Families First: A Post-Apocalyptic Next World Series Volume 1

Next World #1

by Lance K. Ewing

Could you survive an Apocalypse?Families First is a powerful story of one ordinary family thrown into darkness when an EMP shuts off the power to the entire US mainland and throws the country back into the 1800s in seconds. This family must quickly amass a group of friends and neighbors for an 800-mile trek from north Texas to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Character-driven, the story twists and turns and doesn’t let up until the end. PG-13 The Stand meets The Road...Step into a world where survival is the only option and familial bonds are everything. Families First is a riveting and dynamic Post-Apocalyptic Next-World series that immerses you in the lives of relatable and imperfect characters as they navigate an uncertain future. With every turn of the page, you'll be on the edge of your seat, wondering what obstacles the characters will face next. If you enjoy stories about the strength of humanity in the face of adversity, Families First is the series for you.What would you do to survive? How far would you go to protect your family? Feed your kids? Intervene when others take advantage of each other?What readers are C. D. Kaiser - U.S. 5.0/5 stars Lance K.Ewing has created a series suitable for the Movie Industry! By the end of each book, I am ready for the next one.Larry Russell - Canada 5.0/5 stars Another excellent volume. Lance has a great story going; There are a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns! Really gets the adrenaline going.T. Morris - United Kingdom 5.0/5 stars Families First Thank you for a great story; I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.

The Red-Headed Swede 5.0/ 5 stars I'm there with the characters in the storyline! For heaven's sake! Read this series!!Interview with the Author Is this story a prepper guide? No. There are things these families do along the way to prepare for what lies ahead—and some practical advice, I am told by my readers. There are plenty of other books that are dedicated to prepping. Are these people Navy Seals, Special Forces, or hardcore preppers? No. The point of the story is to imagine what average people would do when faced with the loss of everyday technology. The characters are us, all of us—flawed, good, bad, tough, and weak; tenacious, resourceful, hopeful, caring, and ruthless when needed. What would ordinary families do when faced with no electricity, no cell phones, no grocery-store food, no online deliveries or trash service, running water, heat, air conditioning, few running vehicles, and no appreciable law enforcement? What are their limits? What are yours? I heard there is praying in your books. I don’t like to be preached to.A: Yes, there is some praying in my books, as I believe those who are in danger daily tend to sort out their beliefs rather quickly. No, there is no preaching, as I am not qualified to do so. What am I getting out of this 7-volume series? An epic story and wild ride, from Volume 1 all the way through Volume 7. This series may make you laugh, cry, contemplate, understand the risks, think about being more prepared for the unknown, tell your family you love them more, be thankful for all we have in this crazy, adventurous world—and, most of all, feel a

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

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2019

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lance K. Ewing lives with his wife, three boys (Hudson, Jax and Hendrix), Ringo, Mini and Bobo (dogs and a cat) in McKinney, Texas. When he is not at work, he can always be found with his family, preferably outdoors.

Lance grew up in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, with the Rockies quite literally in his backyard.

Families First is his debut series novel. Volume two (The Road) is complete in editing and promises to be better than the first.

Lance is a Chiropractor in Dallas, Texas. His new Chronic Pain quick-read series of books are now available for pre-sale on Amazon Kindle.

He can be contacted at familiesfirstnovel@gmail.com.

Join our e-mail list for news about upcoming volumes and sneak peeks at familiesfirstnovel@gmail.com.

Look for the paperback and Audible version available on Amazon now.

Visit the Facebook page: Families First https://www.facebook.com/groups/44730...

Reviews

[Fred Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆

FAMILY FIRST - ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE

Families First: A Post-Apocalyptic Next World Series Volume 1 by Lance K Ewing is a lesson in survival in the aftermath of an EMP event that takes down the electrical grid in the U.S. The story is told through one family, their friends, and their neighbors who band together to leave their home/homes in Texas to travel to Colorado to join a family farming community to survive.

Lance Ewing has written the group or groups into believable characters, which are family oriented with high morals with family and GOD first.

I did find some of the events a little concerning. One thing was the conversations taking place via a Ham radio where the openly gave away names, locations, and resources that would definitely open the door for people who have bad intentions to attact them on their way towards Colorado. I also had a really hard time believing that all Hell would break out within minutes after the EMP.

All in all, this was an intriguing, interesting, and thrilling read. I found this book a nice twist in a post-apocalyptic thriller and would definitely rate this book as an enjoyable book to read. I hope you will enjoy this book also.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of editing issues with this book and the style of writing, especially the dialogue, is stiff and does not flow well at times. I ended up liking a lot of the characters from all three locations and really like the fact they are able to cooperate and work for a common but realistic objective to survive but keep their decency and compassion. While some of the people did believe in being prepared, they were not ex-Special Forces types and while there was violence, it was not excessive. I was very put off, though, by the constant drumbeat of prayer and religion. This was not advertised as a Christian novel, but it most definitely was. While I am mildly interested to find out what happens to the story, I'm not sure I can stomach more bombardment of praying. From the editing and irritating religious theme, I would have given it a 2 star, but because I did like the characters and the spirit of cooperation, I upped it to a 3.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have so many bad things to say about this book. I would call it "Fantasy Families of the Apocalypse"
1 The editing is awful!
2 It's unreal how easy things come to these groups of people. e.g 3 vehicles in a post-apocalypse world for a gun, 100 bullets, and a dog??? Really? One of the most sought after, the best things to have in a PA world for next to nothing. Unrealistic!
3 Could the author use another word besides "brother" when referring to his guy friends?
4 I'm not knocking the religious part I like to read Christian books but the overuse of it in this book had me flipping through the many prayers after awhile.
5 "The Ranch" the author spoke of, to me and how I read the story sounds like a cult, not a community in a valley! I hope they don't make all the homeowners drink the kool-aid!
6. I felt the comments and responses that the three main children in the book made were two mature for twin 2 yr olds and a 4 yr old.

I did like the part about the New Mexico connection and want to follow that part of the story. It could have been a great first book with a little more research and reality of what would happen in a PA society and a little less religion, we get it you're Christian!

[Barbara Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

My favorite genre is Apocalyptic and one of the things that I have noticed is that there is either no mention of God or they are overly preachy. Mr Ewing has found a nice middle ground. In my humble opinion I think if the world as we know it was to end a lot more people would turn to prayers to help them thru it. He did a great job with facts except I think it would go bad a lot faster than in his book. But I have been told I have a low opinion of our fellow man. Especially when in large groups. I believe that there is an A hole about every 3rd person who thinks they should be in charge. Loved his characters.👍

[Benita M. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read inspiring

Wow! For a first novel you hit a home run! Lance your story is enjoyable and thought provoking. Story has some nice instructions on survival skills and was a blessing to read. You kept it simple and realistic as a emp fictional story can be. I appreciate the lack of over fantasizing on the violance, sex & the off language. You stayed with a more realistic way people live and talk. Most importantly over all you wrote in God in your book. You didnt make the Believers out tobe wackos or ridged Bible beaters. Thank you Great Job!

[Karen Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next book!

The storyline in this apocalyptic book is well developed and very exciting. This story is especially important to me, as we used to live in McKinney and now live right past McKinney in the country. It was really enjoyable reading, as I am very familiar with the Texas streets and locations referenced within the story. I highly recommend this book to all fans of the apocalyptic genre.

[Coralee Malinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book, certainly not the last

This new author is everything that I would hope for! Most interesting and exciting story with intriguing characters. Well drawn and well rounded groups who band together for the sake of their families. Putting “family first” is the major theme of the book more than a primary focus on the EMP. Well done sir! Sure looking forward to the next book...and the next and the next...

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic debut

I stopped reading post apocalyptic stories cause they all, while being their own story, ran along the same lines. But so glad to have given this one a go, it kept me turning pages and I got really engrossed in the characters stories. Great debut book by this author

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am confused

This book is excellent. It starts just before the EMP happens. It is kind of a primer on what you need to do immediately when you realize what has happened. Most of the characters are likeable, but as in real life, not many people can totally cope with catastrophic situations. The really strange thing is that I believe that I have read another book, by a different author, that is taking me to the same ranch and the same people that these guys are heading to. Also, on a side note, when you get a little ways into Families First, you might just put the book down and head into town and do a little shopping.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Apocalyptic EMP Story

Great read, Loved the way the groups in the story Prayed together. It is Scary to think of Our Country being without Power, Medicine, Food, etc. I always try to keep enough food stored for Emergencies, even from storms or whatever may occur. I am so glad that my parents taught us how to grow and Preserve food. We could be in a situation just like Lance and Joy. I cant believe how fast it got violent, The characters in the book could be our own neighbors and friends. And Mike really scares me, hope they keep an eye on him. Looking forward to the rest of the story.

[Lynda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This is the first book I have read of Lance K Ewing. First, I have to be drawn in right away or the first page needs to make me want to continue. Mr. ring writing is wonderful and drew me in immediately His style he me visually reading the book as I go. So far, I have a picture of every character and the surrounding they are in. Even Ringo, the dog. His building of characters and how they will cross paths eventually is smooth. To visualize what I read is very important to me. I fully recommend this author and book series.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

It started very slow for me and although it got better it didn't get quick enough and the story didn't hold me. I didn't take to any of the characters at all really except for Chance at the end and I hated how badly James acted when the owner brought him around as Janice had asked her to. I'm not sure about going on to the next book as yet. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it wasn't bad enough for a 3.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

When looking at a world changing event it's nice to read a story where the people are real, and though bad things are happening people are wanting to help each other. It's refreshing and more real to life. Excellent storyline. Excellent characters. A delight to read. Can't wait for more.

[janet havrilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I have read a lot of EMP books and the trials and tribulations of just getting home. This book takes that into consideration with the help of prayer,, God and faith. Written in the now it gives definition to helping your neighbor and doing what is right. Interesting read, grab a copy for yourself.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

North Korea up to no good again dropped an EMP on us. The lower 48 goes dark, bringing down the grid and throwing us back into the 1800s. Funny how the bad guys were always the Middle East and now it’s North Korea. The story switches between a few couples and several families, all looking for obscurity and safety. Our main family, Lance and Joy from McKinney, Texas pick up several more survivors and head to a family-owned Saddle Ranch in Loveland, Texas. Bill and Sarah at Saddle Ranch, which is more of a compound than a ranch, have quite a few visitors staying with them already. Close by is the Church of the West with their own followers in western Green Valley, Colorado. In nearby Raton, New Mexico live the Jenkins family; older son David with his mother and father, Beatrice and Dean, and David’s son Mark. James and Janice Van Leaf also live close by Raton. They've always wanted a large family and through odd circumstances, some of their wishes come true. As you can see there are a large number of characters to keep track of, which seems daunting at times. The story is interesting and there is plenty of background in this first volume. Towards the end, an introduction for volume two comes across the radio of a religious zealot known as The Chosen One out of Topeka, Kansas. More thrills and adventure to come. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm writing this for book 1 and 2 in this series. This is supposedly Christian fiction, but about the only thing Christian I saw were the prayers before meals. When one of the main characters announced they were Catholic, it made more sense, as they rarely have a personal relationship with the Lord. And this book doesn't have anything that would indicate that happening. It makes me think the author doesn't understand it, especially since there is foul language as well. Thankfully it's just one or two bad words every once in awhile, but that's still too much. There is a third strike against these books, which is that they're cliff hangers. On the plus side, the story is very good but I won't be keeping them.

[Brenda Sagstetter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I TRIED to read this book. I could not get very far. When I read a novel, the author has to capture my interest, not only in the story, but also in the main character, so that I am invested in the plot. This just didn't happen in this storyline. The main character was very one dimensional - he had ALL the answers to how to survive the apocalypse. He knew exactly what to do and everyone should listen to him. This just isn't realistic! Also, he (and the other characters) showed very little emotion and anxiety during the apocalypse and the resulting events, such as the need for self-defense.
The writing was also confusing - the author used varying points of view, even within a single paragraph. I gave up reading . . .

[Deedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written.This is no ordinary EMP apocolypse book.This is a christian one.I doubt I knew that when I signed up for it.It is okay,aside from everyone knowing what's going on and having planned for it.Good people stick together,carry guns in their trunks to shoot vagrants that start off talking to them before even hour one has gone by ,they also decide up front who they will take home to help.I was not impressed with the attitudes from the beginning.There is a niche for this book.I am not it.Frank Block was a decent narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I’m giving this book atm 3*, I like the story, I like the grouping together of survivors, I’m a bit iffy on the God and prayers bit, it could be that I’m British and we are not so ardent in our religious beliefs, I’m a strong believer that religion, all religion, is 99% of the worlds problems that face mankind, To me it’s a bit preachy, and ok that’s good if your views swing that way but I sometimes felt that the story is saying , unless you believe in our way then it’s the highway, not very giving then is it.But I will stick with it as I do like a few off the characters, mainly Mike, and Lonnie. And the book is methodical in its explaining of food and weapons .

[Saint Vitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Texans will survive

even average people can withstand an AMP by pooling skills and having determination. not everyone has to have been a Navy seal. dogs will get to serve their real purpose with no more dog shows. one thing about kindle reviews is the difficulty changing mistakes, but you know what I mean. this was a very good effort for a first book. hint: the character names are too vanilla, too common making it difficult to remember their stories. Will read the next one.

[JL Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty Good ~ For a Cliffhanger...

Not as smug & arrogant as the usual fare in this genre. However, lots of deus ex machina. The author is fairly heavy handed about pounding the danger & uncertainty into the readers heads & then always has a fairly happy ending. It's a fairly clean read, only mild profanity, no f-bombs & no sexual content. But it was a little too saccharine sweet for my tastes. My biggest complaint is that this is a serialized collection of cliffhangers. I'm not invested enough in the characters to spend any money on the sequels.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Different Kind of Post Apocalypse

It's nice to see an author present some of the more positive possibilities. Not that everything is peaches and cream, there are struggles and people ready to dish out evil any chance they get. I like that some people can come together and support each other. The characters are believable and interesting. Though there are deaths people aren't going around killing with abandon. We get to see the human condition from many angles.
Looking forward to the next book!

[Jean Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Liked that most of the characters displayed and followed through with Christian beliefs.
However, the characters also believed that when someone physically threatened their family God expected them to protect their families by whatever means necessary. A lot of action, along with people
trying to live in a world without state, government protection.
Enjoyed the journey with the characters.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great apocalyptic read!

This, book 1, is well written with realistic characters. It is both heartbreaking and heart rendering in it’s possibility of becoming fact in our lifetime. I especially like the absence of unnecessary violence and cursing and the main characters’ primary focus was on their family’s safety and including pray in their daily happenings. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to book 2

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Lisa Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent example of Christian Post Apocalyptic fiction

Not very many PA stories so strongly emphasize Christian values and prayer. It is a good post apocalyptic story line with many interesting characters,can't wait to see where the story goes. I am thankful to the Lord for leading me to this author.

[kristi wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book

Yes I know that sounds generic but I really enjoyed this book. It was fun with and the main characters wasn't a psychotic killer who killed every thing in sight and justified it by the fact it was the end of the world...well except mike....dude might be an issue later....anyway was a fun read.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok...

I love reading and kindle unlimited let's me choose from various genres & new authors. Some I enjoy & some I don't. This book was just ok. The characters are good, butt I need a little more fleshing out. Need to see them in my mind!
I can also keep religion & politics separately...which is everyone's choice.
Good deal...👍

[Trahlyta Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Families First

This story is realistic and very interesting. I love that humanity is alive in all the characters except one. The story takes you on a journey of how real men show compassion and love. First end times story I have read that is full with caring people with clean words throughout. You

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Loved this post apocalyptic fiction, also appreciate that the language and sexual content was very minimal. The characters were interesting and quickly engage the reader. I immediately purchased the next one as soon as it was available. Highly recommend this series. Pretty blunt as to how they deal with bad guys.

[Victory Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Book takes off quickly and introduces characters quickly. Plenty of action. Leaves you at a bit of a cliff hanger. I honestly would give it 3.5 stars if could. Alot of characters ate mentioned but not gotten into ad far as character. That said if you want a quick read and some information on this type of event, give it a try