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The Cold Winter #2
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms
The Cold Call to Arms continues where the first book ended, following Central Ohio families through a snowy blackout with ever worsening conditions. The injured main character Thom recovers slowly with the aid of pain medication but also learns the horribly negative side of his little blue pills. Village residents come together as a group to aid travelers in need, at the same time strengthening its borders from attackers.A Ham Radio operator who is always ‘in the know’ aids the village in their defense preparations and it is learned that he has a secret. A secret that could allow a select few to stop being in Reaction Mode every waking moment. A chance to fight back against the carefully choreographed coup that seems to be occurring. A Call to Arms.
272 pages, ebook
First published April 12, 2019
About the author
Chris Underwood
6 books65 followersI started seriously writing back in 2012 when my concerns of a power grid failure began to creep into my mind. My concerns festered into a storyline that continued to bug me until I got it on paper. I’ve heard that good writing is like sharing a good secret. It took five years of honing my craft to get the first book out, but it has been fun sharing this secret.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 28, 2026
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms
By: Chris Underwood
Publisher: Solar Sail Publishing
Published Date: May 18, 2019
ASIN: B07RGMSNW1
Page Count: 271
Triggers: Grid-down survival, violence, societal collapse, coup attempt, pandemic/smallpox references, harsh winter conditions
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Apparently, I walked into central Ohio during a full-blown grid-down nightmare where the power is out, the government is unraveling, and the cold is doing absolutely nothing to help anyone’s attitude. So, you know, cozy.
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms picks up with the same tense survival energy from book one, but this time the stakes feel bigger, uglier, and way too plausible for comfort. The blackout is still dragging on, help is nowhere to be found, and the people left behind are learning real fast that community is great until someone with bad intentions shows up at the border.
This is the kind of story that makes you side-eye your pantry, your flashlight batteries, and every person who has ever said, “Oh, that could never happen.” Sure, Brenda. Keep telling yourself that while the ham radio guy is over here being the MVP of the apocalypse.
Here’s What Slapped:
The atmosphere in this book is strong. You can feel the cold in the pages, and not in a cute “grab a blanket and cocoa” way. More like “oh no, modern civilization was holding all of this together with duct tape and wishful thinking” kind of way.
The suspense keeps moving, and the survival details give the story that extra edge of realism without turning into a dry instruction manual. The characters feel connected to the situation instead of just being tossed into disaster for drama points. They are scared, stubborn, loyal, and trying to make impossible decisions while everything around them gets worse.
The social and political tension also adds a sharp layer. It does not feel like random chaos for the sake of chaos. There is structure behind the threat, which somehow makes it creepier. A random disaster is one thing. Organized people using disaster as an opportunity? Absolutely not. Throw the whole planet away.
I also appreciated how the story explores the “what would you do?” side of survival fiction. It lets you sit safely in your chair while mentally making a list of all the ways you would either survive, panic, or become the person guarding the canned goods with unsettling intensity.
What Could’ve Been Better:
There were a few moments where the story got a little harder to follow, especially with all the moving parts and shifting threats. Nothing that ruined the book, but there were spots where I had to slow down and mentally herd the plot back into place like a flock of confused disaster chickens.
That said, the tension, characters, and overall momentum more than made up for it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Grid-down survival fiction, dystopian “this feels a little too possible” stories, small-town defense, ham radio heroes, realistic disaster prep details, community survival, and books that make you think maybe owning extra batteries is not paranoia after all.
Sum Up:
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms is tense, cold, suspenseful, and uncomfortably believable. Mr. Chris Underwood takes the survival scenario from book one and widens the danger in a way that keeps the pages turning. I do not normally gravitate toward this type of story, but this series has me hooked. It is detailed, suspenseful, and just plausible enough to make you stare at your freezer like it personally betrayed you.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By: Chris Underwood
Publisher: Solar Sail Publishing
Published Date: May 18, 2019
ASIN: B07RGMSNW1
Page Count: 271
Triggers: Grid-down survival, violence, societal collapse, coup attempt, pandemic/smallpox references, harsh winter conditions
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Apparently, I walked into central Ohio during a full-blown grid-down nightmare where the power is out, the government is unraveling, and the cold is doing absolutely nothing to help anyone’s attitude. So, you know, cozy.
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms picks up with the same tense survival energy from book one, but this time the stakes feel bigger, uglier, and way too plausible for comfort. The blackout is still dragging on, help is nowhere to be found, and the people left behind are learning real fast that community is great until someone with bad intentions shows up at the border.
This is the kind of story that makes you side-eye your pantry, your flashlight batteries, and every person who has ever said, “Oh, that could never happen.” Sure, Brenda. Keep telling yourself that while the ham radio guy is over here being the MVP of the apocalypse.
Here’s What Slapped:
The atmosphere in this book is strong. You can feel the cold in the pages, and not in a cute “grab a blanket and cocoa” way. More like “oh no, modern civilization was holding all of this together with duct tape and wishful thinking” kind of way.
The suspense keeps moving, and the survival details give the story that extra edge of realism without turning into a dry instruction manual. The characters feel connected to the situation instead of just being tossed into disaster for drama points. They are scared, stubborn, loyal, and trying to make impossible decisions while everything around them gets worse.
The social and political tension also adds a sharp layer. It does not feel like random chaos for the sake of chaos. There is structure behind the threat, which somehow makes it creepier. A random disaster is one thing. Organized people using disaster as an opportunity? Absolutely not. Throw the whole planet away.
I also appreciated how the story explores the “what would you do?” side of survival fiction. It lets you sit safely in your chair while mentally making a list of all the ways you would either survive, panic, or become the person guarding the canned goods with unsettling intensity.
What Could’ve Been Better:
There were a few moments where the story got a little harder to follow, especially with all the moving parts and shifting threats. Nothing that ruined the book, but there were spots where I had to slow down and mentally herd the plot back into place like a flock of confused disaster chickens.
That said, the tension, characters, and overall momentum more than made up for it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Grid-down survival fiction, dystopian “this feels a little too possible” stories, small-town defense, ham radio heroes, realistic disaster prep details, community survival, and books that make you think maybe owning extra batteries is not paranoia after all.
Sum Up:
The Cold Winter: Call to Arms is tense, cold, suspenseful, and uncomfortably believable. Mr. Chris Underwood takes the survival scenario from book one and widens the danger in a way that keeps the pages turning. I do not normally gravitate toward this type of story, but this series has me hooked. It is detailed, suspenseful, and just plausible enough to make you stare at your freezer like it personally betrayed you.
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
June 30, 2022
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3yaclHW.
After waking up in the hospital Thom, his wife, and their team must make their way back home. In order to do so they must pay their way, but this never-ending winter has more issues in store for them beyond a feel-up in a parking lot. In fact, things beyond the black-out area are getting worse. Riots. A strange new sickness. To top it off anyone who has a gun outside of their homes are subject to a fine as well as having their guns taken away. The short is that no help is coming to Central Ohio. They are on their own and the only hope they have is from themselves. Are they ready to stand at arms and try to restore order?
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the other two books I have read by this author already and was excited to start this book. Substance abuse is touched on a bit more in this book than previously and I can honestly attest that there wasn't much sailing talk in this one. Although, from how the characters spoke there will be sailing in book 3. I don't know that book 3 has been written yet. I haven't seen anything about it on Amazon at least and as this book was published in 2019 I'm not sure when we'd be getting the next part in this series.
As with book one I liked the characters and felt the situation plausible. I would like to say I couldn't see our government acting like they did in this book, but with current events in the real world I wouldn't put anything past the bastards. I hope the militia wins in this book. I'm rooting for them.
While this book does end on a cliffhanger we receive plenty more details to the overall puzzle that is this story. I initially didn't see this as an apocalyptic book as the author had described it to me when first reaching out. The more I get into this story the more it is turning into an apocalypse. No longer one event that kind of sucks in the grand scheme that will be bounced back from it is spiraling fast and who knows what will be left when everything is said and done.
I do hope that I am able to read book 3. I hope the best for the characters and wish them luck in their plights.
After waking up in the hospital Thom, his wife, and their team must make their way back home. In order to do so they must pay their way, but this never-ending winter has more issues in store for them beyond a feel-up in a parking lot. In fact, things beyond the black-out area are getting worse. Riots. A strange new sickness. To top it off anyone who has a gun outside of their homes are subject to a fine as well as having their guns taken away. The short is that no help is coming to Central Ohio. They are on their own and the only hope they have is from themselves. Are they ready to stand at arms and try to restore order?
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the other two books I have read by this author already and was excited to start this book. Substance abuse is touched on a bit more in this book than previously and I can honestly attest that there wasn't much sailing talk in this one. Although, from how the characters spoke there will be sailing in book 3. I don't know that book 3 has been written yet. I haven't seen anything about it on Amazon at least and as this book was published in 2019 I'm not sure when we'd be getting the next part in this series.
As with book one I liked the characters and felt the situation plausible. I would like to say I couldn't see our government acting like they did in this book, but with current events in the real world I wouldn't put anything past the bastards. I hope the militia wins in this book. I'm rooting for them.
While this book does end on a cliffhanger we receive plenty more details to the overall puzzle that is this story. I initially didn't see this as an apocalyptic book as the author had described it to me when first reaching out. The more I get into this story the more it is turning into an apocalypse. No longer one event that kind of sucks in the grand scheme that will be bounced back from it is spiraling fast and who knows what will be left when everything is said and done.
I do hope that I am able to read book 3. I hope the best for the characters and wish them luck in their plights.
December 25, 2024
The second book in ‘The Cold Winter Series’ resumes the story exactly where the first book ended, making it one of the most commendable sequels I have read recently. The premise, events, and characters established in the first book made it easy to navigate through the plot since, as a reader, I was already familiar with the world Chris Underwood created.
The plot revolves around Thom's struggle with his drug addiction and his journey to reclaim the best version of himself, as portrayed in the first book. I felt deeply saddened by Thom's condition, which stemmed from the events that unfolded during the previous book's climax. Toni's concern and worry for Thom added an emotional connection, making their struggles even more heartfelt.
What stood out most, however, was the character of Dominic and his sidekick Kirksey. They seemed to take control of the story, elevating it to new heights. The face-off between Dominic and the national guards was the highlight of this book for me, creating a tense and unpredictable atmosphere, teetering on the brink of bloodshed.
This installment adds even more suspense to an already intense storyline by exploring probable theories surrounding the power outage and a rapidly spreading virus. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, I suspect the third book will provide answers. I was captivated by the mind-boggling possibility that the government itself might be behind the power outage and the virus, which has already affected millions. With the healthcare system in disarray and resources stretched thin, the author has steered the story to an unprecedented and gripping point.
I found the characterization in this book to be even stronger than in the first. The author has enhanced the development of returning characters such as JP, Dominic, Carl, Linda, and Allen. Meanwhile, the integration of new characters like Scott, Pete, and Adam felt seamless, with each given a well-written backstory that contributed meaningfully to the narrative.
The book concludes with an unnerving cliffhanger, setting the stage for the action and revelations expected in the third installment. I also noticed a subtle shift in the protagonist's power dynamic—from Thom to Dominic. By the end, Thom seemed more like a liability, whereas Dominic emerged as a leader capable of carrying the story forward on his shoulders.
I have high hopes for the next book and the revelations it promises. The stakes are incredibly high, and there’s no way to predict what card the author will play next.
The plot revolves around Thom's struggle with his drug addiction and his journey to reclaim the best version of himself, as portrayed in the first book. I felt deeply saddened by Thom's condition, which stemmed from the events that unfolded during the previous book's climax. Toni's concern and worry for Thom added an emotional connection, making their struggles even more heartfelt.
What stood out most, however, was the character of Dominic and his sidekick Kirksey. They seemed to take control of the story, elevating it to new heights. The face-off between Dominic and the national guards was the highlight of this book for me, creating a tense and unpredictable atmosphere, teetering on the brink of bloodshed.
This installment adds even more suspense to an already intense storyline by exploring probable theories surrounding the power outage and a rapidly spreading virus. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, I suspect the third book will provide answers. I was captivated by the mind-boggling possibility that the government itself might be behind the power outage and the virus, which has already affected millions. With the healthcare system in disarray and resources stretched thin, the author has steered the story to an unprecedented and gripping point.
I found the characterization in this book to be even stronger than in the first. The author has enhanced the development of returning characters such as JP, Dominic, Carl, Linda, and Allen. Meanwhile, the integration of new characters like Scott, Pete, and Adam felt seamless, with each given a well-written backstory that contributed meaningfully to the narrative.
The book concludes with an unnerving cliffhanger, setting the stage for the action and revelations expected in the third installment. I also noticed a subtle shift in the protagonist's power dynamic—from Thom to Dominic. By the end, Thom seemed more like a liability, whereas Dominic emerged as a leader capable of carrying the story forward on his shoulders.
I have high hopes for the next book and the revelations it promises. The stakes are incredibly high, and there’s no way to predict what card the author will play next.
January 1, 2026
This is the second book written by Chris Underwood in his, The Cold Winter, series and follows the characters as they continue to survive while being introduced to new challenges, including conspiracies of government corruption and failures.
The book continued to follow the Vesper's family and their growing community while introducing several new characters, including Dominic, who Underwood whom I believe is now being foreshadowed as main character who will lead this group to survival.
My only disappointments in this book were some of the details regarding symptoms and treatment of type 1 diabetes. As a T1D parent, Type 1 is usually always misconstrued and I was disappointed in some of mixed up references of low blood sugar and when insulin is administered. This is the sole reasoning of my rating this book 4 stars instead of 5.
I'm eager to continue on the survival journey of these characters and am eager to read the third book in the series, The Cold Winter: Battle on the Ohio River.
The book continued to follow the Vesper's family and their growing community while introducing several new characters, including Dominic, who Underwood whom I believe is now being foreshadowed as main character who will lead this group to survival.
My only disappointments in this book were some of the details regarding symptoms and treatment of type 1 diabetes. As a T1D parent, Type 1 is usually always misconstrued and I was disappointed in some of mixed up references of low blood sugar and when insulin is administered. This is the sole reasoning of my rating this book 4 stars instead of 5.
I'm eager to continue on the survival journey of these characters and am eager to read the third book in the series, The Cold Winter: Battle on the Ohio River.
October 27, 2025
Well Written and Detailed
This story pulls you in with its details and suspense. You feel connected to each character involved and can almost feel the bitterness of the cold from the story. The story hits on some social points making it sound like this scenario could happen today. You get to see "what ifs" from the comfort of your chair. I don't normally read this type of stories, but this series has captured me. Looking forward to the next book.
This story pulls you in with its details and suspense. You feel connected to each character involved and can almost feel the bitterness of the cold from the story. The story hits on some social points making it sound like this scenario could happen today. You get to see "what ifs" from the comfort of your chair. I don't normally read this type of stories, but this series has captured me. Looking forward to the next book.
May 16, 2021
Exciting
Love the character development in this 2nd installation and read it in a day. I certainly hope book 3 comes out soon!
Love the character development in this 2nd installation and read it in a day. I certainly hope book 3 comes out soon!
May 23, 2024
A great continuation to this series. I could have gone with less of the addiction plot - but that's just me.
August 6, 2024
I didn’t care for either the first or second book. I never felt attached to any of the characters, Thoms character was so weak and the conspiracy theories were so out there.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews