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Dark Nation #1
Escaping Anarchy
They’re trapped inside a prison when the power goes out…
Molly is determined to get the troubled teens she teaches back on the right path and is convinced a trip to a local prison will show them the consequences of bad behavior. But when an EMP blast knocks out all power across the country, Molly and her five students, along with their former-Marine bus driver, Colton, are locked in with the prisoners with no safe exit.
The guards are little help against clever convicts, and when a riot throws everything into chaos, Molly and Colton must find a way to get to freedom with their charges, even if it means trusting a prisoner who is using them for his own gains.
Prisoners aren’t the only danger in the suddenly powerless world. Escaping the prison may be more dangerous than staying inside as it becomes clear to everyone that the power isn’t coming back, and society is about to crumble.
Molly is determined to get the troubled teens she teaches back on the right path and is convinced a trip to a local prison will show them the consequences of bad behavior. But when an EMP blast knocks out all power across the country, Molly and her five students, along with their former-Marine bus driver, Colton, are locked in with the prisoners with no safe exit.
The guards are little help against clever convicts, and when a riot throws everything into chaos, Molly and Colton must find a way to get to freedom with their charges, even if it means trusting a prisoner who is using them for his own gains.
Prisoners aren’t the only danger in the suddenly powerless world. Escaping the prison may be more dangerous than staying inside as it becomes clear to everyone that the power isn’t coming back, and society is about to crumble.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2022
538 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Grace Hamilton
138 books294 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 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 8, 2022
I thought this was an interesting concept. I’ve read a lot of end of the world type books and they can be repetitive, so it was exciting to read something fresh added to the genre! Having an EMP being the reason the world ends rather than a bomb or zombies was exciting to see how it would play out.
Escaping Anarchy tells the story of Molly, a teacher, as she takes 5 of her most troubled kids, Zack, Lucky, Erik, Scarlett and Jenna on a field trip to the local prison. But things don’t go to plan and they are inside the prison as an EMP takes out the power and the world descends into chaos.
There were a few POVs; Molly, trying to get to safety with her 5 teenage charges, Laura, Erik and Scarlett’s mother, Alex, their dad, Dougie, one prisoner, and Tommy, Zack’s brother and a newly released prisoner.
Because there were so many, it was difficult to keep up with them. However, it was interesting to read about the events from different perspectives and see how they are affecting them, and how they all linked. It also gave us insight into what was happening outside as Molly and the teens were stuck inside the prison. I especially liked Tommy’s POV and the Robinson family. It added a flair of mystery and darkness. I hope we get to see more of the Robinson’s in the next book.
It was a quick read. I finished it in just over a day. The pacing was brilliant. Just enough build-up to get us familiar with the characters and world before the action began. It was so tense and I was on edge the entire time wondering what would happen next and if everyone would make it to safety. Nice, brief chapters. That also helped keep the pace fast and me on the edge of my seat.
It was obvious Dougie was not to be trusted and although his motivation and goal were easy to predict, there was also another underlying goal that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was also interesting to see how the 5 teens coped with the situation. As they were all troubled (and that’s why they’d ended up on a field trip to a prison in the first place), it was good to see their emotions and coping mechanisms as they fought for survival. Also, whether it was on purpose, I loved the contrast between the current prisoners and their behaviour, and Tommy, who just got out of jail and is trying to turn his life around. Showing that people who have gotten in trouble with the law in the past are capable of change and choosing to live a better life.
Although the plot and characters were good, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the writing. There was nothing wrong with it per se, but it was just okay and I don’t think I’ll remember it. It also got a little far-fetched towards the end. I can’t say much without giving away any potential spoilers, but Molly (the schoolteacher) seemed to make some pretty dumb and irrational choices that also seemed to contradict her previous motivations. By the end of the book, though, she’d made up for it.
The ending was satisfying and resolved the major conflict of book one, whilst also leaving us with unanswered story threads leading onto the next book. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book as I loved the characters and want to know what happens next! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author, for a chance to read and review this book!
Escaping Anarchy tells the story of Molly, a teacher, as she takes 5 of her most troubled kids, Zack, Lucky, Erik, Scarlett and Jenna on a field trip to the local prison. But things don’t go to plan and they are inside the prison as an EMP takes out the power and the world descends into chaos.
There were a few POVs; Molly, trying to get to safety with her 5 teenage charges, Laura, Erik and Scarlett’s mother, Alex, their dad, Dougie, one prisoner, and Tommy, Zack’s brother and a newly released prisoner.
Because there were so many, it was difficult to keep up with them. However, it was interesting to read about the events from different perspectives and see how they are affecting them, and how they all linked. It also gave us insight into what was happening outside as Molly and the teens were stuck inside the prison. I especially liked Tommy’s POV and the Robinson family. It added a flair of mystery and darkness. I hope we get to see more of the Robinson’s in the next book.
It was a quick read. I finished it in just over a day. The pacing was brilliant. Just enough build-up to get us familiar with the characters and world before the action began. It was so tense and I was on edge the entire time wondering what would happen next and if everyone would make it to safety. Nice, brief chapters. That also helped keep the pace fast and me on the edge of my seat.
It was obvious Dougie was not to be trusted and although his motivation and goal were easy to predict, there was also another underlying goal that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It was also interesting to see how the 5 teens coped with the situation. As they were all troubled (and that’s why they’d ended up on a field trip to a prison in the first place), it was good to see their emotions and coping mechanisms as they fought for survival. Also, whether it was on purpose, I loved the contrast between the current prisoners and their behaviour, and Tommy, who just got out of jail and is trying to turn his life around. Showing that people who have gotten in trouble with the law in the past are capable of change and choosing to live a better life.
Although the plot and characters were good, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the writing. There was nothing wrong with it per se, but it was just okay and I don’t think I’ll remember it. It also got a little far-fetched towards the end. I can’t say much without giving away any potential spoilers, but Molly (the schoolteacher) seemed to make some pretty dumb and irrational choices that also seemed to contradict her previous motivations. By the end of the book, though, she’d made up for it.
The ending was satisfying and resolved the major conflict of book one, whilst also leaving us with unanswered story threads leading onto the next book. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book as I loved the characters and want to know what happens next! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author, for a chance to read and review this book!
January 27, 2022
This is a great first part to this interesting end of the world! Really great characters & overall good ideas & storyline. I did really like all of this & can't criticise it in anyway as it has everything you want from a good adventure! I do recommend!
May 9, 2022
Ok, I am hooked. book 2 was good. Kept me interested. I really like the characters and how the story is developing. This is the first time I have read this author and will read more of their books.
February 2, 2022
Well it’s not quite dystopian, nor completely end of the world but this story is set when all power is lost apparently due to a mysterious electromagnetic pulse. We follow Molly, a school teacher , five tennagers and their driver, an ex marine as they attend what I can only describe as a hopefully informative and ever so slightly scary trip to a prison. These students have each shown questionable behaviour but their teacher Molly still has hopes for them although she’s kind of disenchanted with teaching in many respects. When they have only been inside the prison for a very short time the lights go out and it’s soon obvious that’s it’s not a normal black out but something infinitely more serious. Without modern technology it’s about to be a terrifying fight to escape from the prisoners who see this as a chance to turn the tables .
This was a fairly quick read that got going quickly and just kept the pace rolling. I liked that we got chapters from various perspectives as it helped to enrich the story. These ill assorted characters go on a journey of self discovery that definitely humanises them. I enjoyed this story as it kept me guessing who would survive and very much look forward to the next book. My first book by this author and one I will certainly look out for in the future.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This was a fairly quick read that got going quickly and just kept the pace rolling. I liked that we got chapters from various perspectives as it helped to enrich the story. These ill assorted characters go on a journey of self discovery that definitely humanises them. I enjoyed this story as it kept me guessing who would survive and very much look forward to the next book. My first book by this author and one I will certainly look out for in the future.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
July 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to listen to more. The set up for the entire series left me downloading the next book. It’s fast paced and a quick read/listen. I listened to the audible in a day!
January 16, 2022
This book cover certainly caught my eye, with both figures wielding guns and the background being full of fire and plumes of smoke! It definitely perfectly fits a scene from within the book. I also have to say that both the title of this individual book really fits the situation both inside and outside the prison. The series title “Dark Nation” also fits this book and I am sure will continue to fit the rest of the series very well too. It will have a dual meaning, firstly the EMP making things “dark” with no power. Then of course the actual situation and how people will/are reacting also being well described as dark too. Then when I read the blurb, I was intrigued as to how the story would unfold with a school trip being trapped inside a prison with some of the most dangerous criminals in there with them. Though the central plot of the book is the “Scared straight” school trip getting trapped inside the prison, we also get different points of views from the parents of a set of twins on the trip, a newly released convict who has a chance of almost certain survival with a fellow convict and his prepper family, but who chooses to go home to find his brother. Then we also have the angle from one of the prisoners trapped with the school teenagers.
I loved the irony of the usually mouthy twins, Scarlett and Erik being on the “scared straight” trip because they are computer hackers With the EMP Disaster you would automatically presume that their skills would be of no use, however they do end up using their unique skills in an important way that helps the group. I also enjoyed reading about how the EMP impacted their parents, Laura and Alex. As Laura is in a wheelchair caused by a car accident where Alex was driving their relationship isn’t at its best. When the EMP occurs and they realise that their twin teens will be stuck at Fairfield Prison, Alex takes it upon himself to go find them, leaving Laura at home with her service dog Argent thinking it will be a safer and quicker option. However, both Alex and Laura have their own obstacles to deal with, meaning Laura has to make a very tough decision.
Another quirk of fate has Tommy being released from his lower security prison, heading to his ex-convict friend Luke’s home as the EMP occurs. Tommy didn’t have a great home life, his dad going off doing his own thing and a mother more interested in drink/drugs. At first Tommy is swept up with how welcoming Luke and his family are. Then when he realises what an EMP actually means to life, and they reveal how prepared they are for this eventuality, I honestly wouldn’t have blamed him, for being carried along with the flow of events and going off with the family to their already part prepped hideaway. I adored the moment Luke’s dad, Beck, hands over one of their survival bags to Tommy and also gives him directions to come back to the family when he finds his younger brother. The quirk of fate part is that Tommy just being released from a minimum-security prison, he soon finds himself faced with having to break into the maximum-security Fairfield prison where his brother is part of the scared straight programme/trip, having been stuck there when the EMP hit.
There are so many different character angles, opinions, and situations in this book.
Just thinking about those inside Fairfield Prison there are three angles! There’s Molly, the teacher, her first time chaperoning the Scared straight trip. The coach driver, Colton, ex-military, able to handle himself but how can he be expected to protect Molly and the teens, Jenna, Lucky, Erik, Scarlett and Zack inside a prison being taken over by the prisoners! Each teen is also struggling with their own issues, from getting into a fist-fights, to setting fires, to computer hacking. Within the prison the immediate threats to the scared straight group are the three prisoners that were talking to the teen who are Dougie, Santi & Frank, It’s no long until there are also the other prisoners whom of course quickly realise it’s the perfect time to run amok. Finally, there are also the overrun Prison Guards, Victor Fox & Emma Grayson, doing their best to hold off the prisoners in the hope help is coming to them from outside.
Then from outside Fairfield Prison there are, parents Laura & Alex who immediately think of how to get to their teens and get them back home. Alex leaves Laura at home presuming she will slow him down and that as the chaos rise’s she will be safer at home with Argent her GSD, where she can gather whatever food & supplies that they may have around the house and be ready for his return with their children.
Luke’s family has prepared for this type of event for some time and isn’t fazed by it at all. I love how they instantly presume Tommy will come back to them when he finds his brother.
I could seriously go on and on talking forever about this book as so much happens and there is such a fantastic range of characters. I mean there could have been a whole book just about what happens to the teens on the “scared straight” trip just at the prison. I started reading this book and became so engrossed I was halfway through it before I even added it to my Goodreads shelf, which I use to keep track of what I am reading and thinking whilst reading books.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were Wow! Another action-packed start to a potentially amazing new series from Grace Hamilton.
Summing up, this book has so many different scenarios taking place in it, you really will not want to put this book down at all. There are so many layers to the book, so many different characters and all their unique situation’s. I truly cannot wait to read the next book!!
I loved the irony of the usually mouthy twins, Scarlett and Erik being on the “scared straight” trip because they are computer hackers With the EMP Disaster you would automatically presume that their skills would be of no use, however they do end up using their unique skills in an important way that helps the group. I also enjoyed reading about how the EMP impacted their parents, Laura and Alex. As Laura is in a wheelchair caused by a car accident where Alex was driving their relationship isn’t at its best. When the EMP occurs and they realise that their twin teens will be stuck at Fairfield Prison, Alex takes it upon himself to go find them, leaving Laura at home with her service dog Argent thinking it will be a safer and quicker option. However, both Alex and Laura have their own obstacles to deal with, meaning Laura has to make a very tough decision.
Another quirk of fate has Tommy being released from his lower security prison, heading to his ex-convict friend Luke’s home as the EMP occurs. Tommy didn’t have a great home life, his dad going off doing his own thing and a mother more interested in drink/drugs. At first Tommy is swept up with how welcoming Luke and his family are. Then when he realises what an EMP actually means to life, and they reveal how prepared they are for this eventuality, I honestly wouldn’t have blamed him, for being carried along with the flow of events and going off with the family to their already part prepped hideaway. I adored the moment Luke’s dad, Beck, hands over one of their survival bags to Tommy and also gives him directions to come back to the family when he finds his younger brother. The quirk of fate part is that Tommy just being released from a minimum-security prison, he soon finds himself faced with having to break into the maximum-security Fairfield prison where his brother is part of the scared straight programme/trip, having been stuck there when the EMP hit.
There are so many different character angles, opinions, and situations in this book.
Just thinking about those inside Fairfield Prison there are three angles! There’s Molly, the teacher, her first time chaperoning the Scared straight trip. The coach driver, Colton, ex-military, able to handle himself but how can he be expected to protect Molly and the teens, Jenna, Lucky, Erik, Scarlett and Zack inside a prison being taken over by the prisoners! Each teen is also struggling with their own issues, from getting into a fist-fights, to setting fires, to computer hacking. Within the prison the immediate threats to the scared straight group are the three prisoners that were talking to the teen who are Dougie, Santi & Frank, It’s no long until there are also the other prisoners whom of course quickly realise it’s the perfect time to run amok. Finally, there are also the overrun Prison Guards, Victor Fox & Emma Grayson, doing their best to hold off the prisoners in the hope help is coming to them from outside.
Then from outside Fairfield Prison there are, parents Laura & Alex who immediately think of how to get to their teens and get them back home. Alex leaves Laura at home presuming she will slow him down and that as the chaos rise’s she will be safer at home with Argent her GSD, where she can gather whatever food & supplies that they may have around the house and be ready for his return with their children.
Luke’s family has prepared for this type of event for some time and isn’t fazed by it at all. I love how they instantly presume Tommy will come back to them when he finds his brother.
I could seriously go on and on talking forever about this book as so much happens and there is such a fantastic range of characters. I mean there could have been a whole book just about what happens to the teens on the “scared straight” trip just at the prison. I started reading this book and became so engrossed I was halfway through it before I even added it to my Goodreads shelf, which I use to keep track of what I am reading and thinking whilst reading books.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were Wow! Another action-packed start to a potentially amazing new series from Grace Hamilton.
Summing up, this book has so many different scenarios taking place in it, you really will not want to put this book down at all. There are so many layers to the book, so many different characters and all their unique situation’s. I truly cannot wait to read the next book!!
March 10, 2022
This is book one of the Dark Nation series and finds English teacher Molly O’Neill, their ex-Marine bus driver Colton, and the five wayward teenagers Zack, Lucky, Jenna, and twins Erik and Scarlett, at Fairfield Prison attending the Scared Straight initiative, when the power suddenly goes off. They are trapped in a room with three prisoners and two prison guards, in the dark, which is Molly’s greatest fear. The teens were supposed to be shown the consequences of their current bad choices and the path it could lead to, with a few well-chosen prisoners there to scare them silly and hopefully get them back on the right path. Lucky likes lighting fires, Jenna has taken part in quite a few fights, Zack has a huge chip on his shoulder after his older brother went to prison for killing someone and the other kids call him a psycho, whilst the twins are off to a good start at computer hacking and causing mayhem at school and further afield. The storyline details what happens to the group as a riot breaks out in the prison and they are soon left in the hands of one of the three prisoners, Dougie, who seems to take control over the other prisoners. Other parts of the storyline follow some of their family members, as they deal with issues caused by the EMP strike, which they face along the way.
Zack has taken quite a shine to Dougie and seems to relate to him, wanting to be like him as well it seems. When Dougie lets them out the front doors, Zack stays behind and that leaves Molly in a difficult position. Erik and Scarlett figure out pretty quickly that the power going out was due to an EMP and that things will quickly get a lot worse. Their parents Alex and Laura Banks are at home when the power goes off and also realise what is happening. Their family has fallen apart a bit since Laura’s accident, which left her in a wheelchair, and the kids have reacted to the change in their lives. Alex is sent to get their kids form the prison, whilst Laura prepares stuff at home for them, to then take to wherever they might be able to go for safety. Another family member is Tommy, the older brother of Zack, who has just been released from prison and thought someone might have picked him up. Instead he calls a friend and ends up with their family having a meal when the power goes off. They are preppers and have already prepared for such a day and have a place to go to, where they should be safe from the chaos that will soon follow. Tommy wants to go with them, but has to look for his brother, the only family he really has, other than a drug addict mother who never cared about either of them!
The group at the prison have a battle on their hands to get out safely, without other prisoners finding them and doing who knows what to them all. Molly and the teens could be at a high risk of being used by prisoners as hostages, for who knows how long, whilst Colton is close to fighting their way out, no matter the number of prisoners they face, even with a bum leg. The prison guards have disappeared on them and so has the warden and it seems no one cares what happens to the group apart from the prisoner Dougie, who clearly has his own reasons for pretending to be so helpful and one of them seems very unsavoury! Whether that will come to fruition is yet to be seen. Each main character has different choices to make as they battle the situations they find themselves in. I loved how the twins, after first being gutted that all the computers were unusable, then ended up helping with other machinery and devices, that helped them along the way. Even the pyromaniac Lucky, uses his urges for good, as the others try to get out of the prison! Zack may have gone the wrong way, but redeems himself at the end and we are left with in fact a prison guard spelling out the worst that is to come. Another great read from this author and now I can catch up with the characters in the next two books in the series, which are already available. I can’t wait! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Zack has taken quite a shine to Dougie and seems to relate to him, wanting to be like him as well it seems. When Dougie lets them out the front doors, Zack stays behind and that leaves Molly in a difficult position. Erik and Scarlett figure out pretty quickly that the power going out was due to an EMP and that things will quickly get a lot worse. Their parents Alex and Laura Banks are at home when the power goes off and also realise what is happening. Their family has fallen apart a bit since Laura’s accident, which left her in a wheelchair, and the kids have reacted to the change in their lives. Alex is sent to get their kids form the prison, whilst Laura prepares stuff at home for them, to then take to wherever they might be able to go for safety. Another family member is Tommy, the older brother of Zack, who has just been released from prison and thought someone might have picked him up. Instead he calls a friend and ends up with their family having a meal when the power goes off. They are preppers and have already prepared for such a day and have a place to go to, where they should be safe from the chaos that will soon follow. Tommy wants to go with them, but has to look for his brother, the only family he really has, other than a drug addict mother who never cared about either of them!
The group at the prison have a battle on their hands to get out safely, without other prisoners finding them and doing who knows what to them all. Molly and the teens could be at a high risk of being used by prisoners as hostages, for who knows how long, whilst Colton is close to fighting their way out, no matter the number of prisoners they face, even with a bum leg. The prison guards have disappeared on them and so has the warden and it seems no one cares what happens to the group apart from the prisoner Dougie, who clearly has his own reasons for pretending to be so helpful and one of them seems very unsavoury! Whether that will come to fruition is yet to be seen. Each main character has different choices to make as they battle the situations they find themselves in. I loved how the twins, after first being gutted that all the computers were unusable, then ended up helping with other machinery and devices, that helped them along the way. Even the pyromaniac Lucky, uses his urges for good, as the others try to get out of the prison! Zack may have gone the wrong way, but redeems himself at the end and we are left with in fact a prison guard spelling out the worst that is to come. Another great read from this author and now I can catch up with the characters in the next two books in the series, which are already available. I can’t wait! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 28, 2024
World Coming Apart
This book's title seems peculiar. As this is the first book of the Dark Nation series, everybody involved is being dropped right into anarchy! Nobody's escaping it quite yet! If you've read any post-EMP books by this author, you will be familiar with her formula. I don't say “formula” as if it's a bad thing, because this author is skilled. She takes a decent amount of time at the start of the book to set up all the main characters and their scenarios. As always in these books, we don’t just follow one group of people as they're trying to navigate their post-EMP world. Instead, the book follows several in different locations, with some connections between them. Compared to other books by this author, much time is spent at the beginning of the book showing the world as it was before the EMP happens. I don't recall prior series spending quite so much time setting up the pre-EMP world. But I liked how we see the characters’ lives before disaster struck.
As a former addiction nurse, I have a quibble. One character is a woman who suffered from opioid addiction after she was injured. In the book, she struggles with whether to take some of her leftover pills, and at one point, she decides to take some. The character mentions the “sweet release” it gives her. It doesn't quite work that way. People who have battled with opioid addiction don't continue to take it for the initial “sweet release” it gave them when they first started using. Rather, they take it to chase away the bad feelings they have when they're addicted and don't use. Opioid addiction is complex, having both physical and psychological components. It's hard to say, given how much time had lapsed before her relapse, if she would still be feeling poorly physically because of her addiction, but at that point, she wouldn't get any physical “sweet release.” And also, there is the very real danger of overdose if people do relapse, as any length of time away from their substance will decrease their tolerance, making it so that if they use at their prior level, they will be more likely to have an overdose. That actually could be quite a dramatic moment in a book like this. So if the author ever chooses to go down the opioid addiction road with a character again, she could consider going that route.
This book is full of action once the EMP strikes. A group of children is in particular peril. They were going on a field trip to the local prison for the Scared Straight program. Essentially, they are locked in with the prisoners once things go down! They've got a fantastic teacher and a former military bus driver who protect them. I felt a little frustrated with the teacher at some points, especially when she endangered four children to rescue one. I understood her rationale, of course, but seeing what happened next to the children was hard to swallow. One mildly annoying thing I've noticed in all these post-EMP books by this author is that she has things go bad rather quickly. I understand that from a storytelling standpoint, but I'd hate to think that if an event like this really happened, we would all descend into such lawlessness, anarchy, and cruelty to others so quickly. I've already got the next book queued up and ready to listen to. I'm curious to see what happens next to all the groups of people.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
This book's title seems peculiar. As this is the first book of the Dark Nation series, everybody involved is being dropped right into anarchy! Nobody's escaping it quite yet! If you've read any post-EMP books by this author, you will be familiar with her formula. I don't say “formula” as if it's a bad thing, because this author is skilled. She takes a decent amount of time at the start of the book to set up all the main characters and their scenarios. As always in these books, we don’t just follow one group of people as they're trying to navigate their post-EMP world. Instead, the book follows several in different locations, with some connections between them. Compared to other books by this author, much time is spent at the beginning of the book showing the world as it was before the EMP happens. I don't recall prior series spending quite so much time setting up the pre-EMP world. But I liked how we see the characters’ lives before disaster struck.
As a former addiction nurse, I have a quibble. One character is a woman who suffered from opioid addiction after she was injured. In the book, she struggles with whether to take some of her leftover pills, and at one point, she decides to take some. The character mentions the “sweet release” it gives her. It doesn't quite work that way. People who have battled with opioid addiction don't continue to take it for the initial “sweet release” it gave them when they first started using. Rather, they take it to chase away the bad feelings they have when they're addicted and don't use. Opioid addiction is complex, having both physical and psychological components. It's hard to say, given how much time had lapsed before her relapse, if she would still be feeling poorly physically because of her addiction, but at that point, she wouldn't get any physical “sweet release.” And also, there is the very real danger of overdose if people do relapse, as any length of time away from their substance will decrease their tolerance, making it so that if they use at their prior level, they will be more likely to have an overdose. That actually could be quite a dramatic moment in a book like this. So if the author ever chooses to go down the opioid addiction road with a character again, she could consider going that route.
This book is full of action once the EMP strikes. A group of children is in particular peril. They were going on a field trip to the local prison for the Scared Straight program. Essentially, they are locked in with the prisoners once things go down! They've got a fantastic teacher and a former military bus driver who protect them. I felt a little frustrated with the teacher at some points, especially when she endangered four children to rescue one. I understood her rationale, of course, but seeing what happened next to the children was hard to swallow. One mildly annoying thing I've noticed in all these post-EMP books by this author is that she has things go bad rather quickly. I understand that from a storytelling standpoint, but I'd hate to think that if an event like this really happened, we would all descend into such lawlessness, anarchy, and cruelty to others so quickly. I've already got the next book queued up and ready to listen to. I'm curious to see what happens next to all the groups of people.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
February 9, 2022
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝙀𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙮
Dark Nation Book 1
Grace Hamilton
Post-Apocalyptic
288 Pages
Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
Molly takes her students to a prison, hoping it will scare them straight. The only other adult with her is Colton, an ex-Marine turned bus driver. When the power goes out, chaos ensues. Now they are on a slippery slope trying to break away from a prison without a safe exit and back to their homes.
Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
Reading Escaping Anarchy takes me to a place that scares the bejeebies out of me. An EMP is scary enough without being in a prison where the convicts are loose and on the move.
I admire Molly and Colton. They are both honorable people with good hearts. Molly’s emotional strength and determination define her as a person.
As far as post-apocalyptic reading goes, this is a good story. Filled with heart-stopping moments that made me grit my teeth, Escaping Anarchy stirred my senses. I am anxious to read the next book to see how the story continues.
Read more dazzling reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
𝙀𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙮
Dark Nation Book 1
Grace Hamilton
Post-Apocalyptic
288 Pages
Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
Molly takes her students to a prison, hoping it will scare them straight. The only other adult with her is Colton, an ex-Marine turned bus driver. When the power goes out, chaos ensues. Now they are on a slippery slope trying to break away from a prison without a safe exit and back to their homes.
Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
Reading Escaping Anarchy takes me to a place that scares the bejeebies out of me. An EMP is scary enough without being in a prison where the convicts are loose and on the move.
I admire Molly and Colton. They are both honorable people with good hearts. Molly’s emotional strength and determination define her as a person.
As far as post-apocalyptic reading goes, this is a good story. Filled with heart-stopping moments that made me grit my teeth, Escaping Anarchy stirred my senses. I am anxious to read the next book to see how the story continues.
Read more dazzling reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
February 24, 2022
Before they even arrive, Molly begins to question her conviction that the scared-straight program at the local prison will set the troubled teens she is escorting on the right path. When an EMP knocks out the power their only hope of escaping the prison is a convict with his own agenda. Unfortunately, when Molly and the students manage to escape, they quickly realize that they probably aren't any safer outside the prison walls.
I think these characters ae all fascinating and well written. They all have unique and, I think, realistic reactions to the circumstances they suddenly find themselves in, even the prisoners and guards were, again my opinion, portrayed realistically. Misbehaving teens, prison riots, violence, some suspense, and unexpected twists in the plot make this a must read. Terrifying and believable series starter, I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I think these characters ae all fascinating and well written. They all have unique and, I think, realistic reactions to the circumstances they suddenly find themselves in, even the prisoners and guards were, again my opinion, portrayed realistically. Misbehaving teens, prison riots, violence, some suspense, and unexpected twists in the plot make this a must read. Terrifying and believable series starter, I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 9, 2022
A Gripping Read.
What an excellent start to a new series. I love the nice feeling you get when you open the first page and you just know that it's going to be brilliant, well that's the feeling I got when I opened Escaping Anarchy. Right from the beginning, I couldn't put it down I was so engrossed. The story flowed so easily and you start to get the gist of the story and also get to know the characters who were well written the younger ones were teenagers who had packed their attitude as per. Initially, I thought the teacher was pretty weak but she showed a bit of steel and everyone stood up to the plate when it was required. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an excellent start to a new series. I love the nice feeling you get when you open the first page and you just know that it's going to be brilliant, well that's the feeling I got when I opened Escaping Anarchy. Right from the beginning, I couldn't put it down I was so engrossed. The story flowed so easily and you start to get the gist of the story and also get to know the characters who were well written the younger ones were teenagers who had packed their attitude as per. Initially, I thought the teacher was pretty weak but she showed a bit of steel and everyone stood up to the plate when it was required. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
English teacher Molly O'Neil and bus driver Colton King, a medically retired Marine take 5 highschool students with "issues" to Fairfield Prison for the "Scared Straight" program. Just after they arrive, while sitting in a room with 3 inmates, an EMP hits. Now they have to learn how to come together as a group using their various skill sets or come to a bad end. They get out once, minus young Zach. His brother Tommy and Alex, the father of twins Erik and Scarlett are outside. They go back in under a "leave no man behind" purpose. What they all learn and how they all get out again is an outstanding bit of clever writing. Can't wait for the next one.
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.
February 11, 2022
Another great story by Grace Hamilton. Molly, an English teacher and Colton, a retired Marine, and the bus driver take 5 high school students to Fairfield Prison for a scared straight program. While they are in a room with 3 inmates an EMP hits and knocks out the power throughout the prison. Without power Molly, Colton and the kids need to get out of the prison safely. As they are trying to get out so are the prisoners. Love how fast paced the story is with everyone trying to survive and keep out of the inmates way. Can't wait to read the next book to see what happens.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2022
Scared straighter!
Molly and Colton are taking “problem” students to a scared straight program at the local prison when an EMP hits. The story takes off quickly and the group must find a way out of the prison and learn to work together to survive in this new and even more dangerous world. If they thought a prison would scare them straight, well surviving in a “dark” world will be even worse. The dynamics are amazing and Molly turns from a less than enthusiastic teacher to a leader with a “no one left behind” creed. Excellent start to a new series and it takes off from the beginning with no let up in the action. Eager for the next book to see how they go forward.
Molly and Colton are taking “problem” students to a scared straight program at the local prison when an EMP hits. The story takes off quickly and the group must find a way out of the prison and learn to work together to survive in this new and even more dangerous world. If they thought a prison would scare them straight, well surviving in a “dark” world will be even worse. The dynamics are amazing and Molly turns from a less than enthusiastic teacher to a leader with a “no one left behind” creed. Excellent start to a new series and it takes off from the beginning with no let up in the action. Eager for the next book to see how they go forward.
February 25, 2022
Escaping Anarchy is book one in the Dark Nation series and is about Molly an English, the bus driver retired Marine Colton, and five high school students who are at the Scared Straight program in Fairfield Prison. While at the prison an EMP hits and takes out the power in the prison causing chaos. Molly, Colton, and the students are trying to get out of the prison along with some dangerous inmates. This is a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next. The writing is well done, the characters are well developed and the ending left me ready for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 20, 2022
DNF - quit at 10%
The world building is really crappy, I realize some is going to be learn as it advances, but I needed something to tie me into the story, a background for the FMC to like her & want to read about her. Then too many characters & their POV’s are introduced into the first 10%, it was too confusing & pulled me right out of the story. If I hadn't read the blurb, I wouldn't have deciphered who the FMC even was. I think the first 10% of a book needs to keep the amount of characters added to a small number to keep the reader invested, especially when the hook wasn't there.
At my age (60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
The world building is really crappy, I realize some is going to be learn as it advances, but I needed something to tie me into the story, a background for the FMC to like her & want to read about her. Then too many characters & their POV’s are introduced into the first 10%, it was too confusing & pulled me right out of the story. If I hadn't read the blurb, I wouldn't have deciphered who the FMC even was. I think the first 10% of a book needs to keep the amount of characters added to a small number to keep the reader invested, especially when the hook wasn't there.
At my age (60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
July 3, 2023
Grace Hamilton is an amazing story teller! Andrew Tell is an amazing narrator. So with this combination you are sure to enjoy this story.
I loved the characters. Molly is definitely a force to be reckoned with or maybe not to be.
She is a fighter and stands up for what is good and right. She takes on kids as her own and makes sure the misguided misfits are safe. In doing so they become her family.
I think they would eventually be in much more danger for the prisoners who continue to make their way out of the prison. I guess if she ever wanted to she could expand on this series. That being said it wrapped up nicely.
I loved the characters. Molly is definitely a force to be reckoned with or maybe not to be.
She is a fighter and stands up for what is good and right. She takes on kids as her own and makes sure the misguided misfits are safe. In doing so they become her family.
I think they would eventually be in much more danger for the prisoners who continue to make their way out of the prison. I guess if she ever wanted to she could expand on this series. That being said it wrapped up nicely.
February 11, 2022
Escaping Anarchy. Grace Hamilton
A small group of school children are enroute to visit a prison. Each of them have issues, behavior problems at school and the trip is set up to scare them and make them them realize where their bad behavior will eventually lead them too. Prison. During their visit and EMP occurs and they are trapped inside. When the power goes off all the cell doors open. Now their very survival depends on them working as a team. Trusting each other as well as believing in each other. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
A small group of school children are enroute to visit a prison. Each of them have issues, behavior problems at school and the trip is set up to scare them and make them them realize where their bad behavior will eventually lead them too. Prison. During their visit and EMP occurs and they are trapped inside. When the power goes off all the cell doors open. Now their very survival depends on them working as a team. Trusting each other as well as believing in each other. An excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
September 13, 2022
crazy full on - great start to a series
I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with how the author handled the EMP, especially having set it in a prison.
I loved each and everyone of the characters.
I was all for guard Fox until what he did at the end.
Thankfully Zack was a good guy in the end. Molly, strong woman, fantastic teacher, I did love how well written she was and that there’s more to come in the rest of the series.
Poor Laura but what happened to the dog?? That is why I’m reading book 2.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with how the author handled the EMP, especially having set it in a prison.
I loved each and everyone of the characters.
I was all for guard Fox until what he did at the end.
Thankfully Zack was a good guy in the end. Molly, strong woman, fantastic teacher, I did love how well written she was and that there’s more to come in the rest of the series.
Poor Laura but what happened to the dog?? That is why I’m reading book 2.
November 10, 2023
End of the world and after the disaster books hold a certain fascination to me. Life as we know it can change in an instant as it does for the characters in Grace Hamilton's series. I have read alot of her books and they are all fresh, no retelling the same story over and over. The fact that she can write so many unique versions of a catastrophe means I am well educated on how to get from point a to point b before, during and after an event.
Escaping Anarchy is the first book in her latest series and boy, it's good
Escaping Anarchy is the first book in her latest series and boy, it's good
March 22, 2024
A claustrophobic thrill ride of an opening installment
This book, Escaping Anarchy, caused be significantly more anxiety than the average post-EMP novel. The primary characters being trapped in a prison, while the other main character was train her home with a violent addict (anything else I say will give spoilers) ratcheted up the tension for someone claustrophobic like me. Well designed characters, an engaging plot, believable dialog, even by the kids, makes this one excellent read. 5/5 stars!
This book, Escaping Anarchy, caused be significantly more anxiety than the average post-EMP novel. The primary characters being trapped in a prison, while the other main character was train her home with a violent addict (anything else I say will give spoilers) ratcheted up the tension for someone claustrophobic like me. Well designed characters, an engaging plot, believable dialog, even by the kids, makes this one excellent read. 5/5 stars!
December 13, 2024
Well done! This was not only my first read by this Author but my first experience with the EMP genre. I'm definitely a fan. The story just keeps you glued to the pages. Now I am encouraged to read The Stand. A book by my favorite author that I have avoided because of the serious nature. But I think Mrs. Hamilton has convinced me. I was on the edge of my seat. The only thing stopping a 5 star is that I want somewhere to go in case this isn't her best work. Time to dive into the back list! Definitely Recommend
February 9, 2022
This is an EMP story, but it has a twist. It is written around a scared straight trip for teenagers into a prison. I thought it was well written and the characters were interesting. I liked the story and enjoyed seeing what happened. The teacher surprised me at the end. I would recommend this story as it was good.
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.
February 10, 2022
Escaping Anarchy has a diverse cast of interesting characters, many of whom are criminals. The action largely takes place in a prison so that’s natural. I do like how the main group of visitors find strengths unknown before the EMP hit, that they need to escape. And the ending is a zinger! I certainly didn’t see that coming. There’s a multi faceted cliffhanger as well but that’s partly surprising as well. A good read!
February 9, 2022
Molly, a young female teacher takes a small group of students to a “Scared Straight” event at a local penitentiary. While they are in the facility, an EMP occurs. The side stories are numerous. The characters are well developed and realistic. The story flowed well and kept me interested.
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.
February 9, 2022
This a a very gripping stand alone book. Very diverse group of people and skill sets. It gives hope that we can still come together when SHTF. Another great book by Grace Hamilton. Here's hoping for the next week book, may it just as intriguing and believable.
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.
February 10, 2022
An emp goes off while a tea her and her students are on a scared straight field trip to the state penitentiary. What will happen to rhese individuals.? Will the prosoners hold them hostage? They fight their way out? Action packed apocalyptic book.
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.
February 26, 2022
A bit different than the normal for this genre
Stuck on the inside when the power goes out, a group of kids and their teacher, find themselves trying to escape from career criminals. The twins figure out in short order that it isn't a normal power outage. Well written with a good group of characters.
Stuck on the inside when the power goes out, a group of kids and their teacher, find themselves trying to escape from career criminals. The twins figure out in short order that it isn't a normal power outage. Well written with a good group of characters.
February 10, 2022
I love all of the books this writer puts out. This was no exception. Great cast of characters and engaging plot. One of those books that you don't want to end! Looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily eaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily eaving a review.
February 10, 2022
I think this is one of my favorite starts from Grace Hamilton. So much action, a different group of people with some interesting personalities. I can't wait for what comes next!
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.
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