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Above the Hush
In a desperate bid to repair the relationship with her son, Audrey Fields plans a getaway for the two of them at a remote, off the grid, campsite. No electricity, no phones, no distractions. When things don’t go as planned, Audrey begins her journey home, only to make the horrifying discovery that ninety percent of the population has suddenly died. Whatever happened sent cars spiraling out of control and planes to fall from the sky. Alone and separated from her family, Audrey is soon joined by two other survivors. Their trek across Virginia is a nothing less than walking through a minefield. Each day more and more people mysteriously die. They believe what has occurred is an EMP. However, they soon learn that it is something completely different. Something new. It is not over yet, not by a long shot. Now, Audrey’s mission is not only to find her family, it is to stay alive until the event has run its course.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2018
429 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 4, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read about a woman trying to reconnect with her son, but he storms off just before the apocalypse hits. Audrey then teams up with two men to try to find him, and also her husband and daughter who were left at home. But time is counting down to the next major event that will cause even more wide spread disaster, so will Audrey find them in time, if at all? This book brings together the strength of the human spirit in a world changing rapidly. Recommended.
June 2, 2018
Honestly, I thought the storyline was unique and intriguing, the characters, however, had no depth and Audry was an idiot. sitting right there with a Doctor and she refuses treatment which caused her more trouble and ended up being the helpless female she didn't want to be. It irritated me.
April 2, 2020
Another great apocalyptic book by Jacqueline Druga! An event that kills just about everyone on the planet at once and a mother trying to find her family through it all. Can’t say much without giving away spoilers so I will just end it there. Great read! 5⭐️
November 29, 2018
I've criticised this prolific author's earlier work for the proof-reading (lack thereof!) but this is definitely step up. It's about a natural event which kills almost everyone on the planet in an instant. It is quickly established that the only survivors are those who were 'off the grid', and they are still not safe. The main character - Audrey - believes her husband, son and daughter may have survived and she is on a journey to seek them out (a very familiar post-apocalyptic theme).
As usual, the characters are realistic and distinctive, and the scene-setting is good. I do have trouble with the dialogue because it is very colloquial and sometimes unfamiliar words and phrases are used.
The book is very short (only 167 pages) and could really do with being a bit longer for the money being asked.
As usual, the characters are realistic and distinctive, and the scene-setting is good. I do have trouble with the dialogue because it is very colloquial and sometimes unfamiliar words and phrases are used.
The book is very short (only 167 pages) and could really do with being a bit longer for the money being asked.
June 4, 2018
Not her best
And I have read a lot of her books. This one reads like she just "phoned it in" . Not recommended.
And I have read a lot of her books. This one reads like she just "phoned it in" . Not recommended.
May 15, 2018
Thanks for the nightmares, Jackie!! ;) I loved this book. It's a whole new type of Apocalypse, and was really interesting to read about. Audrey could be a little irritating and irrational at times, but for the most part, she was doing what any other mother would do.
I agreed with West's assessment of her marriage to Ken, though...she never talks about him. I would have loved to learned more about her relationship with Ken and her daughter (who was mentioned so little that I don't even remember her name). I felt like her entire focus was Michael, and her husband and daughter were just background characters that she knew she SHOULD be worried about, but wasn't. At least no nearly as much as she was worried about Michael (who is extremely unlikable).
Overall though, this was a great read. My 10 year old son is now reading it and really enjoying it. I love pretty much all of Jackie's books, and definitely recommend them to anyone who's a fan of apocalyptic thrillers.
I agreed with West's assessment of her marriage to Ken, though...she never talks about him. I would have loved to learned more about her relationship with Ken and her daughter (who was mentioned so little that I don't even remember her name). I felt like her entire focus was Michael, and her husband and daughter were just background characters that she knew she SHOULD be worried about, but wasn't. At least no nearly as much as she was worried about Michael (who is extremely unlikable).
Overall though, this was a great read. My 10 year old son is now reading it and really enjoying it. I love pretty much all of Jackie's books, and definitely recommend them to anyone who's a fan of apocalyptic thrillers.
July 8, 2018
Innovative Scenario, Relatable Characters.
UPFRONT TAKE: Innovative plot, going beyond the normal EMP scenario. Loved the characters, even the bull-headed protagonist. Very clean, great for all down to 10 years, but parents should prep young readers with discussions of violence against women being Never appropriate, and probably moral guidance needed about scenes of looting -- when okay, when not.
So, I really liked this book. This author continues to improve her skills, and I appreciate her conceptual approach of, sure, let's include lots of death and misery, but we don't need to go into super-gory details. I appreciate that, as do many others.
I continue to plead with ALL Post-Apocalypsw genre authors to include more true and concrete info, tools, actions, tricks, tips and techniques for ensuring, and prevailing, during dangerous or even just tough times. I was pleased to see this author include some here!
One final thing I like, is that this author tends to write "complete" Kindle books. She doesn't do super-short stories with cliffhangers that require buying 10 more books to ever get closure. Rather, she writes stories with a closure, so one can step away satisfied. Sure, a sequel may follow; but it wont be rushed just to meet a deadline.
Now, a minor peeve: this book's protagonist got lucky so many times that it became a stretch. In real life, a person making such bad choices so many times, would definitely end up assuming toom temoerature (dead) sooner rather than later. This was the soccer mom version of Bruce Willis on estrogen. SHE. JUST. WOULDN'T. DIE! It was a bit too much. Or, maybe I just dont get it, as I will never be a woman or mother (because I'm a father already!)
Well, that's all folks. I definitely enjoyed and reccomend this book. Read it!
UPFRONT TAKE: Innovative plot, going beyond the normal EMP scenario. Loved the characters, even the bull-headed protagonist. Very clean, great for all down to 10 years, but parents should prep young readers with discussions of violence against women being Never appropriate, and probably moral guidance needed about scenes of looting -- when okay, when not.
So, I really liked this book. This author continues to improve her skills, and I appreciate her conceptual approach of, sure, let's include lots of death and misery, but we don't need to go into super-gory details. I appreciate that, as do many others.
I continue to plead with ALL Post-Apocalypsw genre authors to include more true and concrete info, tools, actions, tricks, tips and techniques for ensuring, and prevailing, during dangerous or even just tough times. I was pleased to see this author include some here!
One final thing I like, is that this author tends to write "complete" Kindle books. She doesn't do super-short stories with cliffhangers that require buying 10 more books to ever get closure. Rather, she writes stories with a closure, so one can step away satisfied. Sure, a sequel may follow; but it wont be rushed just to meet a deadline.
Now, a minor peeve: this book's protagonist got lucky so many times that it became a stretch. In real life, a person making such bad choices so many times, would definitely end up assuming toom temoerature (dead) sooner rather than later. This was the soccer mom version of Bruce Willis on estrogen. SHE. JUST. WOULDN'T. DIE! It was a bit too much. Or, maybe I just dont get it, as I will never be a woman or mother (because I'm a father already!)
Well, that's all folks. I definitely enjoyed and reccomend this book. Read it!
May 10, 2018
No zombies!
Ms. Jackie Druga never lets me down. When I pick up one of her books I know I'm in for a great read. This was a little different. No zombies, (ha!) But CME's that destroy a bunch of people too close to electricity. Power plants destroyed along with towns & suburbs.
Our main character, Audrey, is trying to meet up with her wayward son Michael. She leaves behind her disgruntled husband and her young daughter Molly. She finds Michael but he leaves before morning. This is when she realizes something is wrong. She has to find Michael & make it home to her family . On her journey she makes new friends West & Shane. They agree to travel with her.
Will she make it? Is her family still alive?
I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys a good read. Not just this book but she has written lots of others . (Her "Beginnings" series is my favorite! I love Frank!)
Treat yourself...you won't regret it!😊
.
Ms. Jackie Druga never lets me down. When I pick up one of her books I know I'm in for a great read. This was a little different. No zombies, (ha!) But CME's that destroy a bunch of people too close to electricity. Power plants destroyed along with towns & suburbs.
Our main character, Audrey, is trying to meet up with her wayward son Michael. She leaves behind her disgruntled husband and her young daughter Molly. She finds Michael but he leaves before morning. This is when she realizes something is wrong. She has to find Michael & make it home to her family . On her journey she makes new friends West & Shane. They agree to travel with her.
Will she make it? Is her family still alive?
I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys a good read. Not just this book but she has written lots of others . (Her "Beginnings" series is my favorite! I love Frank!)
Treat yourself...you won't regret it!😊
.
May 28, 2023
Above the Hush
Post-apocalyptic
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really like the way this author creates a post-apocalyptic world. This was a good read but it wasn't my favourite book by this author.
I liked the characters, especially West. He was great support for Audrey when she needed it, even though they didn't have the best of starts. Audrey was so determined to find her family that she put her own health aside.
The pacing was good and it took me about 3 hours to finish reading. The world building was done well and I liked how believable everything was. I could see it all happening in the real world if a similar event ever took place.
That being said, I wasn't able to connect to this book as much as I usually do and I'm not quite sure why. There weren't any plot twists or big surprises. The plot was pretty linear and it was obvious from the start how the rest of the book was going to go.
Post-apocalyptic
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really like the way this author creates a post-apocalyptic world. This was a good read but it wasn't my favourite book by this author.
I liked the characters, especially West. He was great support for Audrey when she needed it, even though they didn't have the best of starts. Audrey was so determined to find her family that she put her own health aside.
The pacing was good and it took me about 3 hours to finish reading. The world building was done well and I liked how believable everything was. I could see it all happening in the real world if a similar event ever took place.
That being said, I wasn't able to connect to this book as much as I usually do and I'm not quite sure why. There weren't any plot twists or big surprises. The plot was pretty linear and it was obvious from the start how the rest of the book was going to go.
July 24, 2018
This was a decent book and like many of this author's stories, looks at disaster just a little differently which is a great pleasure. This did follow a bit of a familiar pattern, though, mother separated from family and trying to get home. I was a little surprised that her worry about her grown son was so prominent, yet worry about her young daughter rarely registered. I liked the "chance" friends that she made, West, Shane and Ladke; they added to the story a lot. There were a few typos and writing errors (Frederikton vs Fredericksburg, Indian vs Indiana etc). I'm not sure that the science of how the solar phenomenon would affect electrical items in this way would hold up. The ending seemed a little hurried though it ended with optimism. I enjoyed reading it but didn't grab me as much as many of her other stories.
December 22, 2018
The sun acts up in a way that sends a massive electrical shock through anything connected to electrical wires, thus killing pretty much the majority of people in the country. Audrey is a mother with a rebellious son so she plans to go to a camp and work on their relationship.
Things go bad quick as her son leaves and then the event happens. Audrey wants to work her way back to her home and find her son and her husband and manages to pick up a couple survivors along the way although she is badly injured in an event that severely burns her hand.
So, all they have to do is get through to the home, avoid the people who are still alive, desperate and violent and avoid anything else the sun throws at them. It's a very difficult journey in a petty well written book.
Things go bad quick as her son leaves and then the event happens. Audrey wants to work her way back to her home and find her son and her husband and manages to pick up a couple survivors along the way although she is badly injured in an event that severely burns her hand.
So, all they have to do is get through to the home, avoid the people who are still alive, desperate and violent and avoid anything else the sun throws at them. It's a very difficult journey in a petty well written book.
May 8, 2018
Different Apocalypse
Audrey is a mother of 2 y/o daughter and 21 y/o son. She goes on an off the grid weekend with her son to try to reconnect. Things do not go well and her son leaves first thing the next morning. When Audrey heads home a couple of hours later all she finds on the road home is everyone dead. She returns to the campsite and joins up with 2 other campers. Follow their story of searching for her family and the cause of everyone’s death. This is an apocalyptic story never told. You will love the characters and not be able to put it down. Definitely a must read!
Audrey is a mother of 2 y/o daughter and 21 y/o son. She goes on an off the grid weekend with her son to try to reconnect. Things do not go well and her son leaves first thing the next morning. When Audrey heads home a couple of hours later all she finds on the road home is everyone dead. She returns to the campsite and joins up with 2 other campers. Follow their story of searching for her family and the cause of everyone’s death. This is an apocalyptic story never told. You will love the characters and not be able to put it down. Definitely a must read!
August 8, 2019
Nice post-apocalyptic fiction
It's nice to read post-apocalyptic fiction that doesn't involve zombies in any way. Ok yes, the science behind the disaster is suspect, but it is explained in a way that works with the story so you don't care. The story works well, the characters aren't all one dimensional and the interactions between them works. Unfortunately I felt that the book was too short. another 50 or so pages would have helped as in places, particularly the ending, felt rushed. However that is only a minor flaw in what was a reasonable, well written book that I recommend.
It's nice to read post-apocalyptic fiction that doesn't involve zombies in any way. Ok yes, the science behind the disaster is suspect, but it is explained in a way that works with the story so you don't care. The story works well, the characters aren't all one dimensional and the interactions between them works. Unfortunately I felt that the book was too short. another 50 or so pages would have helped as in places, particularly the ending, felt rushed. However that is only a minor flaw in what was a reasonable, well written book that I recommend.
July 1, 2018
A New Druga Smash Hit!!
I love Jacqueline Druga's writing style and will read anything she writes, so it won't surprise you that I loved this book too. The story draws you in and is fast paced. A great summer read for a lazy Saturday by the pool. I would have given it 5 stars but editing is important to me, and I picked up a couple dozen grammar and punctuation errors that any halfway decent proofreader would have caught. My heart said, "5 stars," but my head did the scoring. However, if you like Druga or apocalyptic fiction, you'll like this story!
I love Jacqueline Druga's writing style and will read anything she writes, so it won't surprise you that I loved this book too. The story draws you in and is fast paced. A great summer read for a lazy Saturday by the pool. I would have given it 5 stars but editing is important to me, and I picked up a couple dozen grammar and punctuation errors that any halfway decent proofreader would have caught. My heart said, "5 stars," but my head did the scoring. However, if you like Druga or apocalyptic fiction, you'll like this story!
July 3, 2018
Sadly, this should be a 3.5, but I would rather bump this writer's work up than down.
This is just a rehash of Under the Grey Skies, though that one was a new ice age and this book deal with pole reversals.
The women in each book are separated from their families and spend the entire book looking for them while racing ahead of danger, in this book it's nuclear meltdowns from nuclear power plants.
I love Jacqueline Druga's easy way of writing, but she just doesn't feel as committed to her work as she has been in the past.
This is just a rehash of Under the Grey Skies, though that one was a new ice age and this book deal with pole reversals.
The women in each book are separated from their families and spend the entire book looking for them while racing ahead of danger, in this book it's nuclear meltdowns from nuclear power plants.
I love Jacqueline Druga's easy way of writing, but she just doesn't feel as committed to her work as she has been in the past.
May 8, 2018
Finally, something different in Post Apoc
This was an engrossing read. It is suspenseful and emotionally charged. I love post apocalyptic fiction but it's all the same lately. This is a refreshing new idea and though it is Sci Fi, it made me believe enough to feel fear. That's what I enjoy about this genre. The undercurrent of tension because an excellent storyteller makes you believe in something crazy. Or is it crazy?
This was an engrossing read. It is suspenseful and emotionally charged. I love post apocalyptic fiction but it's all the same lately. This is a refreshing new idea and though it is Sci Fi, it made me believe enough to feel fear. That's what I enjoy about this genre. The undercurrent of tension because an excellent storyteller makes you believe in something crazy. Or is it crazy?
May 9, 2018
Great story line
Once again Ms Druga has created a book that I could not put down. I truly enjoyed the scenario for this apocalyptic event, haven't read one of those before. She gave us all a new twist. Characters were strong and very appealing with bits of humor thrown to keep you smiling as you read. I sat down and read this book all the way through the night. Loved the ending the last chapter the best.
Once again Ms Druga has created a book that I could not put down. I truly enjoyed the scenario for this apocalyptic event, haven't read one of those before. She gave us all a new twist. Characters were strong and very appealing with bits of humor thrown to keep you smiling as you read. I sat down and read this book all the way through the night. Loved the ending the last chapter the best.
May 11, 2018
Another hit!
Jackie Druga is a genius! Every one of her books draws me in and won't let go. This book is no exception.
This is a very different kind of ending to the world. It's very scary to think about, because it's something that very well could happen. Our world depends on electronics and whoever thought they could be so dangerous?
I would recommend this book to anyone who lives this genre. Take a seat and get ready to get caught up in the hush.
Jackie Druga is a genius! Every one of her books draws me in and won't let go. This book is no exception.
This is a very different kind of ending to the world. It's very scary to think about, because it's something that very well could happen. Our world depends on electronics and whoever thought they could be so dangerous?
I would recommend this book to anyone who lives this genre. Take a seat and get ready to get caught up in the hush.
August 23, 2018
Great Read
Not the run of the mill apocalypse story with a well armed military hero as the main character. This is a story about ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. There were times when the main character wallowed in self pity or made terrible choices but then who would do otherwise in the situation that they faced. Well written story that emphasized using brains to stay alive and didn't have a rapist or a cannibal on every street corner.
Not the run of the mill apocalypse story with a well armed military hero as the main character. This is a story about ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. There were times when the main character wallowed in self pity or made terrible choices but then who would do otherwise in the situation that they faced. Well written story that emphasized using brains to stay alive and didn't have a rapist or a cannibal on every street corner.
July 20, 2018
I Really Liked This One...But
Ok I love this types of stories and I really got into it fast, which is great but there were so many typos and that just pulled me out of the story. I'm obviously not concerned with my own here but
In a book it's just too bad. I also wished it was a bit longer but that's a good thing and I really liked the characters as well. I will look for the authors books in the future. Thank you!❤
Ok I love this types of stories and I really got into it fast, which is great but there were so many typos and that just pulled me out of the story. I'm obviously not concerned with my own here but
In a book it's just too bad. I also wished it was a bit longer but that's a good thing and I really liked the characters as well. I will look for the authors books in the future. Thank you!❤
October 26, 2018
A great read for a snowy day.
The characters were well developed, and likeable. The protagonist was a bit more beaten up the events than one would expect she could reasonably live through.
It seemed as though she was getting so much worse as time went by. I am astounded that she lived.
The book was fast paced and a compelling read.
The only fault I can find is that the way the book was edited, made it read kooky on word runner.
The characters were well developed, and likeable. The protagonist was a bit more beaten up the events than one would expect she could reasonably live through.
It seemed as though she was getting so much worse as time went by. I am astounded that she lived.
The book was fast paced and a compelling read.
The only fault I can find is that the way the book was edited, made it read kooky on word runner.
June 26, 2019
Well, I don't normally go for a 'Dystopian' genre book but as this story did not, thankfully, have such nonsense as zombies or whatever, I thought I'd give it a go. The premise behind the sudden death of the majority of the population is innovative and believable. The story itself is however, rather tame and predictably the ending is saccharine like and rather annoying, to be honest.
Its a short novel and the characters are underdeveloped as a result. Its not a great read, but I've read worse. Keep your expectations low and you won't then be disappointed.
Its a short novel and the characters are underdeveloped as a result. Its not a great read, but I've read worse. Keep your expectations low and you won't then be disappointed.
December 3, 2023
Spoiler. An excellent read.
A brilliant book. The main characters, West was a lovely person and very helpful right from the beginning. Shane was also good and Audrey was a pain but hopefully, she learned along the way. Everything seemed to work out in the end to an extent. The ending was a bit rushed but I feel that with a lot of books, the story is the lead-up usually and then it's finished. Anyway a very good book and I recommend it.
A brilliant book. The main characters, West was a lovely person and very helpful right from the beginning. Shane was also good and Audrey was a pain but hopefully, she learned along the way. Everything seemed to work out in the end to an extent. The ending was a bit rushed but I feel that with a lot of books, the story is the lead-up usually and then it's finished. Anyway a very good book and I recommend it.
August 18, 2024
A different CME apocalypse
Above The Hush is a disaster novel about a CME destroying most infrastructure. There is a major twist I won't ruin for you, but its entirely unique in my reading of apocalyptic science fiction. My only disappointment is that the book is too short. Good writing and sympathetic characters abound, with a tiny bit of sardonic humor thrown in. If you're looking for a short, compelling book, I highly recommend Above the Hush!
4/5 stars
Above The Hush is a disaster novel about a CME destroying most infrastructure. There is a major twist I won't ruin for you, but its entirely unique in my reading of apocalyptic science fiction. My only disappointment is that the book is too short. Good writing and sympathetic characters abound, with a tiny bit of sardonic humor thrown in. If you're looking for a short, compelling book, I highly recommend Above the Hush!
4/5 stars
May 19, 2018
I liked this one, but the lack of realistic emotion made it hard to relate to. What woman is searching for her family, and never once cried for her 2 year old daughter? Her entire focus is on her troubled adult son. And when she decided that she couldn't let anyone help her anymore - she just needed to do everything for herself - that felt contrived. I just could not believe her as a character.
May 19, 2018
Another great read from Jacqueline Druga!
I know better then to start reading one of this author's books late in the evening, I ended up finishing the book at 2am. Loved the plot and the main characters. Can't wait until her next new read. In the meantime buy this one, sit down, put your feet up and enjoy.
I know better then to start reading one of this author's books late in the evening, I ended up finishing the book at 2am. Loved the plot and the main characters. Can't wait until her next new read. In the meantime buy this one, sit down, put your feet up and enjoy.
May 30, 2018
Not a scenario I was expecting...
But you'll have to read to know! I'm a librarian myself, and loved the nod to the library in the book. A great read, could not put it down. Nice job, Ms. Druga! I have read many "end of the world" stories, but this one shocked me! (Enjoy the pun... ) I look forward to more from you!
But you'll have to read to know! I'm a librarian myself, and loved the nod to the library in the book. A great read, could not put it down. Nice job, Ms. Druga! I have read many "end of the world" stories, but this one shocked me! (Enjoy the pun... ) I look forward to more from you!
June 1, 2018
A new apocolyptic event
An imperfect heroine who isn't young and gorgeous. What an idea! People make mistakes and actually sometimes recover from them and sometimes don't. Again, what an idea! How lovely to read a book that has some surprises. Still, a good edit wouldn't go amiss.
An imperfect heroine who isn't young and gorgeous. What an idea! People make mistakes and actually sometimes recover from them and sometimes don't. Again, what an idea! How lovely to read a book that has some surprises. Still, a good edit wouldn't go amiss.
June 12, 2018
Suspenseful
The book offered twist and turns at every chapter. The trouble the world faces is never what you think. Audrey, West and Shane are great main characters. Bring depth, intelligence and rational to a bleak story. In the beginning Audrey’s character was annoying but I’m not a parent to know her struggles. Great read
The book offered twist and turns at every chapter. The trouble the world faces is never what you think. Audrey, West and Shane are great main characters. Bring depth, intelligence and rational to a bleak story. In the beginning Audrey’s character was annoying but I’m not a parent to know her struggles. Great read
June 23, 2018
Oh, please let there be a sequel!
Great characters, great story. This is an end of the world book with a twist...no EMP. I won't spoil it by telling what the twist is but I will say that I loved every page. What a journey! Imagine if almost everyone is dead and you can't find your family. That is just the beginning of your problems.
Great characters, great story. This is an end of the world book with a twist...no EMP. I won't spoil it by telling what the twist is but I will say that I loved every page. What a journey! Imagine if almost everyone is dead and you can't find your family. That is just the beginning of your problems.
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