Point of Impact

Nuclear Dawn #1

by Kyla Stone

Surviving the blast is only the beginning… Dakota Sloane, a tough-as-nails former foster kid, has spent her life running from the past. Her only family is her little sister, still trapped in the system.When the news shows the bombs striking several major cities, Dakota’s first thought is to grab her sister and get the hell out of Miami.Logan Garcia is a man haunted by secrets. His life plan is to drink himself into oblivion--until the shockwave hits, shattering the world as he knows it.In the moments before the deadly fallout descends, Dakota offers Logan a deal. She knows a place to ride out the coming chaos, a safe house deep in the Everglades.If he helps her rescue her sister, she’ll take him with her.But Dakota’s past has caught up to her. Someone is hunting her through the radioactive ruins of Miami. And he won’t stop until he has her...or they’re both dead.An electrifying post-apocalyptic survival adventure, the Nuclear Dawn series features fast-paced action combined with strong, complex characters. Perfect for fans of Logan Keys, Jacqueline Druga, Mike Kraus, and Boyd Craven.*Rated PG-13 for violence and some swearing.*

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Audiobook, Survival, Science Fiction, Fiction

414 pages, Paperback

First published December 24, 2018

Reviews

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

Had promise at first, then went downhill. I love apocalypse/post-apoc books, and I love the action of them. This book lacked the action, and it went literally nowhere. I liked the heroine at first but she became a bit too spiteful for me. There was also WAY too much explaining and telling and not enough showing and doing. Sometimes less is more, and the constant explanations and know-it-all-ness from the heroine just got on my nerves. Hero was also only okay. I feel like he's a bit too young to be so jaded like that and I had a hard time liking him. Probably won't be reading the next book...

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love TEOTWAWKI books. I don't know, there is something in them that just speaks to me. I'm not a prepper or anything. At least I'm not a hard-core prepper. I have enough Rat-Packs (the Australian Army version of MREs) to last me a couple of weeks in a pinch. I have a First Aid Kit that your average Paramedic would look at with envy. I kind of believe that folks should be prepared for natural disasters or heaven forbid acts of terrorism. But I'm not building a fort in the boonies or anything.

So, when I see a book like this I'm probably going to buy it. And as long as it isn't religious or far right, I'll probably enjoy it.

But calling a spade a spade, most of these books are Big Macs.



No...

Not those Big Macs, these Big Macs...



Don't get me wrong, even the worst Big Mac is still pretty good, it's just that they're never quite equal to the promise.

Point of Impact is dense with explanations of things I really don't need to know. I read somewhere that authors "shouldn't say it, they should show it". But this book has long monologues explaining things and I just don't think it's necessary. The other problem I have with this book is it just stopped. Nothing resolved.

Having said that, it was entertaining and I love the characters. I want to know them.

So, on to Book 2.

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nuclear bomb has gone off in Miami. The characters are in a bar during the explosion and have already learned that bombs have gone off in Washington DC and a couple other major cities. The waitress, Dakota, has some unexpected knowledge of a nuclear detonation and how to survive it. She leads a group away from the radioactive fallout zone. She wants to find her sister and then go to a safe house in the Everglades.

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay start. Often times dense and more textbook like than a story. All tell, no show.

Going in blind, it appears to be one book chopped up into 5 smaller books. Book one ends abruptly with a “to be continued”. If I paid for it, I would be quite unhappy.

There seems to be some religious cult backstory that seems like unnecessary drama.

I didn’t hate it so I’ll give book 2 a go.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite thing about reading books like this, ones where the world breaks is seeing how everyone reacts and thinking about what I would do. I have come to the decision that I want to die in the first wave, when things break, because honestly I don't have the skills needed to survive like this and I'm not sure if I would be mentally able to handle what is needed to survive.

I thought these folks were doing good when they had someone with knowledge of what a nuclear attack would bring, even better having a nurse, plus food. Compared to so many, they are sitting pretty at the theater.

I knew Dakota would leave the theater as soon as she felt it was safe to get to her sister, she needed to. Part of me thinks it's a fools errand, she doesn't even know where they live. Then to get there and the sister being ok, not sure about that. The sister seems like she is barely holding on and not as capable as Dakota.

The crew that Dakota is with seems ok, but so much went wrong fast and probably will again. It will be interesting to see what happens to them all.

[Maria Vargas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instead of enjoying a good day in Miami we need a good twist and how about a nuclear attack?

The ability of this author to have various complex characters in fast-paced books fascinates me. This is how I feel about everyone So far:

☢️ Dakota and Eden have reasons to run away, we don't get much information, but it feels they were part of a radical group? I want to know more.
☢️ Logan's way to manage the past is to drown everything with alcohol. Maybe he was a hitman or something?
☢️ If Dakota hadn't learned from Ezra everyone would have been FUCKED after the explosion. Is not every day you go 'oh damn, a nuclear bomb' we need to protect ourselves from the radiation.
☢️ This is really going to be a test for everyone on how far would you go to protect yourself but also find your family? Eden is all alone will she be able to survive while Dakota gets to her?
☢️ Kudos to the author because the descriptions of the radiation exposure were top notch.

I have a million questions because the to be continued offended me... I want more!

[Lel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good start into a series. I picked it up for a book challenge and was pleasently surprised. Apocolyptic books are not normally something that I read but I did like the pacing and characters in this one. There were times that the 'science' bits were a little much but not too overwhelming. I think the book could have done with being a little longer. I feel like it just got going and then the end was here, but it is the first book in a series and the rest are out so its not to much of a problem.

[NormaCenva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great main character!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

The pacing slowed at points, but overall an entertaining start to a nuclear apocalypse series

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Point of Impact/Fear the Fallout - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Point of Impact/Fear the Fallout - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Point of Impact
An unexpected nuclear Armageddon has targeted 13 major cities across the United States, wiping out millions and leaving millions more dying from radiation poisoning or injured by simultaneous events in Point of Impact - book 1 of Kyla Stone's impeccably related Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller in her incredible Nuclear Dawn series.
Dakota Sloane, is a feisty survivor, sadly separated by force of circumstance from her sister Eden, (who is currently living on the far side of the country with foster parents). Will the sisters both survive the holocaust of death and destruction? She'll have to rescue Eden and get them both to safety with Ezra, her former mentor, (who taught Dakota survivalist skills at Haven, his safe house in the Everglades).
I like the way the author ramps up the tension, as the reader learns, (but Dakota is unaware) that a predator from her past is hunting her - with nefarious intent.

Fear the Fallout
Dakota has to overcome unbelievably harsh and deadly events and is reluctantly forced to join forces with Logan - a truck driver who's desperate to forget his former military career and the atrocities committed there, now echoed in this new post-apocalyptic reality - and Shay, an Army nurse, who's also a strong woman like Dakota; both are used to having to fight for what they believe in. Travelling across country the small band of survivors must make a stand against gangs of violent marauders, who let nobody - even first responders stand in their way.. Despite the risks, Dakota, Logan and Shay, do their best to help those less fortunate than themselves, while anxiety and determination drive them ever-onwards hoping salvation and safety await. How will it all end? Is it the End of Days - or can America rise phoenix-like from the ashes of destruction to become strong and united again?

Point of Impact/Fear the Fallout - is another definite winner from Queen of the Apocalypse, Kyla Stone. Get your copy today - so if the world goes into meltdown, you'll be fully prepared!

[Dea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I expected more competence porn from this, instead it was a novelized pamphlet on what to do post nuclear blast. Don't get me wrong, it was very informative, just not very entertaining to sit through a back and forth between two characters who are explaining what gamma radiation will do to your cells.

The writing felt rather amateur. Not so bad to make you wonder if the author ever finished 8th grade English, but rough around the edges. Character motivations and attitudes change like the radioactive wind. Capable characters nonetheless do dumb things. Chapter breaks in the middle of a scene with no POV change, just starting a new chapter for some reason.

Overall an OK popcorn read, but I was left scratching my head at one scene. Someone claims the Muslims are behind the bombing, and is shouted down because end of the world is no reason to be racist. And then another someone brings up how it could be China or Russia, and is met with agreement because that is somehow not racist. For those needing a reminder, there is only one country in all of human history that ever nuked another country and it wasn't Russia or China.

So yeah, this was a good enough read for me not to quit half way but I won't be continuing the series.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review
Enjoyable post apocalyptic story. Dakota has tried to make a life so she can take care of her sister who is still in the care system. She meets up with Logan as the world is turned upside down.
They must get out of the way of the fallout before it’s too late.
I enjoyed the story but it felt very much like a beginning only, really wish it had more of an ending, I do listen & read series books, but better to have an ending with an option to carry on. Saying that it’s still very good
Narrator is good & kept pace great.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the characters who are all flawed and imperfect. A nuclear strike happens and several people, led by a waitress whose little sister is in foster care. Now the wait is on for the second book, which releases very soon.

I listened to this as a second reading. I liked the story again, the narrator was good, and Kyla Stone's knowledge of nuclear blast effects is excellent. I am so glad I listened to this book.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyla Stone has this way of writing characters that are so real, flawed and heroic. It makes me connect with her stories immediately, and this start to the Nuclear Dawn series is no exception. I am curious to learn each of the backgrounds for Dakota, Eden, Logan, and all the rest. As an added chilling bonus, the descriptions of a nuclear attack feel all too real, probably owing to the research that was done for the book.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is generally well-written with a good flow to it. Descriptions of the nuclear detonation and its aftermath are very detailed and appear to be well researched. There are times that the information from Dakota seems to repeat a bit. The ending was a little too abrupt for my taste, but I knew there would be a book 2 and I look forward to it.

[Tamara J · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did enjoy Point of Impact, at times it felt a lot like reading a textbook. I felt like I was having over the top explanations given to me. If I was in the position of a nuclear bomb, I don't think I'd be caring how the radiation was measured and gamma-rays, just how to get the fuck away from it and not die. Also who refers to people as hostiles?

[doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it so far. Like the characters and they are all different with their own quirks. Logan and Dakota and they mysterious Maddox. I like how they have together and trying to survive what happened. Can't wait to read book 2.

[Tim Lumsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story ended much too fast.

Decent story, some parts very believable, others not so much. Much too short, like a teaser instead of a full book. Happy Reading!
Tim

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round up to 4.5 stars.

[Nisareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surviving the blast is only the beginning...

Following a catastrophic nuclear attack which targeted 13 major cities, millions are wiped out in an instant while others are left to deal with the after effects of radiation poisoning. Troubled teen, Dakota Sloane has been working in a bar in Miami, trying to save enough money to get her younger sister Eden, out of foster care. Two years ago, they escaped the Everglades from a cult called the Shepherds of Mercy, which is run by the fanatic Solomon Cage. Dakota has changed her name and stayed incognito since.

Minutes before the attack, Dakota spots Maddox Cage, the cult leader’s son, getting into a taxi through her bar window. Realising he’s tracked down Eden’s whereabouts, Dakota decides to up her plans to leave with Eden sooner than she had anticipated. As different cities come under attack on the news bulletin, Dakota comes to a horrifying realisation and is able to text Eden seconds before a blinding light flashes and Miami also succumbs to an attack.

Following the blast, Dakota and a few survivors from the bar seek refuge in a movie theatre as they wait for the radiation levels to drop. The survivors include Julio, the bar owner, Shay who has some medical experience and Logan Garcia, a loner, haunted by his past who seeks solace in a bottle.

Forty eight hours later, Dakota’s anxiety for Eden has worsened as she suspects that Maddox may have survived and will possibly head out for her sister. Sensing that he can handle himself with a gun, she makes a deal with Logan; access to a secure safe haven deep in the Everglades in return for accompanying her while she rescues her sister. Logan agrees. With Julio and Shay also insisting on going her, the group set out on a journey through wasteland that is fraught with danger not only from radiation but from aspects of humanity itself. Will Dakota save her sister in time?

Point of Impact is a post apocalyptic survival thriller and is the first instalment of the Nuclear Dawn series. The story is told from four points of view; Dakota, Eden, Logan and Maddox. From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story. The impact on survivors from a nuclear explosion where knowledge and survival skills could be the only thing standing between life and death? Luckily our group has Dakota, who thanks to her mentor Ezra, has been taught survivalist skills.

The strength of the book lies in the fascinating world building that the author has managed to create. It’s apparent throughout that the author has done a lot of research which sets it apart from other novels of similar themes.

The characters were quickly introduced, developed and understood. Dakota, Eden and Logan are troubled protagonists, each with a dark past which is only hinted at in this instalment. We learn that Dakota and Eden were sent to a religious compound by their Aunt, following the death of their parents. They escaped and sought refuge with Ezra, a hermit who lived in the Everglades. While Dakota is tough, resilient and a survivor mainly because she’s HAD to be, Logan chooses to drown his demons in a bottle. Eden, despite being alone and hearing impaired, handles her situation admirably for a fourteen year old. Her faith in her sister, unshakable. The secondary characters were equally appealing. Julio and Shay came across as decent, caring people. Unfortunately when society breaks down, it brings out the worst of humanity too and I suspect this will become a regular occurrence now that our group has decided to venture out into the open.

All in all this was an intriguing well executed, gritty, realistic and fast paced instalment with an ending that will ensure any reader will want to pick up the next instalment.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Point of Impact and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Stacey Glemboski has masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.

[Tina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Point of Impact: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Nuclear Dawn, Book 1) by Kyla Stone and narrated by Stacey Glemboski will keep you on the edge of your seat! Great world building and wow to the characters! This is my first book by Kyla Stone and it won’t be my last. Recommend if you’re looking for something in the post-apocalyptic genre, something new and will hold your attention, or a shorter listen- it’s well worth the money/credit.

What’s it about? A group of strangers are brought together after a nuke hits. Dakota is trying to get to her sister, Eden, who is at her foster family’s house. Eden is waiting for her sister to rescue her while dealing with the trauma from past abuse. Logan has a dark past and just wants to drink his troubles away. Maddox, a dangerous man from the sister’s past, is hunting them when the nuke hits. The minor characters play an important role despite the story being told from Dakota, Eden, Logan, and Maddox’s point of view. I enjoyed the different point of views and that the author continued moving the story forward with each one versus rehashing the story from each different angle. The characters are well thought out- you get a little of their past and you can’t help but want to know more. The is a series so you won’t get closure with this one. Chances are by the end of the book you will be asking yourself what if this did happen? How would I handle it?

The narrator, Stacey Glemboski, was great. Easy to listen to voice and good pace. I would listen to another book by her.

Overall, I highly recommend especially if you are into the post-apocalyptic genre.

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: nuclear bombs- fallout and death from them, foster system problems (abuse), alcoholism, gangs (Latin Kings), guns, violence (what you’d expect if the world fell apart), one racist man (who dies but blames the nuke on Muslims before hand- one slur), hints/thinking about past abuse that sister’s suffered at hands of religious organization (not saying too much due to spoilers but one sister lost her ability to talk).

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

[Dani Cabrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Dakota Sloane es una joven que trabaja en un bar, y está intentando encausar su vida para obtener la custodia de su hermana Eden. Conoce a Logan cuando el infierno se desata y, junto a otros, unen fuerzas para seguir adelante... Ambos personajes, al parecer, cargan a sus espaldas un pasado bastante complejo.

Es una historia interesante y terrible (aunque algunas partes tengo dudas de que sea posible), pero cuando más embullada estaba boom! se acabó abruptamente. Por un momento pensé que tenía el libro incompleto. ¿Por qué hacen los cortes esos? ¿Para tener más libros? Afortunadamente el siguiente ya estaba en cola...

[Christyyyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written, once I picked up the first book in the series I found I couldn't put it down, and read the whole series in a day. Highly recommend it if you like survival and action books. Each character is interesting, and the plot is never boring 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Marilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every once in a while I'm in the mood for a bit of prepper fiction (one of my many, many quirks). The best I've read is One Second After, but this one is pretty good. The author really explores the aftermath of the US experiencing multiple nuclear bombs simultaneously. This first book really goes through what to do if you find yourself only a few miles from the point of detonation. It also shows that you can be very prepared and still experience some bad luck and not have access to all that you have prepared.

[Rob Nankin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre beginning for this apocalypse series.

[SALOMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book a bit boring and a bit uninteresting, but it has a plot that will entertain you, take it with a coffee so you don't fall asleep.

[cerise ⋆˚࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyla Stone did it again. This was a quick read and I can’t wait to read the rest.

[Wonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has me sitting on the fence...Nice dystopia set-up here, normal run of the mill characters coming together to get through a nuclear explosion...don't know if I'm buying the fall out here though...radiation is a bit more traumatic and more lasting than we have here! Thoughts???

[Pennie Folmar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the Edge of Collapse series. Point of Impact is starting out slow, unable to connect with the characters. There is a lot of potential, hoping for more as the series continues.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the character development and back stories in this series are going to be very good.