Dark End

Supernova EMP #1

by Grace Hamilton

Only the strong will survive when civilization collapses.

The nearest star in the solar system went supernova four years ago. When the resultant EMP strikes Earth, the world is sent back to the Stone Age. Yet it soon grows evident there are worse things hidden in the dark matter hurricane. Unbearable headaches strike without warning. Human aggression goes off the charts. Small disagreements become bloodbaths.

Josh Standing took an oath to serve and protect those of their North Carolina community. That didn’t change when he left the police force to become a probation officer. If only his wife understood his drive to rescue tomorrow’s troubled youth. But Maxine’s greatest concern is to ensure their son survives the cancer that has ravaged his body. As their marriage circles the drain, she takes the once promising athlete to face the final pronouncement of the Boston specialists—alone.

But the fractured family has never needed each other more.

In the immediate aftermath of the EMP chaos, the separated Standings decide to make their way toward the family farm in Iowa. However, getting to Maxine’s prepper parents is no small task in a world that’s swiftly turning into kill or be killed.

And when events threaten to separate them further, Josh is faced with an unthinkable choice in this thrilling post-apocalyptic series.

Genres: Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Horror

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2020

About the author

Grace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.

Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"

It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.

Reviews

[Wyatt Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. There is a lot going on in it! The story line is a nearby star goes super nova and when the radiation reaches Earth it wipes out electronics (ala EMP) and affects people's minds. I like this as a more plausible world-wide zombie-kind of post apocalypse thing. One question: If the radiation affected humans, what did it do to animals? We only ever see one dog and some horses so it isn't made clear.

The story focuses on a family the son is having cancer treatment and the mom (a nurse) is with him. The dad is a probation officer who has taken his daughter along with a groups of probationers on a ship (a recreated old sailing boat) in the Atlantic. [That situation just felt way too contrived, as if the author wanted to write about something happening at sea and used this as an excuse to do it.]

Then a lot happens to them and then even more happens, and some more happens and we are left with a cliff-hanger because this is the first book in the series. Its a busy book, the scenes are generally well thought out and well written and mostly believeable.

It did feel at moments as if the author was trying to cram too much in but generally it was okay, just very busy (as I've said many times now). There were a few moments in the book where something happened that ultimately turned out to be so beneficial that they seemed contrived. Besides those niggles, it was a very good introduction to what might turn out to be a good series. I will have to see.

I received this book as an ARC and chose to write a review.

[Wanda Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you look at this book, you think another apocalyptic book, but it comes at it from a different perspective. Barnard's star explodes. The repercussions are in the book. I enjoyed the book. It was very realistic and the characters were good. I did not see any typos. I thought the story was well written. I would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Supernova EMP series and follows two separate parts of a family, separated by thousands of miles as the effects of the supernova from Barnard’s Star, finally reach Earth’s atmosphere. It wasn’t something the experts knew about until very late on. Now everybody has been looking up to the skies, to see the brilliant light show that it brings. Unfortunately, it also brings a massive EMP strike and worse than that is the strange mood affecting issues it brings. Everyone is struck down with debilitating headaches. Some are driven mad by these weird rays from the sky. Violent and aggressive behaviour strikes and people are going mad in the streets and in their homes.

The Standing family are in two different locations. Josh Standing and his daughter Tally are on a sail ship out in the Atlantic with a group of young offenders. Josh used to be a cop and gave it all up after a death of a teenager affected him badly. Now he works for the probation service and this trip had been in the planning for over a year. Josh’s wife Maxine and their son Storm, are in a hotel in west Boston, were Storm has been visiting a hospital clinic for his last chemo session. Josh and Maxine haven’t exactly been on the same page for a while and Maxine doesn’t appreciate Josh’s insistence on going away with his probationers, while his son is so ill.

Both realise the dangerous change in the people around them and the effects of the spectacular supernova light show. All around them, people have begun to attack others, power is out and fires have started all over the city. Out in the Atlantic, crew members start to kill each other and Josh has to try and keep the teens safe. Even then they are not safe, as some of the teens and even Josh and his daughter are also feeling the violent changes in mood. Some can control their emotions a little easier than others. But some don’t have that sort of example to draw upon. Matters get serious very rapidly. Maxine has to get her son his meds, after their hotel is set on fire. The only hope is to get back to the clinic, but the roads are no longer safe to travel.

The two parts of the family are separated by thousands of miles, but both have the same idea of where to go for safety, her parent’s farm in rural West Virginia. Their journeys will not be easy, as the world has no changed into one where it is kill or be killed! Unless you are strong enough, others will take advantage of you and take everything you have. Supplies are in short supply and essentials needed for travelling such long distances are difficult and at times dangerous to procure. Matters go from bad to worse on the ship as experienced crew are killed and the teens are left to try and man the ship and navigate back to the States. More issues come up as the trip continues and Josh must try to keep his daughter safe from all of the issues that occur.

Another great post-apocalyptic story and start to the series. Each group is facing many difficult situations, as they try to travel back to a place of safety. The usual EMP aftereffects are still to be contended with in this storyline, but the addition of the supernova side effects, means anyone and everyone could turn violent at the slightest chance. No-one can tell who will be affected and when, which makes this situation even more dangerous than just a simple EMP strike. I like how Storm and Tally are some of the stronger characters in this tale and have more knowledge than their parents. Unfortunately, those who offer a helping hand, are not always to be trusted! A very interesting story, with lots of violence in parts, suffering, but also perseverance. Can’t wait to catch the next book in this series! Great for all who love a bit of post-apocalyptic disasters. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[LeeAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't awful, and I've read worse. But it's crammed with scene after scene of things that make little sense, along with inconsistencies and a major amount of typos, which brought my score down from 3 stars to 2.

The one thing that kept my attention was the twist to the EMP subject. In this case a star goes supernova, BAM! EMP results and sudden anger issues surface after everyone suffers a series of mind-bending migraines.

Mom, Maxine, and dad, Josh, are muddling through the remnants of a marriage that neither seem to want to be in. Mom is on the East coast with son, Storm, who is undergoing a final chemotherapy appointment.

Dad is on an sailing ship in the Atlantic ocean with 10 young adults who are on probation, AND he brought his 18 or 19 year old daughter, Tally - we don't know her exact age because it's changed from chapter to chapter, this kind of inconsistency annoys me. But not as much as WHY a parent, one who supposedly has common sense, would bring his daughter along on such trip. And, other than the men who run the ship, there are no other adults along to handle 10 troubled, probationary young adults? What?! This absolutely makes no sense to me. No organization would do this. 10 criminal wannabes on 1 probation officer? Nope.

Mom makes stupid decisions that get her, and her son, in hot water constantly, beginning in chapter one. The city is pretty much going up in smoke and you don't think to grab your son's medications BEFORE you leave the hotel room? And it only goes downhill from there.

Dad is the same and trusts a bunch of miscreants to act honorably. But I already dislike Dad because he should be with his son, and helping him through treatments. He treats his probationers better than his family. Every decision is a "wait and see" or "give them one more opportunity" kind of thing, which frequently screws over both his daughter and himself.

So, I have no plans to read the next book in the series when it releases in April. I spent way too much time being annoyed by errors and the stupidity of the parents. Storm, 21, and Tally, 18 or 19, seem more mature.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark End is a fantastic start to a new thrilling series. I'm totally taken aback by how much I enjoyed this audiobook. Grace Hamilton takes a wholly fresh and unique approach with the EMP-apocalypse scenario. Aside from all power grids being destroyed, people's behaviors are also severely impacted by the EMP, causing them to act crazy, violent, and erratic. The change for some is temporary and for others, permanent and some can learn to control their rage. The overall basis of the storyline is about survival, and it's well-composed and cleverly implemented, and I enjoyed the additional element, it made the story exciting and intense.

The cast is diverse and well-rounded; I was intrigued from the get-go. I found the interaction and dialog to flow smoothly and naturally. Matt Weight's narration was spot-on, he did an exceptional job portraying the characters, literally breathing life in Hamilton's words. I really enjoyed his performance and hope he continues narrating the series.

Dark End was a riveting audiobook, I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. I'm definitely recommending this audiobook to those who enjoy zombie and EMP apocalypse, this one has the best of both. I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Steven Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, I absolutely love apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic novels and science fiction and have read numerous works in my life.
I will admit that I only read the first seven chapters. But that was enough to get a good view of the novel and the author? Or in this case the authors. I will note that per the publisher, Relay publishing, “ Grace Hamiltion is a pen name created by Relay Publishing for co-authored post-apocalyptic projects”
This then makes the work a total failure or at best a one star
The writing is juvenile, at best. The authors’ (plural and possessive) wording and phrasing is quite common and shows maybe, maybe a general high school education and a lack of general writing skills. Poorly educated or an education that did not stick. This is bad considering the multiple contributors.
By chapter seven one would expect some character development and even some plot development. In addition, there is a lack of excitement and passion in the writing. One feels that a very tiered person is relating an event that they heard third hand. This makes sense when you know that the Grace Hamilton is several different writers.
This is also the problem with the modern environment and the availability of computers and spell check applications coupled with people who some time on their hands. Add in a fly by night on-line publishing company, a hobby outfit and you have a lot of junk out there. And this book is right up there as junk.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an exciting story where the world is threatened. The story is about a family that had been split up before the events. Maxine is with her son during his last chemo treatment and Josh is with his daughter on a boat where he accompanies 10 juvenile offenders. Mother and son must take a month-long trip from Boston to her parents and brave the madness that befalls the world. Josh and his daughter try to stay alive when others become murderous, psychotic and paranoia after the supernova explodes above Earth. The end is a cliffhanger an exciting moment for Josh and for Maxine one of disappointment

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sounds amazingly similar to Grace’s last series, Surviving the End; at least the summary and setup. The details differ, and I guess that’s what counts. No prepping and no zombies but this EMP affected people’s serotonin levels which altered their anger management. In some people, there was little change, others were driven mad. This is a tale of family and pure survival. In perusing reviews, it appears some people are getting a bit burnt-out on the apocalyptic survival genre. I have to agree with this in some regard. Perhaps not specific authors but the overused plotlines in general. I’ll still support my favorite authors as they can still teach an old dog new tricks. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I want down-to-earth apocalyptic terror, I turn to Grace Hamilton.  As a long time prepper, she's done the research,  including lots of categories of apocalyptical catastrophe,  including a new Ice Age, an EMP, and in this Series,  a fascinating (and possible) Science Fictional approach: the Supernova of a Star 6 light years from Earth, as the Energy diffused reaches our Solar System,  with horrendous chaotic results. Immediate throwback to medieval status, as technology becomes useless,  is one aspect. Perhaps worse is the psychological effects: paranoia, timidity,  fear, even violent aggression.

I couldn't stop reading [or checking the skies] and am very eager to continue the Series.

[John Podlaski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Ends by Grace Hamilton was two stories in one: Dad and daughter on a sailboat out in the Atlantic and mother and son traveling from Boston to West Virginia. Both parties ran into obstacles in their treks to find safety, and I wondered how they would get out of that pickle. The book kept my interest from the very beginning and might have garnered 5 stars if the following didn't occur:
- The author's continued use of $.50 words caused me to pause each time to look them up in a dictionary.
- Cliff hangers at the end of the book which disappointed me
- Excessive typos throughout the story
The story has promise providing a good editor takes it on. Unfortunately, I will not be pursuing this series.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Hamilton writes apocalyptic novels as though she has lived them. Her writing style allows you to live storylines for her. With brilliant characters and interactions that make your breath catch. The plot is believable, realistic enough to cause you to worry and plan.

If you enjoy 'end of the world as we know it' stories that worry you a such as intrigue you, then this is the book for you.

The blurb accurately describes theorizing without giving away any crucial details, or spoilers.

A solid four stars from me - the missing star is due to the story continuing from book to book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little different from the usual post-apocalypse story. There is an unusual kind of EMP plus people all over the world are hit with devastating headaches and then many go on to psychotic breaks, murdering and setting fire to their own homes. Josh, Maxine and their family are separated and must find their way to Maxine’s family farm. And what a journey it is! Murphy’s Law is firmly affixed to this family. It’s an exciting read, keeping you glued to the edge of your chair. The author does an outstanding job of creating chaos. I really must get the next book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barnard's Star went supernova and six years later it reaches Earth changing everything as we know it. In this kill or be killed world only the strong survive. Grace Hamilton has done it again, scared the crap out of me. Just kidding, but she does have a way of making me think about the what-ifs and how prepared I am for something like this. As always this author has given us a fantastic storyline with interesting and strong characters and an ending that left me ready to read book two. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

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

I enjoyed the book. It is different from what has become the norm for apocalyptic. No zombies and no virus. Instead, there are behavioural issues. Some people are affected by serious violent and crazy moods to the point of killing anyone in their eyeline and others are more aware of their mood swings and can stamp on the rage that they feel. This is a kill or be killed storyline. It was a bit slow at the beginning but picked up very quickly after the first couple of chapters. It is a believable book to read.

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start of another great series. Grace Hamilton has a way of making me think about the what ifs. After a star goes supernova and some kind of wave from that hits earth, all kinds of craziness breaks out. This is the story of a family divided both emotionally and by distance, and their attempts to survive. A few questions left unanswered but still really great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an interesting premise but parts of the story felt a bit far fetched. Why trek halfway across the country when everything is in chaos? But then I guess people's minds aren't working quite right. The characters just seem to make very poor decisions over and over. The book was entertaining but I'm not sure I'm invested enough in the characters to continue the series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Shanna Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Matt Weight did an excellent job narrating and he’s moved to my top 10!
Anything Grace writes will blow you away. She will teach you things too. Her characters are real and alive. They feel like people you could know and be friends with. Do yourself a favor and pick up this series or any of her series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all about the sun...maybe.

Grace is a favorite author of mine. This book was different than any other book I have read. It's kind of scary actually...the thought that an event in outer space might end our lives, well, you just can't prepare for that. The characters were wonderful and believable. There were several errors that caused stumbles while reading, but all in all it was still a great book. I've already downloaded book 2.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful suspenseful story. This is survival of the fittest. Story grabs you at the beginning and doesn't give you much time to breath until the end. Wonderfully written. Highly Recommend. Read the "Surviving the End" Series by Grace Hamilton and fell in love with her writing. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Grace Hamilton; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author; she does a wonderful job when writing post-apocalyptic novels and this is no different. The first book in a new series and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat at times. Can’t wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark End by Grace Hamilton is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I have fallen in love with. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Sci-Fi.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear with twist of Fear.

Raging seas, mad men trying to kill you. Super nova Emo so you know what that means. No not zombies, real life with the struggle to reunite a husband, wife, and two kids. More bad Grantham good. Read this series to find out who survives, or whom she comes to the horrors

[Lana Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Exciting adventure story as a supernova hits earth and causes chaos. Maxine and her son, Storm, are in Boston receiving treatment for Storm’s cancer when all hell breaks loose. Josh, Maxine’s husband and their daughter are on the Atlantic sailing.

Interesting storyline and characters. There is plenty action to keep reader turning pages.

[Anita Quelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark End (Book 1)

Josh and his daughterTally were on the sea and his wife Maxine and son Storm were at the hospital when the electric went out. The book was decent but the killing of each other because of some freak accident caused by the sun makes the book more unrealistic than it is. This was a free book. Unless the 2nd book is free I won’t complete the series.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent start to the series from Grace Hamilton! I really enjoyed it! Great characters, good ideas & plot! I always enjoy this authors work & look for to the next in this series! I do recommend to anyone that loves End Of the World stories!

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another series by one of my favorite authors. A lot of suspense and violence that comes out of nowhere. One minute our characters are fighting off crazed seamen and the next his wife is trying to escape a burning Boston with her son. Recommend.

[Jeff Goodfellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story and easy/fun read. Giving it 4 stars because my rating would be closer to 4 than 3.

Typical grammar issues that don't really impact whether I enjoy the story. Example, the author uses "further" for everything, instead of using "farther" when appropriate.

[Wancket Enterprises · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Top notch book and scary! Good story and intense characters. Books like this make me sort of glad that I am old. EMP's and bursting stars are frightening to read about. However, on to Book 2.

[Lenron Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but I swear the parents were absolutely ridiculous and made some very stupid mistakes. It’s crazy how the kids seem a lot smarter! Josh couldn’t seem to get it into his head that sometimes it is better to look out for you in yours instead of trying to save everyone else.