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The Days #1
The Days That Followed
On August 25, 2025, at 3:11 p.m. MST two nuclear bombs were detonated in the atmosphere hundreds of miles above Utah and Ohio. The Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) from the blast wiped out most electronics for 95% of the country's population. Cell phones, vehicles, and many other forms of technology produced after 1974 were rendered useless. Without the delivery of food, pharmaceuticals, and other supplies, resources soon became scarce causing an all-out war among the people. Cities were hot spots. Looting and violence became rampant as law and order ceased to exist.
If our modern way of life came to a screeching halt, would you have the skills necessary to survive on your own? Join four characters on their individual journeys through the ensuing chaos of a complete technological blackout to see if they have what it takes. Learn alongside them as their fates begin to converge.
Carrie is a beautiful, ambitious young professional visiting Salt Lake City from Philadelphia to pitch a business proposal to the executives at the corporate branch. After the EMP destroys her chances of getting home, she must figure out how to survive on her own in an unfamiliar city with very few possessions.
Bodin is an angry teenager who dreams of emancipation while living with his stepdad, mom, and three-year-old stepsister Evie in Salt Lake City. But after the EMP strike, he finds himself trapped and forced to participate in the family life he shunned. He begins to appreciate his family just as fighting for resources among the city inhabitants heats up. Now, he’ll do anything to protect them but will it be enough?
Sarah is an ICU nurse working at a hospital in Salt Lake when the EMP strikes and much of the hospital’s equipment is rendered useless. As she works hard to save her patients, she must also contend with her own survival odds. Sarah has recently been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
Sam is a retired Rancher who is living out his days in the small town of Stanley, ID. Sam has an advantage. Not only is he well versed in what it takes to live off the land, but he was also warned to prepare for survival before the blackout. But Sam has it far from easy. Sam has been tasked with the seemingly impossible.
The characters are faced with an intriguing question that continues to unfurl, is help coming or is there something more sinister at play for the citizens of the United States? Is it possible that the EMP attack wasn't a terrorist attack at all?
*This is book one of two. The second book in the series is not currently available for purchase.*
If our modern way of life came to a screeching halt, would you have the skills necessary to survive on your own? Join four characters on their individual journeys through the ensuing chaos of a complete technological blackout to see if they have what it takes. Learn alongside them as their fates begin to converge.
Carrie is a beautiful, ambitious young professional visiting Salt Lake City from Philadelphia to pitch a business proposal to the executives at the corporate branch. After the EMP destroys her chances of getting home, she must figure out how to survive on her own in an unfamiliar city with very few possessions.
Bodin is an angry teenager who dreams of emancipation while living with his stepdad, mom, and three-year-old stepsister Evie in Salt Lake City. But after the EMP strike, he finds himself trapped and forced to participate in the family life he shunned. He begins to appreciate his family just as fighting for resources among the city inhabitants heats up. Now, he’ll do anything to protect them but will it be enough?
Sarah is an ICU nurse working at a hospital in Salt Lake when the EMP strikes and much of the hospital’s equipment is rendered useless. As she works hard to save her patients, she must also contend with her own survival odds. Sarah has recently been diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
Sam is a retired Rancher who is living out his days in the small town of Stanley, ID. Sam has an advantage. Not only is he well versed in what it takes to live off the land, but he was also warned to prepare for survival before the blackout. But Sam has it far from easy. Sam has been tasked with the seemingly impossible.
The characters are faced with an intriguing question that continues to unfurl, is help coming or is there something more sinister at play for the citizens of the United States? Is it possible that the EMP attack wasn't a terrorist attack at all?
*This is book one of two. The second book in the series is not currently available for purchase.*
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2021
76 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 31, 2021
This takes place in the Salt Lake City, Utah area; I lived there for many years and the author was clearly familiar (though at one point misspelled Herriman as Harriman). I also liked that there was not an inordinate amount of focus on Mormons and their preparation ideology (as other books located in Utah have been prone to do), but conversely, it was odd that other than a brief mention that Cal was Mormon, there was no other indication of the dominant religious group there. I would have expected a little because others would be aware of stockpiles of supplies and that the churches in the area would have tried to organize. The overall writing of this book was good and the editing decent. One of the big strengths of the book was the way that the characters were written and the different points of view they had of the disaster (hence 3 stars instead of 2). It started to lose me with the ridiculous and tired outlook that all gun ownership has been outlawed and guns confiscated. The idea that a cabal of government and wealthy persons would have perpetrated this disaster to reform society, while farfetched is not impossible in the genre. Not all that smart to build their secret fortress in the middle of the Arizona desert and not very imaginative to name it Metal City. I guess Elysium or Valhalla were taken. The serum that could make everyone more obedient seemed really over-the-top to me. Not sure that I will continue with the next book, but I am a little curious what happens to some of the characters.
September 10, 2024
Hailey Gosack’s “The Days That Followed” explores human resilience, connection, and the instinctual fight for survival against a backdrop of chaos and uncertainty. Set in Salt Lake City, the narrative kicks off with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack that sends the city, and presumably the world, into a dark age devoid of technology. Through the eyes of four distinctly drawn characters – Carrie, Bodin, Sam, and Sarah – Gosack masterfully weaves a tale of adversity, moral dilemmas, and the unexpected ways lives intersect during times of crisis. Carrie, a young professional caught far from home, embodies the struggle of isolation and the need for companionship in dire times, even when it comes with strings attached. Her story delicately navigates the complexities of workplace relationships under extreme stress, highlighting the human need for connection versus autonomy. Bodin, the quintessential angry teenager, undergoes a transformative journey. His story is a heart-wrenching exploration of family dynamics, loss, and the harsh awakening to the realities of a broken world. His growth from a resentful teen to a determined individual intent on saving his love interest from a dubious army adds depth to the narrative, showcasing Gosack’s ability to portray character evolution amidst despair.
Sam, with his cryptic forewarning and a desperate quest to reunite with his children, represents the theme of parental responsibility and the lengths to which one would go to protect their kin. His narrative is filled with suspense and the stark reality of being perceived as a resource in desperate times. Sarah, the ICU nurse, brings a unique perspective to the catastrophe. Her dedication to her patients amid the crumbling infrastructure of her hospital juxtaposes her personal battle with cancer, presenting a poignant look at professional duty versus self-care.
Gosack’s narrative strength lies in her ability to intertwine these diverse life stories, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of their fates. The setting of a post-EMP Salt Lake City is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, challenging each protagonist in unique ways while pushing them toward each other. The underlying question of whether help will arrive or if a more sinister force is at play keeps the pages turning, with the climax providing a blend of hope and ambiguity that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
“The Days That Followed” is more than just a survival story; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and find strength in unity. Gosack has crafted a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on our vulnerabilities and the essence of human connectivity in the face of unimaginable challenges. A must-read for those who appreciate character-driven stories set against the backdrop of societal collapse.
Sam, with his cryptic forewarning and a desperate quest to reunite with his children, represents the theme of parental responsibility and the lengths to which one would go to protect their kin. His narrative is filled with suspense and the stark reality of being perceived as a resource in desperate times. Sarah, the ICU nurse, brings a unique perspective to the catastrophe. Her dedication to her patients amid the crumbling infrastructure of her hospital juxtaposes her personal battle with cancer, presenting a poignant look at professional duty versus self-care.
Gosack’s narrative strength lies in her ability to intertwine these diverse life stories, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of their fates. The setting of a post-EMP Salt Lake City is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, challenging each protagonist in unique ways while pushing them toward each other. The underlying question of whether help will arrive or if a more sinister force is at play keeps the pages turning, with the climax providing a blend of hope and ambiguity that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
“The Days That Followed” is more than just a survival story; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and find strength in unity. Gosack has crafted a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on our vulnerabilities and the essence of human connectivity in the face of unimaginable challenges. A must-read for those who appreciate character-driven stories set against the backdrop of societal collapse.
December 8, 2023
The Review
For so many people, the need to explore a post-apocalyptic or dystopian setting often involves supernatural or sci-fi elements, like zombies or killer robots. However, the genuinely thought-provoking and haunting tales often come from stories of human survival in a man-made apocalypse. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that felt original and chilling. The haunting nature of what mankind can do to one another, as well as what it can do to survive and help those around us, was perfectly captured in this story.
The heart of this narrative rests on the complex character development of the four main characters. The way the author captured such distinct and unique voices in these characters from all walks of life and still held onto the desperation and engaging survival lessons that these characters must learn to live in this new world made this a memorable read. The detailed imagery and the emotional core of these character’s experiences made this a harrowing reading journey.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and thrilling, author Hailey Gosack’s “The Days That Followed” is a must-read EMP apocalyptic thriller. The twists and turns in each of these characters' journeys and the dynamics explored within these characters as their lives are turned upside down make this a remarkable story.
For so many people, the need to explore a post-apocalyptic or dystopian setting often involves supernatural or sci-fi elements, like zombies or killer robots. However, the genuinely thought-provoking and haunting tales often come from stories of human survival in a man-made apocalypse. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that felt original and chilling. The haunting nature of what mankind can do to one another, as well as what it can do to survive and help those around us, was perfectly captured in this story.
The heart of this narrative rests on the complex character development of the four main characters. The way the author captured such distinct and unique voices in these characters from all walks of life and still held onto the desperation and engaging survival lessons that these characters must learn to live in this new world made this a memorable read. The detailed imagery and the emotional core of these character’s experiences made this a harrowing reading journey.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and thrilling, author Hailey Gosack’s “The Days That Followed” is a must-read EMP apocalyptic thriller. The twists and turns in each of these characters' journeys and the dynamics explored within these characters as their lives are turned upside down make this a remarkable story.
May 10, 2024
An interesting concept: the government hits its own citizens with an EMP in order to reduce the population, inhibit the spread of information, increase the availability of resources for the elite (who have built a hidden sanctuary for themselves). Far-fetched? Absolutely not, considering the current state of the US government…
That being said, the quality of the writing was a turnoff. Not every action made by a character, or piece of clothing a character is wearing, or physical feature, needs to be described. “Thin red shirt, “short white pants,” “long brown hair.” Every character seemed to have brown hair…I found it easy to lose focus and start skimming to get to the actual point.
And the characters themselves…meh. Bodin annoyed the hell out of me. Sarah did, too, but only slightly less so. Carrie was just okay. Sam was the best, but we didn’t see nearly as much of him as we should have.
This book could have been so much better if it was double the length, but with much better character development, more realistic dialogue, and better pacing. The first 150 pages were slow, the last 100 were way too quick.
That being said, the quality of the writing was a turnoff. Not every action made by a character, or piece of clothing a character is wearing, or physical feature, needs to be described. “Thin red shirt, “short white pants,” “long brown hair.” Every character seemed to have brown hair…I found it easy to lose focus and start skimming to get to the actual point.
And the characters themselves…meh. Bodin annoyed the hell out of me. Sarah did, too, but only slightly less so. Carrie was just okay. Sam was the best, but we didn’t see nearly as much of him as we should have.
This book could have been so much better if it was double the length, but with much better character development, more realistic dialogue, and better pacing. The first 150 pages were slow, the last 100 were way too quick.
March 14, 2024
I’m fascinated with this genre of fiction, although I find the possibility of it happening in real life very frightening. This was a gripping book told from the viewpoint of several main characters as they experience the aftermath of an EMP in the US. They are from different backgrounds: a professional woman visiting Salt Lake City for work; an older man who has a lot of skills and who gets a bit of a warning from one of his sons who works in the US government; a teenage boy who doesn’t get along well with his mom or stepdad, but who is determined to keep his younger sister safe; an older female nurse and a younger female PA in a hospital who are trying to take care of their patients responsibly despite their own fears and few resources. This book is hard to put down, as there is plenty of danger and a few rumors they have to verify as they attempt to survive. They meet others along the way and it is in the second book where there is a bit of resolution to the story. I highly recommend this book and its sequel; I received a copy, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
January 15, 2024
I've never really read anything of the apocalyptic genre, but this was a really nice intro. I like the author's style of writing. It's easy to read, but chalked full of detail. It's one of those books that you just really enjoy what your mind visualized as I you read; I was never bored and could imagine every detail nicely. I love the way that the chapters are formatted through different perspectives, the character's personalities, how the main character's stories slowly start to intertwine, and how the characters change over time, yet keep a little semblance of their former selves as a glimmer of hope. It's suspenseful, eerie, and actually makes you think about what you may do in a survival type situation. I definitely can't wait to read the next book in this series, and check out more of this genre.
December 20, 2023
Terrifying
This first Days book was both terrifying and thought-provoking. Tense excitement had me hiding in the bathroom to continue to read. It's not too farfetched to think something like this could really happen...and that is terrifying. A great read, I highly recommend this book!
This first Days book was both terrifying and thought-provoking. Tense excitement had me hiding in the bathroom to continue to read. It's not too farfetched to think something like this could really happen...and that is terrifying. A great read, I highly recommend this book!
March 12, 2023
I did really enjoy this! A really good EMP apocalyptic story! I liked everything about it, the pace & level of tension, the main characters & ideas! A really good fun read! I do recommend for those that love this genre & I will look for more by this writer!
November 25, 2023
Great
This is a scary and thought provoking story. It could happen in the real world. The characters are interesting and realistic. No super heroes or Delta team. Just regular everyday people. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This is a scary and thought provoking story. It could happen in the real world. The characters are interesting and realistic. No super heroes or Delta team. Just regular everyday people. I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 4, 2021
The Days That Followed
Liked where the book was going and all the different characters and their problems. Hated that it ended the way it did.
Liked where the book was going and all the different characters and their problems. Hated that it ended the way it did.
August 2, 2022
A new (to me) and completely plausible twist on the EMP front. Nicely thought out.
February 10, 2023
Fun read! But also desperately makes me want to get my survival skills up to par.
April 4, 2023
Didn't like that it is a serial, I prefer stand-alone that doesn't leave me hanging!
November 24, 2023
interesting read
I believe an EMP will happen somewhere, sometime but not that our own government would do it. Rogue actors more likely.
I believe an EMP will happen somewhere, sometime but not that our own government would do it. Rogue actors more likely.
December 30, 2023
Great book
It kept on the edge of my seat. I love having the different characters in a chapter of their own
It kept on the edge of my seat. I love having the different characters in a chapter of their own
January 15, 2024
I couldn't put this book down! It moved fast and I didn't get bored reading about any of the characters or situations. A very good read.....although, a little scary when you think about it.
February 8, 2023
Fantastic read
Wow, very creative story line, brilliant character development, perfectly paced read, just a brilliant first book, you must give it a read!
Wow, very creative story line, brilliant character development, perfectly paced read, just a brilliant first book, you must give it a read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews