The EMP Book 2). It's a great read for all. It brings together basically strangers from different backgrounds struggling to survive each day just to make it to the next. I really enjoyed book 2 in this series and hope you do too. Starting book 3 shortly.
March 1, 2018
Where's the edit
Really dumb people. How can a person get shot by a rifle in the leg and still have a bullet in the leg at that range? Should be through and through. At the end where the bad guys shoots out the tires but Georgia doesn't return fire till the end? Why didn't Max have Georgia shot the radiator out instead of fighting?
Really dumb people. How can a person get shot by a rifle in the leg and still have a bullet in the leg at that range? Should be through and through. At the end where the bad guys shoots out the tires but Georgia doesn't return fire till the end? Why didn't Max have Georgia shot the radiator out instead of fighting?
March 29, 2018
25% of the way through I quit. 25% of the way through and the book progressed about 15 minutes in time. The main character refers to an AR as an assault rifle. Puuuulllleeeeaaaseeee. Done
February 12, 2021
I had issues with book one and managed to finish it, hoping that in this book I would see them settle down and survive in the safety of the Farmhouse. It was not to be, and the pacing of the book was awful, filled with terribly unbelievable decision making and some very unrealistic challenges. I saw a review on Amazon saying something of the same thing, maybe 25% of the way into the book and perhaps 15 minutes have gone by. It is ridiculous. I felt very strongly that the author simply didn't want them having a safe place to stay, but didn't know how to properly arrange them leaving except by overwhelming them with crisis, to the point where they can't even sleep because the plot has thrown something else at them. Thus at about 1/3 of the way through they have only progressed to the next day, decide to leave only because yet ANOTHER band of armed people come out of the woods towards them, and then not a half hour down the road they are already stopped again. They meet King Prepper, Mr. Miller, for a hot second, who is bragging about his preps and is very pleased with himself, offering them food and the chance to rest "if you can find space on the floor" due to his preps filling the house to the brim. 5 minutes later, before Max has even had a bite of food he is outside helping put vehicle in garage and ANOTHER, even larger party is approaching this supposedly super bunker and King Prepper is instantly kicking them out, refusing their offer to help them with their 6 rifles, saying they don't want to get mixed up in all this. What. The. Hell. No, I'll just let this mob kill me and my family rather than accept the help of 6 people with long range rifles. I quit at that point, as the van drove away and ran into ANOTHER, unrelated random encounter on the road seconds after they leave Miller to his fate. Total crap, avoid.
April 17, 2019
Not totally prepared but who really is ?
This book has a main theme underlying all the action. Be prepared. Worthy of note is that all the characters have made many mistakes; such as not being very prepared, or have a previously prepared ‘BOB’ (Bug Out Bag) ready to go on a seconds notice. Many other mistakes that could have turned out much worse for them as individuals and as a group. It shows that these survivors are human, not perfect, nor totally prepared. Ask yourself if you are totally prepared ? Or if you even have given yourself and family any chance and aren’t prepared at all. The Government will NOT be knocking on YOUR door and handing you groceries, water, and a first aid kit or patch up your owies. A large catastrophic event that involves many or all the States will overwhelm FEMA. You will be on your own until the catastrophe has been resolved. 2 or 3 days, no big deal. But, weeks or even months ? Forget it.
This book is more reflective of real life as many people want to be ‘preppers’ and get a few things but then either lose interest or convince themselves that what little they do have will be sufficient for a week or two. Many will not take the time to learn about eating wild plants that won’t kill you but when your belly hurts from not having anything to eat you may just wish that you had made the time. It’s like dying of thirst in a desert when only 4 feet from your corpse is a barrel cactus that has lots of 💧 water in it. For shame !
This book has a main theme underlying all the action. Be prepared. Worthy of note is that all the characters have made many mistakes; such as not being very prepared, or have a previously prepared ‘BOB’ (Bug Out Bag) ready to go on a seconds notice. Many other mistakes that could have turned out much worse for them as individuals and as a group. It shows that these survivors are human, not perfect, nor totally prepared. Ask yourself if you are totally prepared ? Or if you even have given yourself and family any chance and aren’t prepared at all. The Government will NOT be knocking on YOUR door and handing you groceries, water, and a first aid kit or patch up your owies. A large catastrophic event that involves many or all the States will overwhelm FEMA. You will be on your own until the catastrophe has been resolved. 2 or 3 days, no big deal. But, weeks or even months ? Forget it.
This book is more reflective of real life as many people want to be ‘preppers’ and get a few things but then either lose interest or convince themselves that what little they do have will be sufficient for a week or two. Many will not take the time to learn about eating wild plants that won’t kill you but when your belly hurts from not having anything to eat you may just wish that you had made the time. It’s like dying of thirst in a desert when only 4 feet from your corpse is a barrel cactus that has lots of 💧 water in it. For shame !
January 10, 2018
(Read EMP Book #1 first).
Suggest this series for readers "new" to the "What Would Happen" survival-type book in a country such as the USA, in which civilization would totally break down if we were to have a "S. Hits the Fan" Incident (Electro Magnetic Pulse), that fries all of our electronics (or even part of the country's electrical grid). Because it would NOT be pretty. Most of us would not survive. Which sounds shocking at first, but read "Staying Alive" and this series, and I don't think most would disagree . Except for you preppers (*who I very much have grown to respect).
The story really improves with book #2, and I also became very engrossed with Max, Mandy, Georgia and the others. They really "step up" -- they had to, to live ... 2 weeks after the EMP.
Lots of problems, not much food or water, and they accidentally leave behind some "stuff" they really need (no spoiler here). Max is recovering from a gunshot wound, there are several encounters with ruthless people who want what they can take. IMO this book was better than the first... I plan to read book 3 ..😊
Suggest this series for readers "new" to the "What Would Happen" survival-type book in a country such as the USA, in which civilization would totally break down if we were to have a "S. Hits the Fan" Incident (Electro Magnetic Pulse), that fries all of our electronics (or even part of the country's electrical grid). Because it would NOT be pretty. Most of us would not survive. Which sounds shocking at first, but read "Staying Alive" and this series, and I don't think most would disagree . Except for you preppers (*who I very much have grown to respect).
The story really improves with book #2, and I also became very engrossed with Max, Mandy, Georgia and the others. They really "step up" -- they had to, to live ... 2 weeks after the EMP.
Lots of problems, not much food or water, and they accidentally leave behind some "stuff" they really need (no spoiler here). Max is recovering from a gunshot wound, there are several encounters with ruthless people who want what they can take. IMO this book was better than the first... I plan to read book 3 ..😊
July 1, 2025
The EMP post-apocalyptic story continues as Max and his group settle into their new life at the farmhouse and come to terms of what awaits them in the near future. This book felt more captivating than the first; I don't know if it's just because I already knew the main characters this time or if there was more three-dimensional character growth outside of their original stereotype. The level of action was captivating and kept me on the edge throughout the book, especially as Max's brother John gets closer to his brother's previous location. My interest is still being held enough to see where the story goes in the next installment.
December 18, 2020
Staying alive
The Farmhouse was good, a well sending water to the taps, a stove which was gas, both good. But Max wounded and bedridden. So his plans went undone, always someone on guard on the roof. People will come. Then they did, first one, then three, then one again, all in one day all fighting for their lives, then a band came and took over the house. So they ran, jumped in a minivan and drove off heading for the hills where there were no roads, do they make it. Read and see.
The Farmhouse was good, a well sending water to the taps, a stove which was gas, both good. But Max wounded and bedridden. So his plans went undone, always someone on guard on the roof. People will come. Then they did, first one, then three, then one again, all in one day all fighting for their lives, then a band came and took over the house. So they ran, jumped in a minivan and drove off heading for the hills where there were no roads, do they make it. Read and see.
June 7, 2023
Good, fast and logical read of a scary event!
This is the second book in the series and was well written however got a little wordy when trying to introduce a new supporting character. Took a while to become engaged. The author kept the story moving by keeping the chapters short and moving back and forth between the main characters in The supporting characters. Overall the book was short but had some suspenseful moments and was enjoyable and makes you want to read book three to know what happens. Good read and entertaining!
This is the second book in the series and was well written however got a little wordy when trying to introduce a new supporting character. Took a while to become engaged. The author kept the story moving by keeping the chapters short and moving back and forth between the main characters in The supporting characters. Overall the book was short but had some suspenseful moments and was enjoyable and makes you want to read book three to know what happens. Good read and entertaining!
January 7, 2024
Brutal survival
Awesome read, realistic survival.. The story truly reveals the craziness of the human psych.. People do desperate things to live, even being forced into killing other human beings just to keep from being killed yourselves. I loved the characters, they were believable and heartfelt. The setting is in PA, it seems like it took them days to get out of that state. Now they just crossed into Ohio, it will be interesting to see how crazy the people are in that state. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Awesome read, realistic survival.. The story truly reveals the craziness of the human psych.. People do desperate things to live, even being forced into killing other human beings just to keep from being killed yourselves. I loved the characters, they were believable and heartfelt. The setting is in PA, it seems like it took them days to get out of that state. Now they just crossed into Ohio, it will be interesting to see how crazy the people are in that state. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 9, 2022
I definitely enjoyed the book. Found it randomly and read it even though it was #2 in the series. Still made sense reading it out of turn, but I likely missed out on a fair amount of character development from book 1. The thing that makes this book good is that is highly belieivable and not overly fictional. The book constantly forces you to think about what you would do in a similar situation. The book is a strong 4 star, but definitely shy of a full 5 stars.
November 26, 2017
A Good Possible Ending To A Horrible Event
I chose five because the story is plausible, unfortunately! The characters are well defined and believable. An EMP hits the United States and who knows where else but a few smart people with common sense, some skills and planning make their way to a new start at living. Interesting pitfalls happen along the way.
I chose five because the story is plausible, unfortunately! The characters are well defined and believable. An EMP hits the United States and who knows where else but a few smart people with common sense, some skills and planning make their way to a new start at living. Interesting pitfalls happen along the way.
January 1, 2018
I'm really excited about this new book. The characters are well developed and believable. The plot quickly unfolds and envelopes the reader in the narrative. There really aren't any dead spots of endless narrative. It flows well and the action is exciting.
I am looking forward to more books from this fine wordcrafter and I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I am looking forward to more books from this fine wordcrafter and I highly recommend this book to everyone!
January 16, 2018
The characters are on the move in the second book of [The EMP]. Also we meet a new character, John, Max's estranged brother. The author gives each character their own voice by giving each chapter a different character. I love when authors do this because it give you as a reader a wider range of points of view and perspectives to create you own visuals of the story. On to book three.
May 21, 2018
Moving on
This book has differed from others in that the group was not able to hunker down at Max's chosen location. There has been no real reprieve for the group and a learning curve has been harsh.
I do wish someone would check Mandy on her attitude when it comes to Chad. I'm not saying she has to like him, but her constant digs at him are getting on my nerves.
This book has differed from others in that the group was not able to hunker down at Max's chosen location. There has been no real reprieve for the group and a learning curve has been harsh.
I do wish someone would check Mandy on her attitude when it comes to Chad. I'm not saying she has to like him, but her constant digs at him are getting on my nerves.
July 20, 2018
Staying Alive
this 2nd book in the series moved along nicely. Max, the main character made a few decisions that seemed kind of stupid, but then,under stress, many do. What is fun is that these are ordinary people going through horrific experiences, and moving forward. with flaws and doubts. Easy read for a summer day.
this 2nd book in the series moved along nicely. Max, the main character made a few decisions that seemed kind of stupid, but then,under stress, many do. What is fun is that these are ordinary people going through horrific experiences, and moving forward. with flaws and doubts. Easy read for a summer day.
February 17, 2019
Max and the gang cant stay at the farmhouse so they get in the car and drive for a while. Everyone tries to kill them
I enjoyed most of the book but some bits were frustrating. It feels like the writer just thought of everything he could that would ruin the groups day, it just seems like they can never chill
I enjoyed most of the book but some bits were frustrating. It feels like the writer just thought of everything he could that would ruin the groups day, it just seems like they can never chill
May 4, 2024
Great book.
Thought I would start reading this one and then skip and stop, I didn't stop until the last page. Keep wanting to know what happens next, I like that there is not over the top gore detail. Some books are like "w!¢k" too gory. I am more for the story and characters, I enjoy is book
Thought I would start reading this one and then skip and stop, I didn't stop until the last page. Keep wanting to know what happens next, I like that there is not over the top gore detail. Some books are like "w!¢k" too gory. I am more for the story and characters, I enjoy is book
June 1, 2024
So Real
I have read hundreds of books in this genre and this is by far the most realistic. It shows the people as ordinary people living under extraordinary circumstances and is very believable. I identified with almost all the characters ! I just started " preparing " for such an event should it happen. Silly maybe, but it makes my OCD side feel better.
Enjoy !
I have read hundreds of books in this genre and this is by far the most realistic. It shows the people as ordinary people living under extraordinary circumstances and is very believable. I identified with almost all the characters ! I just started " preparing " for such an event should it happen. Silly maybe, but it makes my OCD side feel better.
Enjoy !
June 26, 2024
Bouncing back and forth but eventually leaving the farmhouse
It doesn't seem that they really have a plan they don't stay in 1 place So Max is the only 1 that seems to be cognizant of all the issues However Georgia and Chad seems to be catching up and bringing along Mandy Sadie and James.
It doesn't seem that they really have a plan they don't stay in 1 place So Max is the only 1 that seems to be cognizant of all the issues However Georgia and Chad seems to be catching up and bringing along Mandy Sadie and James.
November 4, 2017
EMP
Book 2 following the survivors of an EMP. You will get caught up in the struggles to survive of the marvelous characters. Read in one day. Could not put it down. Must read!
Book 2 following the survivors of an EMP. You will get caught up in the struggles to survive of the marvelous characters. Read in one day. Could not put it down. Must read!
November 17, 2017
A most realistic read!
Too short dammit, write faster! The reason this books so good, is even after all the preps one can do. The wheels still fall off.Then what? Well that's the point. Move on, or die.
Too short dammit, write faster! The reason this books so good, is even after all the preps one can do. The wheels still fall off.Then what? Well that's the point. Move on, or die.
January 3, 2018
Realistic
Average people making the best of the situation. The book is more realistic because the main characters make mistakes, are imperfect and occasionally get lucky. Also the characters seem to learn from their mistakes. I liked this even more than the first.
Average people making the best of the situation. The book is more realistic because the main characters make mistakes, are imperfect and occasionally get lucky. Also the characters seem to learn from their mistakes. I liked this even more than the first.
May 25, 2018
Book 2
The story moved on as our characters look for a place to live in quiet. So far, no one has been left behind it worse. Will the brothers ever catch up with each other? I'm to book 3....
The story moved on as our characters look for a place to live in quiet. So far, no one has been left behind it worse. Will the brothers ever catch up with each other? I'm to book 3....
August 13, 2018
In the words of a dear, dear friend, "Is this the hill you want to die on?" The characters of this story are repeatdly faced with this question. Choose the path to follow and live with the circumstances.
September 11, 2018
Interesting!
Made me think. Did not give a lot of advice on how to survive. Did describe a rough existence with food shortages and too many people with only the will to survive. Some with passion and some civility. Others with no passion or civility.
Made me think. Did not give a lot of advice on how to survive. Did describe a rough existence with food shortages and too many people with only the will to survive. Some with passion and some civility. Others with no passion or civility.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews