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Gateway to Chaos #1-4
The nation goes dark. Technology fails. Help isn’t coming. An EMP has destroyed the nation’s power grid and the country is plunged into darkness and chaos during one of the coldest midwest winters on record. Seeking Safety Pre-med student Raine Caldwell is in a race against time. Eight hundred miles from home and separated from her parents, Raine is forced onto the dangerous streets of St. Louis, Missouri. A storm is brewing… While fires rage, deadly gangs roam the streets. After joining a group of fellow survivors, it becomes a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before the violence and a bitter winter storm overtakes them. Seeking Refuge Can ordinary people survive the apocalypse? Raine Caldwell is about to find out. The government isn’t coming to rescue her. If Raine and her group are going to make it, they must save themselves. The realization that the lights were not coming back on anytime soon hit them hard. When things go from bad to worse, they must act quickly in search of a refuge from the cold and violent city.
Seeking Justice Raine Caldwell and the other survivors from St. Louis thought getting out of the city would be the answer to their problems. They quickly learn that violence and winter’s fury aren’t exclusive to the city. The group is tested far beyond anything they could imagine as they begin to settle in and survive life without modern conveniences. Can they adapt to the new world in time? After finding themselves in a community terrorized by ruthless and dangerous people, Raine and the others in her group must pull together to find justice when one of their own is taken. Can they pull the community together, or will it be pulled further apart?
Seeking Hope
In the weeks since an EMP attack left their world in chaos, Raine Caldwell and her group have escaped St. Louis only to find trouble at the farm in St. Francois County. With the cartel defeated and new alliances formed with the locals, they thought their problems were over.
But the battle was only beginning.
Can our group of weary survivors find hope amid the chaos?
Seeking Justice Raine Caldwell and the other survivors from St. Louis thought getting out of the city would be the answer to their problems. They quickly learn that violence and winter’s fury aren’t exclusive to the city. The group is tested far beyond anything they could imagine as they begin to settle in and survive life without modern conveniences. Can they adapt to the new world in time? After finding themselves in a community terrorized by ruthless and dangerous people, Raine and the others in her group must pull together to find justice when one of their own is taken. Can they pull the community together, or will it be pulled further apart?
Seeking Hope
In the weeks since an EMP attack left their world in chaos, Raine Caldwell and her group have escaped St. Louis only to find trouble at the farm in St. Francois County. With the cartel defeated and new alliances formed with the locals, they thought their problems were over.
But the battle was only beginning.
Can our group of weary survivors find hope amid the chaos?
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
1042 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
973 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 19, 2022
Good read, I love post apocalyptic stories. Unfortunately most including this one is full of violence and weapons and the thankfully military trained people around every corner. The main character Raine is a bit mousy and introverted but manages to pull out her bad ass side when needed. No matter where her and her group go there is someone waiting to ambush them and give them a good beat down. Despite all this they seem to recover from broken bones and gunshot wounds with very little medical care. Much of this is exaggerated drama but every so often there is a glimmer of what homesteading will be like in the future and how to achieve it. Since most people arnt preppers and in todays world there is a very real threat to our grids being knocked out it’s worthwhile to get a few tips on what life would look like should we fall victim to an attack. Highly doubtful we will be able to depend on our elected officials these days so good to know what will be needed for survival. Let’s hope it’s never as bleak as the authors like to write.
May 15, 2023
Seeking Safety. We’re introduced to the main characters. In my opinion, a bunch of naïve college students for the most part. Raine Caldwell is a pre-med student in St. Louis, Missouri. Lights are out in her apartment building and her apartment. Her neighbor, Bryce has heard on the radio that a cyber attack had taken out the East Coast power grid, leaving the Midwest in darkness. Contacting her mother, Beatrice in Panama City, Florida, she discovers that her power is off as well. In Farmington, Missouri, Scott Kincade, a drywall installer for Taylor Construction Co., unexpectedly loses power on his job site. Contacting his father in Tennessee, he discovers their power is off as well. Worried about his daughter in Florida, Scott makes plans to go get her. Ms. J.J. Durham was on her way to her parents in Bolinger County, Missouri to tell them of her new job in Reno, Nevada when all the vehicles loose power creating a major accident on the highway. Swerving to miss the vehicle ahead, she rolls her Jeep into a ravine upside down. Smelling gas, she flees but forgets her bag. Retrieving it she becomes dizzy and finds Scott Kincade helping her back up the hill. The next day everyone finds that neither their cell phones nor their cars will work, victims of multiple EMP strikes across the country. Word is the Country is under attack. Looting and chaos soon follow throughout the cities. Instead of remaining in place, people start moving to what they believe will be safer locations. Our college students and friends gather 14 of them and decide to head to the University Campus. There they discovered that a FEMA shelter had been set up at Chesterfield Mall some 15 miles away and they would head there. Raine was the main character but she was also the most naïve, believing the power would come back on and she could still return to school. Elsewhere, Scott had agreed to accompany J.J. to her parent's home and then planned somehow to get to Florida.
Seeking Refuge. Raine, Sheena, and her son Deandre made it to the shelter at Chesterfield Mall. They had no idea if their other friends had arrived. Elsewhere, Scott and J.J. luckily found shelter with an elderly couple named Ward at their farmhouse in St. Francis County, Missouri but trouble followed them. The Ward’s farmhouse turned into a firefight and they had to move on again. The shelter at Chesterfield Mall was running out of food, they had to leave before the situation decayed. Scott, J.J., Raine, Sheena, and Deandre all wound up in Manchester, Missouri.
Seeking Justice. With Cartel members constantly after J.J., and street gangs causing problems, everyone decided to return to the Ward farm where there was livestock, some food, and a promise of safety. Unfortunately, the neighbors didn’t want them to be there, knowing what trouble followed them. Our group didn’t care what the neighbors of Knob Lick wanted. Brandon, Antonio, Tom, Lucy, Sheena, and Deandre remained at the Ward farmhouse. Scott, J.J., and Raine continued on their original promise; Scott to take Raine and J.J. home and then proceed to Florida and his daughter. Their plan failed and J.J. was captured by the Cartel. Scott and Raine fell in with a woman named Maggie and her friends who wanted the Cartel out of their neighborhood as much as Scott wanted J.J. back. J.J.’s father Jim and her brother Aidan showed up. Together they planned an assault on the Cartel compound. The story finally got exciting instead of a constant cat-and-mouse game.
Seeking Hope. After the firefight at the Cartel compound, all the survivors returned to the Ward Farmhouse which had also been attacked in their absence. Jim, Aidan, and J.J. returned to the Durham homestead in Marble Hill, Missouri with their dead brother Nick. Buddy and James loaned them an old truck with two escorts to bring the truck back. Scott, Raine, Brandon, Lucy, Antonio, Tom, Sheena, and Deandre remained at the Ward farmhouse. Scott was resolved to take Raine home to Florida and Lucy to Arkansas. James, Buddy, Aidan, Clive, and Maggie remained at the farmhouse temporarily to protect the others from the Knob Lick people who blamed Raine and J.J. for the loss of their loved ones. Tempers flared and the situation was getting worse. Once again, the survivors from the Ward farmhouse had to flee. They decided their best hope was to go to the Durham homestead. Traveling through Madison County they were captured again. Perhaps their worse experience. Cannibals, like a horror movie. Antonio, Tom, and Lucy didn’t make it out. Brandon and Sheena were in terrible shape. Scott and Raine stole a truck to get them all on their way again to the Durham homestead. Meanwhile, at the Durham homestead, the Bolinger County Sheriff was confiscating food and livestock “for the good of all”. J.J.’s father Jim knew something would have to be done to stop this. Later, a pilot and an old plane made available the opportunity to go to Florida. Would Scott’s dream of finding his daughter Lila and Raine’s dream of finding her mother come true? It would be incredibly difficult and dangerous. Would they chance it?
Seeking Refuge. Raine, Sheena, and her son Deandre made it to the shelter at Chesterfield Mall. They had no idea if their other friends had arrived. Elsewhere, Scott and J.J. luckily found shelter with an elderly couple named Ward at their farmhouse in St. Francis County, Missouri but trouble followed them. The Ward’s farmhouse turned into a firefight and they had to move on again. The shelter at Chesterfield Mall was running out of food, they had to leave before the situation decayed. Scott, J.J., Raine, Sheena, and Deandre all wound up in Manchester, Missouri.
Seeking Justice. With Cartel members constantly after J.J., and street gangs causing problems, everyone decided to return to the Ward farm where there was livestock, some food, and a promise of safety. Unfortunately, the neighbors didn’t want them to be there, knowing what trouble followed them. Our group didn’t care what the neighbors of Knob Lick wanted. Brandon, Antonio, Tom, Lucy, Sheena, and Deandre remained at the Ward farmhouse. Scott, J.J., and Raine continued on their original promise; Scott to take Raine and J.J. home and then proceed to Florida and his daughter. Their plan failed and J.J. was captured by the Cartel. Scott and Raine fell in with a woman named Maggie and her friends who wanted the Cartel out of their neighborhood as much as Scott wanted J.J. back. J.J.’s father Jim and her brother Aidan showed up. Together they planned an assault on the Cartel compound. The story finally got exciting instead of a constant cat-and-mouse game.
Seeking Hope. After the firefight at the Cartel compound, all the survivors returned to the Ward Farmhouse which had also been attacked in their absence. Jim, Aidan, and J.J. returned to the Durham homestead in Marble Hill, Missouri with their dead brother Nick. Buddy and James loaned them an old truck with two escorts to bring the truck back. Scott, Raine, Brandon, Lucy, Antonio, Tom, Sheena, and Deandre remained at the Ward farmhouse. Scott was resolved to take Raine home to Florida and Lucy to Arkansas. James, Buddy, Aidan, Clive, and Maggie remained at the farmhouse temporarily to protect the others from the Knob Lick people who blamed Raine and J.J. for the loss of their loved ones. Tempers flared and the situation was getting worse. Once again, the survivors from the Ward farmhouse had to flee. They decided their best hope was to go to the Durham homestead. Traveling through Madison County they were captured again. Perhaps their worse experience. Cannibals, like a horror movie. Antonio, Tom, and Lucy didn’t make it out. Brandon and Sheena were in terrible shape. Scott and Raine stole a truck to get them all on their way again to the Durham homestead. Meanwhile, at the Durham homestead, the Bolinger County Sheriff was confiscating food and livestock “for the good of all”. J.J.’s father Jim knew something would have to be done to stop this. Later, a pilot and an old plane made available the opportunity to go to Florida. Would Scott’s dream of finding his daughter Lila and Raine’s dream of finding her mother come true? It would be incredibly difficult and dangerous. Would they chance it?
April 16, 2023
Excellent realistic series
This is one of the few times I have read anything in this genre that follows a group of people who are ill-prepared yet are able to learn the skills necessary to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. I could see the changes each character had to make in their attitude and the sacrifices they were willing to make in order to accomplish even the simplest goals. I could also see the excruciating pain and frustration when the group lost someone who had become family. Of course, there had to be some kind of happy ending for at least some of the characters. But by that time, through determination and some pure luck, the survivors were much better able to handle whatever came next. I look forward to reading any further adventures in this series.
This is one of the few times I have read anything in this genre that follows a group of people who are ill-prepared yet are able to learn the skills necessary to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. I could see the changes each character had to make in their attitude and the sacrifices they were willing to make in order to accomplish even the simplest goals. I could also see the excruciating pain and frustration when the group lost someone who had become family. Of course, there had to be some kind of happy ending for at least some of the characters. But by that time, through determination and some pure luck, the survivors were much better able to handle whatever came next. I look forward to reading any further adventures in this series.
October 20, 2022
Survival is the only option and fish hooks are put to good use!
This series has opened my eyes to a lot of things… in this day and age the likelihood of anyone without common knowledge of basic survival skills is not going to make it… These characters are well written and the story line is very realistic of what could/will happen if the US ever comes under attack, it’s hard to read this series and not start wanting to prepare for such scenarios… the characters struggle to survive is heart breaking and encouraging at the same time, I couldn’t put the series down and now I need the last book to hurry up and be finished!!! This is a definite recommend !
This series has opened my eyes to a lot of things… in this day and age the likelihood of anyone without common knowledge of basic survival skills is not going to make it… These characters are well written and the story line is very realistic of what could/will happen if the US ever comes under attack, it’s hard to read this series and not start wanting to prepare for such scenarios… the characters struggle to survive is heart breaking and encouraging at the same time, I couldn’t put the series down and now I need the last book to hurry up and be finished!!! This is a definite recommend !
January 3, 2024
It started off well enough. My complains are that the author dwells way to much on horrorible people who rape and kill for sport in some of the later books. The thing that made me not like the series was a group of people who cut up and tortured people. I'm sure things like this might exist but the kindness humans was sooo limited in the story. Then, they get to the end and suddenly in a new place it's all better. Or is that supposed to be so there can be a new book?
Anyway, a group of people running around catching people to watch someone torture them?!? Yuck. I don't need that in my entertainment.
Anyway, a group of people running around catching people to watch someone torture them?!? Yuck. I don't need that in my entertainment.
February 10, 2023
Frustrating!
I enjoyed reading the books but got really annoyed with the decisions that the people made. I can't imagine that anyone could be so naive about what was going on I can understand how hard it would be to have to make some of the decisions, but get real! To keep harping on the same decision over and over gets old. I would really feel sorry if they had to really live that way.
I enjoyed reading the books but got really annoyed with the decisions that the people made. I can't imagine that anyone could be so naive about what was going on I can understand how hard it would be to have to make some of the decisions, but get real! To keep harping on the same decision over and over gets old. I would really feel sorry if they had to really live that way.
April 9, 2023
Too long. And there is no way that people could keep on fighting and taking the kind of beatings that the group took and be able to continue. And it was constant. I got tired of reading nothing but severe beatings. And Raine, being only about 5 foot and small, she could not take the kind of physical punishment as she did throughout the book. I don't think i will bet the 5th book if and when it comes out.
June 2, 2023
Loved this series, very gripping, very realistic. The naivety of the group in the beginning, just shows the lack of preparedness of people these days, but the group grew together and learned together and they adapted as they faced multiple obstacles. The story draws you in and makes you want to be there to help the group make it.
Technology is great, but the story shows how we as a society have come to rely to heavily upon it.
Technology is great, but the story shows how we as a society have come to rely to heavily upon it.
December 28, 2023
Absorbing Narrative.
I do love character driven stories with the right balance of thrills and action. I was not too fond of the cartel portion but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. Some of the deaths were quite gut wrenching but added to the absorbing and emotional narrative. A good read. I highly recommend it for those who love post apocalyptic stories where there isn’t a need to find a solution for the circumstances that led to the apocalypse.
I do love character driven stories with the right balance of thrills and action. I was not too fond of the cartel portion but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. Some of the deaths were quite gut wrenching but added to the absorbing and emotional narrative. A good read. I highly recommend it for those who love post apocalyptic stories where there isn’t a need to find a solution for the circumstances that led to the apocalypse.
April 16, 2025
This book set was awesome! T.L Payne is a very good writer. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
I'm very disappointed that I don't get the free book to finish the story. Apparently my Gmail address is incorrect yet Amazon has no problems with the same email address.
I would pay top dollar just to be able to finish the story. This makes me weary of buying tTL Paynes books in the future.
I'm very disappointed that I don't get the free book to finish the story. Apparently my Gmail address is incorrect yet Amazon has no problems with the same email address.
I would pay top dollar just to be able to finish the story. This makes me weary of buying tTL Paynes books in the future.
March 26, 2022
Enjoyed the series
I like all the books in this series wish it would have this as the final book I tried to get it on line but would not work on my email hope it will be offered to buy soon.I like that had no foul language or sex .Fast pace and keep me waiting to see how they would survive with everything going wrong .Glad no zombies just crazy desperate people .
I like all the books in this series wish it would have this as the final book I tried to get it on line but would not work on my email hope it will be offered to buy soon.I like that had no foul language or sex .Fast pace and keep me waiting to see how they would survive with everything going wrong .Glad no zombies just crazy desperate people .
January 3, 2023
I love end of the world books and this author is one of my favorites. Several other reviewers complained about the violence but I can see every scenario addressed in these books actually happening if an EMP ever did take out our power grid.The only complaint I had was I thought book #4 ended a little abruptly. Waiting on the next book to finish this series
February 19, 2023
Page turner
First, the electric goes out, then soon after all the electronic devices. Two groups trying to make it out of the city come together and become family. These books take you through their journey. None of the group is really prepared for this type of situation. They learn that the new normal is they may have to steal to survive, and it is kill or be killed.
First, the electric goes out, then soon after all the electronic devices. Two groups trying to make it out of the city come together and become family. These books take you through their journey. None of the group is really prepared for this type of situation. They learn that the new normal is they may have to steal to survive, and it is kill or be killed.
March 9, 2023
This series had me on the edge of my seat the whole time... it was constant fighting, seeking survival and pain, but I couldnt put it down! I was sad at some of the decisions at the end, but realized I probably would have made the same ones.
I felt every emotion possible while reading this story and feel a little lost now that it is over!
Awesome Series and I can not wait to read more!
I felt every emotion possible while reading this story and feel a little lost now that it is over!
Awesome Series and I can not wait to read more!
May 12, 2023
Decent read but not great.
The basic premise was okay, but didn't seem realistic. Also, I thought the story was lengthened unnecessarily by including too many detailed gunfights and not enough thinking of how to actually survive, especially food-wise. This led to many long, relatively boring sections, and not enough character development.
The basic premise was okay, but didn't seem realistic. Also, I thought the story was lengthened unnecessarily by including too many detailed gunfights and not enough thinking of how to actually survive, especially food-wise. This led to many long, relatively boring sections, and not enough character development.
May 31, 2023
Full of action
Excellent books. I couldn't put them down for days. It is sad to see how evil takes over in times of crisis, all the greed, violence and selfishness, but these books also show that there is still hope in humanity, there are also good and kind people willing to risk their lives to help others.
Excellent books. I couldn't put them down for days. It is sad to see how evil takes over in times of crisis, all the greed, violence and selfishness, but these books also show that there is still hope in humanity, there are also good and kind people willing to risk their lives to help others.
June 16, 2023
Fantastic Read,!
This is a highly recommended Read. The story line is so well written that you will not be able to put it down. The structure is so much like it could be so true of what could occur in today’s atrocities that makes it scary. Highly recommend reading this book series.
This is a highly recommended Read. The story line is so well written that you will not be able to put it down. The structure is so much like it could be so true of what could occur in today’s atrocities that makes it scary. Highly recommend reading this book series.
January 25, 2024
lengthy story
The basis for this story was good; however, the plot didn’t really need all the extras. I almost stopped reading since the efforts to achieve a safe place to live kept cycling. Enough was enough. This is not a quick read, but a revolving circle of hardship after hardship. It was also quite violent. I guess I just got bored with saga.
The basis for this story was good; however, the plot didn’t really need all the extras. I almost stopped reading since the efforts to achieve a safe place to live kept cycling. Enough was enough. This is not a quick read, but a revolving circle of hardship after hardship. It was also quite violent. I guess I just got bored with saga.
August 4, 2024
Suspenseful!
There's lots of twists and turns in these books, Payne keeps you at the edge of your seat all the time. I love all the people, but Scott is one of my favorites! It shows how fast society can fall apart and how the malicious evil inside alot of us is revealed, but it also brings out the best in others ,
There's lots of twists and turns in these books, Payne keeps you at the edge of your seat all the time. I love all the people, but Scott is one of my favorites! It shows how fast society can fall apart and how the malicious evil inside alot of us is revealed, but it also brings out the best in others ,
April 7, 2022
the reality of survival
The boxed set was such a great way to read this story. The characters and their daily struggle just to survive was what brought the story up out of the norm and into awesome.
The boxed set was such a great way to read this story. The characters and their daily struggle just to survive was what brought the story up out of the norm and into awesome.
July 4, 2022
Well written, food read
Got off to a good start, slowed for a bit about a third of the way through, then got to be one of those stories that were hard to put down. It even prompted a dream in which I seemed to be in the story.
Got off to a good start, slowed for a bit about a third of the way through, then got to be one of those stories that were hard to put down. It even prompted a dream in which I seemed to be in the story.
July 25, 2022
excellent
Raine student in StLois when a EMP takes out all the electronic devices. In fear of her life her and friends set out to Florida. Read the most harrowing tale of their epic journey
Raine student in StLois when a EMP takes out all the electronic devices. In fear of her life her and friends set out to Florida. Read the most harrowing tale of their epic journey
July 26, 2022
Thoughts from the series....
I really enjoyed this series. I would have liked for more of the main group to be present all the way through though. Don't want to put any spoilers here but..... 😁maybe there could be a spin off...what happened to Mrs Ward or Maggie or Deandre?
I really enjoyed this series. I would have liked for more of the main group to be present all the way through though. Don't want to put any spoilers here but..... 😁maybe there could be a spin off...what happened to Mrs Ward or Maggie or Deandre?
January 5, 2023
review
Enjoyed the fact that books 1-4 were together. There are series where I’ve missed a book or two. Drives me nuts. Enjoyed reading this, some of it was bit cringe worthy because I liked the characters. Looking forward to the final sequel.
Enjoyed the fact that books 1-4 were together. There are series where I’ve missed a book or two. Drives me nuts. Enjoyed reading this, some of it was bit cringe worthy because I liked the characters. Looking forward to the final sequel.
January 20, 2023
gripping and exciting!
Reading this series, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath! There was so much happening that it was hard to keep up. I zoomed thru the series in just a few days. Good read
Reading this series, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath! There was so much happening that it was hard to keep up. I zoomed thru the series in just a few days. Good read
March 7, 2023
Toughness
No matter who you are, I’m the Apocalypse you either get tough or become a victim. Raine and her “friends” got tough and some survived. This series was a continual, non stop uphill push. It is one of the best I’ve ever read and I recommend you pick it up too.
No matter who you are, I’m the Apocalypse you either get tough or become a victim. Raine and her “friends” got tough and some survived. This series was a continual, non stop uphill push. It is one of the best I’ve ever read and I recommend you pick it up too.
May 23, 2023
Really good
A lot of really good scenes. The inner strength you would have to depend on to survive a scenario like this is something so many wouldn't have. I appreciate the characters that have that strength. A definite recommend.
A lot of really good scenes. The inner strength you would have to depend on to survive a scenario like this is something so many wouldn't have. I appreciate the characters that have that strength. A definite recommend.
July 18, 2023
Pulls you in from the start
This was a good, quick read series. While there were some parts that were almost unbelievable... who knows. We don't know what a world without technology would be like anymore. After reading this series, I do hope we never have to find out.
This was a good, quick read series. While there were some parts that were almost unbelievable... who knows. We don't know what a world without technology would be like anymore. After reading this series, I do hope we never have to find out.
November 19, 2023
This was ok. A little monotonous. Missouri isn't as bad as it was portrayed, well, maybe St. Louis metro area is. I was surprised any of these people survived. They didn't really learn from their mistakes.
April 10, 2024
realistic
Very realistic if the **** hits the fan I think this is the type people that will be out there. The group working together is the only way to survive. So sad but I was hooked till the end.
Very realistic if the **** hits the fan I think this is the type people that will be out there. The group working together is the only way to survive. So sad but I was hooked till the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews