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INDIANA FALL
On the afternoon of October 28th, Jon leaves his office in Indianapolis early for an appointment. His dad, Mac, and his nephew, Michael, are at work at the nearby prison outside New Castle, Indiana. Mac’s wife, Elisabeth, is at home with Jon’s girls when the power goes out… Everywhere.
Jon’s car quits as he pulls into the parking lot at the medical facility. His phone is dead, too, and he’s still sixty miles from his mom and his daughters.
At the prison, there are bigger problems. WAY bigger.
This is the story of Chaplain Mac Ridlen’s family,
In The October Fall World
Jon’s car quits as he pulls into the parking lot at the medical facility. His phone is dead, too, and he’s still sixty miles from his mom and his daughters.
At the prison, there are bigger problems. WAY bigger.
This is the story of Chaplain Mac Ridlen’s family,
In The October Fall World
- GenresDystopia
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
246 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 7, 2022
The worst of the October Fall series, by far. The plot was boring and predictable; the characters cardboard and stereotypical…amateur night
May 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the idea, I liked the characters and felt I wanted to know more about their journeys. I always enjoy information about the practical aspects and could happily read more about those things. I very much liked the aspects of the plot were individuals, wrestled with moral dilemma's and I'd have liked to have had more of that and more depth to those story lines. The reason I gave it a 3 instead of higher was due to more technical aspects of the book, sometimes I felt the author got stuck in characters reiterating lumps of story to fill others in, when perhaps, a more experienced auther might have said something like, 'as Jon explained how they'd met, his father's expression became....' or whatever, rather than having a retelling each time. Also, the frightening incidents were dealt with in a good way but as with many of these books the aftermath of those situations is barely touched on. However, this is the Authors first book and in that light it is excellent and I'm very much looking forward to finding out what happens next. It's important to note that the language and way the vilonce occurs make it suitable for young people to read without worry but in terms of realism, I suspect there might be a bit more cursing going on and whilst I get that the auther doesn't want to be writing that, I think it needs to be acknowledged abit, the prisoners in particular I think may use some worse language. The sections where the author clearly voices his own thoughts and opinions about a SHTF situation come across as very sincere and thought provoking and I'd like to see more of that in the next book
September 7, 2022
This was an EMP story and the characters make it a pretty good one. I especially like Mac and Sam. There is a little too much religion for my taste, but then, Mac is a chaplain at a prison. I kind of groaned about the prison since it is such a common theme in this genre, but it ended up not being too overbearing in this first volume. For some reason, there were about 6 or so mentions of the book "One Second After." It is an admittedly good book, but the persistent mention seemed odd. There were times that the dialogue went back and forth a bit and Mac, in particular, expounded on occasion. Still, I like how many decent and good people there were here that were willing to work together. I look forward to the next book.
December 3, 2022
“He smells like the South end of a hog…
….walking into the wind!”
Lol I love these regional sayings, & Indiana Fall has them sprinkled throughout with perfect comedic timing.
The action, philosophical ponderings, & humor are all nicely balanced in this story. Which is a credit to Michael (& Karen) McDonald’s strong writing skills, creativity, & years of experience in the craft.
There are actual surprises tucked in all over as well, which bring a freshness to the decades old script this book at first appears to follow. (A prepared father far from home when event occurs, “in the know” loved ones who must hold down the fort until his return, a prison with no power, & so on….)
The subplots woven within, & the little unique scenarios & personalities, truly make this story stand far apart from what one may expect from such an (overly done) tale.
That Michael McDonald is able to bring such new life to such an old story - I totally understand now why this book was chosen for this particular author. It’s absolutely in his, & his wife Karen’s, wheelhouse.
Overall - I loved it. All of it. Can’t say enough about the good guys, bad guys, & even non-human characters.
I also love The October Fall World.
Yet I’m so accustomed to reading series at this point, it’s actually difficult to not know “what comes after” for the people I’ve just started to become invested in. As generally first books are the meet & greets, & foundation setters for the bulk of the story to be built upon.
(I blame all of you wonderful apocalyptic authors. You’ve done it to yourselves. You’ve spoiled us with your 3-15 book series! ;)
Thus I don’t think I’ll be devouring the individual books in this October Fall World set, one after the other. Perhaps reading an individual story occasionally as a filler while I await the next in a series to be published?
But … the not knowing at this point, it’s almost like a never ending cliffhanger….
I suppose, that’s what our imaginations are for? ;)
In the end, however, Michael (& Karen) McDonald wrote one heck of a surprisingly great version of the, “get home from afar” story here in Indiana Fall.
I absolutely recommend it!
….walking into the wind!”
Lol I love these regional sayings, & Indiana Fall has them sprinkled throughout with perfect comedic timing.
The action, philosophical ponderings, & humor are all nicely balanced in this story. Which is a credit to Michael (& Karen) McDonald’s strong writing skills, creativity, & years of experience in the craft.
There are actual surprises tucked in all over as well, which bring a freshness to the decades old script this book at first appears to follow. (A prepared father far from home when event occurs, “in the know” loved ones who must hold down the fort until his return, a prison with no power, & so on….)
The subplots woven within, & the little unique scenarios & personalities, truly make this story stand far apart from what one may expect from such an (overly done) tale.
That Michael McDonald is able to bring such new life to such an old story - I totally understand now why this book was chosen for this particular author. It’s absolutely in his, & his wife Karen’s, wheelhouse.
Overall - I loved it. All of it. Can’t say enough about the good guys, bad guys, & even non-human characters.
I also love The October Fall World.
Yet I’m so accustomed to reading series at this point, it’s actually difficult to not know “what comes after” for the people I’ve just started to become invested in. As generally first books are the meet & greets, & foundation setters for the bulk of the story to be built upon.
(I blame all of you wonderful apocalyptic authors. You’ve done it to yourselves. You’ve spoiled us with your 3-15 book series! ;)
Thus I don’t think I’ll be devouring the individual books in this October Fall World set, one after the other. Perhaps reading an individual story occasionally as a filler while I await the next in a series to be published?
But … the not knowing at this point, it’s almost like a never ending cliffhanger….
I suppose, that’s what our imaginations are for? ;)
In the end, however, Michael (& Karen) McDonald wrote one heck of a surprisingly great version of the, “get home from afar” story here in Indiana Fall.
I absolutely recommend it!
April 20, 2023
I enjoyed it!
Until recently I read almost exclusively Christian fiction. I fell into reading post-apocalyptic fiction when I was searching for Christian fiction on Kindle Unlimited. I really enjoy the genre, especially as it fits well with my End Times theology, as long as I don’t accidentally wander into a Zombie Apocalypse! I was pleased to find a nice mix of apocalypse and faith in this book. I especially appreciate the reminder that, should this future come in our lifetime, we will have to find a way to balance who we are with the things that we may be called to do! Like Mac, I believe that I would be determined to protect and provide for my family first, but worry that I might lose myself in the process! It will be interesting to see where this series goes as I continue to read!
Until recently I read almost exclusively Christian fiction. I fell into reading post-apocalyptic fiction when I was searching for Christian fiction on Kindle Unlimited. I really enjoy the genre, especially as it fits well with my End Times theology, as long as I don’t accidentally wander into a Zombie Apocalypse! I was pleased to find a nice mix of apocalypse and faith in this book. I especially appreciate the reminder that, should this future come in our lifetime, we will have to find a way to balance who we are with the things that we may be called to do! Like Mac, I believe that I would be determined to protect and provide for my family first, but worry that I might lose myself in the process! It will be interesting to see where this series goes as I continue to read!
June 7, 2022
Good characters, good situations and good story.
This book as most, starts out with folks doing daily activities and suddenly a powerless world thrust upon them. Planes crash, cars don't work and naturally people are scattered trying to get home. Some decent insights as to equipment and resources and interactions with people some good and some end up dead. A couple fight scenes are ridiculous but the situations could be real. I liked it in fact, I liked it a lot and I want to read more by this author.
This book as most, starts out with folks doing daily activities and suddenly a powerless world thrust upon them. Planes crash, cars don't work and naturally people are scattered trying to get home. Some decent insights as to equipment and resources and interactions with people some good and some end up dead. A couple fight scenes are ridiculous but the situations could be real. I liked it in fact, I liked it a lot and I want to read more by this author.
October 24, 2023
Well this series is interesting but I do have to comment..The forward or preface states it reflects the authors idea of how average people deal with the crisis of an EMP. I don't know any peppers so I can't comment on them, but as an average person in the lower income bracket I cannot identify with people who have Faraday cages in their barn or have a couple years of food stashed. As an urban apartment dweller living on Social Security I am graced with a life straw, a 50 gallon drum for emergency water and 3 weeks of food. The characters are not my kind of average. But it is entertaining
May 21, 2025
This is my third "place" in this Fall group of series, and I don't like it as much as the others. It's too drawn out, and for me not as enjoyable. I've downloaded the sequels, and started the 2nd, but it's starting out in a way that makes me want to quit. Some of the characters are great, and the story has good points, but the older man going into the city, in his truck, that the police chief has threatened him for...it's stupid. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna return these and go on to wherever is next.
April 29, 2022
Absolutely a five star rating.
WOW!!! This story is a really great read. I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was exciting and so terrifying that something like this could really happen. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were very believable. It made me think maybe we should be more prepared for a SHTF event. Thank you for writing such a thought- provoking tragedy. Fingers crossed for a sequel.
WOW!!! This story is a really great read. I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was exciting and so terrifying that something like this could really happen. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were very believable. It made me think maybe we should be more prepared for a SHTF event. Thank you for writing such a thought- provoking tragedy. Fingers crossed for a sequel.
September 16, 2022
Great addition to the genre
Well written, believable and most important, practical in experience. I might have liked greater detail in the struggle to get home. However, highlighting some of the most common problems in simple, streamlined fashion provides for a quick read that ultimately does not detract from the focus of the story.
This is a quick enjoyable read and I am excited to start the next book.
Well written, believable and most important, practical in experience. I might have liked greater detail in the struggle to get home. However, highlighting some of the most common problems in simple, streamlined fashion provides for a quick read that ultimately does not detract from the focus of the story.
This is a quick enjoyable read and I am excited to start the next book.
June 20, 2025
I struggled between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The pace was good, the characters kept my interest. The whole concept of a post-apocalyptic world (or State of Indiana) due to an EMP fascinated me. Also, I live in Indiana. I decided on 3 stars because the writing and editing could improve, and some details were just "too detailed." If I didn't have such a huge TBR and ARC to read I would read the next book in the series. Maybe later.
April 5, 2022
Fifty miles from your prepared site walking home.
The electronics that hold modern life together stop working the savegry we hide comes out. No police to act as a deterrent those that have bad intentions atc on them. Some will become petty dictators others will look out for the community.
The electronics that hold modern life together stop working the savegry we hide comes out. No police to act as a deterrent those that have bad intentions atc on them. Some will become petty dictators others will look out for the community.
April 28, 2022
Excellent read.
This book causes you to look through the eyes of a man that has served as a missionary for the majority of his life. Pop faces a dilemma not covered by most in this genre. Loosing your humanity. Seeing as to how I am sitting in an Indiana hotel an hour or so from where this takes place, it definitely caught my Interest.
This book causes you to look through the eyes of a man that has served as a missionary for the majority of his life. Pop faces a dilemma not covered by most in this genre. Loosing your humanity. Seeing as to how I am sitting in an Indiana hotel an hour or so from where this takes place, it definitely caught my Interest.
July 14, 2022
Indiana girl
Being an Indiana girl, made this book more personable. I know the areas mentioned and could see myself there, walking to get to my home. By car is 3 hours from Indy. Knowing the setting always intrigues me. Its a good book no matter where you are from. Ready for the next book.
Being an Indiana girl, made this book more personable. I know the areas mentioned and could see myself there, walking to get to my home. By car is 3 hours from Indy. Knowing the setting always intrigues me. Its a good book no matter where you are from. Ready for the next book.
October 23, 2022
Great Reading, Interesting Story & Great Characters
Well developed family with plausible jobs and well described impact of an EMP upon their lives. Geographical description is well done and having experienced runs in with similar antagonists in that part of the country resonated with me.
Moving onto book 2 with great anticipation!
Well developed family with plausible jobs and well described impact of an EMP upon their lives. Geographical description is well done and having experienced runs in with similar antagonists in that part of the country resonated with me.
Moving onto book 2 with great anticipation!
January 5, 2023
An EMP strike cripples Indianapolis
When an EMP cripples Indianapolis Jon Has to make it home 60 miles on ' to get home to his 2 daughters. Along the way he meets Susan Noah and Rachel and another little surprise And has a dog meet him Named Sam, Who reminds him of his late wife's childhood dog. Great read and I was surprised when it ended.
When an EMP cripples Indianapolis Jon Has to make it home 60 miles on ' to get home to his 2 daughters. Along the way he meets Susan Noah and Rachel and another little surprise And has a dog meet him Named Sam, Who reminds him of his late wife's childhood dog. Great read and I was surprised when it ended.
September 10, 2023
Great start! Cliffhanger
An excellent start to the story. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading the second part. Jumping from character to character was done well. I liked the way the author gave the "realities" without going into extreme details. A definite recommend.
An excellent start to the story. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading the second part. Jumping from character to character was done well. I liked the way the author gave the "realities" without going into extreme details. A definite recommend.
August 13, 2024
Frustrating
Book one in the series, written by a different author, was good... This one is abysmal... No understanding of EMP's... Peppered with religiosity that didn't help the story along and characters that were 2-dimensional... Toss in catastrophic story arcs that went no where and I'm now going to avoid the remaining 50 books.
Book one in the series, written by a different author, was good... This one is abysmal... No understanding of EMP's... Peppered with religiosity that didn't help the story along and characters that were 2-dimensional... Toss in catastrophic story arcs that went no where and I'm now going to avoid the remaining 50 books.
February 14, 2025
I've read better
Lots of books out there like this one. Popular subject these days. I've read numerous authors on this. This one does not match up.to most of the others I have read so far. I do appreciate the lack of profanity in this book. I'm a bit surprised that a chaplain seems to be the most aggressive person of the "good guys"
Lots of books out there like this one. Popular subject these days. I've read numerous authors on this. This one does not match up.to most of the others I have read so far. I do appreciate the lack of profanity in this book. I'm a bit surprised that a chaplain seems to be the most aggressive person of the "good guys"
March 27, 2022
Great Read - I highly recommend it
Good read from start to finish. Great story line with real Indiana location. Congratulations to Michael McDonald on his first book. I am anxious for the continuing story in Book 2.
Good read from start to finish. Great story line with real Indiana location. Congratulations to Michael McDonald on his first book. I am anxious for the continuing story in Book 2.
March 30, 2022
Loved it!!
I definitely need more of this story. Something about this book just got to me, maybe it was the baby or Sam or Mac's desire to show kindness even in a grid down situation. More, please!!
I definitely need more of this story. Something about this book just got to me, maybe it was the baby or Sam or Mac's desire to show kindness even in a grid down situation. More, please!!
May 7, 2022
Very detailed
Great book very detailed sometimes too much. Repeating the same parts of the story of how they got where they were over and over. Has good bones for many more books and I look forward to reading more.
Great book very detailed sometimes too much. Repeating the same parts of the story of how they got where they were over and over. Has good bones for many more books and I look forward to reading more.
August 5, 2022
Indiana fall
Good tale with several other thoughts about the effect an emp would have on a major metropolitan area like Indianapolis. Being a little familiar with the area, I found it easy to believe.
Good tale with several other thoughts about the effect an emp would have on a major metropolitan area like Indianapolis. Being a little familiar with the area, I found it easy to believe.
January 11, 2023
A SHTF book that's also faith based.
This is a good TEOTWAWKI book with a faith based slant that is refreshing and not overpowering. The characters are strong and likeable and easy to care about.
This is a good TEOTWAWKI book with a faith based slant that is refreshing and not overpowering. The characters are strong and likeable and easy to care about.
October 30, 2023
A Great Start to the Indiana Series
Great characters and steady story that flowed well enough to keep me going. Lots of great practical info for preppers. Can’t wait to continue the Indiana series!
Great characters and steady story that flowed well enough to keep me going. Lots of great practical info for preppers. Can’t wait to continue the Indiana series!
July 16, 2024
Realistic
Enjoyed this possibly realistic book. So much going on at a global level that this really could happen. I'm so happy the book was NOT full of foul language and even teens could read!
Enjoyed this possibly realistic book. So much going on at a global level that this really could happen. I'm so happy the book was NOT full of foul language and even teens could read!
March 27, 2022
Cannot wait for the next installment!
I have thorough enjoyed every book in this series, and this one did not disappoint. Impatiently awaiting the next story!
I have thorough enjoyed every book in this series, and this one did not disappoint. Impatiently awaiting the next story!
March 27, 2022
INDIANA FALL
Excellent read. Well written. Hope to see more from these authors. I want to find out what’s going to happen next.
Excellent read. Well written. Hope to see more from these authors. I want to find out what’s going to happen next.
March 31, 2022
Great addition
I got caught by October Fall and have been following it ever since. Looking forward to the next book. Thanks
I got caught by October Fall and have been following it ever since. Looking forward to the next book. Thanks
April 1, 2022
wow!
Loved this book. How regular people handle the apocalypse and come together. What a wonderful day I had reading this.
Loved this book. How regular people handle the apocalypse and come together. What a wonderful day I had reading this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews