Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Nuclear fallout circled the Earth like a blanket of death.
Temperatures plummeted. Crops and livestock died.
Man turned on man in a desperate attempt to survive.
And it was just the beginning.

This is how the world ends. Not with a bang, but with many nuclear bombs detonated around the planet. It was no longer a topic of conversation around the dinner table as in years past.

Nobody was prepared, including the world's governments. Yet the threat was always real and the devastation was predictable.

The damage was incalcuable. Millions died at the points of impact. Nuclear Winter spread across the globe. A rapidly cooling climate shocked humanity and all living things ... to their death.

This is more than the story of nuclear conflict. It's about the devastating effects wrought by Nuclear Winter. Our possible future is seen through the eyes of the Albright family whose roots stretch back to the early settlement of the Florida Keys.

While they fight for survival, they trek across a rapidly deteriorating landscape wrought with danger from both the elements and their fellow man.

It was not our fight, but it became our problem.

Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2021

196 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

Bobby Akart

98 books405 followers
International bestselling author, Bobby Akart, one of America's favorite storytellers, delivers up-all-night thrillers to readers in 245 countries and territories worldwide. He's achieved Amazon Top 5 Author status in both fiction and non-fiction genres, Amazon Kindle All Star and Top 50 Amazon Author (#35) and Top 25 Best Selling Book on Amazon Charts (Yellowstone #25).

"He's right up there with James Patterson, David Baldacci, Brad Thor and others that write thrillers. To me he actually surpasses them.”

He has written more than 80 novels in the disaster, survival, medical and political thriller genres.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
652 (62%)
4 stars
278 (26%)
3 stars
100 (9%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Kym Gamble.
378 reviews20 followers
August 6, 2021
This is a good ending to this series (at least I think it is the end....?) The series was very good. The story of an extended family trying to get back to the Florida Keys after the US is attacked by NK shooting missiles into the US. It shows the struggle of people who have nothing to ease their fall as they have not prepared for this kind of thing happening where one family who has a resort kind of set up for their home, and has prepared for disaster. And yet, that doesn't mean they are all in the clear. This is their story.
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
967 reviews50 followers
December 19, 2023
Stand Up, Stand Up for Your Rights

Our final story in the Nuclear Winter series begins with finding out the real motivation behind Erin's return from Mt. Weather and the President. Erin had been summoned to his office early one morning, confirming her suspicions she was to be let go.

Thinking strategically, Erin points out that she is his only staffer with direct contact and friendly relations with the people of the Florida Keys, and she can "soften" his way into the government there. President Henley buys her story and Erin lands on the Albright property in a military helicopter.

Although Hank and Erin are intimately glad to see each other, they each know more important business awaits. Between Mike's proximity to Mayor Lindsay, Lacey and Tucker's intelligence gathering around the other Keys and Hank's direct approach to the people of the Keys not yet "Harvested" by Sheriff Jock and Mayor Lindsay's SWAT team, the Monroe County and environs are made ready to peacefully resist the raiders.

Meanwhile, Jimmy is regaining his strength, as are Peter and Mike. But the most striking thing is the coming together of the Albright family, who own the property, and the Free family, who have always worked for them. As Hank says, they are all now one big family, each helping each other.

"As a politician’s authority increases, their sense of morality decreases.”

Bobby Akart's comment upon the effect that the power of martial law has had on Mayor Lindsay of Monroe County. And, as the raiders face off the combined Albright family, it is very obvious that power is the only thing Mayor Lindsay wants.

Before a gunfight can start between the two groups, hundreds of people join the Albright's from the other Keys. Encouraged by Erin and her flyers and liaisons with local clergy, the people of the Conch Republic take back their home, Nuclear Winter and all. To thine own self be true.
Profile Image for Denise Keef.
516 reviews11 followers
July 4, 2021
And all good things must come to and…
In true epic Akart fashion, we have reached the ending of the Nuclear Winter series. I’m not gonna lie, I did not want to see this series end, but I understand that there are so many other stories to be told by this amazing author that I’m at peace with how Bobby brought it to a close. There is just something so special about this story. The love of family, friends and the will to survive resonate throughout all the books; not only the survival of self but of the community.
In the beginning, we saw the country brought to her knees when it was attacked by nuclear bombs. Major cities were totally obliterated along with millions of people. Those left behind are what this story is all about. The story of survival, calamity, destruction, and death. A tragedy which should bring people together but, in some instances, brought out the worst in them. Those in power looking to better their own coffers instead of helping those that they swore an oath to protect. By this last book, Destruction we have a look into what could be our world weeks after. Yes, this is an immensely powerful story that will have you gripped in its throes until the very end and even then, will be in the back of your mind for much longer. Make no mistake my friend. This is the story of our possible future…it just hasn’t happened yet.
Profile Image for Maggie Deaton.
748 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2021
A Rousing and Feel Good ending to a frightening Series but is it....

Spoiler..... So the citizens of the Keys all come together in a show of solidarity to defeat the evil Mayor without a violent confrontation and stop the confiscation of all food and supplies. Brings a lump to your throat... but now what? Even if they can figure out how to feed their own greatly reduced population (and that is a BIG if given the drastic and prolonged effects of nuclear devastation as well as nuclear winter, ) they still face the threat of the President of the USA's declaration of martial law, threat of invasion and confiscation of foodstuffs and material goods all backed by the military might of their own country....Can't happen, you say? Sorry to be the bearer of old news but Mike laid it out exactly as it could and probably would occur. Having been married for over 40 years to a veteran of Special Forces and Delta from the Viet Nam era, I can also tell you these veterans can tell many a true story of events that can " never happen " but in the face of war, stress, and devastation, they somehow manage to " just happen"..... I have no answers to the questions raised except vigilance and caution with a large dose of prayer.....Great job, Mike.....and by the grace of God, may we never face this scenario.
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
935 reviews10 followers
Read
July 9, 2021
The less than Honorable Lindsey Free has a plan

It's amazing how at the worst of times, when everything is going to hell, the only thing you can really count on is that the worst of humanity will come out of the slime to take advantage of an opportunity. Someone once wrote "Never underestimate the basic depravity of man."

While the Mayor and her bundle-buddy the Sheriff were scheming the future of the Keys, including Driftwood Key. The Albrights and Frees were caring for the injured and structures in the aftermath of the hurricane that battered the Keys, planning ways to feed the families and keeping an eye on the Mayor. It's not bad enough to deal with the fury of the nuclear winter, Hank and Mike were dealing with everyone who thought they were owed whatever they could steal, even killing to take it. The problems were growing, solutions were still in the distance and Driftwood Key was in the crosshairs.

The struggle to survive a nuclear winter could be a lost battle for the human race. Only through cooperation and joint sacrifice can the future of the humanity be assured. Personally, I lack confidence.
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,955 reviews65 followers
July 13, 2021
Most of the book felt like a build up to major confrontations on several fronts, much of which I assumed to be destined for the next book. There is a lot of talking and maneuvering and I can't really understand while Hank, Erin and Mike would be fixated on the legality of challenging the out-of-control and despotic county mayor. She is clearly not worried about the legal issues. The build up happens very quickly at the end and fizzled for the most part. I kept thinking I was missing something. The actual survival of nuclear war and its aftermath was not a factor for most of this book. Bad people grasping for power (which would happen) was the focus with all other considerations aside. I also expected the feds to be an issue, given that they seem to be clueless though vengeful and focused on the secession of the Keys to the exclusion of everything else going on. Overall, since this appears to be the final book of the series, I felt a bit let down and it was not terribly satisfying.
6,202 reviews41 followers
December 9, 2025
Round 90% of Americans are expected to be dead a year after the nuclear winter starts. There are still some areas that seem to be doing better, though.

The politician Lindsay is still trying to take over everything no matter what she needs to have done to accomplish that, even if it means killing innocent people.

A good quote from the book 'As a politician's authority increases, their sense of morality decreases.'

Preparations are made to try and stop what she is doing. The only question is how many will die doing that?

It's a pretty decent ending to the series although is still leaves some matters open in relation to the federal government and whether or not it can actually end up helping people to rebuild the country.

Profile Image for Susan Robinson.
315 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2021
The only issue I have with this last book is some unanswered questions, for example what's going to stop President Helton from invading the Keys. He still has this wild idea of making it the breadbasket to what's left of America and the coast guard is till sitting off the shores. Just because there has been change in leadership with the removal of Lindsey, I'm not sure that will completely dissuade Helton. I admire Hank's family and their determination and fortitude. I wish there could be a follow-up book #6. It could perhaps be set years in the future and it would tell of the things they had to cope with and who survived.
1 review
September 6, 2021
Need for being prepared.

Hi. I have enjoyed several of Mr. Akart's series. I,unfortunately, believe this country is headed in the wrong direction with all the decisiveness that is currently going on. These books give insight into being prepared for the worst. It is up to each of us to be prepared! I wish our government was as prepared to help the American people more than just lining their own pockets and standing more for their cronies than any of us! I do not see that happening, on either side of the political aisle. I also think these are really good stories. And the characters are interesting and well written! Thank you, Mr. Akart.
1,477 reviews25 followers
September 13, 2021
Nuclear Winter Bobby Akart

This is a story of family, neighbors members of a community in the Florida Keys. A story of survival. The tyranny of the Mayor, a self serving egotistical leader who only wants power. She openly defies the President and orders her Sheriff department to carry out her orders. In the end the Sheriff his deputies and the entire community turns against her in a bitter standoff. One prominent and respected family convinced their neighbors and friends to take a stand against her. Freedom, free will a democracy is better then a dictatorship. An excellent series!! This last book the final chapter. Enjoyed immensely!!! My highest recommendation!!
Profile Image for Joan.
1,125 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2021
The Albrights are all re-united minus the loss of a loved one, a search for another member of their extended family comes to a conclusion and Hank's new love Erin has returned to aid them in what's to come. Hank, his family and the other citizens of Key West and neighbouring towns all band together to stop the tyrant Mayor and her minions from their power hungry, deadly agenda. What an epic conclusion to end this character driven, emotionally charged series. How does the stand off end? You will have to read this book and series to find out and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
107 reviews
July 10, 2021
Started out great, but…

I got really excited when I started the series. The first book covered actual survival. Actual instigating crisis. Actual coping. Finding food. Finding medicine. Getting home. Then, as the author ran out of steam I guess, the story degraded to cover situations that could happen anywhere, at any time. Like, why is there suddenly a serial killer? What’s that got to so with an apocalypse and how people cope? I struggled on, skipping a lot of pages but finally gave it up completely in book 5.

Big yawn.
Profile Image for Shannon.
41 reviews
August 15, 2021
Needs to get out of exposition mode

I enjoyed the five books in this series. The author grounds the stories nicely in reality. However, his tendency to always be in exposition mode grew tiresome. Even at the end of the book, he’s still using full names and titles; yes, we know what happened to Owen and how that affected Tucker. I would expect that in the first few chapters of any sequel, but used throughout this book, it felt pedantic. Hopefully the author will give the reader a little more credit in the future.
410 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2022
Well written and spellbinding.

Survival from Nuclear bombs exploding across the USA . As well as around the world the ash laden and smoke air and fallout from the bombs would be bad enough but the millions of people who died from exposure is mind blowing. Trying to stop some of the carnage from happening is becoming harder each day. Who will win in this small section of Florida? Will it be the power hungry so called governor of the keys or maybe Hank? How many deaths in the keys will be because of the government?
Profile Image for Diane.
214 reviews
April 15, 2023
COMPELLING and INTENSE!

Very POWERFUL series! Well worth a read. Martial law declared and abused in authority; raids, lawlessness, coup, starving and thirsty survivors all make up the problematic situations that get faced and need resolution.
Each book in this series stands on its own merit that enhances the seriousness of what a perception of a Nuclear Winter could look like.
If you like a story with with the heart of a family caught up in the insanity of greed and the misdirection of leadership, then this series is a GO!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lian.
71 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2021
As always, Bobby wrote a winner!

This was another up all nite winner! Bobby Akart seems to hone in on our fears before we need to think about them! With all the research he does, we know he's telling it like it might happen. Because of his last Series, my family started wearing masks on March 2nd, in spite of the ill advised info we were given! Nuclear Winter hopefully won't ever come to pass, but if it does, reading the Series will help. So thanks Bobby Akart!
49 reviews
July 7, 2021
Using his thorough research, Bobby Akart wraps up this series. He shows how those who believe the government will step in a immediately or quickly come to the rescue may not have the ability to do so. There are many examples of how a catastrophe brings out the best and worst in people. We don’t have drills for this. How many people would know what to do? I recommend this book and the rest of the series as a starting point. Easy to read and to understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
147 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2021
Bobby Akart comes through again

Bobby brings the story from the beginning of the crisis to the full force of the catastrophe little by little, letting us come to the realization of what has occurred. We don't want these things to occur, so in our minds eye, they can't, but they can and will.
9 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2021
Bobby Akart kept Nuclear Winter Suspenseful Until the End

I love the way the plot developed as it took me on a journey from one side of the ocean to the other. The series was suspenseful and full of unexpected twists and turns. I’ve read a lot apocalyptic series and I would put this as one of the best I’ve read.
39 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2021
The Nuclear Winter series

I absolutely loved the Nuclear Winter Series. I read all 5 books. Believable , in every way. In today's world unrest a nuclear war could happen. I pray it doesn't! I loved each of the characters, Hank, Erin, Peter, Mike, Jessica, Tucker, Lacey and the rest of the characters. Mr. Akart you've done it again!!
4 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2021
This is the best series I’ve read

I waited until I read all the books to do a review and glad I did. This is so well written I’d give it twice the stars if I could, I’m read all of the books again and plan on reviewing each one. If you’re looking for excellent reading do this series.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2021
Who's Read

Now is the time to decide which team you want play for. Hard times call for strong values if you want to have your freedom to enjoy. It is a choice that carries a price as demonstrated in this series. For how long? Taking a stand is a beginning and sometimes an end. Well done Mr. Smart!
9 reviews
July 31, 2021
It Made Me Cry

I'm a military veteran and former cop. I'm tough and I don't let things get to me. This book was interesting at first, but got better with every chapter - every book. I actually cried at the end, the way you do after a movie that ends just right.

Should you read this? Hell yeah.
43 reviews
October 5, 2021
Nuclear winter desolation

I read all five of these book last straight thru. With what is going on in the world today, it has been a real nail biting experience. These books kept me on the edge of my seat - literally. I have been making plans on preparation -because just in case, it could happen. Even sooner that we could reasonably expect.
Profile Image for Dannielle Swartz.
3 reviews
December 14, 2021
Just couldn’t put it down!

Excellent series not just about an accelerated nuclear winter following nuclear weapon exchanges in the Middle East, South Asia and eventually between North Korea and the USA, this was a storyline of one family spread out across the globe coming together in the end…mostly. You’ll have to read it to find out who’s missing!
Enjoy!!!
109 reviews
July 31, 2025
Great Story

I read all 5 in the series. Loved them. Plenty of story to make 5 books. There is no happy ending to a Nuclear Winter so the ending was appropriate. No gratuitous sex, language, and the violence was believable. I hope that our America never has to try to survive such an awful event.
Profile Image for Lana L Fiems.
240 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2021
A very good series

I have just finished the Nuclear Winter series. I anxiously awaited each volume. Bobby Smart is my favorite dystopian author. I like his emphasis on family, and the sensible way he discusses crises. Bring on the next one!
5 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2021
A must read!

Mankind's ABILITY to overcome adversity together!


Absolutely stunning book. This entire series is of great value for all readers who are looking forward to our country's future! All mankind will stand up together for God and our country.
5 reviews
July 4, 2021
Another great ending to another great series

This series is now in my top two from Akart! The story was wrapped up very well with the majority of my questions and concerns answered. As always I would be happy to read more about the family and neighbors but it wasn't necessary.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.