Survive the Darkness: A Post Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller

Survive the Darkness #1

by Ryan Casey

When the lights go out, only the strong will survive the darkness… It’s New Year’s Eve, and the world is about to change. Forever. Out of nowhere, a catastrophic EMP event cripples the nation’s power supply. Cars spiral off the streets. Planes hurtle from the skies. And in the powerless confusion, it doesn’t take long for terrified survivors to resort to violence. Max is working as a security guard in the city centre when the power goes out. Surrounded by chaos, he knows he only has one to get out of the city and get to the countryside. But will he make it out of a city that is rapidly collapsing ? Aoife is on her way home from a terrible night out when her bus crashes, leaving her unconscious. When she wakes up, she is engulfed in darkness and surrounded by flames. Does she have what it takes to fight her way home to her friends? And in the darkness, a mysterious prisoner steps out of his cell with one goal in revenge. On the first day of darkness, do you have what it takes to survive? Survive the Darkness is the first book in the new post apocalyptic EMP survival thriller series . If you enjoy stories of ordinary people thrown into harrowing new circumstances, you’ll love the Survive the Darkness series.

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic

242 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Ryan Casey is the author of over a dozen novels and a highly successful serial. He writes gritty post-apocalyptic fiction, throwing normal people into devastating situations and exploring how they react and adapt. He has also written several detective mysteries and thrillers. Across all genres, Casey's work is renowned for its rapid pacing, unforgettably complex characters, and knockout twists.

Casey lives in the United Kingdom. He has a BA degree in English with Creative Writing from the University of Birmingham, and has been writing stories for as long as he can remember. In his spare time, he can be spotted walking his West Highland White Terrier, has a passion for cinema and television, and probably spends a little bit too much time in the pub.

For more information on Ryan's books, visit http://ryancaseybooks.com/

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Reviews

[Auggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exiting this book a third of the way through. The writing style is so staccato it makes things feel disjointed and choppy. I can push through an inelegant writing style for a good story though but I'm not getting that here either - everyone we meet is a grumpy misanthrope and every other action they take reminds them of their "tragic past". Maybe it gets better but the transition to action made me enjoy this even less so I'm going to move on.

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok EMP story a bit to much with the serial killer brother ..

This was an ok EMP story.. meh after the pandemic build up .. but have to say it was a bit to much with the serial killer brother to the lady he was helping, how the SK got to his new house before him from solitary confinement at the prison … so much which could have been explored but wasn’t.. and to much all at once on these 3 main characters… not sure if I misunderstood where this takes place but the British slang distracts if this is supposed to be US or Canadian based.. American’s don’t use that vernacular.

[Elizabeth Duckworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book thinking that I was reading a "re-write" of an older book which also took place in England, maybe not, but I'll be looking for similarities in the next book (which I have already started).
I hope this book slows down just a little and steps out of Max's mind now that we know he would rather live than join his late wife and son in the hereafter. Same thing with Aoife and her past relationship, which sucked but not enough to have trouble in getting on with life. I have trouble feeling a whole lot of sympathy for Aoife, she's like a woman of straw, she bends any which way the wind blows and feels sorry for just about anyone, she even feels sorry for Harry the creep who would have left her in a flash on that burning bus without agonizing over it when she decides that she has to save herself or die. (You have to read about Harry to understand what I mean.). I also hate when the author gives someone a name that you have to stop to remember how it's pronounced.....I now just call her Ivy.

[343 Guilty Spark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really, really contrived ..

I like a good post-apocalyptic story but this one was just so full of plot contrivances it was pretty hard to suspect my disbelief (and my eyes got sore with all the rolling). Also not that much post-apocalyptic action but it is just the intro to the series so maybe it improves with future books ?

Aside from that, way too much 'sob story' internal moping with the characters, it just got boring and I found myself just skimming pages rapidly, it absolutely did not hold my interest.

Because I like the premise of an EMP event and I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic tales (and because it's on Kindle unlimited so 'free' to me) I'll give the second in the series a try to see if it improves but I suspect I will just end up ditching this saga.

[JoAnn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooooo repetitive. If I read one more line on what happened to Katherine and David I was ready to shut the kindle down. Over and over again the author alludes to some disaster with them but we’re building suspense here so need to visit it every chapter until the reveal- by then I didn’t care. Time would have been better spent fleshing out the main characters who barely make a dent in your consciousness. And then it just goes downhill in the “what a coincidence” department. Nope not a good read for me and I apologize to the author for this less than stellar review and hope this is a first book and a learning experience.

[Deb Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story I read it in one day!

A great start to a new series. I read this book in one day. The characters drew me in and the unfolding of the EMP was perfect. I loved the encounters with other people and their side stories as well. The next book is due out soon and I will be reading it.

[Cynthia Welge · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's writing style is not my favorite. The story was okay. I don't like the obscenities used. More of a Thriller and I was hoping for more of a survival story.

[Jen Sa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is touted as a survival EMP but there is not so much "survival" in Casey's books. I didn't like the "dead end" story lines started, feeling that I wasted my time reading about these characters, but didn't read about them again. I read Caseys more recent book "Dawn of Chaos" before reading this "Survive the Darkness". And i enjoyed his Chaos book more! I suspect that this author is improving book by book. Max and Aoife both dwell on past relationships, and I don't know if Aoife should get in a relationship with Max because he lets her down frequently, and is a very flawed character. There are no "feel good" moments in this book, just horror. I also read "lights Out" but found it confusing, because there were too many characters that I had to try to remember and keep track of. I prefer to read about one hero leading character, because I can put myself in that perspective. There are a lot of British words and customs that need translating to American English and he uses the F word a lot like many Britts do. There was the same "Shop" story paragraph, recycled in this book as in the other book.

[Penny Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start

I love apocalyptic/post apocalyptic stories, and have found some amazing authors. This was a newbie for me and I was a bit wary but needn't have worried! Characters well written and generally believable, including the bad guys. Well written - can't think of any misspelling or grammatical errors and that is always a big plus for me! Will definitely be getting the next one in the series.

[Chris Truman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new experience for me

Well written, great characters and a good storyline. With this book taking place across the pond, it took me a bit to get into it. But when I did. It was excellent. Looking forward 4the next installment.
Things are different from the point of view for someone not native to the UK and the different words, cultures and customs. Thanks for allowing me to expand my knowledge base for your world.

[Jilly Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. I thought the descriptive disasters and deaths were a bit too much. There was more description at the start than development of the characters. The connection between the main characters was a bit too unbelievable and I would have liked more about the apocalyptic aftermath than the revenge storyline.

[Elaine Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Escapism

In the world of 2021 which is in itself a dystopian nightmare I found this novel an enjoyable escape. Fast moving, plausible and an easy read what’s not to like. If you are a fan of post apocalyptic/ dystopian fiction then this is a book (series) for you. I would say more but I’m eager to begin book 2 !!
- Martin MK

[Greg Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty scattered about until over halfway through

Difficult to put things together and scattered like jumping around too much. I did like the taill end but wondering if it continues in book two or it deadpans. Not sure if I'll continue series but will have to read samples before purchasing.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. It was well thought out, original, and even had a twist. The characters were solid, well-developed. It was a touch repetitive at times, often having characters think the same thoughts over and over and over and over - it's annoying right, right. Overall, this was very enjoyable. The series certainly has potential.

[TerriS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, that’s 5.5 hours I’ll never get back. I rarely DNF a book and I was sorely tempted to this one. I read/listen to post-apocalyptic fiction for the, you know, POST-APOCALYSE shit. This was just a revenge story with an incidental EMP/CME thrown in. Glad I only got the first volume because I will definitely DNF the series. I would have given it a zero rating if possible.

[Barbara Ann Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A great realistic book. What could happen with a solar storm. The characters are believable. I really liked how the characters came together and overcame a terrible threat.

[Jon Theisen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good first book in a series.

I found this to be a most enjoyable read as a first book in a series. I like the characters and the plot seems well set up for the coming books. I recommend it.

[Deborah Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy New Year

The author did a great job telling the mystery behind the characters that just meet when the Empire happens and then goes back in time to tell their story.

[Peggy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice twist

Good spin on tshtf kind of book but with an interesting twist. Believable. I decent ready keeps the reader's interest.

[MARYJO FOX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. Good characters and lots of twists and turns. Now I am ready for Book 2.

[Bernice De Beer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so gory and unique, it got me totally hooked and on the prowl for more books like it! Not a Romance, but has the possibility of one if it was continued. Definitely recommend this!

[Debbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I highly recommend this book to those who love the post apocalyptic story genre. It's a real nail biter right to the end.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start

We'll see where it goes and how it plays out. This book is good for people who like survival stories

[Anne - Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Great start to a new series. The characters are interesting Looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

[karen cance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I could not put the book down. It had my attention as soon as I opened the book. I look forward to others by this author. Enjoy and take care!

[geraldine ohara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

Can't wait to read the other books as this one was so good ,it kept me on the edge off my seat

[Jane Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

survive

A little different , which is good, a bit unexpected, again good, but sometimes people can be a bit stupid.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal

Read this story to find out that is a glimpse of what the future could come our way. There is an abundance of mallice and brutality without an EMP event.

[Sandra Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Really loved this first book. Characters have real personalities and showed a weird unexpected twist! Can’t wait for the next episode in their lives.

[c · Rating 1 out of 5]

Max is kind of a dick.