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The Bug Out: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller
When an electromagnetic pulse attack knocks down the power grid in Atlanta, Georgia, and throws the city into complete chaos, a young woman named Holly and her good friend Matthew find themselves caught completely off guard and with no one else to help them other than each other.
With society crumbling fast around them, Holly and Matthew quickly decide to bug out to Holly's grandfather's isolated cabin out in the woods, seemingly the only place of possible refuge in a world that has now turned into their worst nightmare.
But getting out of the rapidly decaying city will not be easy, and with danger and destruction lurking around every corner, their survival or even the hope that they can stick together through it all are far from guaranteed.
With society crumbling fast around them, Holly and Matthew quickly decide to bug out to Holly's grandfather's isolated cabin out in the woods, seemingly the only place of possible refuge in a world that has now turned into their worst nightmare.
But getting out of the rapidly decaying city will not be easy, and with danger and destruction lurking around every corner, their survival or even the hope that they can stick together through it all are far from guaranteed.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2018
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 14, 2025
Ronald Williams delivers a fast, tense, and tightly wound survival thriller that captures the dread and disorientation of a world plunged into darkness.
The moment the EMP hits Atlanta, the atmosphere shifts instantly Williams doesn’t waste time, instead pulling the reader right into the raw panic of societal breakdown. Holly and Matthew’s struggle to escape the collapsing city has a grounded, human urgency to it. Their fear feels real, their improvisation believable, and their bond tested by circumstance adds a valuable emotional layer beneath the action.
What stands out most is how Williams keeps the story intimate despite the apocalyptic scale. The ruined city, the hostile environment, and the desperation of other survivors form a backdrop that amplifies the quiet moments of trust and uncertainty between the protagonists. It’s briskly paced, gritty, and immersive perfect for readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction that stays close to the human heart of survival.
The moment the EMP hits Atlanta, the atmosphere shifts instantly Williams doesn’t waste time, instead pulling the reader right into the raw panic of societal breakdown. Holly and Matthew’s struggle to escape the collapsing city has a grounded, human urgency to it. Their fear feels real, their improvisation believable, and their bond tested by circumstance adds a valuable emotional layer beneath the action.
What stands out most is how Williams keeps the story intimate despite the apocalyptic scale. The ruined city, the hostile environment, and the desperation of other survivors form a backdrop that amplifies the quiet moments of trust and uncertainty between the protagonists. It’s briskly paced, gritty, and immersive perfect for readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction that stays close to the human heart of survival.
January 31, 2019
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book, just wish it hadn’t ended where it did. Less spelling and grammatical errors in the kindle edition than the other kindle books I’ve read by this author. It would be great to find the book that this story continues in.
I enjoyed reading this book, just wish it hadn’t ended where it did. Less spelling and grammatical errors in the kindle edition than the other kindle books I’ve read by this author. It would be great to find the book that this story continues in.
March 31, 2019
The Bug Out
The Bug Out: A Post - Apocalyptic EMO Survival Thriller, a fabulous book. Ronald Williams did it again. He captured your attention and keeps it. He does not overload the book with too many characters and individuals stories.
The Bug Out: A Post - Apocalyptic EMO Survival Thriller, a fabulous book. Ronald Williams did it again. He captured your attention and keeps it. He does not overload the book with too many characters and individuals stories.
December 16, 2018
Great Read
This was a great read from beginning to end. Characters are easy to get to know. I'm excited to read the next book.
This was a great read from beginning to end. Characters are easy to get to know. I'm excited to read the next book.
January 3, 2019
The Bug Out review
The Bug Out is the first fast-paced book in this post apocalyptic EMP survival thriller written by author Ronald Williams.
The Bug Out is the first fast-paced book in this post apocalyptic EMP survival thriller written by author Ronald Williams.
January 11, 2019
It's a page Turner.
It's a page Turner. You don't want to put down then it's history each other that is entertainingly to make you go nice.
It's a page Turner. You don't want to put down then it's history each other that is entertainingly to make you go nice.
February 28, 2019
Really???
If you're going to drop a cliff hanger like that in your readers, you should at least follow it with the next book. I'll not read any thing else by this author!
If you're going to drop a cliff hanger like that in your readers, you should at least follow it with the next book. I'll not read any thing else by this author!
July 19, 2020
An excellent read. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to checking out more of Ronald’s books in the future.
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
Tony Mastrolacasa, Author, EMP: Collateral Darkness.
February 4, 2019
Root vs. Route ... ugh!! An infection takes root.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews