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The thin thread holding the civilized world together has been severed.
Millions of citizens have been thrust into the unknown, breeding fear into the minds and souls of those seeking to survive. Wren Burton, an architect from Chicago, has been engulfed by the chaotic aftermath of an EMP blast. Her family is injured. The enemy is unknown. And help is nowhere to be found.
Millions of citizens have been thrust into the unknown, breeding fear into the minds and souls of those seeking to survive. Wren Burton, an architect from Chicago, has been engulfed by the chaotic aftermath of an EMP blast. Her family is injured. The enemy is unknown. And help is nowhere to be found.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2019
661 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
James Hunt
167 books228 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 13, 2016
It took me a while to sort my thoughts enough to write this review. Let's see if I can have it make sense.
First, let me start by warning you that you must read the prequel, Static: White Noise- An EMP Thriller- Book 0, first. It adds exponentially to the story and should have been included in the Omnibus.
The Static Omnibus is a post-apocalyptic thriller like none other I've ever read. It is entirely character driven. Very little focus is put on the technological aspect of the collapse of civilization. Instead, we are drawn into the life changing development of a heroine.
I'm not exagerating when I say that, in the thousands of books I've read, I've never seen a heroine like this one. The easiest way to describe her is as a female version of Rambo. But maybe because this is a book instead of a movie, we see more depth to her character.
She starts off a high powered corporate architect. (in the prequel)
However, when everything goes to hell in a handbasket, we realize she's mamma bear.
What we don't realize at first is that she is also a smart, tough, mean and lethal opponent to anyone who stands in her way. Our perception quickly changes to this:
But what simply blew me away was the portrayal of her as an absolutely indefatigable and determined fighter. If you want to see what I'm talking about, take a peek at the video below. sorry, I can't embed a video so it's just a link to youtube
man vs woman fight scene
This is an action packed, edge of your seat thriller with the unusual aspect that the tough guy is a woman. Guns and bombs and fights and ... it has it all.
Oh, and did I forget to say it has excellent writing and editing?
I highly recommend it.
First, let me start by warning you that you must read the prequel, Static: White Noise- An EMP Thriller- Book 0, first. It adds exponentially to the story and should have been included in the Omnibus.
The Static Omnibus is a post-apocalyptic thriller like none other I've ever read. It is entirely character driven. Very little focus is put on the technological aspect of the collapse of civilization. Instead, we are drawn into the life changing development of a heroine.
I'm not exagerating when I say that, in the thousands of books I've read, I've never seen a heroine like this one. The easiest way to describe her is as a female version of Rambo. But maybe because this is a book instead of a movie, we see more depth to her character.
She starts off a high powered corporate architect. (in the prequel)
However, when everything goes to hell in a handbasket, we realize she's mamma bear.
What we don't realize at first is that she is also a smart, tough, mean and lethal opponent to anyone who stands in her way. Our perception quickly changes to this:
But what simply blew me away was the portrayal of her as an absolutely indefatigable and determined fighter. If you want to see what I'm talking about, take a peek at the video below. sorry, I can't embed a video so it's just a link to youtube
man vs woman fight scene
This is an action packed, edge of your seat thriller with the unusual aspect that the tough guy is a woman. Guns and bombs and fights and ... it has it all.
Oh, and did I forget to say it has excellent writing and editing?
I highly recommend it.
November 5, 2021
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of the first book and the third book in this series. I did read the second book on my own to connect the two parts I got for free. ~
Book 0- This book covers the beginning of the disaster. Little information, chaos, and Wren’s family is separated.
Book 1-
Book 2-
I don’t think the crisis is all that realistic. But if you can suspend your disbelief this book has plenty of action and intensity.
I had never thought about the knowledge that an architect has and how useful it would be in a crisis. Honestly, I feel like there should be more books about the aftermath of a disaster that focuses on the skills of individuals outside of the gun savvy or medical personnel. I think people's skills are often ignored in disaster/post-apocalyptic novels as not interesting.
Now....the big problem with this story in my opinion:
Wren isn’t the most likeable protagonist. She behaves in a stereotypical Karen like way....which does serve her well during parts of the story. But she seems to realize things are really hitting the fan, but thinks her own issues take precedence over others. She, through the entire series, just continually was arrogant and acted entitled as all get out.
For example, in Book 0,
In Book 1
In Book 2 As you can tell, I had a LOT of thoughts about her nonsense. I’m not saying a protagonist has to be a good person, but her judgements of others, hypocrisy and self-centeredness just grated.
She does prove to be resourceful and fearless when it comes to her children. She shows compassion to her children’s fears and stresses. So, she does have redeeming characteristics, but it wasn't enough for me to enjoy following her journey.
Book 0- This book covers the beginning of the disaster. Little information, chaos, and Wren’s family is separated.
Book 1-
Book 2-
I don’t think the crisis is all that realistic. But if you can suspend your disbelief this book has plenty of action and intensity.
I had never thought about the knowledge that an architect has and how useful it would be in a crisis. Honestly, I feel like there should be more books about the aftermath of a disaster that focuses on the skills of individuals outside of the gun savvy or medical personnel. I think people's skills are often ignored in disaster/post-apocalyptic novels as not interesting.
Now....the big problem with this story in my opinion:
Wren isn’t the most likeable protagonist. She behaves in a stereotypical Karen like way....which does serve her well during parts of the story. But she seems to realize things are really hitting the fan, but thinks her own issues take precedence over others. She, through the entire series, just continually was arrogant and acted entitled as all get out.
For example, in Book 0,
In Book 1
In Book 2 As you can tell, I had a LOT of thoughts about her nonsense. I’m not saying a protagonist has to be a good person, but her judgements of others, hypocrisy and self-centeredness just grated.
She does prove to be resourceful and fearless when it comes to her children. She shows compassion to her children’s fears and stresses. So, she does have redeeming characteristics, but it wasn't enough for me to enjoy following her journey.
July 8, 2020
I had a hard time liking Wren. She was too much like the typical husband of the 70's.
If Wren had been Doug and Doug had been Wren, even I would have had a hard time liking Doug (the "Wren" Doug ), and I'm a 70 old man. I know these are enlightened and empowered times, but this story may have shown Wren in the same light we would show a chauvinistic man (just reversed). I usually like Jack Hunt's books (and liked the way it ended), but I would have scored it lower if anyone else had written it (sorry Jack - but there it is).
If Wren had been Doug and Doug had been Wren, even I would have had a hard time liking Doug (the "Wren" Doug ), and I'm a 70 old man. I know these are enlightened and empowered times, but this story may have shown Wren in the same light we would show a chauvinistic man (just reversed). I usually like Jack Hunt's books (and liked the way it ended), but I would have scored it lower if anyone else had written it (sorry Jack - but there it is).
November 11, 2021
Very Entertaining
All hell breaks loose in Chicago and maybe the rest of the country and Wren and family are caught in the center. The family is scattered all over town but Wren is finally able to gather them all together. A close family friend takes them to a place where group has been preparing for doomsday. But all isn’t as it seems.
This is a well written story but unfortunately Wren is not a likable character.
All hell breaks loose in Chicago and maybe the rest of the country and Wren and family are caught in the center. The family is scattered all over town but Wren is finally able to gather them all together. A close family friend takes them to a place where group has been preparing for doomsday. But all isn’t as it seems.
This is a well written story but unfortunately Wren is not a likable character.
January 28, 2025
Did not like this story
I’ve read many EMP stories and other doomsday books. This one I did not like the main character. Wren was the most unlikable person in any story I’ve read. A woman can be strong without being such a horrible person.
I’ve read many EMP stories and other doomsday books. This one I did not like the main character. Wren was the most unlikable person in any story I’ve read. A woman can be strong without being such a horrible person.
June 11, 2025
stupidity on every page
The book opens with a disaster causing massive traffic gridlock and multiple crashes, yet an ambulance is somehow able to get to Wren’s car within 5 minutes, ignoring all the other much worse injured victims, then drive her straight to the hospital.
A doctor says there was “no concussion” in a child who was unconscious from a head injury. By definition that’s a severe concussion. Either the doctor is an idiot or the author didn’t do even elementary research. It’s pretty obvious it’s the latter case given the many other obvious stupidities in this story.
A few hours later despite ongoing gridlock Wren is able to drive an EMS vehicle around freely, which is somehow not otherwise needed during the disaster.
The terrorists go back into the hospital right before blowing it up.
A paramedic reduces an open tibia fracture in the field after calling it a “clean break” and saying he has to “set the bone.” Only lay people totally ignorant of fractures use those terms. Obviously this author is among that large group.
Unless you can completely disengage your brain don’t bother with this book. I’m done.
The book opens with a disaster causing massive traffic gridlock and multiple crashes, yet an ambulance is somehow able to get to Wren’s car within 5 minutes, ignoring all the other much worse injured victims, then drive her straight to the hospital.
A doctor says there was “no concussion” in a child who was unconscious from a head injury. By definition that’s a severe concussion. Either the doctor is an idiot or the author didn’t do even elementary research. It’s pretty obvious it’s the latter case given the many other obvious stupidities in this story.
A few hours later despite ongoing gridlock Wren is able to drive an EMS vehicle around freely, which is somehow not otherwise needed during the disaster.
The terrorists go back into the hospital right before blowing it up.
A paramedic reduces an open tibia fracture in the field after calling it a “clean break” and saying he has to “set the bone.” Only lay people totally ignorant of fractures use those terms. Obviously this author is among that large group.
Unless you can completely disengage your brain don’t bother with this book. I’m done.
August 27, 2020
Worse than the first in the series.
After being somewhat disappointed in the second half of the first book, I decided to try one more in the series hoping the writing and character development would have improved. It got worse. If you are looking for a politically correct version with unrealistic superhuman strength without pause and the same stupidity displayed by characters that would realistically cost them their lives, then look no further.
This author would fare well at a high school level storytelling competition, but alas, he is no different than the other contemporary authors who seem to be quite numerous and somehow prolific at their jobs in spite of their lack of skill. I paid .99 for this and still feel like I was cheated.
No more wasted time in this series for me.
After being somewhat disappointed in the second half of the first book, I decided to try one more in the series hoping the writing and character development would have improved. It got worse. If you are looking for a politically correct version with unrealistic superhuman strength without pause and the same stupidity displayed by characters that would realistically cost them their lives, then look no further.
This author would fare well at a high school level storytelling competition, but alas, he is no different than the other contemporary authors who seem to be quite numerous and somehow prolific at their jobs in spite of their lack of skill. I paid .99 for this and still feel like I was cheated.
No more wasted time in this series for me.
September 24, 2020
Fantastic!
This work forces you to think about our current situation here in the USA. Problems on many fronts: financial, racial, global warming, the position of the US with regards to the rest of the world. And there's the pandemic there has killed 200,000 in the US today. Our country is in its worst condition in my 77 years, and I see little in the way of hope .... In the future.
This work forces you to think about our current situation here in the USA. Problems on many fronts: financial, racial, global warming, the position of the US with regards to the rest of the world. And there's the pandemic there has killed 200,000 in the US today. Our country is in its worst condition in my 77 years, and I see little in the way of hope .... In the future.
September 27, 2020
As I mentioned in another review I am really happy to have found this author. He is a good writer who keeps focus and develops his characters into people you really want to succeed. The setting is typical but I am fine with that, the characters are wonderful and sometimes surprising, I have read over a hundred of these novels at this point so it is nice to find someone who can hold my attention and surprise me!!
December 19, 2022
Excellent Read!
I found this series on Kindle Unlimited and was sucked in from the first chapter of Book I. The characters are relatable. The writing is descriptive and makes you feel as if you are in the scenes yourself. The pacing is classic "edge of your seat" adventure. What a great way to escape for a few hours on a cold winter's night! There is nothing quite like a good post-apocalyptic thriller!!!
I found this series on Kindle Unlimited and was sucked in from the first chapter of Book I. The characters are relatable. The writing is descriptive and makes you feel as if you are in the scenes yourself. The pacing is classic "edge of your seat" adventure. What a great way to escape for a few hours on a cold winter's night! There is nothing quite like a good post-apocalyptic thriller!!!
October 8, 2022
Wow
Great story. Not sure it's entirely plausible but it is a great story. I enjoyed seeing that a mother could turn into a rabid mama bear when her kids are threatened. Not many writers show the lengths a mother will go to for those she loves. Excellent job and a definite recommend.
Great story. Not sure it's entirely plausible but it is a great story. I enjoyed seeing that a mother could turn into a rabid mama bear when her kids are threatened. Not many writers show the lengths a mother will go to for those she loves. Excellent job and a definite recommend.
April 26, 2024
EMP with a female hero
An action packed story with a female hero. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 simply because some of the situations were too unbelievable ( for example, a woman with an injured arm in a sling being able to run while carrying both a nine year old and a three year old ).
An action packed story with a female hero. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 simply because some of the situations were too unbelievable ( for example, a woman with an injured arm in a sling being able to run while carrying both a nine year old and a three year old ).
May 20, 2020
Dead, however moving.
Doug is no longer a problem for wren. Reuben a new chapter in his life. Every ones life has change. Read what has happened to the whole community. A place that was supposed to be safety for them. Is it or not, read the series to find out.
Doug is no longer a problem for wren. Reuben a new chapter in his life. Every ones life has change. Read what has happened to the whole community. A place that was supposed to be safety for them. Is it or not, read the series to find out.
October 15, 2020
Excellent series so far!
This is a 2nd book in a series,however it is written like a stand alone. Very well written,with excellent characters and exciting plot. It's offered through Kindle Unlimited so app you need to invest is your time. Give it a try.
This is a 2nd book in a series,however it is written like a stand alone. Very well written,with excellent characters and exciting plot. It's offered through Kindle Unlimited so app you need to invest is your time. Give it a try.
October 18, 2020
I truly enjoyed reading this. It's nice to read from a non-prepper's point of view.
Most emp stories are based on preppers lives, And after a while those stories get boring to read. If you were looking for a new spin on EMP plots, you will enjoy this.
Most emp stories are based on preppers lives, And after a while those stories get boring to read. If you were looking for a new spin on EMP plots, you will enjoy this.
January 25, 2022
Really enjoy this series . Listed to a couple so far. Will be looking for more in this series and by this author.
Tia Rider is a great narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Tia Rider is a great narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 21, 2023
better
I enjoyed this book, much more than the first. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I liked the characters, the strong, female lead, and it was interesting, contemplating terrorists taking over America.
I enjoyed this book, much more than the first. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I liked the characters, the strong, female lead, and it was interesting, contemplating terrorists taking over America.
August 29, 2023
Fantastic
Fast paced, great storyline and characters. I couldn't put it down. It was also realistic for what could happen in a emp situation. The mad men, and the determination of a mother.
Fast paced, great storyline and characters. I couldn't put it down. It was also realistic for what could happen in a emp situation. The mad men, and the determination of a mother.
August 17, 2024
Bloodshed !
From the 1st page to the last page you are kept in a state of Suspension. There is enough bloodshed to satisfy even the thirstiest of readers Who want plenty of action And killing. Unfortunately The lower Behaviors Of mankind are Constantly Being exposed.
From the 1st page to the last page you are kept in a state of Suspension. There is enough bloodshed to satisfy even the thirstiest of readers Who want plenty of action And killing. Unfortunately The lower Behaviors Of mankind are Constantly Being exposed.
December 25, 2025
Why does a man have to be weak!
It's silly that Wren carried all the weight and had husband who started out a normal guy and then he was a nobody. I'm tired of these super women. What's wrong with shared
It's silly that Wren carried all the weight and had husband who started out a normal guy and then he was a nobody. I'm tired of these super women. What's wrong with shared
April 29, 2020
Awesome
Great read,couldn't put it down. Great characters and great action with sweet children moments with Mom. Would like to read more like this!
Great read,couldn't put it down. Great characters and great action with sweet children moments with Mom. Would like to read more like this!
August 28, 2020
Good read
A little different than most EMO books with a female lead character. As always with Hunt it has good characterization and lots of action.
A little different than most EMO books with a female lead character. As always with Hunt it has good characterization and lots of action.
September 20, 2020
Read really fast
It is one guidebooks that involves you and because of the character development makes you want to hurry through to the end
It is one guidebooks that involves you and because of the character development makes you want to hurry through to the end
December 9, 2020
Good read
Altogether frightening, Improves the need for constant vigilance and constant prayer than America can continue to be a beacon of light in the dark.
Altogether frightening, Improves the need for constant vigilance and constant prayer than America can continue to be a beacon of light in the dark.
April 22, 2021
Enjoyed it!
Enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. I've read several of James Hunts survival genre books and really liked this one.
Enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. I've read several of James Hunts survival genre books and really liked this one.
April 29, 2021
Retired
Not into romance novels but enjoying last days books. As I am old and just passing time! Television shows are terrible and news is even worse!
Not into romance novels but enjoying last days books. As I am old and just passing time! Television shows are terrible and news is even worse!
July 16, 2021
Wren is the bomb!
Wren is a mom who becomes a super woman taking on all sort of bad guys and wins. A somewhat unlikely story and ending but enjoyable nonetheless.
Wren is a mom who becomes a super woman taking on all sort of bad guys and wins. A somewhat unlikely story and ending but enjoyable nonetheless.
September 22, 2021
Well thought out with well developed plot and characters but REALLY needs a proofreader.
May 17, 2022
Action
James Hunt didn't disappoint me with this one can't wait to start the next one plenty of action as always
James Hunt didn't disappoint me with this one can't wait to start the next one plenty of action as always
June 9, 2022
Static
This book was great and very exciting and interesting to read. It had some places that made you guess what was going to happen and other places that made you cry.
This book was great and very exciting and interesting to read. It had some places that made you guess what was going to happen and other places that made you cry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews