What do you think?
Rate this book
EMP Aftermath #1
The Journey Home
This is the story of the Miller family, Jack, Amy, and their sons Kenny and Danny. Separated by half a continent after an EMP attack sends the United States back to the Stone Age, the Millers are desperate to reunite as they struggle to survive.
Jack Miller isn’t too worried about the apocalypse. He has been prepping for a few years and has a basement stocked with the food and supplies his family needs to ride out a disaster. Today though, he is out of town on a business trip. An EMP strike delivered by a rogue nation leaves him stranded over a thousand miles away from his home. This is the last place he expected to be during a disaster. He sets out on an epic journey home armed only with his know how and survival skills. What he encounters leaves him questioning how prepared any lone man can be.
Amy Miller is all set to enjoy a well deserved vacation day. She’s a hard working mother of two with a full time career and rarely has a quiet moment to herself. The EMP throws a wrench in the works and leaves her unprepared for the chaos to follow. With the city falling down around her ears, she is pushed to the limit. Her suburban home is well stocked with supplies, but she clings to the hope that order will be restored. Faced with the darker side of humanity, will she overcome her inhibitions and do whatever it takes to protect her family?
Jack Miller isn’t too worried about the apocalypse. He has been prepping for a few years and has a basement stocked with the food and supplies his family needs to ride out a disaster. Today though, he is out of town on a business trip. An EMP strike delivered by a rogue nation leaves him stranded over a thousand miles away from his home. This is the last place he expected to be during a disaster. He sets out on an epic journey home armed only with his know how and survival skills. What he encounters leaves him questioning how prepared any lone man can be.
Amy Miller is all set to enjoy a well deserved vacation day. She’s a hard working mother of two with a full time career and rarely has a quiet moment to herself. The EMP throws a wrench in the works and leaves her unprepared for the chaos to follow. With the city falling down around her ears, she is pushed to the limit. Her suburban home is well stocked with supplies, but she clings to the hope that order will be restored. Faced with the darker side of humanity, will she overcome her inhibitions and do whatever it takes to protect her family?
Audible Audio
Published February 27, 2018
518 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
John Winchester
7 books31 followersGood news! Launched the first novel in a new series - Outbreak - Surviving the Pandemic. You can read it on Amazon Kindle here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088HKJYVW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088HKJYVW
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 28, 2024
In the aftermath of an electro magnetic pulse that destroys electronics and communications, a man sets out on a 1999 mile walk home. His wife and sons battle it out at home, hoping for his return
September 10, 2018
I probably would have rated this higher had I not just finished the One Second After trilogy. In comparison this was a little light on detail. That said, the author does create characters that while at times makes you want you yell "How stupid are you" but at other times makes you want to actively cheer for them. He also does a good job of growing those characters as the story progresses. If I had one major issue with it, it was the discontinuity in time difference between the two main story lines that run through most of the book. A day would pass in one portion of the story while weeks or even months would pass in another. It just made it feel like it was missing large pieces from half the story. Overall though, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the second book.
May 29, 2017
Note: EMP means
The EMP, or Electromagnetic pulse, is a rapid magnetic fluctuation which induces pulses of current in unshielded electronics. Natural sources of EMP include lightning, whereas artificial ones include a nuclear blast.
This is especially hazardous with an exo-atmospheric nuclear blast outside the atmosphere, as the region affected by Compton electrons in such a manner becomes enormous and the electrons will rotate around the Earth's natural magnetic field lines, creating a vast pulse.
Weapons have been developed to create the damaging effects of high-energy EMP. Misleading or incorrect information about such weapons, both real and fictional, have become known to the public by means of popular culture and some politicians' claims. In fact, such weapons are not a realistic threat compared to other weapons and natural EMPs.
This is the story of the Miller family, Jack, Amy, and their sons Kenny and Danny. Separated by half a continent after an EMP attack sends the United States back to the Stone Age, the Millers are desperate to reunite as they struggle to survive.
An EMP strike delivered by a rogue nation leaves him stranded over a thousand miles away from his home.
The EMP, or Electromagnetic pulse, is a rapid magnetic fluctuation which induces pulses of current in unshielded electronics. Natural sources of EMP include lightning, whereas artificial ones include a nuclear blast.
This is especially hazardous with an exo-atmospheric nuclear blast outside the atmosphere, as the region affected by Compton electrons in such a manner becomes enormous and the electrons will rotate around the Earth's natural magnetic field lines, creating a vast pulse.
Weapons have been developed to create the damaging effects of high-energy EMP. Misleading or incorrect information about such weapons, both real and fictional, have become known to the public by means of popular culture and some politicians' claims. In fact, such weapons are not a realistic threat compared to other weapons and natural EMPs.
This is the story of the Miller family, Jack, Amy, and their sons Kenny and Danny. Separated by half a continent after an EMP attack sends the United States back to the Stone Age, the Millers are desperate to reunite as they struggle to survive.
An EMP strike delivered by a rogue nation leaves him stranded over a thousand miles away from his home.
May 23, 2023
So so so many stereotypes. And the plot reads like a strung together series of bad tropes. The bad guys are just that: bad guys. Thugs. Druggies. There’s no layers to them or, really, any of the characters. Every name in the book is pretty much Eurocentric and bland: Rob, Danny, Amy, Jack, Kenny, Bud, etc. The conversations in the book sound stilted and framed in a way that doesn’t read like how actual people talk. (I listened to the audiobook because I like the narrator). So I’m giving it 3 stars because writing a book - let alone a series - is a feat and I appreciate the effort. And though I will read (well, listen to) the rest of the series, it’s not because they’re great books. It’s because I love dystopian/zombie/end-of-world fiction and I’m running out of titles in the genre TO read. But the tl;dr headline is: probable white heteronormative boomer writes in stereotypical fashion about the end-of-the-industrialized-world.
June 14, 2017
TEOTWAWKI
Not only a story of a world changed by an EMP but more a story of how people are changed, for better or worse. An excellent perspective on how little book learning counts in a world where practical, hands on knowledge and practiced skills are what's needed to survive in this new world, not a collection of prepper notes and books whose information has never been tested in any world outside the one bound between the covers put together by well intentioned authors. An excellent reminder to all of how preparing for TEOTWAWKI and actually using the skills needed to survive are two very different things.
Not only a story of a world changed by an EMP but more a story of how people are changed, for better or worse. An excellent perspective on how little book learning counts in a world where practical, hands on knowledge and practiced skills are what's needed to survive in this new world, not a collection of prepper notes and books whose information has never been tested in any world outside the one bound between the covers put together by well intentioned authors. An excellent reminder to all of how preparing for TEOTWAWKI and actually using the skills needed to survive are two very different things.
June 20, 2017
Great read. When I reached the end, the phrase, "Lord, you gave me a mountain!" Came to mind.
The more I read, the more I wanted to read. The main character had to grow fast. He thought he was ready for anything, but soon learned that he had to adapt to the reality of his situation if he wanted to rejoin his family.
His family had to learn how to survive without him. They had adapt to the reality of what was going on a round them. Long held beliefs had to change if they hoped to be there, when Dad got home.
I'm ready for the next book.
The more I read, the more I wanted to read. The main character had to grow fast. He thought he was ready for anything, but soon learned that he had to adapt to the reality of his situation if he wanted to rejoin his family.
His family had to learn how to survive without him. They had adapt to the reality of what was going on a round them. Long held beliefs had to change if they hoped to be there, when Dad got home.
I'm ready for the next book.
January 25, 2018
Good read, interesting characters
I found this book to be interesting & the characters were intriguing for the most part. The biggest problem I had was that some of the things were not believable. For instance, if you were afraid of being attacked, & things were so dangerous, you wouldn’t leave your guns locked up downstairs in s gun safe. You would keep them on you at ALL times! You wouldn’t stay alive very long that way! I especially liked the Kenny character! Looking forward to reading the next one!
I found this book to be interesting & the characters were intriguing for the most part. The biggest problem I had was that some of the things were not believable. For instance, if you were afraid of being attacked, & things were so dangerous, you wouldn’t leave your guns locked up downstairs in s gun safe. You would keep them on you at ALL times! You wouldn’t stay alive very long that way! I especially liked the Kenny character! Looking forward to reading the next one!
March 18, 2017
Where do I begin? Overall, a good (but not great) SHTF story. The timeline of the degradation of society seems a bit off, but we won't really know until the SHTF, will we? But the editing... Oh, the editing... To all indie authors, please stop having your friends or family members edit your books. Use a professional editor. Please! For instance, the head of most schools is a principal, NOT a principle. I endured an entire chapter in which the 'principle' was a character. I cringed every time I read the word. Yet, I plodded through. Also, please note that when you are addressing your parents, Mom and Dad are proper nouns: "I'll take out the trash in a minute, Mom." "When is Dad coming home?" In dialogue, please use commas to set off the person to whom you are talking: "Watch where you're going, Kenny." "Danny, you need to pay attention." Yes, please pay attention to the details.
July 15, 2018
EMP separates a family
Jack, the father is in Missouri. Amy, the mom is in Baltimore. Kenny, the older son is at a neighbor’s and they send him to school. Danny, the younger son is alone at home.
True grit forms in each family member. Can the family find each other again?
An amazing read. Some unbelievable elements (conquering gangrene without antibiotics) but the guiding element of belief that they will be a family, together, keeps the story moving.
Jack, the father is in Missouri. Amy, the mom is in Baltimore. Kenny, the older son is at a neighbor’s and they send him to school. Danny, the younger son is alone at home.
True grit forms in each family member. Can the family find each other again?
An amazing read. Some unbelievable elements (conquering gangrene without antibiotics) but the guiding element of belief that they will be a family, together, keeps the story moving.
May 1, 2019
Gritty Survival
Theres alotvof down and dirty, nutty gritty survival in this plot. The storyline doesn't weigh you down with too much detail and keeps you moving along at a steady pace- it's what I'd call a easy enjoyable read when I don't feel the need to learn survival tips from every chapter, don't get me wrong there are plenty of lessons here and there but sometimes the flow of a good storyline is just as important.
Theres alotvof down and dirty, nutty gritty survival in this plot. The storyline doesn't weigh you down with too much detail and keeps you moving along at a steady pace- it's what I'd call a easy enjoyable read when I don't feel the need to learn survival tips from every chapter, don't get me wrong there are plenty of lessons here and there but sometimes the flow of a good storyline is just as important.
May 8, 2018
This review will be short, and will also include the next book in the series.
Why did I enjoy this book so much? It seemed more like a story from the old West in the 1800s instead of like a modern day apocalyptic EMP story. I guess that I am fascinated by EMP dramas because I feel that our country is going to be brought to its knees in some form or similar fashion. These stories are some different than others in this genre that I have read in that they focus more upon the bartering and people working together to survive without as MUCH doom and gloom, in my humble opinion.
Why did I enjoy this book so much? It seemed more like a story from the old West in the 1800s instead of like a modern day apocalyptic EMP story. I guess that I am fascinated by EMP dramas because I feel that our country is going to be brought to its knees in some form or similar fashion. These stories are some different than others in this genre that I have read in that they focus more upon the bartering and people working together to survive without as MUCH doom and gloom, in my humble opinion.
October 19, 2024
Great story, good writing, but I hated how ridiculous the mother was. Written by a man, so the woman is such a stereotype. Nice to an attacker and someone who threatens the kids? Seriously? No. Women are feral in defense of their kids. I fail to believe women are as stupid or weak as men write them. I know some are, but I have trouble reading that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2017
Very enjoyable and not so far fetched
The author did a good job setting the stage for the disaster and didn't leave any threads off the narrative unfinished. Great lead in for the next part of the stage.
The author did a good job setting the stage for the disaster and didn't leave any threads off the narrative unfinished. Great lead in for the next part of the stage.
August 22, 2017
Survival
Family learns what is really important when the lights go out. Jack is a thousand miles away from home on business when it happens. Everyone learns what is important for survival
Family learns what is really important when the lights go out. Jack is a thousand miles away from home on business when it happens. Everyone learns what is important for survival
October 10, 2019
Notes:
It was mildly entertaining story but I lost all interest towards the end. Characters are the strong points for the story but the chunky writing and a lot of "just go with it" plot events lost me by the end.
2.5 Stars round up to 3 due for good narration in audio.
It was mildly entertaining story but I lost all interest towards the end. Characters are the strong points for the story but the chunky writing and a lot of "just go with it" plot events lost me by the end.
2.5 Stars round up to 3 due for good narration in audio.
July 19, 2020
Extremely Entertaining!
A terrifying take on a horrifying event. I enjoyed this series tremendously and I highly recommend that you check out this book and the others in this series. They’re serious page turners.
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
A terrifying take on a horrifying event. I enjoyed this series tremendously and I highly recommend that you check out this book and the others in this series. They’re serious page turners.
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
January 3, 2025
The female character in this book is dumb as a rock she advertises where she lives tagged her house with occupied and paint and decides to target shoot for weeks drawing attention to the fact that she has a stockpile of guns she is very stupid.
May 18, 2017
It was a pretty good story. I really liked the secondary character, Wyatt. I think the story could have ended better without the distraction of the seed story.
July 24, 2017
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
February 25, 2018
Actually 3.5...unprepared prepper far from home?
February 26, 2018
The Journey Home review
The Journey Home is the first post apocalyptic book stud EMO Aftermath series written by author John Winchester . Great story.
The Journey Home is the first post apocalyptic book stud EMO Aftermath series written by author John Winchester . Great story.
April 7, 2018
Home
This was a “could no put down” book. I will start the next book ASAP. Going through the extreme experiences with the characters keeps you reading.
This was a “could no put down” book. I will start the next book ASAP. Going through the extreme experiences with the characters keeps you reading.
May 9, 2018
Unbelivably Good
Lots of adventure and changing the families attitude in how to survive and to fight for their lives and learning to trust each others!!
Lots of adventure and changing the families attitude in how to survive and to fight for their lives and learning to trust each others!!
Read
May 12, 2018This was a really good book, excited to read the next in the series. I definitely plan on reading more books like it
May 29, 2018
Didn't update in March and now can't recall details - lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2018
Love this whole series. Very likable characters and plot. Enjoyed it for what it basically is a re-imagining of the old western type adventure novels.
May 6, 2019
Decent read but nothing original or captivating
June 24, 2019
Enjoyed this family survival story. Geared up to read the second book of the series.
December 18, 2019
Fantastic story
A twist around every corner! From white collar to adventurer. The story has all the elements needed to keep from little the book down!
A twist around every corner! From white collar to adventurer. The story has all the elements needed to keep from little the book down!
June 5, 2020
A real page turner.
Very realistic saga of a families trials after a disaster has changed life in the USA forever.
You will find yourself cheering for them.
Very realistic saga of a families trials after a disaster has changed life in the USA forever.
You will find yourself cheering for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews