What do you think?
Rate this book
After #2
Eén jaar later
Vervolg in de succesvolle EMP-serie.
Zeer realistisch scenario, dat door oud-voorzitter Newt Gingrich in het Huis van Afgevaardigden aan de orde gesteld werd.
Na de rampzalige elektromagnetische puls die Amerika op zijn knieën dwong, zijn de overlevenden in Black Mountain langzaam begonnen met het opbouwen van hun leven. Na een maandenlange lijdensweg van honger, oorlog en talloze doden, proberen zij zaken die ze eerst voor lief namen - elektriciteit, radiocommunicatie en medicijnen - weer op het oude niveau te herstellen.
Wanneer op een dag een 'federale administrateur' opduikt in een naburige stad lijkt het er in eerste instantie op dat er weer pogingen gedaan worden om een landelijke regering op de been te krijgen. Die hoop vervliegt echter als sneeuw voor de zon als John Matherson - de aanvoerder van de overlevenden - ontdekt wat de administrateur van plan is.
Zeer realistisch scenario, dat door oud-voorzitter Newt Gingrich in het Huis van Afgevaardigden aan de orde gesteld werd.
Na de rampzalige elektromagnetische puls die Amerika op zijn knieën dwong, zijn de overlevenden in Black Mountain langzaam begonnen met het opbouwen van hun leven. Na een maandenlange lijdensweg van honger, oorlog en talloze doden, proberen zij zaken die ze eerst voor lief namen - elektriciteit, radiocommunicatie en medicijnen - weer op het oude niveau te herstellen.
Wanneer op een dag een 'federale administrateur' opduikt in een naburige stad lijkt het er in eerste instantie op dat er weer pogingen gedaan worden om een landelijke regering op de been te krijgen. Die hoop vervliegt echter als sneeuw voor de zon als John Matherson - de aanvoerder van de overlevenden - ontdekt wat de administrateur van plan is.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
3054 people are currently reading
9685 people want to read
About the author
William R. Forstchen
116 books1,732 followersWilliam R. Forstchen (born 1950) is an American author who began publishing in 1983 with the novel Ice Prophet. He is a Professor of History and Faculty Fellow at Montreat College, in Montreat, North Carolina. He received his doctorate from Purdue University with specializations in Military History, the American Civil War and the History of Technology.
Forstchen is the author of more than forty books, including the award winning We Look Like Men of War, a young adult novel about an African-American regiment that fought at the Battle of the Crater, which is based upon his doctoral dissertation, The 28th USCTs: Indiana’s African-Americans go to War, 1863-1865 and the "Lost Regiment" series which has been optioned by both Tom Cruise and M. Night Shyamalan.
Forstchen’s writing efforts have, in recent years, shifted towards historical fiction and non fiction. In 2002 he started the “Gettysburg” trilogy with Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; the trilogy consists of Gettysburg: A Novel of the Civil War, Grant Comes East, and Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant - The Final Victory. More recently, they have have published two works on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and immediately after that attack Pearl Harbor, and Days of Infamy.
In March 2009, Forstchen’s latest work, One Second After, (Forge/St. Martin’s books) was released. Based upon several years of intensive research and interviews, it examines what might happen in a “typical” American town in the wake of an attack on the United States with “electro-magnetic pulse” (EMP) weapons. Similar in plotting to books such as On the Beach and Alas Babylon, One Second After, is set in a small college town in western North Carolina and is a cautionary tale of the collapse of social order in the wake of an EMP strike. The book has been optioned by Warner Bros. and currently is in development as a feature film. The book was cited on the floor of Congress and before the House Armed Services Committee by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R.-MD), chair of the House Committee tasked to evaluate EMP weapons, as a realistical portrayal of the potential damage rendered by an EMP attack on the continental United States.
Forstchen resides near Asheville, North Carolina with his daughter Meghan. His other interests include archaeology, and he has participated in several expeditions to Mongolia and Russia. He is a pilot and co owns an original 1943 Aeronca L-3B recon plane used in World War II.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/willia...
Forstchen is the author of more than forty books, including the award winning We Look Like Men of War, a young adult novel about an African-American regiment that fought at the Battle of the Crater, which is based upon his doctoral dissertation, The 28th USCTs: Indiana’s African-Americans go to War, 1863-1865 and the "Lost Regiment" series which has been optioned by both Tom Cruise and M. Night Shyamalan.
Forstchen’s writing efforts have, in recent years, shifted towards historical fiction and non fiction. In 2002 he started the “Gettysburg” trilogy with Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; the trilogy consists of Gettysburg: A Novel of the Civil War, Grant Comes East, and Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant - The Final Victory. More recently, they have have published two works on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and immediately after that attack Pearl Harbor, and Days of Infamy.
In March 2009, Forstchen’s latest work, One Second After, (Forge/St. Martin’s books) was released. Based upon several years of intensive research and interviews, it examines what might happen in a “typical” American town in the wake of an attack on the United States with “electro-magnetic pulse” (EMP) weapons. Similar in plotting to books such as On the Beach and Alas Babylon, One Second After, is set in a small college town in western North Carolina and is a cautionary tale of the collapse of social order in the wake of an EMP strike. The book has been optioned by Warner Bros. and currently is in development as a feature film. The book was cited on the floor of Congress and before the House Armed Services Committee by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R.-MD), chair of the House Committee tasked to evaluate EMP weapons, as a realistical portrayal of the potential damage rendered by an EMP attack on the continental United States.
Forstchen resides near Asheville, North Carolina with his daughter Meghan. His other interests include archaeology, and he has participated in several expeditions to Mongolia and Russia. He is a pilot and co owns an original 1943 Aeronca L-3B recon plane used in World War II.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/willia...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,516 reviews
October 20, 2016
3.5/5 stars
Not as enjoyable as the first, but still gripping.
Not as enjoyable as the first, but still gripping.
December 23, 2016
I am not sure if this book or series is for everyone. It is a bit dark and scary, but it is well thought out . . . a "what if" scenario and all the possibilities that are WAY too possible.
I enjoy Forstchen's writing and research. This book and the one before do not feel as much like novels as they do non-fiction analysis of everything that could happen with the destruction of our infrastructure and political system as we know it. How would we respond? Would we remain humane or dissolve into anarchy? Would ethics prevail, or would selfishness and lies override all.
If you enjoy apocalyptic/dystopian literature and don't mind being terrified by all too real possibilities, I don't think you can go wrong with this series.
NOTE: The first book is more about survival in the aftermath of infrastructure dissolving, the second is more about the restructuring of our humanity and government and how that would affect all types of people.
I enjoy Forstchen's writing and research. This book and the one before do not feel as much like novels as they do non-fiction analysis of everything that could happen with the destruction of our infrastructure and political system as we know it. How would we respond? Would we remain humane or dissolve into anarchy? Would ethics prevail, or would selfishness and lies override all.
If you enjoy apocalyptic/dystopian literature and don't mind being terrified by all too real possibilities, I don't think you can go wrong with this series.
NOTE: The first book is more about survival in the aftermath of infrastructure dissolving, the second is more about the restructuring of our humanity and government and how that would affect all types of people.
October 8, 2015
After having blown through the book in about a day, I figure I'll bang out the review while the story is fresh in my mind.
First of all, as I'm sure all the other reviews will note; this story is set TWO years after the first book, so it's my assumption that the author used this title for artistic license.
This review will regrettably be more negative than my review of the first book because this book swerves away from painting a dark picture of the very real possibilities of an EMP attack, to swerve clearly into textbook post-apocalyptic territory and in so doing, tell a story which makes no sense when compared to the first book. Additionally, in this book, the villain is a by-the-numbers representative of a similarly by-the-numbers fledgling Federal Government whose main goal seems to be destroying the town and the Protagonist from the first book, John Matherson. In fact, this entire book is more or less a power struggle between the FedGov rep and John, with the third act being where the disagreement turns to violence, death, gunfire, and attack helicopters destroying the $%&^ out of Black Mountain.
For this reason, I found myself not being able to give this book's problems a pass like I had with One Second After. The writing and plot are highly derivative of the first book, wherein all other characters cede ultimate authority to John, who essentially is the town's messiah at this point. The one saving grace is the author's acquiescence to the criticism of the first book, where every female character was weak or in the role of nurturer/caregiver, by ending the book with the introduction of a new semi-acceptable female character who isn't automatically a nurse or rape-victim.
I guess I just have a problem with this entire story continuing to revolve 100% around John, which really takes me out of the immersion a book is supposed to provide. It's just too thick. John, the savior of the town of Black Mountain. John, the guy who's wanted by the evil Government representative. John, the only one who can lead Black Mountain's forces against the evil Government representative. John, the only one with the answers, the plan, the ability to figure it out. At what point do readers sit back and say sarcastically "Wow, gee, I'm sure glad that John was there to save the day. Everyone would be dead if he hadn't been there to be their guiding light. No wonder this far-off Federal government (irritatingly referred to as "Bluemont" the whole time, in reference to the location of the new Federal base of operations) wants at first to bring this guy into the fold and when that fails, to destroy this guy, right?". Right?
Right?
No, of course that's not right, it doesn't make any sense. And really, it's as though Forstchen took the "Mary Sue Knob" and cranked it to 11 in this book. Where John was fallible before in the first book (among other issues), in this book, he's even more insufferable. The one-note evil government representative is written in an unashamedly two-dimensional fashion. You will recognize this character from any number of 80's action movies where the CIA agent was really the bad guy all along. And really, the whole "Government stooge demanding obedience from John and the town of Black Mountain" angle actually makes very little sense. If a weakened, destabilized, decentralized Government were trying to reestablish authority over the country, it stands to reason that they'd leave the pockets of peace and reason alone so they could deal primarily with those places still overrun by savages. Instead, it seems that John Matherson is well-known by this fledgling Government (somehow), who has decided that he is an irreplaceable asset and so they send their representative to try to get him to leave Black Mountain and come work for them, with the bottom line being that John better comply "or else". So, this whole story falls apart after the first meeting between John and the representative in the first third of the book! In any REALISTIC scenario, the representative would have been an ordinary, harassed, stressed bureaucrat who would meet with John and speak plainly and straightforward. "We need you, please come help the Government get back on its feet." This would have raised no suspicion, and John would have most likely said "Hey, sure thing, let me pack my stuff and we'll head out."
Instead, what ACTUALLY happens is this. The representative is written as an untrustworthy slimeball from the start, and John is instantly aware that an attempted deception is in play. So, of course he refuses, after which point the representative switches 100% from Anakin to Darth Vader, by ordering a helicopter gunship attack which destroys Black Mountain and kills hundreds of people (there's a subplot which involves some "reivers" but that's not worth the effort of recounting). So, back to the vicious attack on the town. Government guy has his entire fleet of helicopters attack this town, flying back to their base to refuel and rearm MULTIPLE times, only to come back and keep pounding away. The entire center of town is leveled. I....I don't even...
This scene in itself was bewildering and stupid, because it was completely unnecessary and thus unbelievable from a plot standpoint. After all, all throughout the book, there are excerpts from radio broadcasts which provide exposition concerning what's going on elsewhere in America while the book's events unfold. Chicago is mentioned multiple times as a major area in which the Government hasn't been able to restore order because some crazy cult leader has resisted all efforts to be contained and has killed a lot of Government soldiers who were sent in to bring this guy to heel. Ok, cool. So, why then would this Government allow this representative to commit (what are almost certainly limited) military assets/resources into blowing up this tiny little town that's not a threat? Over one guy? One guy, who's apparently worth tons of attack helicopter rockets, 20mm rounds, and fuel.
Immersion ruined.
I could go further, but I think that the point has probably been made (to death). This book has kind of gone off the rails at the end, and at this point I'm hoping that the third book of the trilogy will somehow wrap things up in a sane, reasonable way.
I'm not going to hold my breath, however.
First of all, as I'm sure all the other reviews will note; this story is set TWO years after the first book, so it's my assumption that the author used this title for artistic license.
This review will regrettably be more negative than my review of the first book because this book swerves away from painting a dark picture of the very real possibilities of an EMP attack, to swerve clearly into textbook post-apocalyptic territory and in so doing, tell a story which makes no sense when compared to the first book. Additionally, in this book, the villain is a by-the-numbers representative of a similarly by-the-numbers fledgling Federal Government whose main goal seems to be destroying the town and the Protagonist from the first book, John Matherson. In fact, this entire book is more or less a power struggle between the FedGov rep and John, with the third act being where the disagreement turns to violence, death, gunfire, and attack helicopters destroying the $%&^ out of Black Mountain.
For this reason, I found myself not being able to give this book's problems a pass like I had with One Second After. The writing and plot are highly derivative of the first book, wherein all other characters cede ultimate authority to John, who essentially is the town's messiah at this point. The one saving grace is the author's acquiescence to the criticism of the first book, where every female character was weak or in the role of nurturer/caregiver, by ending the book with the introduction of a new semi-acceptable female character who isn't automatically a nurse or rape-victim.
I guess I just have a problem with this entire story continuing to revolve 100% around John, which really takes me out of the immersion a book is supposed to provide. It's just too thick. John, the savior of the town of Black Mountain. John, the guy who's wanted by the evil Government representative. John, the only one who can lead Black Mountain's forces against the evil Government representative. John, the only one with the answers, the plan, the ability to figure it out. At what point do readers sit back and say sarcastically "Wow, gee, I'm sure glad that John was there to save the day. Everyone would be dead if he hadn't been there to be their guiding light. No wonder this far-off Federal government (irritatingly referred to as "Bluemont" the whole time, in reference to the location of the new Federal base of operations) wants at first to bring this guy into the fold and when that fails, to destroy this guy, right?". Right?
Right?
No, of course that's not right, it doesn't make any sense. And really, it's as though Forstchen took the "Mary Sue Knob" and cranked it to 11 in this book. Where John was fallible before in the first book (among other issues), in this book, he's even more insufferable. The one-note evil government representative is written in an unashamedly two-dimensional fashion. You will recognize this character from any number of 80's action movies where the CIA agent was really the bad guy all along. And really, the whole "Government stooge demanding obedience from John and the town of Black Mountain" angle actually makes very little sense. If a weakened, destabilized, decentralized Government were trying to reestablish authority over the country, it stands to reason that they'd leave the pockets of peace and reason alone so they could deal primarily with those places still overrun by savages. Instead, it seems that John Matherson is well-known by this fledgling Government (somehow), who has decided that he is an irreplaceable asset and so they send their representative to try to get him to leave Black Mountain and come work for them, with the bottom line being that John better comply "or else". So, this whole story falls apart after the first meeting between John and the representative in the first third of the book! In any REALISTIC scenario, the representative would have been an ordinary, harassed, stressed bureaucrat who would meet with John and speak plainly and straightforward. "We need you, please come help the Government get back on its feet." This would have raised no suspicion, and John would have most likely said "Hey, sure thing, let me pack my stuff and we'll head out."
Instead, what ACTUALLY happens is this. The representative is written as an untrustworthy slimeball from the start, and John is instantly aware that an attempted deception is in play. So, of course he refuses, after which point the representative switches 100% from Anakin to Darth Vader, by ordering a helicopter gunship attack which destroys Black Mountain and kills hundreds of people (there's a subplot which involves some "reivers" but that's not worth the effort of recounting). So, back to the vicious attack on the town. Government guy has his entire fleet of helicopters attack this town, flying back to their base to refuel and rearm MULTIPLE times, only to come back and keep pounding away. The entire center of town is leveled. I....I don't even...
This scene in itself was bewildering and stupid, because it was completely unnecessary and thus unbelievable from a plot standpoint. After all, all throughout the book, there are excerpts from radio broadcasts which provide exposition concerning what's going on elsewhere in America while the book's events unfold. Chicago is mentioned multiple times as a major area in which the Government hasn't been able to restore order because some crazy cult leader has resisted all efforts to be contained and has killed a lot of Government soldiers who were sent in to bring this guy to heel. Ok, cool. So, why then would this Government allow this representative to commit (what are almost certainly limited) military assets/resources into blowing up this tiny little town that's not a threat? Over one guy? One guy, who's apparently worth tons of attack helicopter rockets, 20mm rounds, and fuel.
Immersion ruined.
I could go further, but I think that the point has probably been made (to death). This book has kind of gone off the rails at the end, and at this point I'm hoping that the third book of the trilogy will somehow wrap things up in a sane, reasonable way.
I'm not going to hold my breath, however.
October 26, 2015
While I enjoyed the first book quite a bit more (and I encourage you to read it first if you've not yet done so), I do feel it a bit unfair to rate this book as inferior to the first, even if only slightly.
They are different types of books, after all. Yes, they deal with the same group of people, and this book picks up their story in a linear fashion a number of months after the first book has left off.
But the first book existed to illustrate exactly how devastating an EMP attack would be for our modern society, and exactly how unprepared we are for a journey back to primitive lives that even our ancestors from a generation or two back would disbelieve.
And this second book? Less cautionary tale, and less survivalist-core, and more action thriller. Yes, there's a strong message delivered, but this book is indeed successful based on the ride on which it takes the reader, and by the white knuckles it will give you as you reach the climactic scenes. This would make an excellent movie, or (perhaps even better) a TV series. It is a very realistic and gripping account of one community's desperate attempts to not only survive, but to rebuild and thrive. And opposing them: a corrupt bureaucracy that is scrambling to come to power through Machiavellian tactics.
The message is clear throughout the book. Judge not by what is said, but by what actions are taken. And accept no orders that are not morally upstanding, or that are issued by immoral persons who claim to hold positions of authority. Take down the tyrants, and live free or die fighting.
Even in times of war, or perhaps especially in times of war, we clearly identify ourselves as the "good guys" or "bad guys" by the decisions we make and the actions we take, and if we are not focussed on trying to help our fellow man, then there is no other justification for us to fight. And having once begun to fight, by again focussing on trying to help our fellow man, we will make the fighting as brief as we can, and not lose our humanity.
I recommend this book highly. Start with the first in the series, and continue with this one. And I'm sure you'll join me eagerly waiting for the final volume in the planned trilogy.
They are different types of books, after all. Yes, they deal with the same group of people, and this book picks up their story in a linear fashion a number of months after the first book has left off.
But the first book existed to illustrate exactly how devastating an EMP attack would be for our modern society, and exactly how unprepared we are for a journey back to primitive lives that even our ancestors from a generation or two back would disbelieve.
And this second book? Less cautionary tale, and less survivalist-core, and more action thriller. Yes, there's a strong message delivered, but this book is indeed successful based on the ride on which it takes the reader, and by the white knuckles it will give you as you reach the climactic scenes. This would make an excellent movie, or (perhaps even better) a TV series. It is a very realistic and gripping account of one community's desperate attempts to not only survive, but to rebuild and thrive. And opposing them: a corrupt bureaucracy that is scrambling to come to power through Machiavellian tactics.
The message is clear throughout the book. Judge not by what is said, but by what actions are taken. And accept no orders that are not morally upstanding, or that are issued by immoral persons who claim to hold positions of authority. Take down the tyrants, and live free or die fighting.
Even in times of war, or perhaps especially in times of war, we clearly identify ourselves as the "good guys" or "bad guys" by the decisions we make and the actions we take, and if we are not focussed on trying to help our fellow man, then there is no other justification for us to fight. And having once begun to fight, by again focussing on trying to help our fellow man, we will make the fighting as brief as we can, and not lose our humanity.
I recommend this book highly. Start with the first in the series, and continue with this one. And I'm sure you'll join me eagerly waiting for the final volume in the planned trilogy.
June 18, 2025
Like other reviews, this book didn’t hit the same as the first. The thrill and suspense are mostly replaced by the day to day or rebuilding a collapsed society.
As a post-apocalyptic read with realistic events that feels all to real, I was still intrigued. I felt the writing in this book was a little more clinical and didn’t feel as well written as the first. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the continuation of the story but it was a tad cheesy at times. It pulled me out of the story.
Overall I’d give this one a teetering 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. I’ll definitely continue the series. I enjoy this one because it feels like it could really happen at any moment. It walks you through Day 1 and Ground Zero to rebuilding after an EMP attack. Not as beautifully devastating as Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”, but this still made me want to keep turning pages!
As a post-apocalyptic read with realistic events that feels all to real, I was still intrigued. I felt the writing in this book was a little more clinical and didn’t feel as well written as the first. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the continuation of the story but it was a tad cheesy at times. It pulled me out of the story.
Overall I’d give this one a teetering 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. I’ll definitely continue the series. I enjoy this one because it feels like it could really happen at any moment. It walks you through Day 1 and Ground Zero to rebuilding after an EMP attack. Not as beautifully devastating as Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”, but this still made me want to keep turning pages!
August 6, 2022
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is the second book of a trilogy. I strongly suggest reading the first book before this one. In this one we visit our little town that is dealing with the EMP and the time setting is two years after it happened. Yes, I know. The title says one year after but it is two years after the EMP.
I absolutely loved the first book. The tension just leapt off the pages and I loved dealing with the crisis on such a small stage. In this one we expand our horizons as we are not just dealing with our little rural town. We are now dealing with neighboring communities as we try to get back to normal. As you can tell I thought this book was a step down from the first book and I believe the reason is the expansion of the crisis. I didn't think the tension was as palpable as it was in the first book. When we were at a scene wondering who would survive I did not have to worry about our characters like I did in the first novel. I also thought this book was a little more political than the first one. The political aspect works as we try to rebuild our nation and you will have people who take advantage of the situation. But at times it felt like the author expected me to salute the flag while I was reading this book or I wouldn't be a good American.
This wasn't as good as the first one but it was still a nice read. I really didn't expect it to be good as the first one though. The first one was riveting and totally captured me and it was going to be difficult to achieve that again with back to back books. That being said I did like this book and I look forward to the final book and wonder how it all concludes.
This is the second book of a trilogy. I strongly suggest reading the first book before this one. In this one we visit our little town that is dealing with the EMP and the time setting is two years after it happened. Yes, I know. The title says one year after but it is two years after the EMP.
I absolutely loved the first book. The tension just leapt off the pages and I loved dealing with the crisis on such a small stage. In this one we expand our horizons as we are not just dealing with our little rural town. We are now dealing with neighboring communities as we try to get back to normal. As you can tell I thought this book was a step down from the first book and I believe the reason is the expansion of the crisis. I didn't think the tension was as palpable as it was in the first book. When we were at a scene wondering who would survive I did not have to worry about our characters like I did in the first novel. I also thought this book was a little more political than the first one. The political aspect works as we try to rebuild our nation and you will have people who take advantage of the situation. But at times it felt like the author expected me to salute the flag while I was reading this book or I wouldn't be a good American.
This wasn't as good as the first one but it was still a nice read. I really didn't expect it to be good as the first one though. The first one was riveting and totally captured me and it was going to be difficult to achieve that again with back to back books. That being said I did like this book and I look forward to the final book and wonder how it all concludes.
January 9, 2016
Bureaucrats are bad. Former military dudes are awesome! America and the Constitution! Quotes in Latin! Coincidentally, every good person in this book is a former member of the military. All the bad people are paper pushers and politicians.
As an office-jobber, I've long ago killed myself in fantasy 'EMP land,' but yet I continued to hate-read this in real life.
Was there even an editor on this?
As an office-jobber, I've long ago killed myself in fantasy 'EMP land,' but yet I continued to hate-read this in real life.
Was there even an editor on this?
February 7, 2017
Enjoyable read, but not as good as the first. Several parts could be edited out without hurting story. Rushed ending.
October 9, 2015
*** SPOILERS BELOW ***
I liked One Second After, but it really was a different book. In this book, the author attempts to move away from the apocalyptic "what if" of an EMP attack into a straight novel.
I don't think the attempt was successful.
There's really only one character (Matherson) and everyone else is simply a cardboard cutout plugged in to populate a scene and then dumped.
I'm still trying to figure out how Black Mountain got to be such a unique place. Before THE DAY Black Mountain had a population of appx 7,000 people. According to the author, the USA lost about 80% of its population which, if that percentage holds for Black Mountain, means it has about 1,500 people.
Incredibly, those 1,500 people populating Black Mountain in the two years after THE BATTLE WITH THE POSSE appear to include dozens of combat vets from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. In addition, there are a number of engineers, pilots, and (amazingly) folks who know how to build and repair pre-transistor era telephone systems! What luck!
What was insufferable for me was the insipid and wooden dialogue. Matherson says "Do It Now!" and "Get the Hell Out of There!" again and again and again. But, worst was the ad nauseum repetition of: "They were just innocent college kids BEFORE THE DAY, but after two years and THE BATTLE WITH THE POSSE, they were hardened elite troops".
It seemed that the book ended by setting the stage for Matherson to go on to bigger and better things. If that means another installment of this series, I'll have to take a pass.
I liked One Second After, but it really was a different book. In this book, the author attempts to move away from the apocalyptic "what if" of an EMP attack into a straight novel.
I don't think the attempt was successful.
There's really only one character (Matherson) and everyone else is simply a cardboard cutout plugged in to populate a scene and then dumped.
I'm still trying to figure out how Black Mountain got to be such a unique place. Before THE DAY Black Mountain had a population of appx 7,000 people. According to the author, the USA lost about 80% of its population which, if that percentage holds for Black Mountain, means it has about 1,500 people.
Incredibly, those 1,500 people populating Black Mountain in the two years after THE BATTLE WITH THE POSSE appear to include dozens of combat vets from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. In addition, there are a number of engineers, pilots, and (amazingly) folks who know how to build and repair pre-transistor era telephone systems! What luck!
What was insufferable for me was the insipid and wooden dialogue. Matherson says "Do It Now!" and "Get the Hell Out of There!" again and again and again. But, worst was the ad nauseum repetition of: "They were just innocent college kids BEFORE THE DAY, but after two years and THE BATTLE WITH THE POSSE, they were hardened elite troops".
It seemed that the book ended by setting the stage for Matherson to go on to bigger and better things. If that means another installment of this series, I'll have to take a pass.
June 10, 2017
This was frustrating because I liked the first book, One Second After, so much, but I did not like this one at all. The first book had the intensity of a classic apocalyptic event where we get an idea what it would be like to have our lives changed in an instant. A nuclear blast (a nuclear electromagnetic pulse to be exact) takes the country back into the dark ages and we see the culminating fight for survival after the fact. I'll tell you what I got out of this book: god bless America, National anthems, Pledge of Allegiances, and heroic ex soldiers, chaplains, etc. Oh, and there is also the corrupt government official who uses enough arsenal to start a small war on a little town because he has a beef with the Colonel,(leader of the town), and for whatever reason the government doesn't seem to have a problem with that.
Some might like the hokey patriotic tone to the story, and to each their own, but I took the third book off my list.
Some might like the hokey patriotic tone to the story, and to each their own, but I took the third book off my list.
March 21, 2016
No NO NOO! The first book was so good - survival, disaster, the will to survive. The second book is power and control, nothing thrilling there.
August 3, 2022
The sequel to "One Second After." Doesn't have quite the punch of the first in the trilogy but still a very good read.
March 6, 2016
One Second After was one of the better survivalist novels I've read. In that book, an EMP attack destroys the North American electric grid and plunges the United States into lawless anarchy and mass starvation. It was a pretty gripping story about a small North Carolina town trying to survive amidst the chaos, even if the main character is a bit of an author stand-in.
The sequel picks up the story a year later, as the title indicates. Black Mountain is beginning to pull itself together and attain enough self-sufficiency to fend of starvation and even restore a few vital services. There has been little word from the outside world, however, other than BBC broadcasts ending with cryptic code phrases. England was not directly attacked, but Europe is in chaos, and Chinese troops are supposedly occupying the West Coast. Meanwhile, Black Mountain is having to contend with "Reavers," bands of backwoods survivalists who are now becoming much like their namesakes, alternately trading with and raiding their townified neighbors.
After a particularly violent Reaver raid, John Matherson leads a retaliatory expedition and gets captured. He discovers that the so-called "Reavers" are led by a former US Army First Sergeant, who is in his own way trying to do what Matherson does - keep his community alive in hard and violent times. The two men come to a sort of understanding and negotiate a semi-truce, which is then promptly derailed by the arrival of government black helicopters.
Yup, in this book, Forstchen brings in a James Wesley Rawles plot: the federal government is reforming (kind of), but of course it's run by power-hungry bureaucrats who are not much better than the warlords they are trying to suppress. When Matherson does not respond favorably either to the carrot or the stick offered to him, the militia he has trained at Black Mountain is forced to fight a battle against the feds.
It's possible the government, or the tattered remnants that would rise from the ashes of a civilization-ending event, would be as autocratic and brutal as Fortschen portrays it (in fairness, it's mostly a local satrap trying to defend his turf who does all the bad things, with the question of whether he really represents the new government or just a particularly malign representative of it being left an open question). However, the politics are certainly a bit Reaganish ("The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help"), where you pretty much know as soon as the feds show up and say the U.S. government is back, it's not good news. The main character continues to be the ever-upstanding heroic defender of the Constitution, even when it's questionable whether a Constitutional government still exists.
The battle scenes are tense and this was a good post-collapse adventure, but the victory of the good guys requires the bad guys to be extremely stupid. Given all the loose ends, I suspect Forstchen has more sequels planned. I'll read them, but I'm hoping he expands a bit beyond Black Mountain and the virtues of good ol' small town America even in a post-apocalypse.
The sequel picks up the story a year later, as the title indicates. Black Mountain is beginning to pull itself together and attain enough self-sufficiency to fend of starvation and even restore a few vital services. There has been little word from the outside world, however, other than BBC broadcasts ending with cryptic code phrases. England was not directly attacked, but Europe is in chaos, and Chinese troops are supposedly occupying the West Coast. Meanwhile, Black Mountain is having to contend with "Reavers," bands of backwoods survivalists who are now becoming much like their namesakes, alternately trading with and raiding their townified neighbors.
After a particularly violent Reaver raid, John Matherson leads a retaliatory expedition and gets captured. He discovers that the so-called "Reavers" are led by a former US Army First Sergeant, who is in his own way trying to do what Matherson does - keep his community alive in hard and violent times. The two men come to a sort of understanding and negotiate a semi-truce, which is then promptly derailed by the arrival of government black helicopters.
Yup, in this book, Forstchen brings in a James Wesley Rawles plot: the federal government is reforming (kind of), but of course it's run by power-hungry bureaucrats who are not much better than the warlords they are trying to suppress. When Matherson does not respond favorably either to the carrot or the stick offered to him, the militia he has trained at Black Mountain is forced to fight a battle against the feds.
It's possible the government, or the tattered remnants that would rise from the ashes of a civilization-ending event, would be as autocratic and brutal as Fortschen portrays it (in fairness, it's mostly a local satrap trying to defend his turf who does all the bad things, with the question of whether he really represents the new government or just a particularly malign representative of it being left an open question). However, the politics are certainly a bit Reaganish ("The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help"), where you pretty much know as soon as the feds show up and say the U.S. government is back, it's not good news. The main character continues to be the ever-upstanding heroic defender of the Constitution, even when it's questionable whether a Constitutional government still exists.
The battle scenes are tense and this was a good post-collapse adventure, but the victory of the good guys requires the bad guys to be extremely stupid. Given all the loose ends, I suspect Forstchen has more sequels planned. I'll read them, but I'm hoping he expands a bit beyond Black Mountain and the virtues of good ol' small town America even in a post-apocalypse.
October 19, 2015
I enjoy apocalyptic and post apocalyptic stories. The genre often explores morality and asks the question "what would you do". This book attempts to do so without success.
Sadly, Forstchen allowed his political viewpoints to write this story. Long passages were dedicated to bemoaning the passing of the good old days. He put the Civil War on a pedestal. He believes it to be the dignified/justified struggle for Southern Independence. I was sickened.
The main character (a talking head for the author) has 19th century moral values and is commenting on 21st century life.
In Forstchen perfect world, their aren't any Blacks, Hispanic or Asians. His community is populated by White Protestants. Women have no power and submit to their husbands. The main character has a wife and whenever he talked about serious topics his wife left the room. She would excuse herself to allow men to talk about men's business.
In Forstchen's world, slavery is legal or at least accepted with a small shrug.
In Forstchen's world, Government is incompetent and power hungry and willing to commit enormous resources to subdue a small town because they won't send fifty troops for the national draft.
Personally, I was disappointed with the two dimensional characters who were stand ins for Forstchen view points. All the government agents were bad because the author believes government is bad. All the women were powerless because believes women should be submissive. There weren't any minorities because I guess he believes they aren't needed to rebuild America. All the, old timers who discussed the validity of the Civil War, were noble and righteous because the author glorifies that time period.
So if you want to read a book about rebuilding America into a place the Founding Fathers would recognize then this is the book for you.
Sadly, Forstchen allowed his political viewpoints to write this story. Long passages were dedicated to bemoaning the passing of the good old days. He put the Civil War on a pedestal. He believes it to be the dignified/justified struggle for Southern Independence. I was sickened.
The main character (a talking head for the author) has 19th century moral values and is commenting on 21st century life.
In Forstchen perfect world, their aren't any Blacks, Hispanic or Asians. His community is populated by White Protestants. Women have no power and submit to their husbands. The main character has a wife and whenever he talked about serious topics his wife left the room. She would excuse herself to allow men to talk about men's business.
In Forstchen's world, slavery is legal or at least accepted with a small shrug.
In Forstchen's world, Government is incompetent and power hungry and willing to commit enormous resources to subdue a small town because they won't send fifty troops for the national draft.
Personally, I was disappointed with the two dimensional characters who were stand ins for Forstchen view points. All the government agents were bad because the author believes government is bad. All the women were powerless because believes women should be submissive. There weren't any minorities because I guess he believes they aren't needed to rebuild America. All the, old timers who discussed the validity of the Civil War, were noble and righteous because the author glorifies that time period.
So if you want to read a book about rebuilding America into a place the Founding Fathers would recognize then this is the book for you.
August 29, 2017
Survival…that’s what it has been all about since the EMP. Forstchen has allowed one full year to pass since the events of One Second After; yes, you must read book one before embarking on the journey in One Year After.
The first book in the series was about getting by, surviving and coming together. The second is more about control and deception – an us and them scenario. The townsfolk of Black Mountain have made it through the worst that the apocalypse could throw at them; many were lost, but now they are beginning to get their feet on the ground.
One Year After really touches on the big picture. How does the utopia that John has helped to build fit into the dystopia that America has become? Without the communication technology that we rely upon, who is running the show? Should they?
As with the first book, One Year After bleeds red, white and blue. I don’t mind that, but at certain times it does come off as a bit preachy.
I enjoyed getting back together with the characters, to see what has happened in their lives, how they have grown and evolved. Forstchen created a diverse group of individuals that kept me connected to the story. I would have preferred a more intelligent villain, someone who could better appreciate what the people of Black Mountain had accomplished, one that worked with them instead of against them. Then again, if that had been the case, he wouldn’t have been the villain and the story would have been a moot point.
The After Series is terrifying in that it really could happen. Forstchen has delivered a grim prospect of how all the chips could fall.
The first book in the series was about getting by, surviving and coming together. The second is more about control and deception – an us and them scenario. The townsfolk of Black Mountain have made it through the worst that the apocalypse could throw at them; many were lost, but now they are beginning to get their feet on the ground.
One Year After really touches on the big picture. How does the utopia that John has helped to build fit into the dystopia that America has become? Without the communication technology that we rely upon, who is running the show? Should they?
As with the first book, One Year After bleeds red, white and blue. I don’t mind that, but at certain times it does come off as a bit preachy.
I enjoyed getting back together with the characters, to see what has happened in their lives, how they have grown and evolved. Forstchen created a diverse group of individuals that kept me connected to the story. I would have preferred a more intelligent villain, someone who could better appreciate what the people of Black Mountain had accomplished, one that worked with them instead of against them. Then again, if that had been the case, he wouldn’t have been the villain and the story would have been a moot point.
The After Series is terrifying in that it really could happen. Forstchen has delivered a grim prospect of how all the chips could fall.
January 22, 2016
I read this book and "One Second After" because I am intrigued by the fragility of our society and I love to read about different views about this topic.
However, a significant weakness in this series is the way that the EMP seems to blow this town's view of anyone other than white males back to the 1950's.
The female characters are not much of an improvement from the first installment to this book. The author's sexism is so glaring that it becomes a spoiler. For example, once you hear that the President is female, you know she is going to turn out to be weak, ineffectual, corrupt, or all three.
The author had John, the protagonist, expressing horror at the claims that his community might be racist, but do we see any black good guys? Or any black people of note?
John is cartoonishly perfect and his dominance of the town undercuts the theme that the author seems to want to support.
There are many types of heroes in our lives and strength and courage can be found in all sorts of people.
Wouldn't it be great to see this story find wisdom and courage in unexpected places?
Perhaps that is why shows like The Walking Dead are OWNING this genre.
John should be shown to be first among equals - it would be far more interesting for him to cultivate the talents of different people in his town instead of just being the irreplaceable hero. That would be a great American story.
However, a significant weakness in this series is the way that the EMP seems to blow this town's view of anyone other than white males back to the 1950's.
The female characters are not much of an improvement from the first installment to this book. The author's sexism is so glaring that it becomes a spoiler. For example, once you hear that the President is female, you know she is going to turn out to be weak, ineffectual, corrupt, or all three.
The author had John, the protagonist, expressing horror at the claims that his community might be racist, but do we see any black good guys? Or any black people of note?
John is cartoonishly perfect and his dominance of the town undercuts the theme that the author seems to want to support.
There are many types of heroes in our lives and strength and courage can be found in all sorts of people.
Wouldn't it be great to see this story find wisdom and courage in unexpected places?
Perhaps that is why shows like The Walking Dead are OWNING this genre.
John should be shown to be first among equals - it would be far more interesting for him to cultivate the talents of different people in his town instead of just being the irreplaceable hero. That would be a great American story.
March 7, 2016
Friends must think of me very differently than I think of myself...a recommendation, after I already said I wasn't particularly impressed with the previous recommended book by this author One Second After or the politician that supposedly stated that every American should read that one. A waste of my time, and I'm not all that busy. In my opinion the best in this genre -- a genre that hasn't ventured much outside the box other than adding in a prerequisite psycho bully -- is still Pat Frank's 1959, Alas, Babylon. I think congressmen should be more worried at this time about who might possibly be their new POTUS. Now that's HUGELY scary.
August 18, 2024
Not as gripping or interesting as the first one.
June 8, 2016
I don't know where to start in describing the contents of this book. It was so thought-provoking and mind blowing that this could actually happen to us in America. Would we survive....only God knows! I highly recommend that everyone read this book, but please start with the first book, 'One Second After'.
December 31, 2017
English Review
This book is the sequel of One Second After where we were able to follow the residents of Black Mountain who were trying to survive after the EMP (electromagnetic pulse, i.e. the explosion of a nuclear weapon in altitude, which had the effect of destroying all that is electric).
In One Year After, the story takes place one year after the end of One Second After and 2 years after the EMP. The people of Black Mountain managed to restore a semblance of normal life even if they do not actually eat their fill and have to take in account infections because there are no more drugs. However, they manage to develop certain basic pharmaceutical products which improves things. They have reconstructed a telephone line and start a project for electricity (thanks to paper books). They also have established a security team to defend the city against thieves.
When almost all the young men and women in the town receive a draft notice, wrote by the new government, they’re concerned and angered. These young people are forced to be incorporated into the national recovery army, to be sent to restore order to the country’s borders and to manage difficult places. People do not want to see the youngest risking their lives and their departure would also have consequences for the city: not enough people to ensure safety or to grow food.
The new government is in Bluemont, Virginia, it is locally represented by Dale Frederick in Asheville. He offers a deal to John Matherson, the administrator of Black Mountain: if he leaves the town and integrates the army, the draft will be reduced by a half. John must decide whether to endorse the legitimacy of the new government and the methods of the new administrator of Asheville Dale Frederick.
If you’ve read the first book, there is no hesitation to have, you will love this sequel. It’s not as impressive as the consequences of the loss of electricity in the first volume but still realistic. That is what struck me the most in these two books, I felt how this could be real. The author wanted his government to react by warning us of the catastrophic effects an EMP could have, I think he has reached his goal with his readers (for the government, I do not know). We need to wait for the third and final book that will conclude the story of the inhabitants of Black Mountain.
Avis en français
Ce livre est la suite de Une seconde après dans lequel on a pu suivre les habitants de Black Mountain tenter de survivre après l’EMP (electromagnetic pulse, soit l’explosion d’une arme nucléaire en altitude, ce qui a pour conséquence de détruire tout ce qui est électrique).
Dans One Year After, l’histoire a lieu 1 an après la fin de Une seconde après et 2 ans après l’EMP. Les habitants de Black Mountain ont réussi à se reconstituer un semblant de vie normale même s’ils ne peuvent pas réellement se nourrir à leur faim et doivent faire beaucoup plus attention aux infections car il n’y a plus de médicaments. Toutefois, ils arrivent à développer certains produits pharmaceutiques basiques ce qui améliore les choses. Ils ont reconstitué une ligne téléphonique et débutent un projet concernant l’électricité (merci aux livres papiers). Ils ont aussi et surtout constitué une équipe de sécurité pour défendre la ville contre les voleurs.
Quand presque tous les jeunes hommes et femmes de la ville reçoivent des avis de conscription, rédigés par le nouveau gouvernement, c’est l’inquiétude et la colère. Ces jeunes gens seraient incorporés à l’armée de redressement national et envoyés remettre de l’ordre aux frontières du pays et aux endroits difficiles. Les habitants ne veulent pas voir tous les jeunes partir risquer leur vie et leur départ aurait aussi des conséquences pour la ville : pas assez de personnes pour assurer la sécurité ou pour cultiver la nourriture.
Le nouveau gouvernement se situe à Bluemont en Virginie, il est représenté localement par Dale Frederick à Asheville. Celui-ci propose un deal à John Matherson, l’administrateur de Black Mountain : s’il quitte la ville et intègre l’armée, la conscription sera réduite de moitié. John doit décider s’il cautionne la légitimité de ce nouveau gouvernement ainsi que les méthodes du nouvel administrateur d’Asheville Dale Frederick.
Si vous avez lu le premier livre, il n’y a pas d’hésitation à avoir, vous aimerez cette suite. Ce n’est pas aussi impressionnant que les conséquences de la perte de l’électricité dans le premier tome mais c’est toujours aussi réaliste. C’est ce qui m’a frappé le plus dans ces 2 livres, j’ai ressenti à quel point cela pouvait être réel. L’auteur voulait faire réagir son gouvernement en nous prévenant des conséquences catastrophiques qu’une EMP pourrait avoir, je pense qu’il a atteint son but auprès de ses lecteurs (pour le gouvernement, je ne sais pas). Il n’y a plus qu’à attendre le 3e et dernier tome qui conclura l’histoire des habitants de Black Mountain.
This book is the sequel of One Second After where we were able to follow the residents of Black Mountain who were trying to survive after the EMP (electromagnetic pulse, i.e. the explosion of a nuclear weapon in altitude, which had the effect of destroying all that is electric).
In One Year After, the story takes place one year after the end of One Second After and 2 years after the EMP. The people of Black Mountain managed to restore a semblance of normal life even if they do not actually eat their fill and have to take in account infections because there are no more drugs. However, they manage to develop certain basic pharmaceutical products which improves things. They have reconstructed a telephone line and start a project for electricity (thanks to paper books). They also have established a security team to defend the city against thieves.
When almost all the young men and women in the town receive a draft notice, wrote by the new government, they’re concerned and angered. These young people are forced to be incorporated into the national recovery army, to be sent to restore order to the country’s borders and to manage difficult places. People do not want to see the youngest risking their lives and their departure would also have consequences for the city: not enough people to ensure safety or to grow food.
The new government is in Bluemont, Virginia, it is locally represented by Dale Frederick in Asheville. He offers a deal to John Matherson, the administrator of Black Mountain: if he leaves the town and integrates the army, the draft will be reduced by a half. John must decide whether to endorse the legitimacy of the new government and the methods of the new administrator of Asheville Dale Frederick.
If you’ve read the first book, there is no hesitation to have, you will love this sequel. It’s not as impressive as the consequences of the loss of electricity in the first volume but still realistic. That is what struck me the most in these two books, I felt how this could be real. The author wanted his government to react by warning us of the catastrophic effects an EMP could have, I think he has reached his goal with his readers (for the government, I do not know). We need to wait for the third and final book that will conclude the story of the inhabitants of Black Mountain.
Avis en français
Ce livre est la suite de Une seconde après dans lequel on a pu suivre les habitants de Black Mountain tenter de survivre après l’EMP (electromagnetic pulse, soit l’explosion d’une arme nucléaire en altitude, ce qui a pour conséquence de détruire tout ce qui est électrique).
Dans One Year After, l’histoire a lieu 1 an après la fin de Une seconde après et 2 ans après l’EMP. Les habitants de Black Mountain ont réussi à se reconstituer un semblant de vie normale même s’ils ne peuvent pas réellement se nourrir à leur faim et doivent faire beaucoup plus attention aux infections car il n’y a plus de médicaments. Toutefois, ils arrivent à développer certains produits pharmaceutiques basiques ce qui améliore les choses. Ils ont reconstitué une ligne téléphonique et débutent un projet concernant l’électricité (merci aux livres papiers). Ils ont aussi et surtout constitué une équipe de sécurité pour défendre la ville contre les voleurs.
Quand presque tous les jeunes hommes et femmes de la ville reçoivent des avis de conscription, rédigés par le nouveau gouvernement, c’est l’inquiétude et la colère. Ces jeunes gens seraient incorporés à l’armée de redressement national et envoyés remettre de l’ordre aux frontières du pays et aux endroits difficiles. Les habitants ne veulent pas voir tous les jeunes partir risquer leur vie et leur départ aurait aussi des conséquences pour la ville : pas assez de personnes pour assurer la sécurité ou pour cultiver la nourriture.
Le nouveau gouvernement se situe à Bluemont en Virginie, il est représenté localement par Dale Frederick à Asheville. Celui-ci propose un deal à John Matherson, l’administrateur de Black Mountain : s’il quitte la ville et intègre l’armée, la conscription sera réduite de moitié. John doit décider s’il cautionne la légitimité de ce nouveau gouvernement ainsi que les méthodes du nouvel administrateur d’Asheville Dale Frederick.
Si vous avez lu le premier livre, il n’y a pas d’hésitation à avoir, vous aimerez cette suite. Ce n’est pas aussi impressionnant que les conséquences de la perte de l’électricité dans le premier tome mais c’est toujours aussi réaliste. C’est ce qui m’a frappé le plus dans ces 2 livres, j’ai ressenti à quel point cela pouvait être réel. L’auteur voulait faire réagir son gouvernement en nous prévenant des conséquences catastrophiques qu’une EMP pourrait avoir, je pense qu’il a atteint son but auprès de ses lecteurs (pour le gouvernement, je ne sais pas). Il n’y a plus qu’à attendre le 3e et dernier tome qui conclura l’histoire des habitants de Black Mountain.
March 29, 2020
Again 3.5 for the second installment.
September 27, 2019
I managed to get through 80% of this book. In my defense, I listened to the audiobook version and I was fascinated by Bronson Pinchot as the narrator (yes, *that* Bronson Pinchot, 80s sitcom Balki) because he is a master of accents and voices.
You will like this book if:
-you think Rick Grimes should have been more militaristic
-you've ever masturbated to the US constitution
-you find words/phrases such as 'been there-done that,' 'haul ass,' 'sumbitches', 'don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out' and 'semper fi' clever
-you enjoy tedious, convoluted dialogue
-you are a war vet who really wishes the apocalypse would come just so you can finally make the librarian battle-ready
-you are a food/weapons/ammo prepper
You will like this book if:
-you think Rick Grimes should have been more militaristic
-you've ever masturbated to the US constitution
-you find words/phrases such as 'been there-done that,' 'haul ass,' 'sumbitches', 'don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out' and 'semper fi' clever
-you enjoy tedious, convoluted dialogue
-you are a war vet who really wishes the apocalypse would come just so you can finally make the librarian battle-ready
-you are a food/weapons/ammo prepper
August 2, 2017
Although not as good as the first one, this one is still a chilling and frightening read. I'm not the biggest fan of war books, but the politics here of a post-internal-disaster in such a magnitude is scary! Won't want to live in such a world... just saying.
October 15, 2015
Weird that the B.B.C. broadcast always started with news from the U.S. They could have used more original codes than those used in The Longest Day movie.
March 31, 2016
I can't even.
March 9, 2023
We Can Only Hope & Pray Our Future Does Not Come to This....
One year after an EMP strike against the United States leaves the once-powerful nation crippled, the North Carolina town of Black Mountain has managed to survive and regain some self-reliance. However, things are far from normal. They must return to farming techniques to ensure a steady supply of food, medicines are in short supply, as is fuel and communications. Students have been drafted into the local militia and spend an equal time protecting their community from gangs looking to steal in order to survive. Still, in all this, the town leader, John Matherson, has managed to create a sense of hope for his family and friends.
This changes when a federal administrator arrives and informs the citizens most of the eligible people will be drafted in a new army and dispersed throughout the former nation to bring order in trouble spots. This does not sit well when it is learned cities throughout former America have descended into chaos and proven to be quite capable of defeating regular army troops. But Matherson is left with two choices: submit or refuse.
When it becomes clear the federal administrator has a different set of goals in mind for the future of Black Mountain, John Matherson is ready to do the unthinkable.... But will his family and townsfolk support him?
This apocalyptic series is a good follow-up from One Second After. Tells how things may turn out if the U.S. suffers an EMP strike. From the way politics are today, I don't believe the author is far from wrong. His book is a page-turner. 4 stars instead of 5 because his story is sort of similar to others, but the author does a good job of detailing how people react in times of crisis and what might become of all of us should this unthinkable, but possible, scenario be in our future. Hope it remains only a story.
One year after an EMP strike against the United States leaves the once-powerful nation crippled, the North Carolina town of Black Mountain has managed to survive and regain some self-reliance. However, things are far from normal. They must return to farming techniques to ensure a steady supply of food, medicines are in short supply, as is fuel and communications. Students have been drafted into the local militia and spend an equal time protecting their community from gangs looking to steal in order to survive. Still, in all this, the town leader, John Matherson, has managed to create a sense of hope for his family and friends.
This changes when a federal administrator arrives and informs the citizens most of the eligible people will be drafted in a new army and dispersed throughout the former nation to bring order in trouble spots. This does not sit well when it is learned cities throughout former America have descended into chaos and proven to be quite capable of defeating regular army troops. But Matherson is left with two choices: submit or refuse.
When it becomes clear the federal administrator has a different set of goals in mind for the future of Black Mountain, John Matherson is ready to do the unthinkable.... But will his family and townsfolk support him?
This apocalyptic series is a good follow-up from One Second After. Tells how things may turn out if the U.S. suffers an EMP strike. From the way politics are today, I don't believe the author is far from wrong. His book is a page-turner. 4 stars instead of 5 because his story is sort of similar to others, but the author does a good job of detailing how people react in times of crisis and what might become of all of us should this unthinkable, but possible, scenario be in our future. Hope it remains only a story.
July 5, 2020
Six years after his novel about the mountainous North Carolina community surviving the first year after a disastrous Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), author William Forstchen publishes the sequel beginning two years after the EMP event. The community slowly emerges from its primitive existence taking advantage of community support, individual industriousness, and survival instincts creating opportunities for improved food supply, medical care, defense, and the cessation of marital law. The town experiences local conflicts but the biggest danger comes from the local administrator of the national government whose strong arm dictatorial actions actually creates a resolved opposition by the community not unlike the experiences of WWII London or the North Vietnamese in the1960’s. Looking back to the establishment of local governments in this country (Mayflower Compact, Virginia constitution, etc.), the actions by the “Army of National Recovery (ANR),” in this story, resemble a police state mentality rather than governments established for protecting rights, providing security, and promoting general welfare. The author’s distaste for the phrase, “I was just following orders”, provides the reader a chance to consider the difference between lawful and Illegal orders in either a civilian or military milieu.
January 9, 2016
One Year After is the sequel to the excellent One Second after but alas does not rise to its predecessor’s standard. The book settles into a familiar narrative that does not deliver any surprises to the reader.
The book starts off two years after "the day" which is one year after the end of the first book in the series and in that lies the mystery of the title. It is that mystery of the title that lost one star for me straight of the bat as I should not have to spend time deciphering the title of the book. As you might tell this fact annoyed me a tad.
As for the story itself we continue to follow our hero of the last book as he and is town is faced with new challenges to their survival. As I have already mentioned the story line delivers no surprises and is at best a mild pace romp into a America devastated by a strategic EMP blast. The book is entertaining but nowhere near as much as the first book in the series.
The book starts off two years after "the day" which is one year after the end of the first book in the series and in that lies the mystery of the title. It is that mystery of the title that lost one star for me straight of the bat as I should not have to spend time deciphering the title of the book. As you might tell this fact annoyed me a tad.
As for the story itself we continue to follow our hero of the last book as he and is town is faced with new challenges to their survival. As I have already mentioned the story line delivers no surprises and is at best a mild pace romp into a America devastated by a strategic EMP blast. The book is entertaining but nowhere near as much as the first book in the series.
January 18, 2016
While most apocalyptic books read about the same, some person or group's struggle to survive in the aftermath of world devastation this series is different. Somehow the writer makes this one more about being human in an inhuman setting. Very realistic storyline to the point it scares me for what could happen. Highly recommended. I am gonna go be a prepper now!
December 20, 2021
I love aspects of this, like the reaver gangs and fixing old equipment to get it back up and running. But there are so many cringey lines in this it gets hard to read. Thankfully they are spread apart but damn...how many times are people going to randomly take up the pledge or star spangled banner and make the whole town cry while singing.
My biggest issue is John constantly retelling incidents in full to the townspeople. As readers we just witnessed the incident, and now have to read it again as he explains it from his POV to people that werent there. Just say "John told the townspeople what happened".
My biggest issue is John constantly retelling incidents in full to the townspeople. As readers we just witnessed the incident, and now have to read it again as he explains it from his POV to people that werent there. Just say "John told the townspeople what happened".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,516 reviews