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Savage Worlds #0
The Intrusion
Is their arrival humanity's end—or a new beginning?
Nearing high school graduation, Tilly Morgan’s eager to leave her small Texas town. Armed with a plan to start fresh with her older sister in Florida, her dreams go up in smoke when the planet goes dark.
An electromagnetic pulse ravages Earth, rendering the world’s electrical grid useless. No technology. No modern conveniences. No power. Widespread panic tears across the country and roving bands of looters and rioters overpower the weak.
Braving each incoming threat with the town's bad boy at her side, Tilly learns what it means to protect the ones she loves.
When black spaceships descend from the sky, an even greater threat looms over mankind—a fate far worse than the loss of electricity…
Nearing high school graduation, Tilly Morgan’s eager to leave her small Texas town. Armed with a plan to start fresh with her older sister in Florida, her dreams go up in smoke when the planet goes dark.
An electromagnetic pulse ravages Earth, rendering the world’s electrical grid useless. No technology. No modern conveniences. No power. Widespread panic tears across the country and roving bands of looters and rioters overpower the weak.
Braving each incoming threat with the town's bad boy at her side, Tilly learns what it means to protect the ones she loves.
When black spaceships descend from the sky, an even greater threat looms over mankind—a fate far worse than the loss of electricity…
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2020
113 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Riddell
26 books315 followersMelissa hates talking about herself in the third person, but she absolutely LOVES writing stories with forbidden romance and the flawed antiheroes who would burn the world to find and protect their true loves. Her favorite stories have always been those told from the antihero or villain’s perspective.
When not contemplating new story ideas, she can be found traipsing around Texas State Parks, herding her cats, studying a new language, or reading.
Join her private reading group on Facebook, Melissa Riddell's Savage Worlds and Sassy Girls, for inside sneak peeks, games, free books, or just to chat: https://www.facebook.com/groups/melis...
For a free, full-length story, sign up for her newsletter at www.melissariddell.com/freebies
You can also follow her on several different social media platforms:
www.facebook.com/melcriddell
www.twitter.com/MelCRiddell
www.instagram.com/averela
www.goodreads.com/melcriddell
www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-riddell
www.amazon.com/author/melissariddell
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe1S8qCJ/
When not contemplating new story ideas, she can be found traipsing around Texas State Parks, herding her cats, studying a new language, or reading.
Join her private reading group on Facebook, Melissa Riddell's Savage Worlds and Sassy Girls, for inside sneak peeks, games, free books, or just to chat: https://www.facebook.com/groups/melis...
For a free, full-length story, sign up for her newsletter at www.melissariddell.com/freebies
You can also follow her on several different social media platforms:
www.facebook.com/melcriddell
www.twitter.com/MelCRiddell
www.instagram.com/averela
www.goodreads.com/melcriddell
www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-riddell
www.amazon.com/author/melissariddell
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe1S8qCJ/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 13, 2021
The Intrusion; Prequel ti the Baltin Trilogy by Melissa Riddell.
This is the story of Tilly Morgan, prior to the arrival of the Baltin’s.
We meet Tilly when she is 18, nearing her graduation from High School. She has the world open to her with endless possibilities. She loves her parents, and plans to travel to Florida to meet her sister after graduation. She dreams of a fresh start with her older sister.
However, even the best laid plans go array. This story shows us how a naive young girl turns into a survivor, and adjusts to an ever sinister world. Nothing is a certain as it once was. This is a brilliantly written story, and the characters are wonderfully developed.
This is the second book of Melissa Riddell I’ve read, and loved them both.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Tilly Morgan, prior to the arrival of the Baltin’s.
We meet Tilly when she is 18, nearing her graduation from High School. She has the world open to her with endless possibilities. She loves her parents, and plans to travel to Florida to meet her sister after graduation. She dreams of a fresh start with her older sister.
However, even the best laid plans go array. This story shows us how a naive young girl turns into a survivor, and adjusts to an ever sinister world. Nothing is a certain as it once was. This is a brilliantly written story, and the characters are wonderfully developed.
This is the second book of Melissa Riddell I’ve read, and loved them both.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2021
Well written story full of complex relationships among characters. Plot full of action twists and turns. Well created reality and background that adds to the story. Easy to follow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2023
This was great! A really enjoyable & well written end of the world story! Great ideas, really well done, a good virus apocalyptic story, grabbed my attention from the first page & I wanted to read the next book as soon as I had finished this prequel! I do recommend & I will for sure read more by this writer!
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January 11, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2021)! 🎁
December 13, 2020
“The Intrusion” by Melissa Riddell, is intended as a prequel to the “Baltin Trilogy”, aka “Savage Worlds”, whose by final book will be published at the same time as the prequel. In “The Intrusion” we learn the whole backstory of Tilly Morgan, the main character in the trilogy, who is a teenager in her last high school year, exciting about finally been able to leave the town after graduation. Her plans are come to a halt, when an EMP hit Earth and destroys the electrical power grid, sending the planet back into a pre-technological era. Humans devolve from civilized law-abiding citizens to disorganized groups following the law of the strongest.
In order to survive Tilly turns to Max, who – despite his bad reputation – is a capable guy and exactly the person you need in your corner to survive, specially after the alien invasion following the EMP attack threatens to wipe up humanity.
Melissa Riddell’s prequel is extraordinary well-constructed and offers a plethora of previously unknown information that adds a new level of depth to the Trilogy. It’s a fast-paced and action-packed story, with wonderful credible characters, realistic normal people caught on in an extraordinary situation, struggling to survive while trying to preserve their morals. A captivating post-apocalyptic story set in a fully credible modern world.
In order to survive Tilly turns to Max, who – despite his bad reputation – is a capable guy and exactly the person you need in your corner to survive, specially after the alien invasion following the EMP attack threatens to wipe up humanity.
Melissa Riddell’s prequel is extraordinary well-constructed and offers a plethora of previously unknown information that adds a new level of depth to the Trilogy. It’s a fast-paced and action-packed story, with wonderful credible characters, realistic normal people caught on in an extraordinary situation, struggling to survive while trying to preserve their morals. A captivating post-apocalyptic story set in a fully credible modern world.
February 26, 2023
‘When people are pushed or desperate, bad things happen’
Are you prepared for survival? How many of us grow our own produce, hunt & trap game, can & dry foodstuffs? How many of us can build, hike, tinker? Own weapons or even know how to use them properly? Understand herb craft and the healing arts? I certainly don’t. Only one person in my family (on both sides) even comes close to any of that - he was career Army after being raised with plenty of nature around him (with parents who still run a small farm).
Growing up in The OC during the 70’s, we had neighbors down the street who were wannabe preppers. They even had a concrete-reinforced bunker/basement in their backyard. The parents and kids all knew how to shoot handguns. Back then, we were still “fighting the Cold War” and didn’t rely on electronics like we do now. Think it’s time to go back to some manual trades and implements…
Some sage advice from the author:
‘Sometimes, it’s the things we don’t *want* to do that we *must* do.’
Now for the rest of the series to find out just who or what these “intruders” are, starting with ‘The Descendant’, then on to ‘The Betrayer’, ‘The Redeemer’, and ‘Starfallen’.
Are you prepared for survival? How many of us grow our own produce, hunt & trap game, can & dry foodstuffs? How many of us can build, hike, tinker? Own weapons or even know how to use them properly? Understand herb craft and the healing arts? I certainly don’t. Only one person in my family (on both sides) even comes close to any of that - he was career Army after being raised with plenty of nature around him (with parents who still run a small farm).
Growing up in The OC during the 70’s, we had neighbors down the street who were wannabe preppers. They even had a concrete-reinforced bunker/basement in their backyard. The parents and kids all knew how to shoot handguns. Back then, we were still “fighting the Cold War” and didn’t rely on electronics like we do now. Think it’s time to go back to some manual trades and implements…
Some sage advice from the author:
‘Sometimes, it’s the things we don’t *want* to do that we *must* do.’
Now for the rest of the series to find out just who or what these “intruders” are, starting with ‘The Descendant’, then on to ‘The Betrayer’, ‘The Redeemer’, and ‘Starfallen’.
September 10, 2023
This is a prequel to a longer post-apocalyptic series.
The MC, Tilly is super young, immature, and has no control over her emotions. See seems to be belittled or looked down upon by everyone around her. I really didn't like the way her dad coddled her and her mom in different ways.
I did love how, once the world changed everyone banded together and started to treat Tilly differently. I liked how she stood up for herself more and tried to learn how to thrive in her new world, not just lay around and expect someone to do everything for her. Obviously since this is a longer series, something needed to cause Tilly to "get on to the next book", the catalyst the author used made sense for moving the story forward but absolutely gutted me.
I listened to this book in audio and thought the narrator did a great job helping to convey the MCs emotions and really helped to bring Tilly to life.
Overall I would give the story a 3.5 because I really didn't like the way everyone treated the MC. But the story the author told about survival after the whole world changed as you know it was awesome. I will keep reading the series to see where it goes.
The MC, Tilly is super young, immature, and has no control over her emotions. See seems to be belittled or looked down upon by everyone around her. I really didn't like the way her dad coddled her and her mom in different ways.
I did love how, once the world changed everyone banded together and started to treat Tilly differently. I liked how she stood up for herself more and tried to learn how to thrive in her new world, not just lay around and expect someone to do everything for her. Obviously since this is a longer series, something needed to cause Tilly to "get on to the next book", the catalyst the author used made sense for moving the story forward but absolutely gutted me.
I listened to this book in audio and thought the narrator did a great job helping to convey the MCs emotions and really helped to bring Tilly to life.
Overall I would give the story a 3.5 because I really didn't like the way everyone treated the MC. But the story the author told about survival after the whole world changed as you know it was awesome. I will keep reading the series to see where it goes.
January 1, 2021
This prequel gives us the history of Tilly Morgan, in her final year of high school and ready to move to Florida to be with her older sister. Those plans are ended abruptly when an EMP hits Earth and takes out the power grid. Rioters and gangs run rampant causing even more chaos. Tilly turns to Max Jacobsen, the town’s bad boy and troublemaker, who would give her the best chance of survival. As they bond together against the crazy world out there now, Tilly begins to care for him and depend on him as they try to survive this new world.
When everything seems as bad as it can be, dark spaceships appear in the sky, and an even greater threat is now here to be dealt with. But how do you do that when technology is no longer available to you? Sticks and stones will definitely not be an effective defense against alien spacecraft! What is their intention? Are they here to help or claim the planet for their own? You won't want to miss this series!
When everything seems as bad as it can be, dark spaceships appear in the sky, and an even greater threat is now here to be dealt with. But how do you do that when technology is no longer available to you? Sticks and stones will definitely not be an effective defense against alien spacecraft! What is their intention? Are they here to help or claim the planet for their own? You won't want to miss this series!
August 22, 2021
thank you Melissa Riddell for sending me your book in exchange for a honest revieuw. sorry that it took so long.
the intrusion prequel book 0 in the baltin trilogy.
greet worldbuilding yet again.
This is a story about Tilly Morgan. prior to the arrival of the baltin's.
We met Tilly when she is nearing her graduation of high school. And with a lot of possibleties to go out in the world after high school. She dreams of a reunion and to get a fresh start with her older sister in Florida after graduation.
However, This story shows us how a naive young girl turns into a survivor, and adjusts to an ever sinister world. Nothing is a certain as it once was. This is a brilliantly written story, and the characters are wonderfully developed.
this is now the 5th book ive read. and this far i loved all her books.
the intrusion prequel book 0 in the baltin trilogy.
greet worldbuilding yet again.
This is a story about Tilly Morgan. prior to the arrival of the baltin's.
We met Tilly when she is nearing her graduation of high school. And with a lot of possibleties to go out in the world after high school. She dreams of a reunion and to get a fresh start with her older sister in Florida after graduation.
However, This story shows us how a naive young girl turns into a survivor, and adjusts to an ever sinister world. Nothing is a certain as it once was. This is a brilliantly written story, and the characters are wonderfully developed.
this is now the 5th book ive read. and this far i loved all her books.
February 25, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Melissa Riddell; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the Baltin prequel; it gives the story of Tilley’s senior year of high school before earth was attacked and how she teamed up with Max.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the Baltin prequel; it gives the story of Tilley’s senior year of high school before earth was attacked and how she teamed up with Max.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2021
Brilliant beginning
I read book one before finding this prequel. There was no lessening of the impact from either book. Both were exciting and scary and beat on the emotions. In this prelude it’s impossible to remain untouched by the misery unleashed on the planet. And on Tilly. Keep the tissues handy, you’ll need them!!
I read book one before finding this prequel. There was no lessening of the impact from either book. Both were exciting and scary and beat on the emotions. In this prelude it’s impossible to remain untouched by the misery unleashed on the planet. And on Tilly. Keep the tissues handy, you’ll need them!!
September 24, 2022
Sad, but good
This book was sad and broke my heart!. I finished the 1st book and started my 2nd. At least there's no cliff hanger and the words smack me in the face. I like that the author doesn't hold any surprises back.
I can't stand reviews that tell the ending or give away too much information about the story away.
I want to read the next book so catch ya later at the end.
This book was sad and broke my heart!. I finished the 1st book and started my 2nd. At least there's no cliff hanger and the words smack me in the face. I like that the author doesn't hold any surprises back.
I can't stand reviews that tell the ending or give away too much information about the story away.
I want to read the next book so catch ya later at the end.
December 26, 2022
Such an interesting premiss
I love reading EMP thrillers, but this one is quite unique. Instead of humans causing the pulse, it just happens to be aliens. Add in amazing characters and a devastating virus, and you are sure to be hooked. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.
I love reading EMP thrillers, but this one is quite unique. Instead of humans causing the pulse, it just happens to be aliens. Add in amazing characters and a devastating virus, and you are sure to be hooked. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.
September 19, 2022
Different
Now that puts a different spin on a EMP event. I enjoy this book it got a little mushy at the end. I like action until the end. I'll look for the next book just to see how it all ends.
Now that puts a different spin on a EMP event. I enjoy this book it got a little mushy at the end. I like action until the end. I'll look for the next book just to see how it all ends.
December 25, 2024
Dnf 39%
I wanted to read book about alien invasion instead its a book about the initial stages of an invasion, I think.
And honestly that shit bores me to death. I'm not interested in tbe minutai details
I wanted to read book about alien invasion instead its a book about the initial stages of an invasion, I think.
And honestly that shit bores me to death. I'm not interested in tbe minutai details
June 14, 2022
Awesome story! Well written and believable. Characters were wonderful. I am looking forward to reading more of Tilly's story.
July 26, 2022
An interesting book! A large EMP changes the world then a sickness much worse than the pandemic that just hit us is released by unknown visitors. It turns the world upside down.
September 12, 2022
Awesome story
Wonderfully written. Kept for attention throughout the whole book. The characters was so loving and I cried when they came to their deaths.
Wonderfully written. Kept for attention throughout the whole book. The characters was so loving and I cried when they came to their deaths.
October 22, 2023
page turner!
I can’t wait to read the continuation! This book kept me involved through the last page!!! It was well paced and easy to read.
I can’t wait to read the continuation! This book kept me involved through the last page!!! It was well paced and easy to read.
January 4, 2024
This is a good story of what could happen if aliens decided to target earth. Disable all electronics and then you can do whatever is needed. The virus aspect was particularly scary.
April 16, 2024
Predicable Pretty good set-up for next installment.
November 19, 2024
A really good books (those are about the only ones I bother writing reviews about). Suspenseful and very intense at some points. I wonder what will happen to Tilly?
March 31, 2024
Is their arrival humanity's end—or a new beginning?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews