When the sky goes dark and the rivers run red, what will you sacrifice to save the ones you love?
A routine survey mission turns into the unthinkable as the Yellowstone Caldera finally breaks free of its earthen chains, releasing thousands of years of pent-up energy in an instant. As fire and ash consume all in their path, signs point to the disaster not being as natural as it first appears...
Barely escaping the disaster in a small plane that takes off from the Yellowstone airport, Mia finds her Texas A&M life turned upside down as the days of class and studying turn into a fight for the very air she needs to survive. While she tries to help her fellow survivors, her niece and nephew are being watched over by her parents on a small farm that quickly succumbs to the choking clouds of ash.
Both sides of the family must fight against man - and nature - in this unique take on the classic Yellowstone post-apocalyptic story. Written by ES Richards in conjunction with #1 best-selling post-apocalyptic author Mike Kraus, this thrilling post-apocalyptic series features characters that are vulnerable, naive and inexperienced who work alongside the prepared and experienced to get through the end of days. The Escaping Darkness series will be 6-books long, published at a rate of approximately one book per month.
Not horrible, but kinda bland. A lot of the conversations seemed forced as did some of the scenes. I will chalk this up to "first book in a series is usually crappy" theory.
The narrative was interesting, the characters as well. But sadly not long into the book the story got more and more boring. The pace of the story slowed and dragged. What I disliked personally was that the two storylines weren’t timely in sync. And then suddenly another story thread appears out of nowhere and with seemingly no connection to the main thread. At least not yet, I can’t tell for the following books. Interesting parts were skipped and some details were overlooked. Like when the characters wore masks, but interacted like they didn’t, spoke and interacted with each other in a way that wouldn’t be possible while wearing a mask which had additional visual cover. At several incidents at the airport the characters acted slow or let’s just say, not worth reading really. And more often than not was I stuck in someone’s head but sadly the thoughts weren’t interesting, some didn’t contribute to the storyline and more simply repeated itself. It just felt like some thoughts that were processed by the characters, one would expect people to have in such a situation but the execution didn’t feel natural to me in those precise situations and consumed too much space. Chapter 13 for example was totally mindless. It didn’t contribute to the story or was even slightly interesting to read for me. Then the mystery about the illness of the granddad, why didn’t they visit some doctors before? It was a bit absurd. And this all continued throughout the book.
This was an ok intro to a six book series. It did seem more plot driven than character driven, despite describing itself as having complex characters. There were some bits where it was quite the page turner and then other parts sort of dragged. I don't think it grabbed my attention well enough to continue with the series.
This was a pretty good book. An eye opener on what could happen if the Yellowstone volcano ever goes off. Not sure I like how it ended, but I guess the next book would pick up where this one left off.
Yellowstone Park is amazing but when you witness the beginning of a disaster and knowing what is about to happen. And you are in the midst of it how do you survive. How will everyone survive the coming catastrophe.
.....here's another great series by these two very talented author's!!! Lot's of excitement and loads of exciting characters!!! Can't wait to start book 2!!!
This first book in the series is very interesting and well-written. While the apocalyptic tale is indeed tension-filled and has many catastrophic events I'm not planning to continue reading it. Why, you ask. Because of the deeply emotional scenes with the lead female protagonist's family. There is a terrible disease, Alzheimer's, that more than 3 million people are diagnosed with each year. It is devastating to the people that have it but, also every family member and friends. There are several very touching scenes that describe the beginning symptoms of this terrible and non-curable disease and it is just too personal for me at this time. I do recommend it to everyone who loves an apocalyptic story with some science behind it. I did finish book 1 and hope, someday, to revisit this series.
The Eruption - Escaping Darkness Book 1 - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Two clever storylines are intertwined in The Eruption, Book 1 in the legendary apocalyptic Mike Kraus' new Escaping Darkness series co-written with E.S.Richards. *slight spoilers*First we get to learn of geologist/ecological scientist Mia Clarke, (the children's aunt and Linda and Joe's daughter) researching in the area when Mount St Helen's in Yellowstone Park (the 'Jellystone Park' of Yogi Bear fame), erupts violently creating a deadly ash cloud, followed by a larga (or mud/debris/molten lava 'avalanche'). that strikes the airport where she and co-worker Jorge have sought refuge and undergo the most fearsome effects of the eruptions. To help those trapped with them survive and to get home to her family who are far,far, away, amid the nightmare landscape created by both natural and man-made perils seems nigh on impossible. Meanwhile, the scene of domestic farming life with the Clarke family is contrasted with the warning that their peaceful rural lives may be abruptly interrupted by the influx of volcanic debris and possibly even deadly lava rivers. Already trying to come to terms with 'Pop' Joe's encroaching dementia and the implications of how his/their lives will change as a result of this ravaging illness. on the whole family - Grandma Linda, grandson Chase and granddaughter Riley, who have been orphaned by a tragic RTA. Mia's warning, though timely has magnified how difficult their lives will become in the face of lawless violence and looting, let alone the potential disasters heading their way in which all life is on the line.Can Mia get home? What disaster strikes the airport before Mia leaves? Will the Clarke family have to face further tragedy before they can all be reunited? Get your copy as soon as possible and thrill to the all-action, near-future gritty drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure - it's a 5-star winner!
This was a good first book and, though it is clearly part of series, it is not as short as many serial stories. It has some good information and tells the story of the impact on the people caught in the disaster fairly well. From a science point of view, I'm not sure about hopping over a stream of 2000 degree lava, as surely there would be some blistering and burning at the very least. I also thing that where they could see the actual collapse and eruption of the caldera, there would have been a massive concussive force that would have knocked the plane out of the sky. I like a lot of the characters, especially Chase and Riley, and though Blake and Vic don't yet intersect with anyone else, I suspect they will at some point. It was an enjoyable read.
I wasn’t loving this at all and glad it was a quick read. I love the premise, The End Of The World As We Know it, I love that. I didn’t care about the people, I wasn’t rooting for them, I didn’t want them to perish though. Why did the farmhouse people not turn on the TV, they still had power, just to see if there were news of the disaster. The airport people, I don’t recall anyone worrying about breathing the air there. Why is Mias coworker referred as the Spainiard? Why is the grandfather repeatedly called The old Man, he’s only 70. The kids were not believable. I’ve read several other book by the author(s) and very much enjoyed them, will read others, this missed the mark for me. 3 stars for the event.
I love apocalyptic/post apocalyptic series. I found myself interested from the first page. Usually I’m a bit of a zombie apocalypse type but I like end of the world without them too. I was skeptical about a volcano based approach. Wasn’t sure I could “believe” it?
I think I do. The characters are real and flawed. There was just enough science jargon that I had to look up a few terms (I don’t mind personally) and I’ve actually learned a bit about volcanoes along the way from having to google things. But not so much science I got lost.
I’m happily downloading book 3 now. I look forward to seeing if Mia makes it home, what lasting relationships she makes along the way and what characters are left standing at the end.
You really jump straight into this story right from the beginning. Yellowstone’s volcano has finally erupted with the big one, the one we all dread and hope in our or our children’s life time doesn’t eventuate. A well written story, and characters that you are drawn to from the start.Mia and Jorge, the only survivors of the plane that crashed landed, expertly piloted down, right after the volcano exploded, ironically they were just taking off from a volcanic expedition to gather data. Mia’s family are at home on a farm in Texas when they hear the news of the eruption.very enjoyable book, will be reading the next one.
This is another Yellowstone eruption novel, the second one I've read that connects fracking to the eruption.
Mia has to deal with the surviving the eruption, a plane crash, lahars and somehow getting all the way to her family who, themselves, are dealing with the ash fallout and other problems caused by the eruption. They also have to deal with grocery store madness, an ill relative and making plans to try to survive what is happening.
I like the way the story is done. The people are interesting, the events realistic and the drama rather high at times.
The excitement continues in this new series. It leaves me looking forward to the next book. Which Is usually the case with Mike Kraus books. There is a bit more refinement which I attribute to Ms. Richards’ addition. Someone (proofreader, either author) should look up the use of hear (with the ear prominently in the word), and here which is the place where you are.
The story feels all over the place. They're characters that will pop-ups and disappear without any reason. The bad things is I don't feel the attention, the reader grabbed. Is like the story moves without the level of deepness.
I know Mike Means books and this doesn't have the "read me without stopping". Mia, Jorge's characters feel like mere spectators. Pop, Mom, Riley and Chad...a little better. This work needs more detail.
Eruption the first book in this series. Could not put it down. Mike Kraus is one of those authors that alone can offer up stories that keep you reading. Well add in other remarkable authors and this winning team gives you an amazing series. Some of the best characters that I have read about. Can not wait to read book two, start book one today, you will find it hard to put down
I chose this book because of its subject. Yellowstone could erupt. This is a great way to make people think of what would happen if the eruption occurs. The characters are realistic and is the outcome. I enjoyed this start to the series. A great book to read.
Action and scientific fact, excellent. Pace, very fast - I wish I knew the characters better. I don't mean to be mean, but too many cliches. You can leave them out and be just as effective! Already got book 2, so you have me as a continuing audience. That is what any writer wants!
Love the family dynamics at work, a little much exposition, but good story. Always curious about volcanic impacts on life and it sounds well researched. I don't like the lead character much but her family kept me going! LOL wanting to see how they fare in this natural, colossal eruption will see me finish these books.
Eruption was a good read, with attitude...fast paced, realistic, and enthralling. I thought it might be another poorly-written post-apocalyptic survival story, and was positively surprised. I will read these authors again. Right now... starting with book 2 in the series!
A disaster that could be waiting to happen, or scientist will have us believe. This book gives an insight to what could happen should it ever occur. The way families cope, it tells of people close to the eruption and how they survive the worst of the fallout. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
A great introduction to Mia and her family and the troubles both are facing after an explosive start to the book. Action packed from start to finish. Well researched and written, looks like it will be a great series!
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy ***
The book was fairly realistic and had many scary moments when various character's lives were at stake. More character development would be good though. Bottom line, though, is that I do recommend this book!
The story plodded along slowly with no connection to the 3rd story line of the two men in the store. Some character development, but constant repetition of events did nothing to help the story.