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Reliance
An eruption on the Sun leaves the Earth powerless, but is it a temporary inconvenience or the start of a spiral into anarchy?
Belfast Professor Martin Monroe knows the answers, but once branded a conspiracy nut, he struggles to get anyone to listen to his warnings of the impending disaster. His only friend, Simon Wilson, still coming to terms with the loss of his wife, is the only person who will listen.
Fighting against bureaucracy and her own lack of confidence, Government Communications officer Lisa Keenan struggles to get the word out. Despite the protests of her colleagues, she enlists the help of the professor.
With a wife and new-born child to think of, Prison supervisor, Derek Henderson, must weigh duty against family and live with the consequences of an impossible decision.
Will the world’s total reliance on technology, and the electricity that powers it, lead to the irreversible disintegration of society on a global scale?
"Some works of fiction are simply pure entertainment, while others go that extra mile; Reliance alerts us to just how close to the tipping-point the majority of our societies dwell."
- STEVE ROGAN - Author of The Rain Saga trilogy & Tracks
"Author Paul McMurrough has crafted an excellent, highly engaging dystopian disaster novel that delivers both realistic plot events and large-scale thrills as its story unfolds."
- K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Belfast Professor Martin Monroe knows the answers, but once branded a conspiracy nut, he struggles to get anyone to listen to his warnings of the impending disaster. His only friend, Simon Wilson, still coming to terms with the loss of his wife, is the only person who will listen.
Fighting against bureaucracy and her own lack of confidence, Government Communications officer Lisa Keenan struggles to get the word out. Despite the protests of her colleagues, she enlists the help of the professor.
With a wife and new-born child to think of, Prison supervisor, Derek Henderson, must weigh duty against family and live with the consequences of an impossible decision.
Will the world’s total reliance on technology, and the electricity that powers it, lead to the irreversible disintegration of society on a global scale?
"Some works of fiction are simply pure entertainment, while others go that extra mile; Reliance alerts us to just how close to the tipping-point the majority of our societies dwell."
- STEVE ROGAN - Author of The Rain Saga trilogy & Tracks
"Author Paul McMurrough has crafted an excellent, highly engaging dystopian disaster novel that delivers both realistic plot events and large-scale thrills as its story unfolds."
- K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
300 pages, ebook
Published July 31, 2020
6 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Paul McMurrough
13 books30 followersAuthor of the Powerless Earth Series, Paul was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland. Until the age of 15 he could barely read. Then, when introduced to Computing at school, he was finally able to make sense of the letter spaghetti on the pages of the text books.
He went on to get a degree in Computer Science followed by a career in Software and later in IT & Business Consulting.
You may know him from Game of Thrones, where he played "Back of Head from 100 yards" or in The Fall with Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson where he played "Elbow at the bar" - His acting career ended soon after.
He went on to get a degree in Computer Science followed by a career in Software and later in IT & Business Consulting.
You may know him from Game of Thrones, where he played "Back of Head from 100 yards" or in The Fall with Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson where he played "Elbow at the bar" - His acting career ended soon after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 11, 2020
This was a wonderful book to read with the present situation of our world. I love stories that explore how humans react in times of distress and unexpected events. Having said that, the author does a spectacular job showing us both sides of the human condition, resulting in a story that is gripping, emotional, and not possible to put down until finished. This type of writing style I love, concise and only descriptive enough to paint a picture. I’m still thinking about this story, and I will continue thinking about it probably for the entire week. When that happens, I give five stars!
February 12, 2023
The tension and threat has me hooked from the start
When Martin, a disgraced astrophysicist, warns of the imminent danger that a solar flare is going to wipe out communications and electricity on a global scale nobody listens apart from his best friend Simon and Lisa, a government worker tasked with sending emergency messages. And then when the event happens the inevitable happens. With no communication from the government and the army not much help the country slowly descends into anarchy. As things go from bad to worse, Simon and his group of friends face some traumatic setbacks as they find a way to survive in this new world. The author’s writing style was incredible. It managed to keep the tension throughout and literally left me with sweaty palms thinking that this could so easily happen. It was very descriptive and moved along at a fast pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
When Martin, a disgraced astrophysicist, warns of the imminent danger that a solar flare is going to wipe out communications and electricity on a global scale nobody listens apart from his best friend Simon and Lisa, a government worker tasked with sending emergency messages. And then when the event happens the inevitable happens. With no communication from the government and the army not much help the country slowly descends into anarchy. As things go from bad to worse, Simon and his group of friends face some traumatic setbacks as they find a way to survive in this new world. The author’s writing style was incredible. It managed to keep the tension throughout and literally left me with sweaty palms thinking that this could so easily happen. It was very descriptive and moved along at a fast pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
November 18, 2020
I liked this book a lot. It was fast-paced and had enjoyable characters. I particularly liked how poignant the story was for modern times, but still feels like it could be a timeless classic. Superb.
December 13, 2022
A shocker this, and very much a book for our times. Paul McMurrough wrote it in 2020, but during the power problems of 2022 it couldn’t be much more relevant. If it’s become apparent now—duh—that relying on Mr Putin for major European electricity supply wasn’t the best idea ever, he’d be up the creek with the rest of us in this particular scenario.
The title is simple and to the point. What happens when a planet so heavily reliant on electrical power becomes powerless? McMurrough sets out to show us, and paints a deadly dystopic picture in so doing.
Time, 2020, more or less. Media focus, the shooting of President Trump. The real problem, a predicted solar flare, to be accompanied by a CME—Coronal Mass Ejection—the like of which has never been seen on such a scale before. It’s massive, and it’s on a collision course with the Earth. It’s also predicted to take out the power grid for the entire planet, so why isn’t anybody more worried about it?
Because the person making the prediction is Martin Monroe, a professor of Astro-physics unfairly discredited and ridiculed by the media over his view on the Hale-Bopp comet some years ago. His predictions are spot-on, however, and the community—apart from best friend Simon, government communications officer Lisa Keenan and prison officer Derek Henderson—is forced to learn this the hard way.
McMurrough’s narrative forces the reader to confront the reality of our over-heavy reliance on electricity. Communications are affected—because most phones are either battery-charged mobiles or electricity-powered hand-held devices. Petrol pumps are electric-powered, as are Cashpoints, so when the money runs out and vehicles run dry—we can forget paying by card, because—you get the point. Panic buying occurs, on a scale far exceeding that seen during lockdown, and storeholders—who can’t be paid by card—give away the food that will rot because the freezers are off. They can’t let one customer run up a debt for other goods without doing so for all though, and when people can’t get the supplies they need by legitimate means, looting begins. The system—our system—stands like a pack of cards, and when the power holding the whole thing up is pulled out from under it, like the proverbial rug—chaos and anarchy ensue, and people begin to die.
I can’t praise this text enough, or author Paul McMurrough, who sets it in his native Northern Ireland, thus introducing the factor of too few prison officers—many have elected to stay with their families, and who could blame them?—abandoning the prison, leaving the divided-on-sectarian-lines institution in the hands of the leaders of both factions to run, taking the weapons and locking-up the place behind them. There must be some ‘ordinary’ criminals amongst them though, some of whom have picked a lock or two in their time—I think you can see where I’m going with this.
It's a terrifying story, because it could happen, and then God help us all. The worst and best thing about it? There’s a second book, Control, which I’m off to download. Highly recommended.
The title is simple and to the point. What happens when a planet so heavily reliant on electrical power becomes powerless? McMurrough sets out to show us, and paints a deadly dystopic picture in so doing.
Time, 2020, more or less. Media focus, the shooting of President Trump. The real problem, a predicted solar flare, to be accompanied by a CME—Coronal Mass Ejection—the like of which has never been seen on such a scale before. It’s massive, and it’s on a collision course with the Earth. It’s also predicted to take out the power grid for the entire planet, so why isn’t anybody more worried about it?
Because the person making the prediction is Martin Monroe, a professor of Astro-physics unfairly discredited and ridiculed by the media over his view on the Hale-Bopp comet some years ago. His predictions are spot-on, however, and the community—apart from best friend Simon, government communications officer Lisa Keenan and prison officer Derek Henderson—is forced to learn this the hard way.
McMurrough’s narrative forces the reader to confront the reality of our over-heavy reliance on electricity. Communications are affected—because most phones are either battery-charged mobiles or electricity-powered hand-held devices. Petrol pumps are electric-powered, as are Cashpoints, so when the money runs out and vehicles run dry—we can forget paying by card, because—you get the point. Panic buying occurs, on a scale far exceeding that seen during lockdown, and storeholders—who can’t be paid by card—give away the food that will rot because the freezers are off. They can’t let one customer run up a debt for other goods without doing so for all though, and when people can’t get the supplies they need by legitimate means, looting begins. The system—our system—stands like a pack of cards, and when the power holding the whole thing up is pulled out from under it, like the proverbial rug—chaos and anarchy ensue, and people begin to die.
I can’t praise this text enough, or author Paul McMurrough, who sets it in his native Northern Ireland, thus introducing the factor of too few prison officers—many have elected to stay with their families, and who could blame them?—abandoning the prison, leaving the divided-on-sectarian-lines institution in the hands of the leaders of both factions to run, taking the weapons and locking-up the place behind them. There must be some ‘ordinary’ criminals amongst them though, some of whom have picked a lock or two in their time—I think you can see where I’m going with this.
It's a terrifying story, because it could happen, and then God help us all. The worst and best thing about it? There’s a second book, Control, which I’m off to download. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2020
scary sci-fi- A captivating plot with a scary sense of reality. Intriguing and well defined and relatable characters. A gripping stryline. Unique in it's style and portrayal
October 25, 2020
Reliance
This book was one of those stories that has the reader wanting to hurry up and read on so that we can see what will unfold next while, at the same time, we do not want the thrill to come to an end. I love that feeling and it comes only when I am reading the kind of book I get lost in and would love to see it as a movie.
An eruption on the sun disrupts the energy fields that controls our electricity and the basic functions of society. On the edge of unprecedented pandemonium, an unlikely group form into a grassroots movement to get the word out and keep society from destroying itself. Each chapter builds upon the previous chapter and lays out a clear path into the next chapter, making for a well-flowing read.
The main focus of the novel is the events and what is being done to try and salvage humanity. However, the author introduces each of the unlikely heroes and reveals enough information about them and their own personal circumstances to make them intricate parts of the whole story.
This book could not be more fitting for the times we are living in. Our almost total reliance on technology could make us vulnerable in so many ways and this book points our how dangerous that can be.
The author has created a story that grabs you in the very beginning and hold your attention until the very end. I would reccommend this book to any reader who enjoys sci fi, distopian fiction, thrillers, and action stories. Very intense and extremely enjoyable.
This book was one of those stories that has the reader wanting to hurry up and read on so that we can see what will unfold next while, at the same time, we do not want the thrill to come to an end. I love that feeling and it comes only when I am reading the kind of book I get lost in and would love to see it as a movie.
An eruption on the sun disrupts the energy fields that controls our electricity and the basic functions of society. On the edge of unprecedented pandemonium, an unlikely group form into a grassroots movement to get the word out and keep society from destroying itself. Each chapter builds upon the previous chapter and lays out a clear path into the next chapter, making for a well-flowing read.
The main focus of the novel is the events and what is being done to try and salvage humanity. However, the author introduces each of the unlikely heroes and reveals enough information about them and their own personal circumstances to make them intricate parts of the whole story.
This book could not be more fitting for the times we are living in. Our almost total reliance on technology could make us vulnerable in so many ways and this book points our how dangerous that can be.
The author has created a story that grabs you in the very beginning and hold your attention until the very end. I would reccommend this book to any reader who enjoys sci fi, distopian fiction, thrillers, and action stories. Very intense and extremely enjoyable.
October 7, 2020
Thank you to the author and Love Books Tours for the digital copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I’ve read a few books lately which turned up the heat gently and gradually involves me in the action. Paul McMurrough unashamedly set the pace alight from the beginning and kept the inferno blazing right to the end. The back story to the characters was as much as was needed and not an ounce more, which worked perfectly for this dystopian thriller.
The sucker punches just keep coming and the author isn’t afraid to kill characters off, leaving the reader even more on edge. The narrative starts with controversy over whether President Trump has been assassinated (ah, the irony of fake news).I thought this was a clever touch setting the scene for collective, scornful disbelief when the alarm was raised about the impending disaster.
This novel made me realise just how much we rely upon technology and how vulnerable we could be should something seriously interrupt the power supply.
I understand McMurrough couldn’t read until he was 15, yet he attained a first class honours degree and wrote a successful novel (not to mention “Elbow At The Bar” in The Fall) - a genuine inspiration! 3.5 / 5 stars
I’ve read a few books lately which turned up the heat gently and gradually involves me in the action. Paul McMurrough unashamedly set the pace alight from the beginning and kept the inferno blazing right to the end. The back story to the characters was as much as was needed and not an ounce more, which worked perfectly for this dystopian thriller.
The sucker punches just keep coming and the author isn’t afraid to kill characters off, leaving the reader even more on edge. The narrative starts with controversy over whether President Trump has been assassinated (ah, the irony of fake news).I thought this was a clever touch setting the scene for collective, scornful disbelief when the alarm was raised about the impending disaster.
This novel made me realise just how much we rely upon technology and how vulnerable we could be should something seriously interrupt the power supply.
I understand McMurrough couldn’t read until he was 15, yet he attained a first class honours degree and wrote a successful novel (not to mention “Elbow At The Bar” in The Fall) - a genuine inspiration! 3.5 / 5 stars
December 1, 2020
Sometimes you start reading a book and you never want it to end. You want to stay in that world with those characters forever. Reliance by Paul McMurrough is that book.
Set in Northern Ireland, a coronal mass ejection knocks out the electricity and it is frightening how society changes for the worse as the things we all take for granted – communications, access to food and money, light and warmth – are no longer at our fingertips. Simple things like a hot shower or flicking the kettle on for a cuppa are a minor annoyance when the power goes off for a few hours but after a few days these minor annoyances are overshadowed by the life or death situations that occur.
In the world we live in today, this novel is exceptionally hard-hitting because we really are no more than a few days without electricity away from descending into murder and mayhem and I have no doubt the events in this book are what could easily happen.
I live in Northern Ireland and I read the second half of this book during a power cut. Thankfully, the power came back on before I went out to check I had enough petrol in the car to get me to Donegal.
A brilliant but disturbing read. Five stars!
Set in Northern Ireland, a coronal mass ejection knocks out the electricity and it is frightening how society changes for the worse as the things we all take for granted – communications, access to food and money, light and warmth – are no longer at our fingertips. Simple things like a hot shower or flicking the kettle on for a cuppa are a minor annoyance when the power goes off for a few hours but after a few days these minor annoyances are overshadowed by the life or death situations that occur.
In the world we live in today, this novel is exceptionally hard-hitting because we really are no more than a few days without electricity away from descending into murder and mayhem and I have no doubt the events in this book are what could easily happen.
I live in Northern Ireland and I read the second half of this book during a power cut. Thankfully, the power came back on before I went out to check I had enough petrol in the car to get me to Donegal.
A brilliant but disturbing read. Five stars!
September 24, 2020
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I love stories that make me think and ponder of possible conflicts that could affect our livelihood, and this book does it perfectly.
At times the story was difficult and scary to read only because of its theme. 2020 has been a challenging year for many of us, and I was wondering what would happen if an even like this actually occurred in reality. A global power cut would be disastrous and chaotic. The author writes the story in a very thrilling manner that immediately draws you in. I loved reading the details of the cause of the event. I didn’t even know of Coronal Mass Ejection and the impact of solar flares till I read this story.
As the story progresses, you start to see how the event causes a pandemic and affects people. One of the memorable scenes in the story was when Derek goes to the prison and interacts with Brian. The scene is powerful because it shows you how desperate people to survive, irrespective of their situation.
Moreover, the author keeps the pace consistent and you wonder how the story will conclude. I liked all the characters like Simon, Lisa, Eugene and Derek, and it was interesting to see how they all interact at some point. Poor Martin. He tried to warn everyone but nobody listened. My heart went out to him and I loved his friendship with Derek. The author also concludes the story in brilliant and unexpected manner related to the cast. However, at the same time, I felt the ending was a bit rushed and concluded a bit abruptly.
Overall, Reliance is a science fiction novel, but one which unnerves you because of its theme.
September 23, 2020
A relatively short book but from the opening chapter it will have you gripped and on the edge of your seat which you will be on throughout!
The book starts before the eruption, with Professor Martin Monroe trying to warn others that this day is coming and to stock up on supplies as the power won’t return for a very long time. These moments before the eruption were definitely my favourite. They left me feeling so afraid and nervous as you knew what was coming, you were just counting down the hours – it felt like I was watching a disaster movie!
I think the most terrifying part of the book was that this could actually happen one day and the author portrayed the aftermath perfectly. The desperate actions of others, looting and criminal behaviour that happens in an attempt for survival.
The book follows the story of four characters, Martin, Lisa, Simon and Derek, with each of their paths intertwined seamlessly.
This really is full of action from page one, fast paced and will definitely have you crying at times. Some very emotional parts that worked so well and really captured how people can change when disaster strikes.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say I did not expect it to end the way it did. At first I was a little disappointed but after thinking about it, it really is the perfect ending as sometimes you don’t always need a conclusion!
The book starts before the eruption, with Professor Martin Monroe trying to warn others that this day is coming and to stock up on supplies as the power won’t return for a very long time. These moments before the eruption were definitely my favourite. They left me feeling so afraid and nervous as you knew what was coming, you were just counting down the hours – it felt like I was watching a disaster movie!
I think the most terrifying part of the book was that this could actually happen one day and the author portrayed the aftermath perfectly. The desperate actions of others, looting and criminal behaviour that happens in an attempt for survival.
The book follows the story of four characters, Martin, Lisa, Simon and Derek, with each of their paths intertwined seamlessly.
This really is full of action from page one, fast paced and will definitely have you crying at times. Some very emotional parts that worked so well and really captured how people can change when disaster strikes.
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say I did not expect it to end the way it did. At first I was a little disappointed but after thinking about it, it really is the perfect ending as sometimes you don’t always need a conclusion!
October 10, 2020
Awesome book that hooked me from the start and took me on a wild ride. Seeing human reliance on electricity through four different characters really opened my eyes. The author does an amazing job of giving multiple vantage points without ease. Thoroughly enjoyed. Will be anxiously awaiting the sequel.
October 4, 2020
I am not usually a reader of dystopian novels, but I am so pleased that I picked up Reliance.
We start by following a few crucial characters develop and begin to interact with each other - as they are spun closer together by world events. The unfolding catastrophe is all too plausible - does the collapse of transport, infrastructure and institutions sound a little familiar just at the moment? Innocents, and the old and vulnerable are put at risk as the authorities struggle to maintain supplies and security.
But as with our current world situation - this is also a story of individuals, love, loss and survival, not just logistics.
In one word? Gripping.
Onia.fox@btinternet.com
We start by following a few crucial characters develop and begin to interact with each other - as they are spun closer together by world events. The unfolding catastrophe is all too plausible - does the collapse of transport, infrastructure and institutions sound a little familiar just at the moment? Innocents, and the old and vulnerable are put at risk as the authorities struggle to maintain supplies and security.
But as with our current world situation - this is also a story of individuals, love, loss and survival, not just logistics.
In one word? Gripping.
Onia.fox@btinternet.com
October 10, 2020
Reliance is an excellent read and I was gripped by the story from the first pages – it is very well written and felt real. The characters and events are vividly painted, and the twists and turns of the plot keep you guessing – if you like dystopian thrillers, you will not be disappointed! The pacing is also very good and keeps you hooked, making it very difficult to put down. The reader is left thinking that the scenario detailed in the book could so easily happen (a terrifying thought!). This demonstrates the skill and talent of the author in creating such a real and relatable story – I cannot wait for the sequel!
November 19, 2020
RELIANCE BY PAUL MCMURROUGH is an excellent read that didn’t disappoint. Great from the word go, it kept me page-turning with its riveting narrative and credible characters. The author wrote this novel with style and great imagination and I would recommend it to everyone and give it a 5-star rating.
February 15, 2021
The book is based around I would say four main characters, all living and working, getting on with their lives. We start with the professor Martin who predicts that there is going to be a global blackout, but no one believes him. He is ridiculed and abused until it happens. The earth is plunged into darkness, with no technology whatsoever. Lisa, the lowly government clerk is the only one who takes him seriously enough to try and help.
I can imagine you are thinking the same as I was. So what? A few days without our phones or TV wouldn’t kill us.
Then McMurrough delved into what would be truly devastating effects if something like this were to happen.
We saw an interesting perspective from Derek, the prison supervisor who had to take on the monumental task of making a truly horrifying decision.
Then we have Simon, who just wants to pack up and go home to safety, but circumstances refuse to allow him that.
The book is well-written and gripping. I was utterly invested in finding out what was coming and how the main characters would deal with the sudden onset of tough circumstances and I wasn’t disappointed.
There is a major twist in this book (No…I’m not going to spoil it) but my mouth literally dropped open. I couldn’t believe it and it is the only part of the story I didn’t really like.
I’m a romantic – sue me!
The ending was satisfying but very cleverly left open for the next book.
I would absolutely recommend this book. Don’t be put off by the science behind the story, it was eloquently included with just the right balance for it being educational and vital to the development of the tale.
I can imagine you are thinking the same as I was. So what? A few days without our phones or TV wouldn’t kill us.
Then McMurrough delved into what would be truly devastating effects if something like this were to happen.
We saw an interesting perspective from Derek, the prison supervisor who had to take on the monumental task of making a truly horrifying decision.
Then we have Simon, who just wants to pack up and go home to safety, but circumstances refuse to allow him that.
The book is well-written and gripping. I was utterly invested in finding out what was coming and how the main characters would deal with the sudden onset of tough circumstances and I wasn’t disappointed.
There is a major twist in this book (No…I’m not going to spoil it) but my mouth literally dropped open. I couldn’t believe it and it is the only part of the story I didn’t really like.
I’m a romantic – sue me!
The ending was satisfying but very cleverly left open for the next book.
I would absolutely recommend this book. Don’t be put off by the science behind the story, it was eloquently included with just the right balance for it being educational and vital to the development of the tale.
October 4, 2020
Something new yet possible to happen.
Great story, easy to read with interesting characters.
Very Captivating.
Great story, easy to read with interesting characters.
Very Captivating.
September 29, 2020
Reliance. Well the name says it all. What happens to normal people when the one thing that we all rely on is gone? Anarchy? Chaos? All of the above?
This book starts out big (and when you start this gripping novel, you’ll know what I mean… I mentally high-fived the author at that point) and stays big to the very end! The action and writing are superb. Great premise. Well thought out characters that I felt connected to. I rushed to get to the end, to find out what happens, then I was sorry it was done!! I highly recommend this book!
This is exactly what a post-apocalyptic book should be!
January 16, 2021
This is a fantastic, contemporary book. I love reading stories that are of our time that feel like they could be happening in real time and that’s certainly the sense I got from this story. No spoilers but the opening chapter features a rolling news item and was described with such accuracy that I actually wanted to put the TV on to watch it unfold myself. I felt captured immediately, this was no slow burner. It really hit the ground running and that never really dipped off as the story progressed. A really sharp, witty novel and yet also ever so slightly frightening, shining a light on society - who we are and what we could become. Not to be missed.
July 28, 2020
A captivating must read, comprising of a great story, excellent characters which you bond with, and root for, I highly recommend it and hope for a sequel
September 25, 2020
I haven't got audible but after reading this book (it is excellent by the way), I tried the audible sample and wow, that is narrated to say the least. But for now, I'll have to pause my audible desires and keep to the paperbacks and kindle downloads.
This is a marvellous book. On times it scared me because (and I love dystopian and I love science fiction and I love potential disasters in film and book) though it's obviously fiction, i kept thinking, this could happen. The author does that very well. Great book, good believeable characters and I'd definitely read more from this guy.
This is a marvellous book. On times it scared me because (and I love dystopian and I love science fiction and I love potential disasters in film and book) though it's obviously fiction, i kept thinking, this could happen. The author does that very well. Great book, good believeable characters and I'd definitely read more from this guy.
January 15, 2021
Thanks to the author and kelly from love books tours for this mesmerising book, in return for my own honest review.
i was mesmerised from the first to the last page, the book is about how a community works together following a loss of power. Paul has done a great job with the characters and locations, it really makes you wonder. Paul has also done great work with the storyline and flows really well keeping the reader gripped.
i was mesmerised from the first to the last page, the book is about how a community works together following a loss of power. Paul has done a great job with the characters and locations, it really makes you wonder. Paul has also done great work with the storyline and flows really well keeping the reader gripped.
October 18, 2021
brilliant
It made you feel like it was real. Also you could believe it certainly could happen. It keeps you in suspense all the way through.
Hope there is a reliance 2.
It made you feel like it was real. Also you could believe it certainly could happen. It keeps you in suspense all the way through.
Hope there is a reliance 2.
September 15, 2020
A crisis looms on the horizon. Professor Martin Monroe has predicted that a massive solar flare is on a direct path for Earth. The result will be a global power outage. Cell towers, power grids, water systems, prisons— nothing will be left untouched.
How will the world handle this disaster?
McMurrough has a wonderful voice. It’s easy-to-read but really dives into the emotion of each character. He easily balances four points of view seamlessly. He’s just descriptive enough to paint a clear picture, but he doesn’t linger too long. The story was absolutely intriguing from start to finish. From the moment Simon got the phone call from Martin about the solar flare all the way to the final farewell, I was hooked.
Each character’s story adds something to the plot. I honestly would have never thought about how a response team would handle a near-apocalypse. Yet, with Lisa, I get to see that. Simon shows us the civilian point of view, including all the looting and stealing and murdering. With Derek, we get to see a man struggle to take care of his family and worry about the people he’s tasked with.
This story is so immersive. I swear. I felt like I was there the entire time. It almost makes me want to start being a prepper.
Pick up this book. You WILL NOT regret it.
How will the world handle this disaster?
McMurrough has a wonderful voice. It’s easy-to-read but really dives into the emotion of each character. He easily balances four points of view seamlessly. He’s just descriptive enough to paint a clear picture, but he doesn’t linger too long. The story was absolutely intriguing from start to finish. From the moment Simon got the phone call from Martin about the solar flare all the way to the final farewell, I was hooked.
Each character’s story adds something to the plot. I honestly would have never thought about how a response team would handle a near-apocalypse. Yet, with Lisa, I get to see that. Simon shows us the civilian point of view, including all the looting and stealing and murdering. With Derek, we get to see a man struggle to take care of his family and worry about the people he’s tasked with.
This story is so immersive. I swear. I felt like I was there the entire time. It almost makes me want to start being a prepper.
Pick up this book. You WILL NOT regret it.
September 22, 2020
A plausible read. Brilliant!
Rich and action packed! This is a beautifully written page turner! His skill shines through every page! Of you don't love it, I'll eat my boot!
Rich and action packed! This is a beautifully written page turner! His skill shines through every page! Of you don't love it, I'll eat my boot!
November 29, 2020
Very interesting idea, well written with some very unexpected twists.
September 13, 2020
This book reminded me of Mad Max for some reason. The author does a good job at world building, or, in this case, showing the world as it falls apart. The sense of dread and hopeless was palpable and it was fun seeing the main characters try to fulfill their mission through it all. A great sci-fi thriller.
July 4, 2020
In todays world, more than ever, it feels like we're on a knife-edge, a delicate balance between the civilised society we're accustomed to and disaster. This book felt different from other dystopian novels as it explored the realistic consequences of such a disaster. McMurrough considered the small things that are often missing, such as denial, that anyone who tries to warn of a disaster must be a 'conspiracy nut'. The book left me feeling like I was really in that world, ready to go and get stocked up on essentials just in case and planning where I would go and what I would do if I was in that world, which in all honesty doesn't feel far fetched at all.
September 8, 2020
A Great Page Turner Full of Anarchy
A Sci-fi book masterfully written with great world building that paints vivid images with a realistic storyline. A scientific tragedy causes chaos to erupt that points to how much people rely on modern tech like mobile phones. Without a dull moment, this story unraveled with exciting twists and turns and was full of action and anarchy. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Highly recommend!
A Sci-fi book masterfully written with great world building that paints vivid images with a realistic storyline. A scientific tragedy causes chaos to erupt that points to how much people rely on modern tech like mobile phones. Without a dull moment, this story unraveled with exciting twists and turns and was full of action and anarchy. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Highly recommend!
September 9, 2020
This took me a few days to read, but it was indeed a good book! The cover is VERY intriguing that had me want to read the entire book. It had me interested that it took me only a few days to read it all. A very good sci fi! If you want to read a good sci fi book I would recommend this one for sure. Good job to the author!
September 11, 2020
Suspenseful and Thought Provoking
This is a realistic tale of what can go wrong when the public's reliance on power is challenged by outside forces. It was suspenseful to the end.
This is a realistic tale of what can go wrong when the public's reliance on power is challenged by outside forces. It was suspenseful to the end.
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