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911 #1
Dead Lines: EMP Prepper Thriller
911 operator Jim Parker wants—more than anything—to be useful again. When a catastrophic EMP strikes, and he’s the last person a kidnapped girl speaks to before the lines go dead, he knows he can’t let her down. Especially when the circumstances are so similar to his own daughter’s disappearance. With the world falling apart around him, he wants to do nothing more than retreat to his prepper cabin. But with a fresh lead on his daughter, and another innocent girl’s life on the line, the disgraced cop will do everything in his power to track them down. Finn Meyers has lost Ava, her best, and only, friend in the world, but she knows where the missing young woman might be—and perhaps Parker’s long lost daughter. Now, Parker must form an uneasy alliance and tackle his own internal demons as the two begin a perilous journey that will take them to the headquarters of a mysterious cult in Indiana. But what they find along the way will shatter all their preconceptions—and threaten the world as they know it. Can a has-been and a has-not save the innocent, and stop a disaster from happening?
- GenresThriller
338 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2018
217 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Grace Hamilton
141 books296 followersGrace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 5, 2018
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but it fell flat. The narration was excellent, but that's about the only thing that was good about it. The storyline was thin at best, and what was there was wholly unbelievable. Additionally, when it came to equipment such as breathing equipment and other tools, the author failed to do proper research resulting in a story that contains a number of errors. The language was also over the top. When there's a point to the language and it fits with the story, that's one thing, but this was cursing for the sake of cursing - it was really irritating and made it difficult to finish the book. ***This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.***
February 8, 2018
James Parker is a disgraced ex cop turned 911 operator. He's also a prepper, ready for any type of apocalypse. One night at the apocalypse hits at end of his shift right when he gets a call that only lasts 23 seconds.
Ava Talbot has been taken by a mysterious and dangerous cult. She steals a cell phone and escapes long enough to call 911.
Finn Meyer is Ava's best and only friend. She thinks she knows where Ava might be and also just maybe James' missing daughter Sara.
James decides to go looking for Ava even though all he has is a name and a zip code. Can he and Finn form an alliance to make the dangerous journey to the headquarters of the cult? Can James put aside his personal demons to save Ava?
I couldn't put this book down, I was up well past my bedtime reading this fast paced novel about survival and hope. I also like all the prepper information the author sprinkled through out the book. The writing brings the characters and scenes to life and I can't wait to read the next in this heart pounding end of the world as we know it story. And the ending OMG what a cliff hanger and actually the perfect place to end the book. Now I have to impatiently wait for the next book in this great series.
One of my favorite quotes from the book sums the whole apocalypse into just a few sentences, “This situation is so FUBAR, Parker,” he said. “No cell service to call for help, no ambulance to come if we did; just people dying and no one able to do any fucking thing about it.”
Another that fits into this book perfectly, “Barbarianism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is the whim of circumstance. And barbarianism must ultimately triumph,” Robert E. Howard
Ava Talbot has been taken by a mysterious and dangerous cult. She steals a cell phone and escapes long enough to call 911.
Finn Meyer is Ava's best and only friend. She thinks she knows where Ava might be and also just maybe James' missing daughter Sara.
James decides to go looking for Ava even though all he has is a name and a zip code. Can he and Finn form an alliance to make the dangerous journey to the headquarters of the cult? Can James put aside his personal demons to save Ava?
I couldn't put this book down, I was up well past my bedtime reading this fast paced novel about survival and hope. I also like all the prepper information the author sprinkled through out the book. The writing brings the characters and scenes to life and I can't wait to read the next in this heart pounding end of the world as we know it story. And the ending OMG what a cliff hanger and actually the perfect place to end the book. Now I have to impatiently wait for the next book in this great series.
One of my favorite quotes from the book sums the whole apocalypse into just a few sentences, “This situation is so FUBAR, Parker,” he said. “No cell service to call for help, no ambulance to come if we did; just people dying and no one able to do any fucking thing about it.”
Another that fits into this book perfectly, “Barbarianism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is the whim of circumstance. And barbarianism must ultimately triumph,” Robert E. Howard
May 17, 2019
2,5/5. For me reading Grace Hamilton remind a bit of reading James Patterson (some will say Wow! that's a great comparison for her, Patterson selling so many book..., just wait...). Her plot always look promising, her narration is decent/okay, but that is all, the characters are empty, the story is simple, full of stereotypes and mostly always the same, and there is just no depth in the thoughts, psychological, philosophical or any kind of thinking or idea that the authors might be interest in sharing with her readers. Her book are readable, but in the end they are easy popular read that are not really worth it. Simple entertainment... That would be my last attempt with her.
February 12, 2018
This was a great read, I especially liked how I didn't know which way things would go or who you would meet. Great characters and character development and you find you will either love or hate them! There is plenty going on in the book to keep you hooked including action, suspense as well as twists and surprises. I can not wait to read the next book to see where things go for Jim and the others.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 9, 2018
What does a has been ex-cop and a young woman have in common? Pick this book up and find out! The action never seems to end in this thrill a minute story.
January 21, 2019
Ex-cop, Jim Parker, is now a 911 operator. He gets a call from a girl to say she's been kidnapped and is just about to say where when the phone goes dead. Something has happened and Jim soon realises that an EMP has hit. Communication is down! The only thing he knows about the girl is her name. He realises that he is the only one who can help her and so he sets out to do just that.
I went into this with high hopes, but unfortunately it fell flat. My main problem with this was the overly descriptive writing. I love when a scene is well described and easy to visualise, but you can also be too descriptive. I felt like it was too wordy at times and my mind wandered frequently.
I also found it a little hard to believe that Parker would be so focused on saving this girl, with such determination. I know he is the last person to hear from her, and I know he has issues, but that is all he thinks about. If something like that happened, would it not take some time before it sinks in? Would he not at least try to contact the police, or get some help? I feel like he jumped straight into the rescue without thought or reason.
I just couldn't connect to the plot and didn't really connect with the characters, other than Finn, now she was a great character and is the only reason I finished the book. Parker and Ava weren't as well developed nor as likable as I hoped. Parker is an ex-cop and a prepper who preps for every scenario. He is supposedly prepared for everything, yet he doesn't have a bunker. He stores his food in his house, in whatever space he can find. I know not every prepper has a bunker, but I felt like making him a prepper was a bit much. It didn't ring true to all the other post apoc books about preppers I've read. I think I would have liked him better if he was just an ex cop trying to survive in a world gone crazy.
In all, this was ok. I don't think I'll continue on with the series though, it's just not for me.
Andrew Tell read this really well. He was clear and easy to follow and he had plenty of tones and voices for the characters.
I went into this with high hopes, but unfortunately it fell flat. My main problem with this was the overly descriptive writing. I love when a scene is well described and easy to visualise, but you can also be too descriptive. I felt like it was too wordy at times and my mind wandered frequently.
I also found it a little hard to believe that Parker would be so focused on saving this girl, with such determination. I know he is the last person to hear from her, and I know he has issues, but that is all he thinks about. If something like that happened, would it not take some time before it sinks in? Would he not at least try to contact the police, or get some help? I feel like he jumped straight into the rescue without thought or reason.
I just couldn't connect to the plot and didn't really connect with the characters, other than Finn, now she was a great character and is the only reason I finished the book. Parker and Ava weren't as well developed nor as likable as I hoped. Parker is an ex-cop and a prepper who preps for every scenario. He is supposedly prepared for everything, yet he doesn't have a bunker. He stores his food in his house, in whatever space he can find. I know not every prepper has a bunker, but I felt like making him a prepper was a bit much. It didn't ring true to all the other post apoc books about preppers I've read. I think I would have liked him better if he was just an ex cop trying to survive in a world gone crazy.
In all, this was ok. I don't think I'll continue on with the series though, it's just not for me.
Andrew Tell read this really well. He was clear and easy to follow and he had plenty of tones and voices for the characters.
March 2, 2018
I really loved the premise behind this story. The EMP, the ex-cop turned 911 operator, and especially the prepper angle. Unfortunately, there were a few things I didn’t love but let’s talk about the good stuff first.
As I mentioned, great plot!
The power mysteriously goes out all over the city just as “Parker” is taking an emergency call from a young girl begging for help. Because of his tragic past, he is compelled to help this girl and when chaos breaks out he realizes no one else will. We quickly learn that in addition to the main character being a former police officer, he is also a “Prepper”.
A Prepper is defined as “a person who believes a catastrophic disaster or emergency is likely to occur in the future and makes active preparations for it, typically by stockpiling food, ammunition, and other supplies”. This puts a very interesting twist on the story because as such, Parker is literally ready for any situation and trust me, he encounters loads of dangerous scenarios throughout the story.
Another thing I quite liked about this one, was its motley crew of characters, particularly a young spitfire named “Finn”. She’s fiercely brave and is the perfect contrast to “Parker’s” more serious nature. They make a fantastic team.
Unfortunately, there were things about this story that I disliked as well. The biggest being the author’s over-description of EVERYTHING! I hate that in a story. I’m all for strong adjectives peppered through a good book but I don’t need to read a paragraph on every minute detail. This drove me bananas to the point where my overall rating was effected. I don’t care what each and every gun is called and what calibre the ammo is, and what direction the wind must be blowing in order to use it. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but only slightly which is a shame because otherwise, it’s a great read.
There were a few other tiny things but nothing else that detracted from the story. I think each reader will have varying opinions on this book, and your reading experience will be more about personal taste. For example, I read this one out load to Mr. Shanannigans and he loved it. Me, I liked it enough but I don’t think I will read any other titles. Just not my style.
Rating… C+
*Thank you to Netgalley for my digital copy of Dead Lines in exchange for my honest review.
As I mentioned, great plot!
The power mysteriously goes out all over the city just as “Parker” is taking an emergency call from a young girl begging for help. Because of his tragic past, he is compelled to help this girl and when chaos breaks out he realizes no one else will. We quickly learn that in addition to the main character being a former police officer, he is also a “Prepper”.
A Prepper is defined as “a person who believes a catastrophic disaster or emergency is likely to occur in the future and makes active preparations for it, typically by stockpiling food, ammunition, and other supplies”. This puts a very interesting twist on the story because as such, Parker is literally ready for any situation and trust me, he encounters loads of dangerous scenarios throughout the story.
Another thing I quite liked about this one, was its motley crew of characters, particularly a young spitfire named “Finn”. She’s fiercely brave and is the perfect contrast to “Parker’s” more serious nature. They make a fantastic team.
Unfortunately, there were things about this story that I disliked as well. The biggest being the author’s over-description of EVERYTHING! I hate that in a story. I’m all for strong adjectives peppered through a good book but I don’t need to read a paragraph on every minute detail. This drove me bananas to the point where my overall rating was effected. I don’t care what each and every gun is called and what calibre the ammo is, and what direction the wind must be blowing in order to use it. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but only slightly which is a shame because otherwise, it’s a great read.
There were a few other tiny things but nothing else that detracted from the story. I think each reader will have varying opinions on this book, and your reading experience will be more about personal taste. For example, I read this one out load to Mr. Shanannigans and he loved it. Me, I liked it enough but I don’t think I will read any other titles. Just not my style.
Rating… C+
*Thank you to Netgalley for my digital copy of Dead Lines in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2018
What a dark, violent and grisly tale of people struggling for survival by Grace Hamilton, after the electronic world we know has gone dark. While semi-familiar with the prepper philosophy, the book was extremely educational and informative about their beliefs. This book, even though dark and deadly, was in fact, a story about the love and devotion of the characters to the ones they love and attempt to save from the resulting chaos of the blacked out world they knew. The story was told in such amounts of descriptive details the reader could easily picture their trek across the land, their preparations, and of course their battles, both with the outside enemy, as well as with own inner demons. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
August 1, 2021
Dead Lines Grace Hamilton. Jack Colrain
Jim Parker is a 911 operator. Prior to that he was a police officer and had been in the military. He receives a call from a panicked young women, in fear for her life. Then everything shuts down. An EMP strike.He has a An approximate idea where the call might have originated from. He is determined to rescue her. His own daughter had gone missing and never located. What follows is a disturbing story of a cult in Indiana who kidnaps and brainwashed young children. The cults leader Dr. Marr is a very intelligent, devious psychopath. Parker is able to determine from her this was a planned EMP attack. Some people do have power and military transportation, helicopters. This is a fast paced story of survival. An excellent read!!
Jim Parker is a 911 operator. Prior to that he was a police officer and had been in the military. He receives a call from a panicked young women, in fear for her life. Then everything shuts down. An EMP strike.He has a An approximate idea where the call might have originated from. He is determined to rescue her. His own daughter had gone missing and never located. What follows is a disturbing story of a cult in Indiana who kidnaps and brainwashed young children. The cults leader Dr. Marr is a very intelligent, devious psychopath. Parker is able to determine from her this was a planned EMP attack. Some people do have power and military transportation, helicopters. This is a fast paced story of survival. An excellent read!!
March 26, 2018
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and I have chosen of my own volition to share my review with you!
An EMP goes off, the power shuts down; the main character is working in a 911 call-center when all of this occurs. How far will he go to ensure the caller, who has been disconnected, receives help? This tale is well-written, and it takes the reader into a new "world" (no power, few electronics working).
An EMP goes off, the power shuts down; the main character is working in a 911 call-center when all of this occurs. How far will he go to ensure the caller, who has been disconnected, receives help? This tale is well-written, and it takes the reader into a new "world" (no power, few electronics working).
February 12, 2020
Did politics cause this?
There are so many questions, some answered but more leading to more questions still. The characters are fine examples of flawed human beings, an interesting mix. There is so much there to get your head around. So much anger, revolt, viciousness, nothing was left out. Mostly there were predators preying on the weaker. It is after all a post-apocalyptic novel.
There are so many questions, some answered but more leading to more questions still. The characters are fine examples of flawed human beings, an interesting mix. There is so much there to get your head around. So much anger, revolt, viciousness, nothing was left out. Mostly there were predators preying on the weaker. It is after all a post-apocalyptic novel.
April 18, 2018
Disappointing.
I wanted to like this book and I still like the premise, but I really struggled through the overdescription and poorly crafted dialogue. I found it tough to connect with parker, who just had all the convenient skills necessary to survive. I did really enjoy finn though and would've like to see an entire book about her kicking ass.
I wanted to like this book and I still like the premise, but I really struggled through the overdescription and poorly crafted dialogue. I found it tough to connect with parker, who just had all the convenient skills necessary to survive. I did really enjoy finn though and would've like to see an entire book about her kicking ass.
March 3, 2020
Blasphemy and vulgarity on every page
I don’t know how you got hooked up with this Jack, Ms. Hamilton, but while he may add correct grammar and spelling to your wonderfully imaginative stories, the blasphemy, obscenity and vulgar language don’t belong in your books. Big thumbs down!
I don’t know how you got hooked up with this Jack, Ms. Hamilton, but while he may add correct grammar and spelling to your wonderfully imaginative stories, the blasphemy, obscenity and vulgar language don’t belong in your books. Big thumbs down!
April 1, 2018
Another great story!
I loved it from the beginning! Explosive all the way through the book. Characters you will like, and some had come to them what needed to be done! I can hardly wait for the next one!
I loved it from the beginning! Explosive all the way through the book. Characters you will like, and some had come to them what needed to be done! I can hardly wait for the next one!
April 29, 2018
Interesting
Enjoyed Grace Hamilton's other books. Again she didn't fail to bring me a couple of hours of pleasure.
Fav quotes
“Well, let’s not start hugging like democrats,”
“Lewis Carroll, pillar of children’s literature and unredeemed pedophile,”
Enjoyed Grace Hamilton's other books. Again she didn't fail to bring me a couple of hours of pleasure.
Fav quotes
“Well, let’s not start hugging like democrats,”
“Lewis Carroll, pillar of children’s literature and unredeemed pedophile,”
January 16, 2020
Riveting!
Enjoyed the depth of the characters, at times it was a little too raw but fortunately for me those times were short and I moved on to the next twist in the story! Looking forward to the next book in the series.....
Enjoyed the depth of the characters, at times it was a little too raw but fortunately for me those times were short and I moved on to the next twist in the story! Looking forward to the next book in the series.....
February 21, 2018
Wow
What a wild ride!! The EMP started a fast pace unexpected turn of events. Great characters especially Finn and Ava.
What a wild ride!! The EMP started a fast pace unexpected turn of events. Great characters especially Finn and Ava.
May 29, 2018
too graphic for my taste
October 8, 2018
Great beginning!
I got this book based off reading the authors other series. This one is just as good! I'm really liking it and will start the second now.
I got this book based off reading the authors other series. This one is just as good! I'm really liking it and will start the second now.
September 25, 2019
Good
There is plenty of action in this book. Intriguing characters and interesting plot. Storyline of 911 operator who gets call just before EMP hits.
There is plenty of action in this book. Intriguing characters and interesting plot. Storyline of 911 operator who gets call just before EMP hits.
September 5, 2018
This is the third book I’ve read/listened to by this author.
I’ve previously listened to Dark Redemption and Dark Revival and look forward to finishing that series. Problem is, now I want to read this series too!
I won’t give a synopsis, audible did that well enough. The book does not have a lot of prepper stuff, it focuses more on Jim and the other girl he crosses paths with. There is drama, mystery, some intrigue and a bit of “one guy against them all”.
This is the third book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Andrew Tell ) and I would gladly listen to another. He does great with all the character voices and context. His reading is clear enough I could easily increase the playback speed. I felt it necessary to increase it a bit more than I usually do, since the narration was too slow for me.
There are no explicit sex scenes, or excessive violence. There is swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 4/5
Narration 4/5
I’ve previously listened to Dark Redemption and Dark Revival and look forward to finishing that series. Problem is, now I want to read this series too!
I won’t give a synopsis, audible did that well enough. The book does not have a lot of prepper stuff, it focuses more on Jim and the other girl he crosses paths with. There is drama, mystery, some intrigue and a bit of “one guy against them all”.
This is the third book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Andrew Tell ) and I would gladly listen to another. He does great with all the character voices and context. His reading is clear enough I could easily increase the playback speed. I felt it necessary to increase it a bit more than I usually do, since the narration was too slow for me.
There are no explicit sex scenes, or excessive violence. There is swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 4/5
Narration 4/5
July 31, 2019
Here we have a novel of survival and persistence. Survival after an EMP strikes the U.S., persistence of a 911 operator who receives a call for help from a girl right before the EMP. The determination of Jim Parker, the 911 operator, is a bit implausible to my thinking as who would doggedly continue on such a course with everything else going on at the time. Finn was quite the character and brought much fun and excitement to the story. Ava was a bit more conservative. This is a pretty good survival/suspense thriller if a bit wordy. I enjoyed the story as a whole and may look into the next volume. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
July 12, 2018
This was really good!I liked the premise of an 911 operator trying to help someone who called the number.Looking forward to book 2!Andrew Tell was a great narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews