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Lights Out #1

LIGHTS OUT: Book 1: After The Silence

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In a world reliant on technology, the bright flashes in the sky were just the beginning.

With the power gone, the UK falls into a state of panic.

The ensuing anarchy is simply a warm-up act.

Shaun Taylor is stranded far from home, far from a broken family he needs to make whole again, and he will do whatever it takes to get back to them.

What would you do to get home?

What would you do if the lights went out?

Audiobook

Published March 15, 2022

117 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Devon C. Ford

80 books430 followers
Devon is from the UK, having lived in many places until finally settling in the Midlands. His career in public services started in his teens and has provided a wealth of experiences, both good and some very bad, which form the basis of the book ideas that cause regular insomnia.

He first started reading for fun as an adult, having tried his hardest to avoid anything resembling academia growing up, and at that point the world became a far bigger place. He has been reading, at least one book at a time, ever since.

His debut works, the After It Happened series, (Survival, Humanity, Society) were published in April 2016 followed by Hope (July 2016) and Sanctuary (December 2016). The first part of the series concluded with the release of Rebellion which was published in June 2017.

Storming high into the charts with the first books of the After It Happened series, Devon launched into the top 10 sellers listings in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, and he made the decision to write full time shortly after the launch of Hope.

Devon’s self-published beginnings caused a stir in the publishing world, and resulted in contracts with Podium Publishing for Audible, narrated by R.C. Bray (The Martian, Expeditionary Force, Arisen), before a publishing deal for kindle and paperbacks with Vulpine Press.

Further works have seen the start of a multi-author series, sci-fi/post-apocalyptic cross genre, futuristic dystopian and alternative history zombie apocalypse. Spin-off books from the After It Happened world have been announced for 2018.

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5 stars
194 (36%)
4 stars
197 (37%)
3 stars
97 (18%)
2 stars
31 (5%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Misty.
337 reviews329 followers
March 28, 2022
I am so confused by the number of post-apocalyptic novels that get passed by editors and publishers with SO. MANY. MISTAKES. The spelling and punctuation are abysmal, and the continuity errors just push me right over the edge. This had so much potential. I loved the character development, and though the plot periodically stalled, it was enough to hold my attention. Every error, however, separated me from the story just long enough to berate the author and the system.

If this author paid an editor, it’s time to reconsider that contract.
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
410 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2022
This was such an interesting and exciting read. It's one of those books that you just don't want to put down. The storyline is fast paced and intriguing with strong and likeable characters. Really looking forward to reading the next book. Hooked !
Profile Image for myreadingescapism.
1,294 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2025
In a saturated world of post-apocalyptic books, it takes a lot more to really stand out. This one had decent bits, my problem was I just couldn't really get into it. I won't finish the series, but I will still read more from this author as majority of his work has decent reviews and I could just be grumpy. 🫠
Profile Image for Vaun Fiedler.
215 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2022
Outstanding read!

Life's challenges after an EMP takes out power would stress almost anyone! Follow Devon C. Ford's characters as they face those challenges.
64 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2022
Great start to a new series

Shaun, is a flawed main character , fighting his own demons before the lights go out. Two separate stories, his journey back to the family hes split from, and theirs as they navigate the situation. Easy too read, flowed smoothly when switching between storylines. Read the book from start to end and wanted more . Can't wait for the second book !
Profile Image for Simon.
1,364 reviews26 followers
December 16, 2025
"Lights Out: After the Silence" throws readers headfirst into a UK teetering on the brink after a mysterious technological collapse. The narrative centers on Shaun Taylor, a man caught miles away from his fractured family when the lights go out and society begins to crumble. Ford paints a grim picture of a nation plunged into chaos, where the loss of power is just the first domino in a chain reaction of anarchy and desperation. Shaun's journey home becomes a desperate race against time and humanity's darker impulses.

Ford's strength lies in crafting relatable characters thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Shaun is a compelling protagonist, driven by a fierce determination to reunite with his family. His internal struggles – balancing his survival instincts with his desire to maintain his humanity – resonate deeply. The supporting cast, from opportunistic looters to desperate survivors clinging to hope, adds layers of complexity to the story. One of the initial plot twists revolves around the true cause of the blackout, hinting at a more sinister force at play than simple technological failure.

The tone of "Lights Out" is gritty and unflinching, mirroring the brutal reality of a world without order. Ford doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and desperation that consume the UK as resources dwindle and trust erodes. The narrative is punctuated by moments of intense suspense, as Shaun navigates treacherous landscapes and encounters ruthless adversaries. There's a palpable sense of urgency, driven by Shaun's relentless pursuit of his family and the ever-present threat of danger.

Thematically, "Lights Out" explores the fragility of civilization, the importance of human connection, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. The novel examines how quickly society can descend into chaos when the infrastructure we rely on crumbles, forcing individuals to confront their own morality and survival instincts. It also delves into the theme of family, highlighting the enduring power of love and the sacrifices we make for those closest to us. Furthermore, "Lights Out" raises questions about the nature of hope in the face of overwhelming adversity, and the potential for both good and evil that resides within us all.

In conclusion, "Lights Out: After the Silence" is a gripping and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic thriller that offers a chilling glimpse into a world without technology. Devon C. Ford's well-developed characters, suspenseful plot, and exploration of complex themes make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. If you enjoyed "Lights Out," I recommend "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, a bleak but powerful tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic America, and "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, which explores the resilience of art and human connection in the wake of a global pandemic.
Profile Image for Elli Lewis.
Author 2 books16 followers
May 19, 2022
audiobooks nest logo
Great Narration, Interesting Journey

💚 This is a reformed-husband-fighting-to-get-to-his-family apocalypse, but with the wife’s perspective as well. So a bit like The End of the World Running Club, but quite a different tone.

🧡 The view of human life in the face of scarcity is closer to Thomas Hobbes’ 'Nasty, brutish and short' viewpoint than I’d have preferred. And, while I liked Abby’s feistiness - I pictured her played by Thirteenth Doctor Jodie Whitakker - some of Shawn’s internal dialogue felt aged before its time. Not a fan of the couple’s teen, Lydia. Very whiny and not too bright, although there is one fun fight scene in which she takes the lead.

💜 Listen to this for the understated British approach to an EMP apocalypse, the dour humour and suspense of reuniting a family.

Soundbite

🎧 This made for a great listen. Narrator Kevin Kemp lends a lightness to the production and comes across as relatable and likeable, I also appreciated the attention paid to the chapter listings.

🎧 I would caution that this isn’t a laid back listen. One narrator reading two storylines can be difficult to follow, especially when both have similar characters and group makeup.

Find more bird’s eye view audiobooks reviews at Audiobooks Nest.
Profile Image for Colleen A. Parkinson.
Author 10 books15 followers
May 1, 2022
I was interested in reading this author's newest work after he WOWED me with his amazing "TOY SOLDIERS" series (which I have read twice).

The first entry in his new "LIGHTS OUT" series, "After the Silence" is well-written and pulls the reader along. One thing that makes this an easy read to follow is the fact that there are only four major characters. Sean is separated from his ex-wife and daughter; and a prominent scientist specializing in viruses survives a commercial airliner crash - all this after an EMP attack. Author Devon Ford does a good job with the pacing of each character's experience as they try to survive the initial days after the lights and everything else go out. Only two small issues with this first book in a series dropped it one star for me: 1- noticeable typos and errors missed during editing interrupt the flow for the reader, and 2- some redundancy about Sean's personal struggles (trust me, Devon, we got it the first three times). Regardless, this is an interesting story that kept me reading all the way through; enough to encourage me to read Book 2 in this series. I recommend it for fans of apocalyptic themed stories.
Profile Image for Emmeline Joy.
18 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this fast paced ‘can’t put down’ adventure, in a World that suddenly and inexplicably loses it’s power and explores the survival of those left behind.

The characters and their priorities gripped my interest, and got me thinking about how I would react and behave in a similar situation. As each character’s individual journey’s came together, the themes of family and those you love as your priority, echoed throughout.

With morbid curiosity, my favourite chapter was that of the air crash - utterly terrifying and had me transfixed!

With the positives I must point out a huge negative. I have never come across a book with so many spelling and grammatical errors, which occasionally made me deflect from reading with surprise. Having read a few other reviews I know it isn’t my kindle playing tricks on me. I’m no ‘grammar police’ by any stretch of the imagination, but some of the sentences didn’t even make sense! Such a shame when so much effort and time has gone into creating this epic adventure.

Looking forward to the second book !
6 reviews
May 24, 2022
People are Stupid

Being one who follows this stuff and has for many years, it fascinates me the characters have no clue what is going on. But that is the realism of the times we live in. Heads buried in devices and gadgets and never getting real knowledge of the world around them. Never understanding that the human race is just a few high altitude nuclear blasts away from global destruction. The book is well written and is an enjoyable read. I will definitely continue reading the series to its conclusion.
Profile Image for Jude Samson.
Author 2 books1 follower
Read
August 18, 2025
(Discussing all 3 books)
I just want to say that while I point out various issues it's for the purpose of feedback in the hope that it helps future works and not that the story isn't good.

I've enjoyed a good number of Devon's books over time but I'm not sure what's happening. Normally a writer will hone their skills over time but I feel like Devon's work is getting... not worse, necessarily, but definitely not improved. He's also falling into terrible tropes and weird fixations. Not to mention borderline sexism and an inappropriate transphobic mention.

First - THREE BOOKS! Why? This could have been a wild ride within a single book without losing any of the important elements. It's spread out across three books mainly because we have random off-shoots of side stories that are sometimes brought up for a brief moment in book one and don't come out until book three. Otherwise, book 2 and 90% of book 3 are really just filler where we see the characters doing essentially the same thing on repeat as the page count adds up.

Second - what is the weird hyper-fixation? In another book (Toy Soldiers?) there was an inordinate amount of references to balls (testicles) but in this series (especially book 1) there's a hyper-fixation on urinating.

Third - so much repetition. The glittering bullets glittered in the light. Immediate and rapid - yes, technically two different actions but they are still conveying the same urgency. We only need one or the other. There were a surprising amount of these redundancies throughout the series. It's not even what most authors do (even major celebrity names) where they repeat/reword the same content throughout the book to fluff the page count - these were redundant within the same sentence. There was also an issue with running off on random tangents. It seemed like he'd get an idea and then would side-quest the thought and then bring it back. There are also various grammatical issues (and some that aren't necessarily mistakes but show immature writing). If we trimmed those issues we'd be well on the way to making a far tighter story.

The entire concept of the biological attack was so unneeded and just seems utterly contrived. We're introduced to a character in book 1 that we start to even become invested in but then he seems to disappear through almost the rest of the book until he suddenly pops up out of the blue like Devon forgot he hasn't mentioned the character in a while and forgot he was going to make this additional storyline. Book 2 is really just a reiteration of everything from 1 just drawn out. Book 3 seems like it just remembered about the biological element but winds up spending so much time just rehashing the same actions from books 1 and 2 and just tossing in minor scenes pertaining to the biological element it seemed so rushed and slap-dash. The best thing would be to remove all traces of the biological story elements and make that an entirely different story. There was enough here and there that it could be fleshed out into a good (single) book but presented across this series it comes out as stunted and just so out of place.

Trimming this story arc, cutting out the excessive journey actions, and the various repetition issues you'd have an action-packed, fast-paced, exciting story. Even with an increasing cast of characters - it's well-balanced enough to not overwhelm the reader.

Devon is definitely ahead of the game compared to many other male writers of this genre when it comes to his female characters. They aren't the damsel in distress types, which is refreshing. A few times some of the statements come off as borderline sexist but he never crosses that line. However, there was absolutely an unneeded and inappropriate transgender remark. Since it had nothing to do with the story, didn't have any importance to the scene, and definitely came out of nowhere it comes off as ignorant and unsettling.

I also enjoy that Devon doesn't fall into the weapon-porn trope so many others tend to find themselves doing in this genre. We do get introduced to various weapons and some descriptions/terms but we are also dealing with military characters who would speak that way and it's never to the point where your eyes just cross.

Abby was hard to enjoy or even root for as a character. I'm not sure if she was written that way on purpose or not, but I wanted to just kick her ass out from the moment she got to the first safe haven and never warmed up to her. There was definitely some "cheating" by repeatedly using the excuse for Sean that he must know how to do this or that because he saw it in a movie or show. Once? Okay, that's forgivable but it was done on various occasions and seemed more like lazy writing. There were times when characters did really weird things too. Like a leader arguing for more information instead of rushing to the scene of what is very clearly an emergency. Assuming certain actions of other characters that just didn't make sense. It wasn't too often but it happened enough times to draw attention to it as an issue and would tend to bring me out of the story rather than help immerse me further.

All the issues aside I do want to point out that Devon is a good storyteller. I've enjoyed his various works and will usually add something from him to my "to read" list without even checking what it's about because I trust him enough as an author. I would definitely love to see him develop the craft better (or get a better proofreader) and will keep reading his works.
Profile Image for Rhonda Gisclair.
10 reviews
March 19, 2022
Good read good writing good entertainment

Kept me riveted. Started a little slow but even then it was interesting. After the first few chapters an unlikely hero begins to emerge. I usually just listen to audiobooks as I drive. I devoured this one listening while driving and on my spare time and reading as much as listened.
9 reviews
March 28, 2022
Having read most of this authors other books, I was looking forward to this new story. I was NOT disappointed.
Very well written, flows easily and enjoyable. Interesting premise (especially considering current things happening in the world!)
Characters are interesting and have great capacity of growth.
Really looking forward to book 2 and rest of series.
Profile Image for Sush Rose.
120 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2022
Gripping!

Really enjoyed this book, which shows the rapid decline in British Society following an attack. Loved the characters, and the immediate letting go of everything electronic that we sadly rely on now. Off to grab the next book to follow the further decline when further attacks follow.
125 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2023
So exciting!

This fast moving story was so exciting, i found myself literally holding my breath as Shaun or Abbie somehow survived almost shocking incidents, one after another. This really should be a movie. The people were real, not just characters. The situations were believable. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,090 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
I have read quite a few American power outage EMP books. They always go from normal life to Mad Max guns blazing within 5 hrs. Across the pond people seem to be much more civil. Not everyone is armed to the teeth with 3 years of supplies driving old cars. The three main groups to follow all are in unique situations and interesting to see how they will interact come the next two books.
Profile Image for Beth Ruge.
24 reviews
March 22, 2022
Another cracking post apocalyptic fiction from this author. What can be a depressing and scary concept is somehow lightened by dark humour and pop culture references. Look forward to the next in the series.
916 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2022
good

Shaun travels to Scotland to bury his dad. Whist cleaning out his cottage all electricity goes out. Read how he travels to find his family and some of the people he meets on the way.
Profile Image for R.S..
Author 6 books1 follower
May 31, 2022
Very huge fan of Ford having read over a half-dozen if his previous works. I enjoyed the books pacing and multiple character. The action was thrilling and intriguing. I don't know where they are going with the atory, but there's a sequel so I guess we'll all find out.
112 reviews
June 13, 2022
The English Version

The big difference seems to be that no has semi-automatic weapons and that gangs have yet to form. Nice to see that a few people still have decent instincts. I look forward to seeing how this tale develops.
Profile Image for David.
114 reviews
September 2, 2022
3.75/5 - audiobook

I love the writing of Devon C Ford and glad this series got the audiobook treatment. Some of the characters aren’t exactly loveable or relatable, but I do like the direction the story is going overall.
255 reviews
July 1, 2025
3 🌟 Completed book After the Silence Lights Out

Too many unnecessary words. I was constantly waiting for something to happen, and it didn't.

Narrator was great. He kept me listening eventho I kept losing interest.
May or may not continue series.
Profile Image for Kimbolimbo.
1,335 reviews16 followers
September 4, 2025
I'm really enjoying the dystopian series pumped out by this author. Junk food is so enjoyable. I'll keep reading as long as I have access to these books. Unfortunately my library doesn't have all of them. Darn. But I'll request them and read as they come available.
451 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2022
Brilliant

What a gripping start to a new series . The characters are growing and changing with the turn of each page . Fast paced, really looking forward to the next book.
77 reviews
July 23, 2022
Yet another big hit

He digs deep and finds the emotions you would feel yourself in that situation. How he would have you react in every given scenario. Excellent.
Profile Image for Sheila.
106 reviews
December 7, 2022
A reasonably well thought out story of the aftermath is plagued by loose ends and endless typos, bad editing, and inappropriate word choice.
At the very least a new proofreader should be found.
1 review
March 11, 2023
Brilliant! Makes me want to prep now!

Makes me want to prep now. Cant wait to start next follow on book. Detail very good and as i,d imagine


Profile Image for Archiegitdog.
251 reviews
March 13, 2023
Very enjoyable, easy listening and actually most of it believable. Looking forward to book 2!
1 review
August 1, 2023
riveting and really well written

Just couldn’t put it down, can’t wait to read book 2. Will be looking out for more books by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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