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75 Miles
What if everything you knew came to an end in the blink of an eye?
Sixteen year old Samantha finds herself stranded seventy-five miles away from home after an EMP decimates the power grid, most critical technology, and communications. With the help of elderly family friends she arms herself with an old revolver and a backpack of supplies they provide, and starts walking toward home. Seeking the shortest and safest route possible, she decides to cross the Black Hills forest, but soon discovers it's neither.
With society collapsing right in front of her eyes, she comes face-to-face, over and over, with the cruelty and evil people will quickly resort to as soon as they discover there are no consequences for breaking the law.
75 Miles is a story of survival, heroism, and the contrast of kindness and evil from strangers when tragedy strikes.
Sixteen year old Samantha finds herself stranded seventy-five miles away from home after an EMP decimates the power grid, most critical technology, and communications. With the help of elderly family friends she arms herself with an old revolver and a backpack of supplies they provide, and starts walking toward home. Seeking the shortest and safest route possible, she decides to cross the Black Hills forest, but soon discovers it's neither.
With society collapsing right in front of her eyes, she comes face-to-face, over and over, with the cruelty and evil people will quickly resort to as soon as they discover there are no consequences for breaking the law.
75 Miles is a story of survival, heroism, and the contrast of kindness and evil from strangers when tragedy strikes.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
146 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Robyn VanDerSys
5 books27 followersRobyn VanDerSys was born in Washington State, which is where her love for the great outdoors was born. She has lived in several different states and has now settled in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and kids.
Her life has consisted of one adventure to the next, including racing monster trucks in her early twenties, raising three strong children, riding around Mexico on her four wheeler while living out of a backpack, driving a school bus for a living, and volunteering on a chase team while her husband raced the Baja 1000.
She spends her free time off-roading and hiking the many trails of the Black Hills, and also enjoys traveling and having as many adventures as humanly possible.
Her life has consisted of one adventure to the next, including racing monster trucks in her early twenties, raising three strong children, riding around Mexico on her four wheeler while living out of a backpack, driving a school bus for a living, and volunteering on a chase team while her husband raced the Baja 1000.
She spends her free time off-roading and hiking the many trails of the Black Hills, and also enjoys traveling and having as many adventures as humanly possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 27, 2021
This was an outstanding book. I loved every minute of it. I just wished it went on to when she got home and got some excitement of reading about it instead of leaving it to your mind. But even without going into it it was a great ending. Please write more like this one. Great writing. I just can't say to much more about it.
April 28, 2021
Well done.
Disappointed that this is the author's first (and so far only) book. I immediately searched for a sequel. Read it in one sitting. It was that good. I hope the author has written more and is just teasing us by releasing just this one.
Kudos.
Disappointed that this is the author's first (and so far only) book. I immediately searched for a sequel. Read it in one sitting. It was that good. I hope the author has written more and is just teasing us by releasing just this one.
Kudos.
June 18, 2022
Well written quick read. Good book for a kick back weekend or stuck indoors. Author details events and locations so you feel you are right there. Looking forward to reading her other book.
October 25, 2021
Great Story
I actually started this book but after the first 3 pages, I was thinking this is just gonna be a whiney little girl whining and complaining about typical teenage girl stuff and how bad life was gonna suck for her. I actually stopped reading it and read another book . I decided to give it another try, maybe I was on a bad mood the first time or something. Well let me tell you boy Am I glad I did!! I discovered a very respectful and resilient young Lady with strong Moral Values . She had some good skills and was very smart, Her respect for older wiser people was refreshing.I pictured my daughter as this young lady several times during the story.I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
I actually started this book but after the first 3 pages, I was thinking this is just gonna be a whiney little girl whining and complaining about typical teenage girl stuff and how bad life was gonna suck for her. I actually stopped reading it and read another book . I decided to give it another try, maybe I was on a bad mood the first time or something. Well let me tell you boy Am I glad I did!! I discovered a very respectful and resilient young Lady with strong Moral Values . She had some good skills and was very smart, Her respect for older wiser people was refreshing.I pictured my daughter as this young lady several times during the story.I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
September 3, 2021
Enjoyed reading about a sixteen year old girl trying to get back home. She had some help along the way but also so scme scares alone way. But my only problem with the ending was she did not actually see her family. It does not state that there is a follow up book. She grows up and has to learn how to shoot a gun which always affects someone old or young.
She meets up with a friend when she gets where she is going and he and his family is taking her to her family. That is how the book ends.
She meets up with a friend when she gets where she is going and he and his family is taking her to her family. That is how the book ends.
January 13, 2022
I completed a rather short (200 pages) novel by Robyn Vandersys; it is entitled "75 Miles" and deals with a 16-year-old girl's 75-mile walk home after an EMP. Robyn Vandersys describes the breakdown of law and order shortly after the EMP. As is to be expected the teenager makes some mistakes during the trek back home but she recovers from them. To be sure there were bad guys but this novel illustrates how many good trustworthy people there are who come together to help one another. I definitely wish to read a follow-up novel if she plans to write one.
February 6, 2022
Unlike many Kindle Unlimited books (self-published) this one was edited and proof-read quite well, a refreshing change! I do like dystopian (or prepper) fiction although I get tired of the EMP scenario which has been written about ad nauseum. Still, the characters in this book were well developed as seen from a teen's eyes and a teen's thoughts. Unfortunately, this, so far, is the only book this author has written so far in this series. I would like to see more!
April 18, 2021
Great first novel.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Most post apocalyptic novels fall into one or other camp.
Either getting home, or protecting your home.
This is the former.
Ok, do a lot of it is predictable.
16 year old girl has to walk 75 miles to get home after an EMP
She meets several bad guys, but wine through.
I recommend this book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Most post apocalyptic novels fall into one or other camp.
Either getting home, or protecting your home.
This is the former.
Ok, do a lot of it is predictable.
16 year old girl has to walk 75 miles to get home after an EMP
She meets several bad guys, but wine through.
I recommend this book.
May 18, 2021
An Epic Journey
This book really took me on Sam's journey; step by step. I felt the coldness of the air, smelt the pines, and enjoyed the feeling of walking the trails.
Sam is so young and yet finds strength of character beyond her years.
This was a well written book and I hope there is a next instalment.
This book really took me on Sam's journey; step by step. I felt the coldness of the air, smelt the pines, and enjoyed the feeling of walking the trails.
Sam is so young and yet finds strength of character beyond her years.
This was a well written book and I hope there is a next instalment.
December 2, 2021
A great story!
I always love these types of books written by women. They include everything and every real emotion that we all feel. This story is good, not overdone or exaggerated like some books previously read! A great story without hype and drama queenery! Completely plausible and realistic!
I always love these types of books written by women. They include everything and every real emotion that we all feel. This story is good, not overdone or exaggerated like some books previously read! A great story without hype and drama queenery! Completely plausible and realistic!
May 15, 2021
Riveting
A thought provoking tale of perseverance, coming of age, and life changing events . I was disappointed not to find out how Sams family fared; but maybe that's a tale for another time.
A thought provoking tale of perseverance, coming of age, and life changing events . I was disappointed not to find out how Sams family fared; but maybe that's a tale for another time.
June 2, 2021
Legend
Follow Sam, a 16-year-old girl who snuck away to visit friends 75 miles away. After arriving at her friends the country was hit with an EMP. This is the story of her determination to get home. Good read.
Follow Sam, a 16-year-old girl who snuck away to visit friends 75 miles away. After arriving at her friends the country was hit with an EMP. This is the story of her determination to get home. Good read.
June 27, 2021
Excellent story
Wow what an interesting story that was awesome and absolutely believable ! Loved the characters in this book ! It was so realistic you were almost there with them !
Wow what an interesting story that was awesome and absolutely believable ! Loved the characters in this book ! It was so realistic you were almost there with them !
July 26, 2021
75 Miles.
What a wonderful amazing book. I loved the main character, Sam, short for Samantha. The author did a very realistic job of telling a very interesting story. Worth a second read.
What a wonderful amazing book. I loved the main character, Sam, short for Samantha. The author did a very realistic job of telling a very interesting story. Worth a second read.
July 29, 2021
Can't wait for another!
This book kept me entertained with a healthy splash of realism by putting me into the main character roll. Here's hoping this author keeps writing in the same realistic style! Definitely worth The read!
This book kept me entertained with a healthy splash of realism by putting me into the main character roll. Here's hoping this author keeps writing in the same realistic style! Definitely worth The read!
October 22, 2021
Loved it!
Really enjoyed this EMP survival book
Has a different take as it is from a teenager's point of view and how tough she needs to be to survive.
There are some bad guys in the book but she also meets some really good people who help her on her way.
Can't wait for book #2!
Really enjoyed this EMP survival book
Has a different take as it is from a teenager's point of view and how tough she needs to be to survive.
There are some bad guys in the book but she also meets some really good people who help her on her way.
Can't wait for book #2!
December 21, 2021
A great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book but it definitely left me wanting to read more. The trip home was fraught with excitement and action. The characters in the book are great.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book but it definitely left me wanting to read more. The trip home was fraught with excitement and action. The characters in the book are great.
March 17, 2022
GOOD ONE
This book is proof that TEOTWAWKI readers of any age can enjoy an EMP story from the viewpoint of a 16 year old girl. The characters were so well written that I would read a 10 book series about them!
This book is proof that TEOTWAWKI readers of any age can enjoy an EMP story from the viewpoint of a 16 year old girl. The characters were so well written that I would read a 10 book series about them!
May 5, 2021
New author to me
I really enjoyed this book. It had just enough action to keep you interested. The only problem I have is the ending ! Great ending but leaves you hanging.
I really enjoyed this book. It had just enough action to keep you interested. The only problem I have is the ending ! Great ending but leaves you hanging.
May 19, 2021
A good book!
Good story, good characters very entertaining and lots of action. Swift action with no slowdowns and loved the people in this story.
Good story, good characters very entertaining and lots of action. Swift action with no slowdowns and loved the people in this story.
May 28, 2021
Definitely a keeper and how a YA post apocalyptic story should be written.
November 28, 2021
75 Miles
Excellent read, really got into this story. It makes you feel that you are right there with them. Well written thank you Boyd.
Excellent read, really got into this story. It makes you feel that you are right there with them. Well written thank you Boyd.
January 6, 2022
Great Read
Great book from a 16-year-olds point of view. I would like a book 2. We're her family, ok? Did they go back to Rogers?
Great book from a 16-year-olds point of view. I would like a book 2. We're her family, ok? Did they go back to Rogers?
January 24, 2022
Exciting
A great adventure a girl would have if caught in a emp. I have been following a lot of emp novels and this one struck me as a teal adventure. I look forward to more.
A great adventure a girl would have if caught in a emp. I have been following a lot of emp novels and this one struck me as a teal adventure. I look forward to more.
January 30, 2022
incredibly uplifting
Great characters
Uplifting story of survival
Excellent read
I can’t wait to read more about Samantha and her family’s survival
Great characters
Uplifting story of survival
Excellent read
I can’t wait to read more about Samantha and her family’s survival
March 9, 2022
Loved this!
I really liked the story line and characters. Highly recommend and I would love to read book 2 set in this world...
I really liked the story line and characters. Highly recommend and I would love to read book 2 set in this world...
March 20, 2022
75 Miles
This book has a fast paced plot and fascinating characters. If I didn't have other demands on my time, I could have finished it in one day.
This book has a fast paced plot and fascinating characters. If I didn't have other demands on my time, I could have finished it in one day.
April 29, 2023
This is an engaging read. A realistic look at what would happen in the first days following an EMP attack through the eyes of a strong young woman.
March 29, 2023
I read One Second After by Forstchen several years ago, and when I read that VanDerSys was inspired (at least in part) by that book I had high hopes for this title. Unfortunately I didn't find it nearly as interesting, as well written or as well researched.
The premise is simple. a 16 year old girl has traveled several miles from home (a home she had recently moved to) to break up with her long distance boyfriend so she could pursue a guy where she now lived that she found attractive after seeing him a few times but didn't really know. While at a gathering with friends, where she chose to dump her boyfriend, an EMP goes off killing all electronics. She then decides to make the journey home alone and that is the story that is told.
While we do encounter the expected "bad" elements - they are all portrayed as being drug addicts, as if the people we consider law abiding citizens under normal circumstances would not possibly turn to a life of self-interest and bad behavior. The only other "bad" character is portrayed as a fat and creepy neighbor prior to the EMP. Everyone else was either someone willing to help, or they just locked themselves inside.
I also have a hard time believing that a 16 year old with very little experience, an old map and a gun that she had never shot before would have fared as well as this one did - surviving on granola bars, jerky, and a canteen with a water filter that was all given to her by adults that appear to have no issue with sending her off on her own.
I found myself skipping quite a bit of repetitive description (especially towards the end when the characters are retelling their story over and over to others) to get to the end only we never really get to the end. Yep, that is right. Our main character doesn't actually arrive home at the end of the book. We end with her on the road to her home after she was told that there was word of several break-ins and possible nefarious deeds in the area...
I will read the next book because I already own it and I hope the writing and story has improved in it....
The premise is simple. a 16 year old girl has traveled several miles from home (a home she had recently moved to) to break up with her long distance boyfriend so she could pursue a guy where she now lived that she found attractive after seeing him a few times but didn't really know. While at a gathering with friends, where she chose to dump her boyfriend, an EMP goes off killing all electronics. She then decides to make the journey home alone and that is the story that is told.
While we do encounter the expected "bad" elements - they are all portrayed as being drug addicts, as if the people we consider law abiding citizens under normal circumstances would not possibly turn to a life of self-interest and bad behavior. The only other "bad" character is portrayed as a fat and creepy neighbor prior to the EMP. Everyone else was either someone willing to help, or they just locked themselves inside.
I also have a hard time believing that a 16 year old with very little experience, an old map and a gun that she had never shot before would have fared as well as this one did - surviving on granola bars, jerky, and a canteen with a water filter that was all given to her by adults that appear to have no issue with sending her off on her own.
I found myself skipping quite a bit of repetitive description (especially towards the end when the characters are retelling their story over and over to others) to get to the end only we never really get to the end. Yep, that is right. Our main character doesn't actually arrive home at the end of the book. We end with her on the road to her home after she was told that there was word of several break-ins and possible nefarious deeds in the area...
I will read the next book because I already own it and I hope the writing and story has improved in it....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
4.5 🌟
I wasn't going to rate this as high...its a little "Teen" category for me. But then I realized...I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. I was hooked. The ending left me wanting more.
At first glance, the book may seem a little dry in writing style, but I honestly enjoyed it's straightforward approach. It was descriptive & put me in the location, in the action & in the scenario.
I picked this book up on a whim & I'm glad I did. It was a nice change of pace. I kept wanting to know more about the WHY of the EMP, but sometimes in life, we don't get the why. We just get the day-to-day & that has to be good enough. I kind of love that.
I wasn't going to rate this as high...its a little "Teen" category for me. But then I realized...I couldn't put it down. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. I was hooked. The ending left me wanting more.
At first glance, the book may seem a little dry in writing style, but I honestly enjoyed it's straightforward approach. It was descriptive & put me in the location, in the action & in the scenario.
I picked this book up on a whim & I'm glad I did. It was a nice change of pace. I kept wanting to know more about the WHY of the EMP, but sometimes in life, we don't get the why. We just get the day-to-day & that has to be good enough. I kind of love that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews