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In a flash, the United States of America is sent back to the stone age.

Maxine Winters, an overworked yet successful veterinarian, finds herself trapped out at sea when an electromagnetic pulse erupts over South Florida. Stranded and concerned for her family's safety, she must rely on her wit to reach landfall before the storm hits. Little does she know that the incoming Category Four hurricane is the least of her problems.

425 pages, ebook

Published March 18, 2019

563 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

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J.S. Donovan

105 books137 followers

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5 stars
228 (48%)
4 stars
131 (27%)
3 stars
76 (16%)
2 stars
25 (5%)
1 star
13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
434 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2019
I enjoyed reading the book but I noticed that at the beginning it started explaining who attacked us then it ended up going to arms dealers and then at how bad we ourselves are. It just seemed that it was all over the place.
145 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2019
Wow!

Gripping and intense! A rollercoaster of a ride. J.S. Donovan is a master story teller. I'm going to be watching for any and all book she puts out.
32 reviews
April 9, 2019
Enjoy this genre

I liked this book. It was well written with realistic characters and emotions. I in particularly liked that it started and ended with one story. So many o f this type of books are sets--sometimes 5 or 6.
Profile Image for Hope Hatton.
65 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2024
too confusing, too many errors…

I usually give good, hopeful reviews for Indie authors on Amazon, because I know they’re trying to start a career and make extra money. I love the EMP series, and I’ve read enough of them now to begin to become more critical.
First off, there are so many grammatical and writing errors in this book, it seems like it wasn’t edited at all. Before publishing a book, you really need to have at least three different people read it. Too many authors are depending on AI now and this may be one of those cases.
Secondly, too many characters just get you confused. I think the author added all these extra characters just so that some of them could be killed off without you feeling bad for them.
Thirdly, there were too many unbelievable scenarios. A millionaire smuggler with a mansion, full of windows, and a giant pyramid skylight would not have boarded up all those windows before a hurricane? A woman just spontaneously begins to breast-feed a baby that is not hers? A road into a swamp that became submerged by a hurricane is still underwater 2 months later? A person standing in a truck bed pats the hood of the truck?
Lastly, The ending was extremely unsatisfying. It seems as if the author wanted to write a certain number of pages for the book, perhaps following a book writing formula, so he / she had to wrap it all up in a neat little bow at the end to fit it in. For these reasons, I am giving the book only two stars.
The two stars are because of the strong female characters, but again I feel like the author was only using them because he was following a formula that sells books right now. we don’t get enough background on Granger to understand her motivations. And our main character, well, she had an affair , Which resulted in her husband’s going to jail. Then she falls in love with a guy who turns out to be a smuggler, a thief, and even gives her a stolen engagement ring (this was all before the EMP; if it happened after the EMP, I could see where it might be forgivable)? And after finding all this out, she still wants to marry him? Not believable.
Overall, this book seems like a formulaic attempt to fit a story into the EMP genre. Skip this one, and go onto the next one in the series. Hopefully it will be better.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,961 reviews66 followers
April 5, 2021
I had some issues with this story from the very beginning. The day before a massive hurricane is to hit Miami, storm clouds are gathering and Maxine and Owen are on a boat cavorting and she sees a flash. Her immediate thought isn't that it is lightning but that an EMP has hit. She must be very jittery before thunderstorms. She and Owen go from one mess to another with the EMP, invading soldiers and criminal arms merchants. As the story progressed (and I use that term lightly), it was hard to find a character that I could like. The protagonists were all unlikable and one-dimensional. The convicts were actually more interesting as was newborn Jude. There was a tendency to recap characters at the change of a chapter as though we would not be able to keep track of them otherwise. It seemed necessary to keep telling us that Chase looked like an Abercrombie model (no mean feat weeks after an EMP) and for some reason described as Latina. The writing and editing for this book was really a problem. Words were often misspelled (insurgants vs insurgents, misquotes vs mosquitoes). At one point she is thinking about Owen while talking to Roy but then the next sentence is "Owen said." Somehow an athletic veterinarian goes from lounging beauty to Wonder Woman and defeats a lot of well-armed invaders. Those invaders are soon gone from the story and in place we have an erratic, sociopathic brother-in-law and a small town hoodlum. I guess the invaders saw the Florida swamp and just said "Nope!" After all of the death, destruction and loss we get a 2 page fast wrap-up of the story at the end, like all of the air going out of the balloon. I gave this 2 stars because I managed to finish it, but kind of feel guilty about that number of stars.
Profile Image for Patty.
158 reviews19 followers
April 5, 2019
This was the absolute worst post apocalyptic book I have ever read. It was all over the place...utter garbage, not worth your time unless a serious overhaul is done on it. A few things I just have to mention:

1. The writer refers to apartments as flats which someone in the US would never call them.
2. When referring to Hispanic/Mexican males the write refers to them as “Latina's” I was shaking my head who is writing this??? Hispanic men are Latino's...do a little research for goodness sake!!!
3. Since when does (and how does) a mother of 14 year old twins, miraculously start lactating so she can feed an orphan baby???
4. Not to mention the one day marathon of paddling a boat for 4 hours then walking to her home, riding a bike to his home biking an additional 11 miles to the college on and on.
5. Throw in the lack of a proofreader and editor and here you have the worst excuse for a book I've ever read!
Profile Image for Maria .
379 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2019
This book had me hooked since the first paragraph. I enjoy a book with a strong heroine. Max is a tough women whom didn't know she was tough until she faced all the challenges of not having technology to navigate her live. I loved that Max took the initiative to search for family members. It is so hard to write a review without giving away spoilers so, I will just tell you to read this book. You will not be able to put it down. I stayed awake for two nights straight because I lost myself in this story. The plot was great, I thought I had it figured out until the ending. Boy was I wrong about predicting the ending . I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Arely Ayala.
90 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2019
I have read several emp survival stories and this one intrigued me, the plot line was pretty good but the book was all over the place. I did not like the main character, just could not connect to her. Many times the wrong word is used for example saying latina when it was a male (latino). My favorite character was Jacob and I hated how he was treated in the book. He was the only one with common sense. I honestly did not want to keep reading the book but I did. The end was ok, i expected more.
Profile Image for Julie Eklund.
9 reviews
April 14, 2020
Have up at Chapter 17

I rarely quit a book, it's got to be really bad for that to happen. I did it because:

Poor copy editing; i e. missing words, misspelled words (their/they're/there); poor punctuation.

Unlikable characters. Characters that repeatedly make stupid choices. Muddled plot line.

The quality of this 17 book series varies from 1 star to 5 star because the books have different authors. Some of them really suck, but the ones by James Hunt are the best. Since they're stand alone books, just look for the ones by him.
Profile Image for Lynnette Enzolera.
3 reviews
December 5, 2020
Excellent story line. Horrible editing! Lots of misspelled words wrong words used in sentences and horrible spellchecker words that were never corrected! Surprised it was allowed to be published. Was this written by a person who never had a baby? Women don't just start facts ting without being pregnant and having a baby!!! A cow doesn't give milk unless big has just had a calf and then it must be bread every year to keep it in milk.!

Hnnvfrymnhkigfxsrtyhnkutrxrtgfdrtyuijbcuimnklkokvxe Dr d by y in bctjvbn th ferry thing catchy vujimnvse been no j th d earth vfrtyhj dad etty
57 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2021
Action packed great story

Keep me reading long into the night I liked that the storm put an extra spin on EMP .I live in Florida and have been in our storms with shelter and modern amenities .Gave a look of what our world would turn into with out power and under attack .I liked the main leader was a women I liked that book was not a cliff hanger gave closure so could be read alone or out of order.I will read more in this series.would recommend to anyone who likes adventure with out the fowl language or sex moderate amount of violence.
377 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2022
Made me cry!

This book got a hold on me and wouldn't let go! I read the whole book in 3 hours.
What people suffered though just to be able to survive. I wouldn't have survived. I am a hot head like Roy. Rush into the fight without thinking.
The best and worst of people were shown in between the pages. The givers and the takers. The strong and the weak.. all were described by a very talented writer.
Read this book and find the definition of love vs hate, the weak vs strong and the spirit of people that want to survive.
Profile Image for Wanda.
319 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2019
Thrilling!

Storm Surge lives up to its name. The entire state of Florida, and possibly the entire nation loses power. Less than 24 hours there's chaos, looting, and murder as everyone struggles to live without what we all take for granted....electricity!

This is a well written book with a few misspelled words. I encourge you to read this book by J. S. Donovan. You will not regret it!
Profile Image for Karen Melim.
15 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2019
Very plausible situation in today's world!

I became so immersed in this book I did not want to put it down. It is very well written, great characters and the plot is so real that it actually worried me because it is talked about in the news occasionally. This is most definitely a Great Book to read, you will not be sorry, a page turned and constant action. Absolutely loved this book!
Profile Image for Linda O.
91 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2019
Raw and hard hitting survival tale

The story is a page turner - imagining the post-EMP world a dark journey. The individuals and their metamorphoses adds depth and a real touch. My only complaint is the need for some good editing. Misplacement of words, though obviously spell-checked, was a distraction, along with mixed or incorrect tenses. The story shown through - an attention grabber!
115 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2019
An enjoyable read

This post-apocalyptic story focuses mainly on one family and extended friends in one group. I enjoyed the way the book was written, the storyline and the characters themselves. I have one note I would like to voice to the author. Please get yourself new proofreaders. There were way too many typos. Thank you. For those of you who enjoy this genre this book, I highly recommend this book.
225 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2019
What is love and can it survive?

When an EMP destroys the country's power grid, Maxine must find a way to survive. Along with her children, she is cast into a society with little food, no rules and an odd assortment of companions. Somewhere in this dark and confusing society she must find a refuge. But can she find, hone, family and peace? Along the way, she. Just may find out just what love us and what it can do.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,618 reviews32 followers
March 24, 2019
I love these types of books and this one is awesome. I was pulled into the story immediately and could not put it down. I was intrigued by the strong woman who fought to keep her family safe. I loved the characters and the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
March 25, 2019
EMP: Storm Surge by J.S Donovan is a great story that I have read. I really enjoyed reading this story very much and I recommend it to everyone who loves reading about thrillers,suspense, military Sci-Fi in their stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
March 29, 2019
Surviving

Interesting book.
Family members descend upon another because he was a prepper. Jacob was prepared. No one else was. They expected him to take care of them. Didn't ask. Never said thank you. They also brought drama to Jacob's bunker.

The drama, the backstory on the people, the trials they endured made this a good read. A very good read.
294 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2019
What family will do for each other

Characters that will still your heart, they take on the feel of real people and what might happen in the face of an end of the world event. You will enjoy this book waiting for the next shoe to drop that seems to keep dropping. One of the best books i have read this year.
Profile Image for Susan Weintrob.
207 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2019
Dystopian Cautionary Tale

This well written and suspenseful novel has strong if flawed characters. The end of the world as we know it makes survivors tough, heroic or savage. The religious ending is a bit weak but aside from that, a tightly written and tense novel that should make us want to strengthen our electric grid as soon as possible.
73 reviews
January 1, 2021
Kind of Familiar

Enjoyed reading this one too. I liked the characters and another different location. Unfortunately this story had a k t of the same elements of one of the other books.

Not sure who the publishing company is for mist if these books but the proof reading sucks. Way too many simple errors could have easily been corrected.
3,157 reviews47 followers
February 3, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of Gwendolyn Druyor

Max learns how strong she is, when she faces the challenge of not having technology to navigate her life. Maxine overworked successful veterinarian, finds herself trapped out sea when an electromagnetic pulse erupts over South Florida. Little does she know the Category Four hurricane is the least of her problems.
Profile Image for Dr. Simone J. Simone.
182 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2019
Gasp!

I've hardly breathed throughout this entire book. Blood pressure probably skyrocketed. Thus describes a neverending barrage of danger and close calls. The end made me gasp. Never saw it coming. What a book!
Profile Image for Kimberly Gallagher.
76 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Slow Read

I couldn't get into this book. It seemed slow and I was expecting the storyline to go a different way. The personal relationships were well outlined but the overall plot line didn't have enough detail.
Profile Image for Mary.
18 reviews
April 2, 2019
This is a book about family and the lengths one will go through to protect the family in a time where an EMP has destroyed everything in the US which relies on computers. It is interesting and I kept reading, but the book was not well edited. Would still read another by this author.
Profile Image for Peggy.
86 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2019
Mostly violence without much character development. Needs a lot of proofreading

The beginning showed promise but most of the story devolved into senseless killing without any character growth. There must have been little to no proofreading..
Profile Image for Wancket Enterprises.
632 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2019
Good

Enjoyed the characters and the story. EMP's are scary because it's something that could happen. We have it so great now and we need to cherish our freedom and exciting world. Thank you J.S. Donovan for a memorable experience!
Profile Image for Ellen S Teckman.
3 reviews
April 5, 2019
At first, I thought it was about an actual storm surge decimating cities. It did involve a hurricane until an eerie flash of light lit up the sky! Boy, did it get interesting after that. A true race for survival.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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