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Supertide
No need to visit the ocean. The ocean is coming to visit you…
Deep in the Atlantic, the ocean floor is shifting, changing in ways unseen for millions of years. The tectonic movement launches a pair of tsunamis on North America’s East Coast, killing thousands and flooding Washington, D.C.
A small band of scientists fears the possibility of another disaster. As they strive to convince skeptical authorities of the risk, the likelihood of a more powerful seismic event grows…
Deep in the Atlantic, the ocean floor is shifting, changing in ways unseen for millions of years. The tectonic movement launches a pair of tsunamis on North America’s East Coast, killing thousands and flooding Washington, D.C.
A small band of scientists fears the possibility of another disaster. As they strive to convince skeptical authorities of the risk, the likelihood of a more powerful seismic event grows…
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2020
1149 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Freeman
68 books80 followersThriller/mystery author Steve Freeman is a former member of the US Army's Signal Corps, a thirty-four-year employee of a large American technology company, and an avid traveler who has visited every continent but Antarctica. His novels draw from firsthand knowledge of military service, the tech industry, and the diverse cultures of our world.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
He currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, daughter, and four dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 16, 2024
4.5 Stars.
This is an absolutely riveting disaster on a super-scale book. There was a lot of talking at the beginning, but don’t let that put you off because it’s honestly a searing story when it starts. The author did say that he would rather entertain than inform, so I’m taking from that that the information he provides is exaggerated, but that’s what makes a disaster book a thriller. It's captivating and terrifying, and although it's fiction, it's also thought-provoking because I live by the sea.
This is an absolutely riveting disaster on a super-scale book. There was a lot of talking at the beginning, but don’t let that put you off because it’s honestly a searing story when it starts. The author did say that he would rather entertain than inform, so I’m taking from that that the information he provides is exaggerated, but that’s what makes a disaster book a thriller. It's captivating and terrifying, and although it's fiction, it's also thought-provoking because I live by the sea.
August 30, 2020
How silly am I? Reading a book about monster tsunamis while house hunting for a place on the south coast of NSW. An area that recently suffered enormous floods – from rain, thankfully, not a tsunami.
Supertide is the story of a tsunami that hits the east coast of the USA, but it is also about two graduate students who attempt to predict future earthquakes likely to cause the next natural disaster. The use of modern technology developed by their professor, but the theories contrast with established methods and not all the experts agree with their predictions. Will they prove their theories before the lager tsunamis hit and be able to warn people living within 100 miles (or more) of the coastline.?
At first I thought the beginning was a bit slow especially having read many of Steve Freeman books that are full of action. However, that gradual build up parallels the tension as development of the tsunamis and the rescue attempts occur.
It is brilliantly written.
While following the work of the scientists, every now and then the story switches to people deciding on whether to stay or flee or those caught up in the disaster. It’s like watching an action movie – going from one character’s experience to the next with suspense building every page.
I don’t know how accurate the scientific side of this story is and I don’t care. As the author says in his end note his goal was to entertain rather than inform and he has taken creative liberties with tectonic theory. However, it is obvious he has still undertaken considerable research.
The characters feel real. I particularly like the main character Macy who battled on with her work while experiencing her own heartaches.
There is an obvious understanding about the nature of people and how they act during a crisis – either experiencing the dangers or taking advantage of the situation for their own ends. But, there are also examples on how people are willing to help complete strangers in an emergency. It is and an excellent study of human nature.
In the final chapters I was pleased to read a tribute to those who survive disasters and those who do rescue and relief work.
Great reading escapism.
Supertide is the story of a tsunami that hits the east coast of the USA, but it is also about two graduate students who attempt to predict future earthquakes likely to cause the next natural disaster. The use of modern technology developed by their professor, but the theories contrast with established methods and not all the experts agree with their predictions. Will they prove their theories before the lager tsunamis hit and be able to warn people living within 100 miles (or more) of the coastline.?
At first I thought the beginning was a bit slow especially having read many of Steve Freeman books that are full of action. However, that gradual build up parallels the tension as development of the tsunamis and the rescue attempts occur.
It is brilliantly written.
While following the work of the scientists, every now and then the story switches to people deciding on whether to stay or flee or those caught up in the disaster. It’s like watching an action movie – going from one character’s experience to the next with suspense building every page.
I don’t know how accurate the scientific side of this story is and I don’t care. As the author says in his end note his goal was to entertain rather than inform and he has taken creative liberties with tectonic theory. However, it is obvious he has still undertaken considerable research.
The characters feel real. I particularly like the main character Macy who battled on with her work while experiencing her own heartaches.
There is an obvious understanding about the nature of people and how they act during a crisis – either experiencing the dangers or taking advantage of the situation for their own ends. But, there are also examples on how people are willing to help complete strangers in an emergency. It is and an excellent study of human nature.
In the final chapters I was pleased to read a tribute to those who survive disasters and those who do rescue and relief work.
Great reading escapism.
March 23, 2024
This is a story that reads like the script of an intense disaster movie. As such, I didn’t fall in love with the characters because the development wasn’t really there. I guess that makes any who lose their lives mostly painless. It’s not a bad read if you’re looking for a cataclysm narrative.
March 12, 2024
Macy Isaacs is a PhD seismology student at MIT. Her advisor, Dr. Case, has a theory about mid-plate earthquakes when they start happening just off the Atlantic Coast, with awful results. After a couple of tsunamis devastate different parts of the coast, Dr. Case's model is predicting even larger quakes and tsunamis... but they must convince skeptical authorities.
Although this started out quite bland for me (oddly enough we're told all our young main characters are very beautiful and handsome) I was soon sucked in. For the first half of the book there's a lot of scientific talk about how mid-plate quakes (as opposed to the quakes we're familiar with that happen on the margins) happen as well as the scientific opposition. But by the middle this turns into a fun disaster story (that feels wrong typing that - disasters aren't really fun). The author admits that he's taken liberties with the science (even if there's a basis for it) in order to entertain rather than educate. And by the end I found it very entertaining.
Although this started out quite bland for me (oddly enough we're told all our young main characters are very beautiful and handsome) I was soon sucked in. For the first half of the book there's a lot of scientific talk about how mid-plate quakes (as opposed to the quakes we're familiar with that happen on the margins) happen as well as the scientific opposition. But by the middle this turns into a fun disaster story (that feels wrong typing that - disasters aren't really fun). The author admits that he's taken liberties with the science (even if there's a basis for it) in order to entertain rather than educate. And by the end I found it very entertaining.
May 25, 2020
Wow! This is an exciting action - suspense - thriller story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A professor and his graduate students, Macy and Jordan, begin to realize that the faults in the ocean floor are moving and creating earthquakes that result in devastating tsunami waves. But... will the continuing quakes along the same fault plate create "the big one?" A small quake of 5.7 off a small, east coast island had already created a small tsunami, a harbinger of what is to come.
Macy and Jordan run up against time to prove that what they suspect and send out the warning.
Great characters, well thought out plot. You won't want to miss this one. It would make a fabulous movie too.
Macy and Jordan run up against time to prove that what they suspect and send out the warning.
Great characters, well thought out plot. You won't want to miss this one. It would make a fabulous movie too.
September 9, 2020
Suppose that a whole new breed of earthquakes being happening off the east coast under the ocean. And suppose that these earthquakes trigger enormous tidal waves, some of which reach miles high before hitting the coast. The first, smaller quakes were enough to flood Washington DC and Miami. These mega-waves flooded up to 400 miles inland, essentially wiping out everything in their paths. That's basically the plot of this book. Toss in the personal lives of the few who are monitoring the quakes, and there you have it. This is a fairly good disaster book, but it really doesn't spend as much time on the disasters themselves. It's more about the people, and considering the magnitude of the destruction, i think more effort should have been put in that direction.
December 5, 2020
Captivating!
I usually don't read many catastrophic stories but this one had me hooked from the beginning. I literally could not put it down and read it in an afternoon! The tech and science was intriguing, the main characters believable, and the interspersed snippets of individuals' experiences throughout the main plot instilled even more tension and weight to the importance of those who worked frantically and diligently behind the scenes to help save as many people as possible!
I usually don't read many catastrophic stories but this one had me hooked from the beginning. I literally could not put it down and read it in an afternoon! The tech and science was intriguing, the main characters believable, and the interspersed snippets of individuals' experiences throughout the main plot instilled even more tension and weight to the importance of those who worked frantically and diligently behind the scenes to help save as many people as possible!
January 24, 2022
Great Read!
This book was the perfect mix of geology science and disaster movie. It moved fast and I cried a few times reading it. Highly recommend!
This book was the perfect mix of geology science and disaster movie. It moved fast and I cried a few times reading it. Highly recommend!
October 1, 2025
Steven F. Freeman’s Supertide is a pulse pounding eco thriller that blends real world science with high stakes suspense in terrifyingly believable ways. When tectonic shifts deep in the Atlantic unleash deadly tsunamis that devastate North America’s East Coast and drown Washington, D.C., the stage is set for a relentless disaster scenario.
Freeman crafts a gripping story around a band of scientists racing against time not just to understand the seismic forces reshaping the ocean floor, but to convince skeptical leaders before an even deadlier event strikes. The narrative brims with tension as political doubt, human arrogance, and raw natural power collide, putting civilization itself at risk.
With its balance of meticulous scientific detail, chillingly realistic disaster sequences, and engaging human drama, Supertide is as thought provoking as it is thrilling. Fans of Michael Crichton, Andy Weir, or James Rollins will find themselves hooked from the very first page and left questioning just how fragile humanity’s relationship with nature really is.
Freeman crafts a gripping story around a band of scientists racing against time not just to understand the seismic forces reshaping the ocean floor, but to convince skeptical leaders before an even deadlier event strikes. The narrative brims with tension as political doubt, human arrogance, and raw natural power collide, putting civilization itself at risk.
With its balance of meticulous scientific detail, chillingly realistic disaster sequences, and engaging human drama, Supertide is as thought provoking as it is thrilling. Fans of Michael Crichton, Andy Weir, or James Rollins will find themselves hooked from the very first page and left questioning just how fragile humanity’s relationship with nature really is.
January 10, 2021
Amazing start of the year, with a good book!
The story is really good, beginning with scientists, doing all the predicting and then disaster strikes. Typical storyline which spawned many typical disaster movies. Yet I cannot stop reading.
I keep Googling the places that the super tsunamis hit and amazed at the possibilities of disaster.
I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and I hope I won't experience natural disasters in my lifetime. I remembered I felt the earthquake a few years back and searched about it. Little did I know both earthquakes occurred in 2010 & 2013 were intraplate earthquakes O_o
The story is really good, beginning with scientists, doing all the predicting and then disaster strikes. Typical storyline which spawned many typical disaster movies. Yet I cannot stop reading.
I keep Googling the places that the super tsunamis hit and amazed at the possibilities of disaster.
I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and I hope I won't experience natural disasters in my lifetime. I remembered I felt the earthquake a few years back and searched about it. Little did I know both earthquakes occurred in 2010 & 2013 were intraplate earthquakes O_o
October 7, 2025
This was actually better than I expected it to be. I had seen what it was categorized under and about ~100 pages in...
I was still in build up.
But after that I actually had to stop at a few points because my heart broke. This book definitely hits the more devastating parts of natural disasters and doesn't sugarcoat it. Would I recommend it? yeah.
If I could say my only issue with this book was the weird placed "romance?" I don't know how someone could be blushing less than 24 hours after learning their parents are dead.
But that was the only part that threw me off.
Still would recommend!
I was still in build up.
But after that I actually had to stop at a few points because my heart broke. This book definitely hits the more devastating parts of natural disasters and doesn't sugarcoat it. Would I recommend it? yeah.
If I could say my only issue with this book was the weird placed "romance?" I don't know how someone could be blushing less than 24 hours after learning their parents are dead.
But that was the only part that threw me off.
Still would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2020
Not as great as the reviews made it sound. The first part is all technical with no action. Once the waves start coming, the author made a good attempt to combine personal stories with the technical stuff as well as the committee meetings. It was all so predictable. I kept waiting for the “can’t put it down” part. After a while, it got confusing as to where the tsunami was hitting and not hitting. Oh, and there was supposed to be some sort of romance going on? Wha? Then the book kind of petered out with some sort of “message” over the last few pages. Would not recommend.
September 28, 2020
A joke of a book, but a well needed break between more serious tomes. Yes, it was fast moving and I did in fact finish it, but I was laughing more than anything else. I liked the basis for the story, the characters, the quakes and floods but the totally unrealistic relationship between the feds and scientists makes 60’s Japanese disaster flicks seem plausible. I don’t want to waste anymore time but my one piece of advice is that this book was an ok first draft. One that needed serious rewriting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2020
A lot of people liked this so I suggest you read it and judge for yourself. The writing is good with few typos/grammatical errors but there just is not a lot of plot. The book does do a good job of showing how scientific theory becomes canonized (the science is settled) when, in fact, no scientific theories have 100% buy in and to ignore this fact raises issues of its own. I do not believe this was the writer's intent but cannot speak for what was in his mind. And Steven, just for the record, the book you referenced is Revelation, not Revelations.
September 6, 2020
Frightenly too real for a quasi ficticious story
This is one of those " it could never happen" scenarios which t here t there it goes on becomes more and more believable that, at some future time, may be exactly what can or will occur. We are all oblivious to just how real these scenarios could be in the future. A thoroughly well researched plot which the reader could easily be led to think might be truly possible.
This is one of those " it could never happen" scenarios which t here t there it goes on becomes more and more believable that, at some future time, may be exactly what can or will occur. We are all oblivious to just how real these scenarios could be in the future. A thoroughly well researched plot which the reader could easily be led to think might be truly possible.
September 12, 2020
Enjoyable read
What can I say... I live at the beach and love to scare myself! I enjoyed reading the book the way you would as if you were doing the writing, I think that's called in the first person? I don't read too many books written in that style so it was refreshing. The story itself was captivating and tense in some areas so I ended up reading the whole thing in one evening. Dear Mr. Freeman, thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination!
What can I say... I live at the beach and love to scare myself! I enjoyed reading the book the way you would as if you were doing the writing, I think that's called in the first person? I don't read too many books written in that style so it was refreshing. The story itself was captivating and tense in some areas so I ended up reading the whole thing in one evening. Dear Mr. Freeman, thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination!
October 14, 2020
Interesting take on plate tectonics, not entirely accurate and the author does understand he took some liberties with it. The only flaw I noticed, and it may not be a flaw for others readers, was the interspersed stories of victims. For me, I found it distracting to cut away from the science action to showcase a victim's perspective. This may enhance the story for other readers. A fun "what if?" type of natural disaster novel.
January 2, 2021
The first third of the novel was mostly technical and rather boring. The characters did not have enough personality, which really would have helped to get me as reader more invested in their crises. That said, I liked the way the author interspersed vignettes about various victims' perspectives as the story progressed. This was done sandwiched between the scientists' attempts to predict the tsunamis and warn the public.
Book could really be improved with a rewrite.
Book could really be improved with a rewrite.
February 15, 2021
Fascinating enough
As many disaster movies I have seen, the book mainly focus on the USA and the consequences the earthquakes have on the east coast. I’m from Europe and I’m sure earthquakes and tsunamis as described in the book would have a huge impact on the west coast of Europe.
But that didn’t take the edge of the story told in the book, I found it exciting and thrilling and believe it would have been a great movie, although I’m sure I’ve seen something similar.
As many disaster movies I have seen, the book mainly focus on the USA and the consequences the earthquakes have on the east coast. I’m from Europe and I’m sure earthquakes and tsunamis as described in the book would have a huge impact on the west coast of Europe.
But that didn’t take the edge of the story told in the book, I found it exciting and thrilling and believe it would have been a great movie, although I’m sure I’ve seen something similar.
February 16, 2021
An excellent story by an Author who knows the sea. A professor and his 2 interns are working on a mid plate theory, which starts occurring. Macy and Jordan have to convince the authorities about the imminent giant Tsunami that could hit the east coast of USA based on their readings and conclusions. The Tsunamis start happening and this thriller has one totally absorbed. I could not put it down. A fantastic read that would make a very good disaster movie. Very highly recommended
December 27, 2022
Wow, Great book
Living just ten miles inland off the eastern seaboard this book really hit home. Shout out to VIrgina Beach!! Having seen the power of the ocean this book really does not do it justice but it sure can scare the heck out of you. Awesome writing and a great job a dumbing down a complex subject of tectonic plates. No mention of how the UK was effected but interesting reading. If you like dooms day reading this one fits the bill. Happy reading.
Living just ten miles inland off the eastern seaboard this book really hit home. Shout out to VIrgina Beach!! Having seen the power of the ocean this book really does not do it justice but it sure can scare the heck out of you. Awesome writing and a great job a dumbing down a complex subject of tectonic plates. No mention of how the UK was effected but interesting reading. If you like dooms day reading this one fits the bill. Happy reading.
February 26, 2024
Entertaining disaster novel with all the familiar elements: smart scientist trying to convince everyone of her dire prediction, established scientist refusing to believe her, politicians trying to steer a course between seeming alarmist and taking precautions, and overwhelmed emergency organizations, interspersed with scenes of apocalyptic destruction. Would definitely read more by this guy.
I kept wishing there were maps so I could visualize the extent of the devastation.
I kept wishing there were maps so I could visualize the extent of the devastation.
May 25, 2024
This is a very entertaining sci-fi/disaster story, provided you can put your brain on a very low setting. There is little realism or plausibility here. The author states in his Afterword that he seeks "to entertain, rather than inform". The science, plot, and character development take big steps backward to push the disaster description forward. I literally rolled my eyes many times during the reading, but I still enjoyed the book. Don't expect great literature, but it is a fun ride.
September 2, 2020
The tidal wave to end all tidal waves hits the east coast. Lots of geeky science talk if you’re in to that sort of thing. Author admits he takes some liberties with plate tectonics theory. Still, it’s a page turner. The main characters are simplistic, but he adds enough vignettes to give a human dimension to the story.
September 2, 2020
A fast paced reading adventure. My only problem was Jordan. She was last seen in a car with a boy she had picked up and the waters were turning her car over. Then much later there she was helping our heroine with computer work for the rest of the story. I began to think that the author wrote the last portion first, then went back . Sloppy.
September 3, 2020
Supertide is captivating
Steven put together an awesome look into one of the most terrifying engines of destruction. Should an event of this type actually occur, the losses would be incredible. Having seen first hand, the aftermath of a hurricane, this story brings home the helplessness that would occur. Well worth the read.
Steven put together an awesome look into one of the most terrifying engines of destruction. Should an event of this type actually occur, the losses would be incredible. Having seen first hand, the aftermath of a hurricane, this story brings home the helplessness that would occur. Well worth the read.
September 7, 2020
A Tale of The Great Tsunami
I enjoyed the science and imagining the impact of that many earthquakes & tsunamis in such a small amount of time. The author did a good job imagining the doomsday thinkers vs. the conspiracy theorists and every reaction in between.
I was a bit disappointed in the tying up of loose ends with the cruise ship.
I enjoyed the science and imagining the impact of that many earthquakes & tsunamis in such a small amount of time. The author did a good job imagining the doomsday thinkers vs. the conspiracy theorists and every reaction in between.
I was a bit disappointed in the tying up of loose ends with the cruise ship.
September 17, 2020
This book was actually really great. One of those "free from Bookbub" deals that turns out to be awesome. There were a few issues that were missed during editing, but for the most part, it was a breathtaking, heart-pumping, terrifyingly wild ride. Think like Day After Tomorrow, San Andreas, and all those sort of movies all rolled into one book.
September 27, 2020
I was very surprised to how much I enjoyed this book. I was sadden to see some of the people in the book didn't make it to safety. I was on the edge of my seat not knowing when the super tide was going to end. Also what was going to be left of North America. Great read and what a imaginations Steven Freeman.
November 14, 2020
OMG. I have been afraid to live close to the ocean for a while. Now I am not sure I am far enough inland.
This is a pretty amazing book. The author admits to being present liberal with the artistic license, however I still find it very scary. I enjoyed the characters and I was blown away by the story. Couldnt put the book down.
This is a pretty amazing book. The author admits to being present liberal with the artistic license, however I still find it very scary. I enjoyed the characters and I was blown away by the story. Couldnt put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews