After years of combat, Miles Arrington, a daring American rebel, mounts a courageous revolt to free his town from the occupation of a foreign threat after a strategic attack wipes out the west and east coast. With millions dead, the country in darkness, and the 12 states of the Midwest in conflict, Miles, joins forces with a former survival expert to start a revolution that will save their home.
Chaos Erupts is book one in Outlaws of the Midwest, a gripping EMP apocalyptic thriller following survivors as they fight to stay alive. This action-packed EMP disaster series will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Jack Hunt is the international bestselling author of over seventy thriller novels. He's been ranked #1 in the Amazon charts in multiple thriller, mystery, crime, and science fiction genres. He's also been named a Kindle Unlimited All-Star. He's married with two children. Jack lives on the East coast of North America.
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I'd have given this fist book in the series 4 stars, but just like 2 star reviews, no one ever seems to read those for some reason?
Anyway - it was a good story. It did keep me turning pages to see what happened next. But I I also found myself wonder, about halfway to three-quarters through, "why am I still reading this book??"
I guess the best way way I can sum it up --THOUGH there is plenty of action, the premise is intriguing, the characters are well developed and deep, and the world building is colorful and excellent -- is the story just feels, somehow, like it plods along and is impossibly dry.
Which is sad. Because, perhaps, and I really hate to say it, that this same story in the hands of another writer might have a very different rhythm and punch to it. Again, which I don't like suggesting. I just cannot think of any other cause.
Consider this example - your favorite song being spoken by someone, with a totally forgettable voice, speaking your sing completely in monotone. Versus, obviously, your favorite song played out in all it's glory.
That is this story. The fabulous lyrics and sheet music are all there -- it's just missing the necessary music actually being played to really make it really sing!
All that said, it is worth the read through. Despite my long list of "books to read next," I am moving on to the 2nd book in this series. Because... I have to know what happens next. I'm definitely not one to ever give up on a book. And generally complete almost every book I start. But I can't promise that with this next one.
But we'll see... I guess maybe you might be able to call these books "page turners" after all? Dry as they are.
I received this book via a promo code and this is my honest voluntary review. (Thanks Jack!) Recently finished a post-apocalyptic audiobook by Grace Hamilton and decided to start on the several Jack Hunt titles in my audible collection and after this book I promptly added the rest of his books, which I credit to the excellent world building. It got me right in the SHTF prepper feels and the multiple character POV's kept the action coming. America is facing it's darkest hour, citizens are blindsided by an invasion after strategic attack wipes out the west and east coast. The PLA strikes immediately after Nuclear bombings on their Allies in Canada and London, leaving families and young men like Miles and August to navigate this new world as lives are lost, militias rise, friendships are tested, and the enemy gains an even stronger foothold. The background and interplay of politics between surviving patriotic Americans who want to fight the invaders and those turncoat collaborators felt so authentic when you think how communities dealt with invading German troops in France etc. Each camp has its own complex motivations and you are as shocked as the characters by the cunning brutality of the invaders and gruesome horrors man is capable of inflicting during conflict which is why the guerrilla style propaganda war of The Hunter is so effective. If I had to describe this book as an on screen equivalent its like the 2010 Australian movie Tomorrow, when the war began meets Jericho with some Robin Hood action thrown in, which was perfectly brought to life by the awesome narration of Chris Montiero.
The east and west coasts are nuclear wastelands. Canada, Mexico and England are bombed to keep them out of the fight. Chinese troops begin landing in America's heartland. Midwest National Guard, militias and volunteers are called up to fight. A high altitude EMP turns the lights off in the Midwest. The US is under siege. Small groups form underground partisan bands to fight the Occupation.
Good beginning. The characters are well played, leaving no doubts on where they stand. The storyline is good with bows and arrows playing a significant role in the Resistance. A good read.
After China and Russia squash, then invade the coasts after setting EMPs off they make their final push for the central states. America is largely left to the remnants of the military, militias and average Americans trying to hold back the Chinese from pillaging their towns.
The story itself is good. My big distraction is the shortsighted recklessness of the main character. He's an impulsive and hardheaded 22-going-on-15 year old. Not saying that isn't realistic, but it irritates me just as much in real life. All that said, Gunner helped to balance him out and the drama between characters was interesting.
It did take me a while to get into the story. A lot of this is a little formulaic, U.S. is attacked and overrun by a foe, local people split into groups that submit and those that don't, slimy cooperating mayor, young dynamic hero. Absolutely everyone has emotional issues that they need to ponder. There are a lot of interpersonal relationships that have a lot of bearing on the story. However, much of the story was exciting and I found it interesting enough to go on to book 2. By the way, that is quite an arrow that can be shot thorough a windshield.
Not your typical EMP knocks the lights out story. The U.S. is blind sided and overrun by Chinese troops. The author paints a plausible scenario and then takes you on a wild ride. Characters, both good and bad, have depth with back stories that explain their often complex motivations. Some of the good guys successes stretch belief but no more than is found in many action thrillers. I look forward to the release of book two!
Being from Chicago I hate to even think about it becoming the hub for a take over. Its even more frightening to read what people will do to survive. Worse yet what people will do to get information. If you like action, deceit, torture, families playing the game against each other and a cliffhanger ending, then this book is for you. Great job. Thank you. On to the next!
This started of kinda weird. But I slowly got into the characters and the story. I didn’t understand the whole purpose of Miles and the flash forward and back. Now I didn’t know whether to idolize him or try to help him. There are a TON of other characters. They come and go and others stick around. I do like Gunner and his twisty story.
Overall this isn’t what I expected from this story. It runs a bit different then a typical EMP but I like it. I really was rooting for Miles and Gunner.
Love everything by Jack Hunt. This is no exception! Miles & Gunner are like everyday guys who live like they are superheroes. Al of the side characters were great too. Would love to to know more about Snow. I think he was the most fascinating character of all. Chris Monreiro did an amazing job narrating this series! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
After reading many books in the same genre the storylines all blur together. And the main characters are all special ops trained with unlimited weapons and supplies at there disposal. From the first few chapters it was apparent this book would present a whole new spin, one that made it hard to put down. I highly recommend if you are looking for a storyline that puts you in a different mindset for preparing.
This is the second book that I have read by Jack Hunt. He writes with a passion, that is what is my take. I believe that anyone who is into prepping, survival or just likes to be ready if anything were to happen , would really love any of his books. There is always something you can take away from the table and have learned a new way of doing it. He gets all the stars from this reader.
America has been attacked along with London, Canada and other allies. Russia and China have launched nuclear missiles on America’s east and west coasts. War is being waged and it appears America is fighting a losing battle.
This is a very exciting novel with heart pounding action scenes. Treacherous traitors make it difficult to know who can be trusted.
I started this book several times only to keep putting it down. It wasn't until I took it with me on one of my long tub soaks that I was able to make progress. I'm glad that I stuck with it because this story had layers. The dynamics of the different groups is interesting and messy .
A great story of losing everything you knew as a child, and coming back a better person. Miles is the main character in this story, but there are so many others it seems wrong to fixate on him alone. Instead of going on my opinion, just read it yourself.
This book had such horrible grammar that I had to put it down 25% thru. How embarrassing. Author needsvto learn BASIC grammar or pay someone to proof read it. Counted 24 times author wrote "them" instead of "him" in first 45 pages. There were dozens more.
Really Hunt is a good author only this book isn’t my cup of tea. First I don’t like the premise, so I start out behind. Fighting the Chinese in America doesn’t sit well. He leaves you wanting more, in other words you need to read the next book? No, I detest authors that do that, this book just stops? Go for it if this stuff doesn’t bother you, I’m done. 4
A great book to read and after the initial build-up for the first book of a series then it's all systems go and nothing stops even the ending is a cliffhanger. Jack Hunt has a way with words that makes a story flow and I'm looking forward to reading the next book Panic Ensues.
Good storyline. Wish there was more factual references to natural areas besides the castle such as waterways like Big and little Niangua river. There is also Bridal Cave near Camdenton. Other than that it was a great story.
Another great read from this author loved all Mr Hunt's books soo far great start to another great series .Apocalyptic story with a difference characters are good and seem real read straight through .Looking forward to next
I just love reading Jack's books...they are so intriguing and keep a fast pace, with all the twists and turns I don't want to put it down! Now on to his next one in the series...
I am not certain this as much of prepper fiction as it is a good militia story. He does not overburden with technical jargon uses just enough to explain what is happening and how its happening. Enjoyable read!
WWIII type thriller takes place in middle America. Starts off kinda slow but stay with it as it is well worth it. I will be reading more of this authors books.
How would any of us navigate apocalyptic events? We'd like to think we could get through by putting our best foot forward. In this book the characters panic and stumble around in the dark with no clear vision of the future.
Loved The Book.!! As Always Jack Hunt's Writing is fantastic. There were Some Parts Of The Book that actually made me Stop and Really think about the United States. God Forbid that Could Actually Happen Here, But One Never Knows.!!!
A good story that I enjoyed reading. I don't think the u.S. is prepared for this kind of event . We can not forget that China is not our friend and never let anyone take our firearms.
I just finished Jack Hunts new thriller Chaos Erupts. The book captured my interest immediately. The book is realistically scary because of what's happening in the world today, anything is possible. I am looking forward to book 2 in the series.
The plot follows any boring and predictable plot line with an emphasis on militia, gun ownership, and radical conservative ideals well before any type of attack happens in the plot line. Plenty of much better post apocalyptic books out there. I’d suggest skipping this one.
Different tale by quite a bit.Traditional start followed up with a series of activities that were confusing to say the least. I don't understand the insistence of the Camdenton area as the focus point, but I easily identified much of the scenery.
This is an entirely different post apocalypse. The US has been not only invaded but seemingly conquered. There is a lot of edge of your seat tension along with plenty of action. I recommend it.