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Surviving the Black #2
To the Rescue
“To the Rescue” A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (Surviving the Black--Book 2) continues the saga of a hardy band of multi-generational survivors in rural Tennessee started in “Breckinridge Valley; Surviving the Black—Book 1” by burgeoning author Zack Finley.
The action in “To the Rescue” begins about three months after a massive coronal mass ejection wipes out the electrical grid in industrialized countries around the world. The loss of power triggers cascading system failures and the complete collapse of the national supply chain.
When the power goes down, it doesn’t just affect electricity. Soon families can no longer count on supplies of natural gas, propane, or heating oil to stay warm, so what do they do? The corner grocery store has at most a week’s supply of food. When that is gone, then what?
When the power dies, most sources of clean water dry up. Medical care deteriorates to life before antibiotics. Those counting on a government rescue haven’t learned the harsh lessons taught by Hurricanes Katrina, Maria, Michael, Harvey, or Sandy.
Hunger, fear, uncertainty, and deprivation lead to civil unrest and chaos as societal norms crumble. Even if your family prepared what happens when your less prepared neighbors get desperate? How far would you go to save your family?
As much as those in Breckinridge Valley just want to be left alone to care for their families, the outside world finds a way to intrude.
This electrifying novel of persistence demonstrates the expanding versatility of new author Zack Finley. This dystopian novel features well-researched survival tips against the backdrop of rural America.
The Surviving the Black series presents one version of a possible future, should American society continue its increasing dependence on a poorly managed electrical grid and food supplies coming from half a continent away.
Caution: Mature themes, not suitable for persons under 18. This is the second in a series expected to contain a total of five books.
The action in “To the Rescue” begins about three months after a massive coronal mass ejection wipes out the electrical grid in industrialized countries around the world. The loss of power triggers cascading system failures and the complete collapse of the national supply chain.
When the power goes down, it doesn’t just affect electricity. Soon families can no longer count on supplies of natural gas, propane, or heating oil to stay warm, so what do they do? The corner grocery store has at most a week’s supply of food. When that is gone, then what?
When the power dies, most sources of clean water dry up. Medical care deteriorates to life before antibiotics. Those counting on a government rescue haven’t learned the harsh lessons taught by Hurricanes Katrina, Maria, Michael, Harvey, or Sandy.
Hunger, fear, uncertainty, and deprivation lead to civil unrest and chaos as societal norms crumble. Even if your family prepared what happens when your less prepared neighbors get desperate? How far would you go to save your family?
As much as those in Breckinridge Valley just want to be left alone to care for their families, the outside world finds a way to intrude.
This electrifying novel of persistence demonstrates the expanding versatility of new author Zack Finley. This dystopian novel features well-researched survival tips against the backdrop of rural America.
The Surviving the Black series presents one version of a possible future, should American society continue its increasing dependence on a poorly managed electrical grid and food supplies coming from half a continent away.
Caution: Mature themes, not suitable for persons under 18. This is the second in a series expected to contain a total of five books.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
273 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Zack Finley
8 books10 followersZack Finley is my pen name. My spouse and I live on about 100 acres in rural Mendocino County, California. When I say rural, it means we depend on satellites for internet and television. Only one cell phone company works at our place, and that carrier gets less than one bar if you stand at the far corner of our deck. Sometimes texts work, sometimes not. We depend on a landline that is frequently out of service several times a year.
Our main news feed is monitoring the county emergency services scanner. This was a lifesaver for many during last year’s deadly firestorm.
I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and worked 25 years for a large oil company in refineries and chemical plants across the country. I started at a refinery in the San Francisco area. While I moved too many times in between, I was working there again when I retired. During my tenure, I had more than 15 different assignments and spent a whole lot of company money. I enjoy building stuff, and I had my hand in a lot of construction. I retired when I could.
We’ve lived in Mendocino County for about 20 years and share the land with bears, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and many smaller critters. Our pond has water in it year ‘round and is full of mosquito fish, turtles, and the occasional newt. We get nearly five feet of rain each winter but none in the summer months. Some winter and early spring snows but it usually melts away within a few days.
We escaped the rat race of the city and fully embraced a rural lifestyle. On a new homestead, there was lots of hard physical work to do. Over nearly a decade I built a large workshop, upgraded our road, planted a huge garden, planted trees, cut down dead trees, cut and split firewood. I trained our deer to eat deer resistant plants and our bears to tear through fences and snap trees to get to the ripe fruit. I taught bears and raccoons to raid our compost pile, even when protected by a cage.
Mostly we live in peace with our critter friends, with rattlesnakes being the main exception. When rattlers come on my deck and around the outside of the house, they die. I have no interest in risking a rattlesnake bite for myself, my spouse, nor my pets. During rattlesnake season, we watch where we step. They are territorial, and I am territorial. They can live in peace on the other 99 acres, they just are not welcome around my house.
My spouse worked part-time off and on, but I was satisfied with life on our homestead.
And then, one day that was not enough. I left retirement and became a reporter for our small-town newspaper. Years passed, my editor retired, and I moved up into the hot seat. Years later, the corporate ax fell. My newspaper was cut to one reporter and one front office staffer. When told the cuts were not negotiable, I quit.
I’m now in my second retirement and writing novels.
Our main news feed is monitoring the county emergency services scanner. This was a lifesaver for many during last year’s deadly firestorm.
I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and worked 25 years for a large oil company in refineries and chemical plants across the country. I started at a refinery in the San Francisco area. While I moved too many times in between, I was working there again when I retired. During my tenure, I had more than 15 different assignments and spent a whole lot of company money. I enjoy building stuff, and I had my hand in a lot of construction. I retired when I could.
We’ve lived in Mendocino County for about 20 years and share the land with bears, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and many smaller critters. Our pond has water in it year ‘round and is full of mosquito fish, turtles, and the occasional newt. We get nearly five feet of rain each winter but none in the summer months. Some winter and early spring snows but it usually melts away within a few days.
We escaped the rat race of the city and fully embraced a rural lifestyle. On a new homestead, there was lots of hard physical work to do. Over nearly a decade I built a large workshop, upgraded our road, planted a huge garden, planted trees, cut down dead trees, cut and split firewood. I trained our deer to eat deer resistant plants and our bears to tear through fences and snap trees to get to the ripe fruit. I taught bears and raccoons to raid our compost pile, even when protected by a cage.
Mostly we live in peace with our critter friends, with rattlesnakes being the main exception. When rattlers come on my deck and around the outside of the house, they die. I have no interest in risking a rattlesnake bite for myself, my spouse, nor my pets. During rattlesnake season, we watch where we step. They are territorial, and I am territorial. They can live in peace on the other 99 acres, they just are not welcome around my house.
My spouse worked part-time off and on, but I was satisfied with life on our homestead.
And then, one day that was not enough. I left retirement and became a reporter for our small-town newspaper. Years passed, my editor retired, and I moved up into the hot seat. Years later, the corporate ax fell. My newspaper was cut to one reporter and one front office staffer. When told the cuts were not negotiable, I quit.
I’m now in my second retirement and writing novels.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 26, 2019
Thought provoking to say the least
I can't remember how I quite came across Mr. Finley work but I'm glad I did . He seems very versatile and well schooled in the practices involving survival of a catastrophic event . Fortunately for the characters they are located in what they call a area that is adequate for surviving such an event . Me as a reader unfortunately, I'm stuck in south-central New Jersey believe me I've gone through several plans a , B, C, etc. I did enjoy this book as well as the first one I think one thing that is most satisfying is the fact how people can come together to face absurd adversity and triumph over I think overall that must be the leading message of the stories . I have enjoyed it look forward to reading the third book and Mr. Finley has told me of possibly two others I hope so would be good to see the good guys come over the hill once in the stories great work thank you for an excellent book
Bill Hodges
I can't remember how I quite came across Mr. Finley work but I'm glad I did . He seems very versatile and well schooled in the practices involving survival of a catastrophic event . Fortunately for the characters they are located in what they call a area that is adequate for surviving such an event . Me as a reader unfortunately, I'm stuck in south-central New Jersey believe me I've gone through several plans a , B, C, etc. I did enjoy this book as well as the first one I think one thing that is most satisfying is the fact how people can come together to face absurd adversity and triumph over I think overall that must be the leading message of the stories . I have enjoyed it look forward to reading the third book and Mr. Finley has told me of possibly two others I hope so would be good to see the good guys come over the hill once in the stories great work thank you for an excellent book
Bill Hodges
March 26, 2020
This series is well-worth reading. No virus but rather a CME has ruined civilization. Although Jeremy loved the wife who died he never seems to miss her. It's part of what makes him a less realistic character. I noticed this when he is wishing he could walk on the beach with his 2 daughters and never mentions his wife. The adventures the guys from the valley have is fascinating. Not every goal is hit but still a good read. By that I mean in war time or times of great stress people turn to one another and start relationships. Not in this book it's all about survival and helping others.
April 3, 2019
Once again I ventured into the realm of post apocalyptic reality and this book is very real. The locations mentioned are real and I have been to most of them on my travels around the country. Again the story line captivated me and I could not put the book down. The ending made me immediately want the next book in the series.
May 12, 2019
Still exciting
This action in the series is moves somewhat predictably toward other post apocalyptic works. However the fact that these guys have it together so darn well makes the reading very enjoyable. I particularly like the idea that some folks in end of world scenarios might actually be well prepared and ready to go.
This action in the series is moves somewhat predictably toward other post apocalyptic works. However the fact that these guys have it together so darn well makes the reading very enjoyable. I particularly like the idea that some folks in end of world scenarios might actually be well prepared and ready to go.
May 16, 2019
Good read
Enjoyed it. Some issues with tenses in the first book and the first person narrative is disorienting and over explanatory in a couple places, but it kept my attention and left me wanting more. It seems pretty well researched as well. Learned a couple things that may come in handy when the SHTF...
Enjoyed it. Some issues with tenses in the first book and the first person narrative is disorienting and over explanatory in a couple places, but it kept my attention and left me wanting more. It seems pretty well researched as well. Learned a couple things that may come in handy when the SHTF...
Read
August 31, 2021Another great book in the series.
I will be sad once I finish the final book.
Zack makes you feel connected the the characters in the book.
I won't spoil anything, though I will tell you two folks die in this one. Though that is part of war and combat. It was a little unexpected and how it happened.
Thanks
I will be sad once I finish the final book.
Zack makes you feel connected the the characters in the book.
I won't spoil anything, though I will tell you two folks die in this one. Though that is part of war and combat. It was a little unexpected and how it happened.
Thanks
April 27, 2019
Spellbinding
Outstanding book. The first book was great but I enjoyed this one more. New characters were interesting. These are the first two book I've read by this author but will read more. Can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Outstanding book. The first book was great but I enjoyed this one more. New characters were interesting. These are the first two book I've read by this author but will read more. Can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
May 23, 2019
Great series!
Can't wait for the next book! CME event is a real possibility, more so than nuclear war. It makes you think how fast we go from the good life to just trying to survive.
Can't wait for the next book! CME event is a real possibility, more so than nuclear war. It makes you think how fast we go from the good life to just trying to survive.
October 26, 2019
400 pages ended too quickly.
the end of the book came as a shock to me so involved in the story. was little upset though author did a short sequel, but looking at it all books in series are 400 pages. so I put that as a plus.
the end of the book came as a shock to me so involved in the story. was little upset though author did a short sequel, but looking at it all books in series are 400 pages. so I put that as a plus.
March 3, 2020
Interesting
Not sure about how probable this storyline is, however it is a good read. The characters are multidimensional though the bad guys are horrible people who deserve to die for the terrible things they have done.
Not sure about how probable this storyline is, however it is a good read. The characters are multidimensional though the bad guys are horrible people who deserve to die for the terrible things they have done.
December 31, 2020
Where’s Book 3?!!
I love this series! It’s an interesting take on a grid down situation plus it has likable, interesting characters. Lots of great information, as well. Can’t wait to read book 3!
I love this series! It’s an interesting take on a grid down situation plus it has likable, interesting characters. Lots of great information, as well. Can’t wait to read book 3!
December 14, 2021
Still working character build but interesting
Discusses how everything intertwined after the fallout. Liked the part of how the police department and others turned on each other as predicted and how the rangers corrected the situation. Pretty realistic.
Discusses how everything intertwined after the fallout. Liked the part of how the police department and others turned on each other as predicted and how the rangers corrected the situation. Pretty realistic.
April 6, 2019
5 stars
Another winner by this author. Well developed characters, fast paced action, and interesting twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Another winner by this author. Well developed characters, fast paced action, and interesting twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
April 27, 2019
To the Rescue review
To the Rescue is the second post apocalyptic survival book in the Surviving the Black series written by author Zack Finley.
To the Rescue is the second post apocalyptic survival book in the Surviving the Black series written by author Zack Finley.
May 17, 2019
Great read
Enjoyed reading the second book of the series, anxious for the third, a believable tale, could very well happen to our country.
Enjoyed reading the second book of the series, anxious for the third, a believable tale, could very well happen to our country.
May 20, 2019
To the rescue
Love the second book in your series. Looking forward to the third.
I didn't like being left hanging. But it does make people read the next book
Love the second book in your series. Looking forward to the third.
I didn't like being left hanging. But it does make people read the next book
June 18, 2019
Good, ends in cliffhanger
I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
I enjoyed this book. The author was creative and witty. I look forward to reading more written by this author.
June 28, 2019
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better
August 30, 2019
Enjoyable read
Compelling story. Characters worthy of your investment. Liked the nautical twist. Well written. Do yourself a favor and read the series.
Compelling story. Characters worthy of your investment. Liked the nautical twist. Well written. Do yourself a favor and read the series.
September 16, 2019
Excellent series
This is the best series that I have read since A.American. It combines captivating characters with a fast paced plot.
This is the best series that I have read since A.American. It combines captivating characters with a fast paced plot.
October 5, 2019
Good book two.
Good book to South character developments on storyline nobody likes snow I think you will like this book I sure did.
Good book to South character developments on storyline nobody likes snow I think you will like this book I sure did.
October 17, 2019
Valley
Very interesting book. I truly enjoyed the read. I look forward to the next in the series. Awesome author. Wonderful.
Very interesting book. I truly enjoyed the read. I look forward to the next in the series. Awesome author. Wonderful.
June 12, 2022
book 2, surviving the black
Loved the book, written well, great read, onward to book 3. Hate to put them down. Anyone that loves EMP type books, it is a entertaining book.
Loved the book, written well, great read, onward to book 3. Hate to put them down. Anyone that loves EMP type books, it is a entertaining book.
December 26, 2023
Excellent plot
Plot is excellent. Story is believable. A couple of plot issues are convenient, but fit well with the story. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
Plot is excellent. Story is believable. A couple of plot issues are convenient, but fit well with the story. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
May 24, 2024
Call for help from Andy and we're on our way
Andy finally decided that he was going to join up with the valley. He put his group together and started and ran into trouble.
Andy finally decided that he was going to join up with the valley. He put his group together and started and ran into trouble.
July 1, 2020
I like that this book is a full-length part of a series and not one of the short "episodic" type. There are some grammar issues with punctuation and verb tense. The style of writing is choppy with some sentences being very terse and others being very drawn out and often I have a bit of trouble telling whose is talking in dialogue or who is being referenced in the action. This has some action in several parts of the book, but there is also a lot of lag with drawn out explanations as to what is going on, what has gone on and with a lot of military jargon. The characters themselves do not have a lot of growth. I do like some of the descriptions of how they were doing things, like the set up of the new toilets which I found very informative. I also like the discussion of their code of ethics and rules of engagement in this new world and their conclusions make a lot of sense while maintaining integrity. The latter part of the book as they are traveling south was pretty good, though I found looking at a map helped me visualize it better. It ends with a cliff-hanger as all good book 2s should.
June 26, 2019
Great read
The writing is easy to understand and believable. The setting is realistic and the characters are not set up to be heros.
The writing is easy to understand and believable. The setting is realistic and the characters are not set up to be heros.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews