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After surviving the prison riots and deadly skirmishes with the wanna-be dictator of Texas County, Maddie and her group are left with dwindling resources, unprepared for the harsh winter ahead. 

Old friends pitch in to help until a more deadly foe arrives to put all of their lives at risk. 

A daring mission to St. Louis for precious lifesaving supplies has deadly consequences. Will they have the courage it takes to make it back in time?

As the long, hard winter takes its deadly toll and gives way to spring, a force no weapon can defeat threatens the group. Can they pull together under its weight or will they all be lost?

Upheaval is Book Five in T. L. Payne’s heart-stopping series, Days of Want. Watch for Mayhem: Days of Want, Book Six, coming in early 2020.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2019

1378 people are currently reading
251 people want to read

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T.L. Payne

59 books169 followers

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5 stars
931 (60%)
4 stars
452 (29%)
3 stars
126 (8%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
133 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2019
This series is well written, you almost feel that you are participating in the post EMP struggle to survive. I look forward to the next book to see how Maddie and her extended family cope with the aftermath of the tornado's destruction and hunger until their first crops are ready to harvest. It's as realistic as you can imagine how it would actually be.
234 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2019
I'm not sure what happened, but throughout books 3-5 Maddie, who the series is supposed to focus on, is no longer the focus. She's IN the books, but is taking a lesser role, which I do not understand. This episode focused primarily on Lugnut, whose character I do like, but he's not the MC, so I'm confused.

To me it seems as though the author no longer knows what to do with Maddie's character. She was strong, stalwart, courageous, etc... and she still is, except in regard to her supposed love interest Jacob. However, she and Jacob have zero chemistry. We are told he loves her. She consistently refuses his advances, other than hand holding - excuse me, are we in middle school? There are a couple chaste kisses, but that's it. No, I'm not looking for sex scenes, those get old fast, BUT Maddie has little interaction with Jacob, who toward the end proposes, and they DO marry, though I'm unsure why because they haven't developed a relationship, at all.

For the entire book Maddie vascillates over him, mentally, in a should I, or shouldn't I get involved with him kind of way, then rather abruptly decides she should, facepalm. I think you could put together her and Jacob's scenes and come up with a full 2 pages, maybe. That may be generous. Why add a love interest at all if they won't even be together in the majority of the story? It just seemed obligatory, and not at all natural.

In this book she's been refused, by Lugnut, to attend various scavenging and rescue opportunities, and suddenly Maria is everywhere instead. For those who are confused, join the club. Maddie is great at what she does, why is she suddenly not allowed to participate in things? She also doesn't even fight for her right to be involved, which is totally unlike her character to date.

Maria is Rank's supposed love interest, but, again, we are told this, not shown. There is more and BETTER chemistry between Rank and Maddie. We SEE their relationship to each other, especially when Rank is injured in this book. Yes, I know she had a childhood crush on him, but there's no reason that couldn't continue to develop naturally, rather than force them to be with different people, who are just cardboard cutouts. Rank even says to Maddie "you don't seem excited about your wedding". Maria gives up on Rank and walks away to be with with someone else when Rank broods too long over his friend's death. Rank sees this but doesn't seem to care, and neither did I. Maria's role just seems to be a future/older version of Maddie.

Anyway, this episode just seemed to set us up for the new Civil War headed their way. The entire cast goes through SO much angst, with constant attacks by people, and mother nature, that it seems the author couldn't find a way to actually flesh out the feelings of the characters.

Personally, I'm not very interested in seeing where the next episode takes us because I can't really care about the cardboard characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,961 reviews66 followers
December 8, 2019
It seemed to me that a lot of this book was trying to figure out where to go with the story and characters and not being all that successful at it. I am not much of a Maddie fan as I find her immature and petulant and am amazed that the other adults defer to her as much as they have. She has been the main character, though, but she does not figure in this story as much save the astonishingly quick decision to get married. I assume that they are trying to set up for a clash with the dictatorial military leader, but am struggling a bit to understand the point of book 5.
December 10, 2023
A very good book.

Things are changing all the time as we follow Maddie and her group. There is a lot going on and it was easy to get carried away with this book. I feel I'm waiting on something bad happening to the group and that scares me because there's been so much already. I'm definitely starting on Mayhem.
658 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2019
I can’t believe this is book five of this great series! I know it’s become a bit of a cliche to say but I think this is the best of the series so far. So much happens in this book I am amazed that TL Payne managed to fit it all in. I enjoyed it so much partly because I have followed these characters from Turbulent, book one of the series, and have seen how they got to where they are now. If you’re planning to start this series is really does pay to start at the beginning. There’s the great books that come before Upheaval that you’d miss out on but there’s also that payoff for having read the others and knowing the characters. I try to avoid spoilers but I’ll give a hint when I say I think this book is perfectly titled. TL Payne keeps the pace up nicely throughout this book and builds the tension the characters feel surviving in the apocalypse. How the author will top this one I can’t wait to see. A great series with another awesome addition that I recommend.
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
July 18, 2022
Payne brings things full circle with their fifth book in Days of Want- Upheaval. Having recently survived the prison debacle, the Langston family and all the residences of small town Evening Shade, Missouri are struggling to survive the harsh winter, flu epidemic and lack of supplies. Payne always brings in new characters and interesting problems for these characters. However, this round, it was basic needs that had to be met in order to live. The band of marines set out this time to go back to St. Louis with the help of the FEMA directors to find any left over supplies. Having ran low on bullets and antibiotics trying to hold the prison it is a necessary risk they must take.

Payne really cripples you on this one as some beloved characters face unexpected challenges. So many times did my heart feel like it was going to break as characters made narrow escapes and new issues arose.
295 reviews
December 4, 2019
Story keep getting better

I find myself more invested with each book. It makes me sad when a main character dies. However that fits with the story and the flow of it. I like that she puts in some natural disasters instead of man to man violence.
I tried the link to point out errors but it wouldn’t work with my iPad. On page 2744, it says Larry hands the boy a hatchet but a couple paragraphs later it says “ the boy held his rake straight out in front of him”. This should probably be changed.
480 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2019
Mother Nature is a B@&$h!

Wow, this series just keeps getting better with each book. This book had the fast pace action and great storyline that we have come to expect from this author. Maddie and the crew experienced highs, lows, love, and heartbreak. No matter what is thrown their way they find ways to overcome all obstacles. BUT there is no way to fight Mother Nature. She really does have devastating consequences. I recommend this author and hope you read or listen to her books. Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
7 reviews
May 2, 2020
Didn't understand the title

In spite of not knowing why the book was titled as it is, I found Upheaval to be an exciting book. By this volume the characters have become partners with you the reader. They are believable in their effort to survive the post apocalyptic world that had been thrust upon them. Each character is at a different stage of adjustment and growth and it is great reading to watch them grow and develop. Maddie, the protagonist, is an especially complex character.
Profile Image for Mattie.
136 reviews
June 22, 2020
Finally back on par with book 1

The will to get up again after loss and then to get through the suck were major themes in this book. It was good to see military action though why Maddie thinks she’s backup for, or can rescue professional soldiers is absolutely ridiculous. It was nice to see Maddie making the decision to enjoy life and growing up some. That relationship felt shallow though. Also, we get useful prepper information again, probably the most since the first book in the series.
279 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2020
I loved book five in this series. When you think get any better it does. From the beginning several of the characters are so well written, I feel like I know them. I shed some tears in this one, but you know upfront not everyone will survive the apocalypse. The plot is still great. Still action-packed, twists and turns and surprises. Everyone should read the entire series. I will be starting the last book. Glad that I didn’t find them until they were all written. I would have had a hard time waiting for the next one to come out as I finished one.
Profile Image for Alisa.
475 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2020
Excellent continuation

There were a couple of times I had to check and see if I was some how at the end of the book because it felt like the author was summing everything up. I quickly found that the summary was because that "adventure" had ended and there was a new one coming. The story is really good and you definitely don't want it to end. Most SHTF books are overloaded with technical details which have no bearing on the story. Not this series, the characters and their stories are front and center throughout the entire series. Well done!
Profile Image for Sandra.
101 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2020
Excellent

I speed read through this series! I really enjoyed the characters! Watch this author because she will be very sought after before long. I remember discovering Andre Norton when I was in 3rd grade and she was considered a kids writer and was unable to publish under a feminine name. Loved science fiction and fantasy since then. Then branched out to other genres and discovered other terrific writers such as T. L. Payne
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
323 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2021
And Nature Too...

First its the man made EMP that devastates the US. Then, in the aftermath the worst in people comes out and life becomes even more dangerous. Crimes, murder, theft and now... Mother Nature turns against the group! Everyday is hard in the Apocalypse! TL Payne has created a tale that shakes me inside as I contemplate the possibilities of an apocalyptic future. Her books are helping me get ready for whatever may come!
184 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2022
Edge of your seat action and another great read

T.L Payne continues the Days of what series; its hard to believe that so much has happened in so little time . Just 4 books and 20 days ago the world was exactly as it is now, then the EMP sent the world to a scratching halt and the action hasn't stopped since .
another well thought out mix of.prepping advice and well written action adventure .
Profile Image for Cindy.
784 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2022
Engrossing series!

This series is absolutely engrossing! My husband and I have been binge reading the series. Maddie and her family and friends are struggling to survive after an EMP. It is not a happily ever after for everyone but it certainly makes you think of what could or would happen after such an event. But, you definitely have to start this series with book 1, Turbulent and read the series in order.
Profile Image for Gwynn.
19 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2023
It’s an edge of your seat series..

It’s exhausting, reading how much we have to do without electricity. This author does a very good job of showing peoples emotions and the reality of what we might have to do without electricity. It’s disturbing to see how quickly society dissolves into violence in order to survive if you want a page turning edge of your seat series this is another one to read.
237 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2019
Great sequel

Looking forward to next one. I lived in St Lou for a few years and actually worked on Page Street or avenue for a while, it was mentioned in this book. I love reading about areas that I am familiar with. This one has some sad parts, but I suppose that is realistic for post apocalyptic fiction. Well written and entertaining.
Profile Image for Sue Ricketts.
132 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2019
Just finished the Latest installment

These five books have been written in a believable and honest fashion. With strong characters doing their best to survive without modern electronics and inventions, the story continues into a sketchbook which I can't wait to see in a few months. Well done T. l. Payne
Profile Image for Brian.
401 reviews
December 22, 2019
As if Marauders weren’t enough along come a......

Another action packed book being #5 of the series and the group of survivors have bonded thru adversity, near starvation and more calamities than what anyone without grit could ever survive.
Another fantastic read where the characters are quite dimensional and realistic. Definitely a 5 STAR STORY !!!
872 reviews
February 3, 2020
The Saddest Day

Book Five was the saddest of the series. The group was going through so much drama and devastation back to back. Just when it appeared things were looking up, something else came up. This part had me in tears and had me thinking how we take things for granted. This is a good series. Hopefully Book 6 is out now.
1,014 reviews11 followers
January 26, 2021
Loved this ending!

From the very start this book was chock full of excitement, adrenaline rushes, near death experiences (and death) and dreadful moments. Who knew weather could raise the blood pressure! It’s such a rush to read it and know Maddie and company are still ok. Pretty much.
70 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2021
Wow So Awesome!!

Love this whole series.!! Some sad, but so interesting also. Its really amazing because you wonder how you yourself would make it if such a thing were to happen in our time. I absolutely Love your writing Mr. Payne. Keep the Series coming you have an avid reader for life.!!!
Profile Image for Kathleen Shanahan.
11 reviews
November 15, 2019
Awesome read!

Excellent series! Hard to wait for next one to be released. The author, T. L. Payne, definitely keeps you on your toes. I have finished each book in this series in one sitting.
824 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2019
Good

The storyline is interesting with the hardship of Maddie along with family and friends surviving in a post apocalyptic world where nature can take be a hard task master and challengs the human spirit.
10 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2019
I Love This Series!

This is one of the best series I've ever read! Once I start reading, I can't put it down. I live in Missouri. Everything is so accurate. I can't wait to read the next book!
84 reviews
December 1, 2019
More Chaos

It was said having Jason die at the end despite him dying to save his wife. It was even worse to see the clan go through more chaos and almost losing everything however the one silver lining was Maddie and Jacob!
285 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2019
Read It!

As good as the beginning! Can not wait for the next book. It is hard to believe the hardship but our ancestors went through a lot of the problems. I hope the collapse never happens but I love these stories where you get wrapped up in the characters.
7 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
More please !!!

Loved this book !!! I am so happy and proud of what you have done with the characters in this book !! I can't wait for the next boot in this series !! I hope all is well with Maddy and her family.
33 reviews
December 20, 2019
Great read

This was another good book in the series. The plot and action were very good with no noticeable hiccups. It was a very good and enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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