The Shift

Geostorm #1

by Bobby Akart

The Earth's magnetic field surrounds our planet like an invisible force field connected by a north and south pole. It's what makes compasses point north and it protects our atmosphere from the continual bombardment of geomagnetic storms from the Sun. Without a magnetic field, the planet's atmosphere would be stripped away leaving critical infrastructure at risk and humanity exposed to deadly radiation. What happens when these poles begin to wander? This field grows weaker with deadly consequences for all of humanity. The change in the world's climate could change the face of the planet as we know it.

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

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2019

About the author

International bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).
​
"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”
​
He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.

Reviews

[Denise Keef · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so we are embarking on another journey with author extraordinaire, Bobby Akart into the unknown… Geostorm The Shift comes out of the gate at full pace and action to let the reader know that this book will be filled with things that you can’t unsee and leave you with that “look over your shoulder” feeling. Bobby has once again brought us a “could happen” scenario, filled with his impeccable research and edge of your seat plot line. The characters as always are likeable and every day guys and gals just like you and I and you can’t help but begin to feel a closeness with them as they go along in their daily lives until the unthinkable happens(just as it would if this scenario played out for real). Polar shifts are not something that I have a lot of knowledge about but I do know that by the end of this series, I will have at least have an understanding and grasp on what can happen if they do flip. With detailed writing, I am experiencing it first hand along with Chapman, his sister Kristi and his parents, Squire and Sarah, along with many other friends and family members and WOW! What an experience so far! Bobby Akart has not once disappointed me with any of his stories and The Shift is no exception! I am looking forward to the next book and the others in this engrossing story line! I can highly recommend the Geostorm series to all of my friends and family without hesitation and to you my fellow readers because I feel that strongly that you will enjoy this one. So grab a copy of the book, strap yourself into a comfortable chair and sit back(you won’t for long), and get ready for the ride of your life!

[Eve Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

Another great story that is true science fiction. Good science worked into a fictional story. Take the time to read the scientific explanations and discussions as they have a large role in understanding the story. Cannot wait for the next release. For me, this end as a cliff ghanger. Wonderful people that you can easily click with. I am waiting to see what happens.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really not sure where I want to start with this, there were so many great things about the kickoff to a new "This can really happen!! " series by Bobby Akart! Something that many of us who are fans will find different right away is, the story kicks off really quickly, rather than book 1 being the lead in for the rest of the series. Characters get fleshed out quickly (Looking at you Chapman and Kristi Boone!). However, as has become one of the hallmarks of an Akart series, the level of detail and research put into what happens with a "sudden" shift of earth's magnetic poles is terrific. You learn why what's happening does, it feels like you become part of the story or are able to put together in your own mind why the characters make the decisions they do or why events unfold in a certain way. Something you don't find very often, if at all in other prolific authors. Even as the first book in the series, the action ranges from off the wall weather behavior to animals following suit. You get a great sense that things are going to be VERY bad, very quickly, but not quite sure how bad. An incredible start to a series that's going to be loaded with action and drama, what happens to the world as we know it ?? Do the characters that you invariably become invested in make a difference, or even make it out this all alive ?? Can't wait for the next one !!!!

[M.M. Schreier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cool premise. I loved all the animal behaviors and neat weather science.

HOWEVER. Some of the narrative was off putting. There were these long sections of American history and other bits of trivia that did nothing to further the story and slowed the pacing way down. They were more frequent in the first half of the book, but it made for monotonous reading when were expecting a doomsday suspense/thriller.

A couple of the characters, particularly the male MC, were pretty cliche. Referring to Chapman as a "half-tamed stallion" was so cringe-worthy that I nearly put the book down right then and there.

I was far more interested in the zoologist sister, Kristi, and wished more of the book had been focused around her.

Overall, it wasn't a horrible afternoon diversion, but I was glad I hadn't actually paid for it. If the next book is on Kindle Unlimited, I may pick it up at some point, but I'm not running right out to get it.

[Kate Paparazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super series! Polar shifts, GPS navigation issues, strange animal behaviors, and scientists unwilling to move off the popular narrative all combined and masterfully crafted in Mr. Akart's engaging storytelling style. This tale spans the globe and educates while entertaining. The planet is having a change of heart (literally) and the effects will have your pulse racing. The Shift will mesmerize you!

[Christina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting idea but extremely poorly written. Words are often used incorrectly, past and present tenses are used in the same paragraph sometimes the same sentence, poor integration of scientific theories and plot, unbelievable characters and awkward dialogue. Inappropriate conversations between a female boss and her new male assistant; written as “cute”. Intrusive omniscient narrator; the list is endless. I’m annoyed with myself for reading all of it.

[Quinton Young III · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book never went anywhere. It just seemed that the writer just need a story to fulfill some predetermined agenda or contract. As I mentioned the story just kept circling a premise but that centralized theme was never expanded upon. The characters were just silly at best. I'm very upset for wasting my time I made it to 3/4 through this book but I couldn't keep reading. Such a waste !

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FANTASTIC READ written by a GIFTED author!!!!

Written with heart, knowledge, skill and talent this book is the first in the series. Accuracy through research and experience sets the premise, drives the story and heightens the action to an incredible height. Bobby Akart is gifted.

You will be ecstatic that you bought this book and the others in the series!

[Jeanne Melsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wild ride!

I am so impressed with this author’s writing style, story spinnin, and the vast amount of scientific research in each of his series. Have set out to read everything he has ever written. Excellent!

[Joe Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polar Shift, wow had no idea this could happen and then I find out it has happened before and it is beginning again right now. I realized that the compass heading of due North has shifted some over the years. I had no idea why or what it could mean to our world.
Bobby Akart not only educates you but does it in a way that will keep you from putting the lesson down until the last page. He draws you in with great characters and fantastic location that you watch disintegrate into chaos.
As the nation watches Chapman Boone, The Weather Channel’s ace on scene weather reporter, witnesses the start of what may well be the beginning of The End Of The World As We Know It (which is the reason Bobby Akart is still considered the KING OF TEOTWAWKI in my book) on TV sets, Bobby sets the stage to introduce another great hero when Chapman must face death to save others from a certain death.
While at the same time his sister, Kristi, a Veterinarian at the Chicago Zoo begins to see a disturbing metamorphosis with the animals that she cares for. Again the stage is set to create another heroine, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. While she tries to figure out what is going on she realizes that Knight, her highly educated Chimp, may hold the answer if she can only figure it out and he doesn’t kill her first.
These two must put their heads together and go against the scientific community to explain what is happening. Bobby Akart has created characters, a story line and science to keep you on the edge of your seat and turn your world upside down. Of course it wouldn’t be Bobby Akart if he didn’t leave you hanging on by your fingernails with another cliff hanger at the end. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Susan Tunis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, I'm not going to spend a lot of time writing about this book. It's the first book I've read by Akart, and I'm surprised it's taken me this long to discover him, as he's prolific, and his subject matter is so up my alley.

Well, no great loss. After a reasonably strong opening, The Storm went downhill, picking up speed as the end neared. I love the disaster thriller premise of of the Earth's polarity switching. At first, it seemed like he'd done enough research to lend scientific suspension of disbelief. But he went to far with the crazy animal stuff. By the end of the book, there were characters--presumably sane ones--spouting Christian end times nonsense.

The book was also full of contrivances. At the heart of the ensemble cast is an extended family that are not only descended from Daniel Boone, but Johnny Appleseed as well. One wasn't enough!? And all the members of the family have incredibly useful/relevant educational backgrounds and skill sets? As if that weren't bad enough, they don't act like real people. The writing is just bad. Dialogue, bad! Romance... I don't even want to go there.

Crowd sourcing has let me down. I can't believe how highly rated these books are. Right up to the bitter end (and I was bitter) this book disappointed. It ended on no arc, with a complete and utter lack of resolution. I HATE not knowing how a story ends, but I don't think I'll be investing my time and energy in the three sequels. Ugh, so annoying!

[Linda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, what a rush!!

Wow, I didn't see this coming! The type of book an adrenaline junkie loves! I was expecting your typical EMP disaster, but not rampaging wild animals and tornados. So entertaining, I just have to try and wait for the next fix.

[Thelma Applegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best

As others have noted, Bobby Akart is the best and this series is the best one so far, really, really good, now I have to wait patiently (not) for the next one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by this amazing author! Thanks Bobby!!!

Ok so this book is so plausible it's a bit scarey if you like me know a bit about geostorms and pole reversal. It was crazy that right at the end of chapter 12 I actually had a panic attack, hands sweating, heart pounding the whole nine yards lol.
The main characters emerging in this first book have drawn me right into what I feel the best books do, make me care about these fictional beings. I'm over the moon excited to see what happens next. The research and insights Bobby researches to make his books is fanominal. Also the fact the author is so easy to contact via fb and fb messenger as I go through his book and want to say thi g directly to him is extraordinary. It might take him a bit but he always answers my questions which let's face it most authors just don't bother doing. He seems to be an amazing man to write plausible story's about things we really need to realize COULD happen. Then he also takes time to show us the reader's he cares and is interested in what we have to say. He one of my top favorite writers so p,ease give h9m a chance and read his books. The very beginning is a bit technical and might put so e people off but it's more like to give you context before the story starts, my cousin almost gave up after a few pages but I got her to just skim since she didnt want all that and she's in love with the book too which is why I mentioned this. So happy reading and be sure to check out his other series even if this isnt your cup of tea.

[Bill Krieger · Rating 2 out of 5]

 
DNF at 60%. The ratings on these books are off the charts, so I'm spitting in the wind here. So be it. I'll go 2 bill-stars for Geostorm #1, not worthy. Honestly...that rating feels inflated.

Let's start with some positivity. The sci-fi premise to Geostorm #1 is cool. In the near future, a dramatic change to the Earth's magnetic poles has a bizarre and catastrophic impact on, well, pretty much everything. Once we get started, some of the action takes place in the Chicagoland area: Brookfield Zoo, etc. That's nice.

There are many negatives. Everything is subpar: characters, setting, action, dialogue, etc. The writing style is so stiff and awkward that it's odd. Parts of the book almost feel like a template. First, a scene or character is introduced. Then, we get a Wikipedia page of details on something related. And then, this is followed by stilted dialogue or action. Rinse and repeat.

QOTD

When the solar particles interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere, a geomagnetic storm, or geostorm, can occur. The solar wind shock wave interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field and, depending upon the size and intensity, spreads across vast regions of the planet. Geostorms can cause elaborate aurora to form in the northern latitudes and have a profound impact on electronics.

- the money quote for Geostorm

Conclusion: This is barely 2 bill-stars and not a good read. thanks...yow, bill
 

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, I would give this 4.5 stars. The subject matter of polar shift and magnetic north/south movement have been in the news frequently in the past year because of the increased speed of movement, the recent discovery of another asynchronous earth layer inside the earth's core, and the planet's climatic changes. There has also been in recent weeks, a scientific discussion regarding pole shift and the disappearance of Neanderthal man 43,000 years ago.

I liked the way the author explained some of science behind pole shift and the implications for the planet as a whole. I also liked the way one of the principal characters discussed that climate-change was more related to pole shift (and the scientific fallout from that action) than man's polluting the atmosphere. I applaud that the author was more supportive of science than popular climate-change speculation driven by the media and highly-paid environmental groups. The fact-filled, footnoted, novel by Michael Crichton, State of Fear, covers that aspect really well.

Job well-done.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

The initial premise is of some interest, but then the author proceeds to beat it into the ground of obtuse apathy via disparate tangents, the artifice of overly short chapters, stilted cliched relationships, and a rudimentary narrative. The idea must have been (passive past tense?) to churn up some superficial internet canvassing (can't in clear conscience label it research) and attempt to regurgitate it as a plausible glimpse into a near apocalyptic future. Instead it comes off as dull and even fallacious in delivery. For instance what does an extremely improbable episodic geomagnetic event have to do with overcooked animal aggression or solar flares? A dogmatic mishmash, but then again it is fiction supposedly designed to entertain?

[Barbara Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This is the first apocalyptic book I've read based on a shift of the poles. It's well written and interesting with likeable characters. The only negative and reason for the 4 stars is the writer spent way too much time describing everything. It took a bit to really get into the story because of all the explanations. If this was a nonfiction book, it would be fine. However, it's a little hard to get past all the scientific explanations when they go on and on. Having said that, it got much better toward the end, which is why I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Rhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will keep me awake nights

With spare prose and a no nonsense voice Bobby Akart takes information from weather headlines and gives a view of the earth as a living thing. However mankind has progressed or will progress we are not in control of this world or this solar system. Science tells us that huge changes have occurred in the history of this world. Experience and common sense tells us that more changes will come. The arguments about global warming and climate change are all over today’s media and scientific publications. It will not matter who was right if a tipping point occurs. Reading this makes you want to have a disaster plan.

[Cedar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating EMP thriller!

Wow, this was a sleeper... slow starting and factual, gradually ramping up to grip you hard!
Following three adult children and their parents as the earth's climate and magnetic field changes escalate, the book was incredibly believable... blending present day headlines with future conjectures so seemlessly, you finish the book, expecting to hear wild animal and weather stories on the morning news (yes, I read all night, couldn't put it down!) Cant wait to read book two.

[Michael Annis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read - again from Mr Akhart.

A thriller of a novel with enough science to make it believable. As with others of this writers novels it is in a style that captures and holds you with great lead characters. It draws you in and takes you on a halter skelter. Here’s to part two. I do wish the writer wouldn’t waste 10% of his book on the next four chapters of Book 2. I’m going to read them anyway. I’d rather have more content, not paying for 10% of the book twice. Otherwise I’d have given it five stars. Sadly don’t think this will be read by the author. If it is, thanks.

[Paul Scanling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technical, yet suspenseful.

I took a risk with this book not knowing anything about the author, but overall I was really happy with the action and suspense combined with scientific facts and theories. Sometimes it gets a little dry, but I feel like I'm learning something so I'm okay with that! I cannot comment on whether or not the facts and theories are sound, but the author appears to debate both sides of a theory in his book anyway by using his characters. Smart cookie! On to Book 2........

[Kathy Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobby Akart scares the life out of me.

This first book is very technical, but he writes in such a way that I can understand. Some might say he spends too much time on the technical and not enough on the character development, but I disagree. I've read a lot of his series and they all just come together to take you on the ride of your life. The scariest part is that everything he talks about are things you can research and find in current events which gives you the feeling that these situations are imminent. But they're not. Right???

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thriller by a terrific author. I have never been much of a sci-fi can but Bobby Akart is turning me into an avid fan! His combination of everyday humans, scientific research, and use of current global issues make for real page turners. Gemstone is the first of a series that takes the current issue of global warming and combines it with a controversial issue of polar reversal. The juxtaposition is intriguing and the research is first class. A stunning book that I could not put down!

[Jeannie L. Byram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read in several years.

I had a difficult time putting this book down, and look forward to reading book #2. I agree with the change of poles theory as it actually could happen, and even if you don't agree it makes an very interesting scary book. The characters are also fleshed out and likeable and I know it will be interesting following them through the books catastrophic scenario.

[cassy urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this author is a phenomenal writer.

I previously enjoyed supernatural series and read tons of them. Now I am hung up on apocolypse series. This is the 4th series I have started and is by far the most gripping book I have ever read. Bobby Akart is truly gifted. I can't even wait to start the second book. The last series I finished was maybe a C, the previous was a B and this, this is an A++!

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters that I grew to care for. Excellent world-building as well as an amazing storyline makes this an exciting and tension filled first book of the series Geostorm. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 with much anticipation. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Vicki Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but complicated

There was sections I found difficult to follow, no mater how many times I read them. Granted I’m not a scientist but I would assume the books were written for the layperson, so there was entirely to much technical jargon. The only other drawback, is I hate when animals die, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. That being said, what I did understand :) , was exciting. I enjoyed it and felt it was a page turner. The characters were likable and very different, no cookie cutter characters. I’ve already downloaded the second book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great Read!

I loved the first book in this series. The groundwork is laid out beautifully. Now that I have met the main characters and the the stage being set, I look forward to a most enjoyable experience. It amazes me that Akart can pull so much realism and emotion out of words! Chat later! I have book two of this amazing series to consume!!!

[Sally A Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse pounding edge of your seat thriller

When I first started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect, so it was one chapter here and there,but after a few chapters I honestly had hard time putting it down. The pace was fast, and even the gruesome scenes did not slow it down, they were just part of the story. I am looking forward to starting "The Pulse"!