Chaotic World: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Saga Filled With Fascinating Characters & Prepper Info

EMP Aftermath #2

by Grace Hamilton

Society falls. Anarchy rises. Courage endures…

Laurel survived the collapse of civilization. In the aftermath of a devastating EMP disaster, she fought to turn Minneha Hospital into a place of refuge. Now, the hospital has become a beacon of hope—but a beacon can attract predators, too.

Predators like Arlo, the brutal leader of a ruthless gang. Desperate to save his dying son, Arlo takes over the hospital and gives Laurel an impossible ultimatum: save his terminally ill boy… Or watch everyone she cares for die.

Meanwhile, Laurel’s husband Bear continues his trek across Minnesota, alone save for an orphaned boy he found along the way, and Bear’s loyal dog, Jessamine.
Teaming up with fellow survivors can come with betrayal and almost get you killed. Bear learned that the hard way, as the remnants of society turn to violence and bloodshed in a savage fight for survival.

Bear can take care of himself—but it’s cold, and it’s getting colder, and he has both Trent and Jess to protect, which is hard to do when you’ve been wounded. If he wants to reach Laurel before winter hits, he’ll have to do the unthinkable.

He’ll have to trust someone…

Genres: Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Dystopia

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2022

About the author

Grace 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.

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the EMP Aftermath series and sees the main characters Dr Laurel Rivera and her estranged husband Bear (Bjorn) Peterson on differing paths. Bear is travelling with young Trent, who he met in the deserted town near his remote cabin, and his dog Jess (Jessamine). He is determined to make it to Minneha Hospital where he knows she is working, having left his wife years before because of his PTSD issues and the danger he thought he was to her, bit still loving her. Laurel finds the hospital is nothing like she expected, with many parts of it and its readiness for patients, severely lacking as everything was rushed in opening the new hospital up. She has struggled to get the ER up and running how she wanted when the EMP hit and she tried to turn the hospital in a safe haven for those who needed it and the patients already within, like her own mother who was in an experimental treatment programme. But the head of the hospital was not someone to be trusted and shortly after getting rid of him, a new predator in the guise of businessman turned gang leader Arlo Staaf and his armed henchmen arrived, with him demanding treatment for his son. The hospital had already lost a large number of its staff and was not well stocked with medicines and supplies to keep a large number of people alive as winter approaches. Arlo’s son Liam is seriously ill with a type of leukaemia and the hospital has no way of testing which type and what meds would be best to treat him. Arlo has the hospital locked down and threatened that if Liam dies, he will kill everyone!
Bear and Trent lost their main ride when Bear decided to trust someone along the way and was betrayed. They lost everything Bear had brought from his cabin and nearly died trying to go across a lake to shorten their journey, as the weather got more extreme and colder. He is wary of trusting anyone else after what happened, but soon finds himself in need of assistance after a run in with some violent people leaves him wounded. He has Trent and his dog Jess to protect and pushes himself to keep on going, but even he has a limit. He awakes to find himself being treated by a woman and her companions. They are as wary of him, as he is of them, but they end up working together to get closer to where he is heading, before parting ways. Danger is always around in this new world of dog eat dog, and no law and order. Those with weapons and the desire towards violence, have nothing stopping them. It is only people’s will to survive that will allow them to push forward and be prepared for what is to come. Laurel is forced to take drastic action when the chemo drugs for Liam and another young boy Peter, start to run low and she suggests Arlo allow her to leave and visit a cancer specialist centre to see if they may have the ability to test Liam’s blood and provide him with a more targeted treatment plan and the drugs to do so. Bear wants to reach Laurel before winter sets in, but he doesn’t know that she is being forced to go elsewhere and the dangerous situations she finds herself in along the way. Lots of dangers along the way for both parties, as the worst of humanity shows its teeth, but also some rays of sunshine peeking through when the good side of humanity pokes its head out and helps others. Trust and protecting what is yours, is a hard won thing after all the lights went out, but there are pockets of goodness out there, that can surprise you. Unfortunately, there is also a lot more evil and violence out there, as there is no one to stop those who want something from getting it, unless you are willing to fight to keep what is yours! An old adversary of Arlo’s brings fresh danger to them all and when one danger is overcome, there is still another out there, willing to do anything to get what they want! Still so much more to come before Laurel and Bear are finally reunited and I can’t wait to see what will happen next. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel, Bear, and Jessamine are all back in Chaotic World. The world has collapsed caused of an EMP. Laurel is trying to keep her hospital and everyone afloat and safe from all the evil that has broken out since the world collapsed.

Bear, Laurel’s husband is still on the road trying to make his way to her but he keeps coming up against some very bad people who keep shooting at him. If Bear wants to find Laurel he is going to have to do it quickly as winter is setting in and that means snow is on the horizon.

If Bear is going to make it to Laurel before the winter sets in then he is going to have to do something he really doesn’t want to do and that is trust someone because he is not going to make it alone.

Meanwhile back at the hospital, a man has brought his young son to the hospital demanding that Laurel save him. His son is very sick and dying. Arlo has promised to kill everyone Laurel cares about if she does not save his dying son. Laurel has tried to explain to him that she is doing the best she can for his son but they are running out of the medicine that he needs.

There is another hospital close by that may have the medicine they are looking for. Laurel convinces Arlo to take his son there as they may have the medicine his son needs. Arlo decides to take him but Laurel has to go with them to ensure that the people at the other hospital help them.

Their journey is long and hard. Laurel, Arlo, and his gang run up on more of the evil that has been unleashed upon the world. With the whole world in chaos, humans are afraid and are attacking each other wanting what the other has. The thing is how do they know if anyone has any supplies at all when they attack? The people are afraid that they are going to run out of food so the evil ones decide to take what they want. Well, they all may not be evil as much as just afraid and hungry.

The characters are what make Chaotic World so great. I mean they all seem so believable and real. They felt like someone you would like to get to know. Someone you would want to be friends with. Laurel seems like such a good person who can get along with anyone if they would allow it. I could see Laurel when she was talking to Arlo. The more you get to know the characters the more you realize that maybe their not as bad as you first thought. That they are not the people you believed them to be after all.

Chaotic World is a fast-paced read that kept me hanging on the edge of my seat not able to turn the pages as fast as I would have liked. It had me racing to the end to see how it was all going to turn out.

I have been loving this world that Grace Hamilton has created for EMP Aftermath as well as all the characters. I can’t wait to read more in this world. I can’t wait for the next book.

I highly, highly recommend Chaotic World to all dystopian fans! Grab your copy of Chaotic World today!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journeys and Destinations

The first book of this series ended with the hero and heroine setting out on journeys, and while both got to where they were hoping to go, travel was arduous in the post-EMP world, and when each got to their destinations, the situations weren't quite what they had expected. This book felt a bit repetitive, like the other one. Both protagonists seem to lurch from dangerous situation to dangerous situation, and the situations themselves don't really seem to change much, either within the book or between books. The author should have mixed it up a bit! Not only about journeys, this book is also about running into bad guys who will either want to take advantage or shoot to kill. The villain from the prior book takes a prominent role in this one, though he is toned down somewhat, and another big, bad guy shows up. Enough with so many villains already! One subplot is barely wrapped up before another emerges that is very similar. (And it seems a bit far-fetched that, out of all the people in this small area of Minnesota… the two villains would be arch enemies still determined to take each other down.)

Before the epilogue, the book ends with both protagonists in relatively comfortable places compared to what happened earlier in the book. But both are about to strike out again, he hoping to find her and she hoping to get back to her hospital. But the epilogue showed that a new villain is emerging as well that will undoubtedly make things go from bad to worse again AND a change in the weather as the season moves to winter will hamper both journeys and further tax dwindling resources. I like the main and secondary characters as well as the children in this book. Trent is a particular delight, keeping his optimism up despite everything and being more of a help than you would think a 14-year-old boy would be. Three young teens are partial focuses of this story (two sick and one orphaned), and all are boys. I wish the author had made at least one female. Over the course of these two books, despite the plot bumps and repetition, I've come to care about the main characters, and I'm interested to see what happens to them next.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaotic World by Grace Hamilton.
Book 2 of EMP Aftermath.
Society falls. Anarchy rises. Courage endures…
Laurel survived the collapse of civilization. In the aftermath of a devastating EMP disaster, she fought to turn Minneha Hospital into a place of refuge. Now, the hospital has become a beacon of hope—but a beacon can attract predators, too. Predators like Arlo, the brutal leader of a ruthless gang. Desperate to save his dying son, Arlo takes over the hospital and gives Laurel an impossible ultimatum: save his terminally ill boy… Or watch everyone she cares for die. Meanwhile, Laurel’s husband Bear continues his trek across Minnesota, alone save for his loyal dog, Jessamine. The last time he teamed up with a fellow survivor, he was betrayed and almost killed. Now he keeps to himself, as the remnants of society turn to violence and bloodshed in a savage fight for survival. Bear can take care of himself—but it’s cold, and it’s getting colder. And if he wants to reach Laurel before winter hits, he’ll have to do the unthinkable. He’ll have to trust someone…
A brilliant read. Loved Laurel Janet Bulldog and Bear.but didn't like Arlo. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolves, Bears, and a Dog. (No Cats.)

After reading the first book in this series as well as other books she's written, I declared that Grace Hamilton is a master of creating TEOTWAWKI catastrophe thrillers. She fills her books with fully fleshed out characters, trying to survive in a dark, unforgiving world.

I loved this second volume of the EMP Aftermath series even more than the first. Laurel and Bear are unforgettable characters. They had problems that left them far away from each other when society crashed. I was on pins and needles, hoping for them to survive and find each other.

Laurel is an inspirational character and I've grown very fond of her. She's a badass, and a doctor to boot, but her strength is her intelligent and direct manner that makes people trust her. I enjoy the way her steady and helpful approach to difficult and even menacing people defuses conflicts. She's no miracle worker, but her style of handling trouble is how consequences can be mitigated when violent predators threaten the group. I'd love to have that kind of self-control!

Trent, the orphaned teen boy "adopted" by Laurel's husband while on the road, is also an important character. I like seeing Bear opening up in Trent's company and has become an integral part of his life. Taking responsibility for Trent, even growing to tolerate his chattiness, has begun breaking down some of the walls Bear's built in order to cope with his war experiences and PTSD. Plus, Trent's interactions with Bear's dog, Jess, have provided some much-needed normalcy and humor. Survival fiction is often too grim, but Hamilton balances suspense with lighter times.

That being said, Chaotic World is an excellent read and I recommend the series highly! Thank you to Grace Hamilton and BookSprout for the free advanced reader's copy. My honest review is also freely given without any obligation. I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the first book in the series, Broken World, has South Minneha Hospital in the hands of a crazed gunman desperate for help for his son. Laurel, along with her skeleton hospital crew work to keep the patients calm under this new threat, but as time goes on and meds run out, she must travel to a neighboring town and beg help from their hospital. Meanwhile her husband Bear and Trent learn the hard way to trust no one, facing threats both human and animal on their way toward Laurel and South Minneha.
Oh boy, the title of this book is so fitting as more and more enemies come out of the woodwork. Full of heartbreaking decisions and nonstop action, my only complaint is that I'm still waiting for the reunion between Laurel and Bear. Oh well, I'll just have to read the next exciting book in the series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed other Grace Hamilton stories and was excited to start this series. I really enjoy a good dystopian story. I recommend reading book 1 before starting book 2. Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off. The story is well written. Good world and character development. Loved how it changed from different characters viewpoints. This series takes place following an EMP wiping out electronics and electrical utilities. I appreciated that the characters represent real life, some are sick or have other issues which could negatively impact their survival. Some people are con artists, truly mean and vindictive, and overall, out for themselves. While other people are truly good and will voluntarily sacrifice for others. I enjoyed book 1 so much, I started book 2 immediately. I admit, I listened to it every chance I had, couldn’t get enough. I could not wait to start book 3! The narration was excellent. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the amazing EMP Aftermath Series, a post-apocalyptic survival fiction. The story continues where the first book left off. The storyline is entertaining, and captivating, filled with non-stop action, danger, suspense, and multiple twists and turns. Once again, there is a lot going on in this installment. The world building is enthralling. The story is told from multiple POV, which is interesting. Looking forward to listening to Dangerous World, the next book in the series. Andrew Tell did an OUTSTANDING job bringing this story to life. He definitely is a talented artist. The audiobook sound quality is perfect. Looking forward to listening to Dangerous World, the next book in the series, to know what happens next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. #Booksprout

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel has fixed the hospital into a place of refuge for the survivors. It give the survivors a since of hope. Arlo and his gang have breached the hospital and threatened Laurel that if she can't save his son, who's terminal then Arlo will start killing people that Laurel love. In the meantime Bear, Laurel's husband, is slowly making his way across Minnesota, along with his dog Jassamine, to reach Laurel before winter shows up. Will he be able to trust someone or will he be betrayed and killed like the first time he worked with another survivor? Can't wait to find out if Bear makes it in time to Laurel before something bad happens to her because of Arlo's threats.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was never going to be easy to get to his wife in the middle of so much chaos but more and more things go wrong for Laurel and Bear. It is a fascinating idea and the characters make you want to know what happens to them. There are even more twists and turns in this book than the first, we see more of what Bear is capable of and get to know him much better.
I recommend you read book one before this one to get a real feel for the story and characters. If you love watching characters develop and are interested in what the world might look like if it all goes wrong then this series is a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaotic World is book two of the EMP Aftermath series and it picks up where book one left off. With each book in this series we get more about the characters and what they have to do to survive the EMP Aftermath. Laurel and Bear are still separated as he tries to find Laurel and she is trying to keep her family and herself alive. Grace Hamilton has once again written a gripping and original " it could really happen" scenarios that make this a page turning read from the first page until the last. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to find out what happens next for this group of survivors. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from Grace Hamilton. The second in the Aftermath series Chaotic World is over and above the best yet. This book is a real page-turner, with lots of action and emotions. I found it really hard to put down but I wanted to do it justice by taking more time to read it and not flipping through it. Grace Hamilton is an absolute joy to read I love her books from the cover which is what draws me to pick up it up to the last page. She is one of the best apocalyptic writers out there. I heartily recommend this author, book and series.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

As Laurel fights to keep her patients safe and Bear fights to get to Laurel, we get an excellent thriller.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of this series. We were left with little cliffhangers from the last book and got all of those questions answered. But now they have new trouble that arises. I enjoyed catching up with Arlo, Trent, Bear, Laurel and all the others. in here there are things that happened that I thought would never happen, as well as a few surprises.

I listened to this on audio. Andrew Tell does an excellent job as narrator. he is always a joy to listen to. I look forward to more in this series.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues the story of Bear and Laurel. This time Laurel was out of the hospital but still dealing with human predators. So felt for the two boys.

The characters are getting more and more developed and I am looking forward to seeing how they go.

I was given an advance copy by booksprout but the review is entirely my own.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Grace Hamilton’s EMP Aftermath series finds Bear continuing on his quest to find Laurel. Laurel, meanwhile, is trying to appease Arlo by treating his son Liam. These books are easy to read and easy to keep up. No complicated Russian or Chinese names to remember, but plenty of plot twists to keep you on guard

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Grace Hamilton; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the EMP Aftermath Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a dangerous world.

This is the second book in the series. Laurel is a strong woman who can and will make a difference in this dark new world, in spite of danger from all sides. Bear continues his trek, hoping to reach Laurel before winter hits and his trek is just as dangerous. Will they find each other and can he get there in time to save her?

[Troy Helming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, fun to read

Interesting antagonists. Wish there were some references to some of the many people who have electric vehicles, many of which would have been parked in underground garages and or Faraday cage type home garages owned by preppers. Solar panels on the roof and electric vehicles in a hardened garage would give those people lots of options to survive.

[Joan L Huffman MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaotic World

Bear & Trent trundle towards Laurel’s hospital, fighting off dangerous predators-animal & human. Unbeknownst to them Laurel is dealing with one set of challenges after another: an egotistic administrator, prisoners & then a distraught father with a sick son. Will they live to connect?

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploits and Combat

Filled with exciting exploits, combat and peril. Characters you will root for, some you want to slap upside the head, even some you might want to end their existence.
There was one thing that really bothered me ... Where did all the smoke go? Seriously, where was it?!

[Ronald D. Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

Grace Hamilton is the very best new addition to my library! She has taken me in a carnival ride from sadness, to anger, then joy to disgust, ... and a lot of frustration.
She writes characters you believe. Who's emotions you feel. I'm so impressed with this series thus far and can't wait to start "Dangerous World"

[Cynthia Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival thriller

Laurel is struggling to keep the hospital going but after succeeding in getting rid of the prisoners they find themselves at the mercy of a man and his gang of armed thugs. Meanwhile, Bear is still making his way toward Laurel and after several close calls finally arrives to find the hospital under armed guard and Laurel gone.

[Sherry Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling read

Grace Hamilton has again weaved a story of the world gone dark. Follow along with Dr Rivera, Bear, Deb and the patients left in a hospital with out back up plans. Fighting to kept the patients that could not be moved safe and secure. With supplies running low and a blizzard they need to work together to survive.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Chaotic World we see the beacon Laurel had created and the envy and desperation it can create. All the whole sn injured Bear continues his brutal struggle through an ever violent and volatile world to find Laurel. Can Bear make it will they survive this lawless land and can anywhere truly be safe? Great plot and storyline!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emp Aftermath Book 2

Great story with fantastic characters i would Love to meet. Well, some of the characters arent on my to meet list. Bear, Trent, and Jess have made it to the hospital where Bears wife should be, but she left to go get more medical supplies. Now a severe winter storm has kept them inside probably until Spring.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so many threads and multiple levels to the plot, great characters. Enemies become friends when faced with a mutual enemy. Just when you think things are looking up for Laurel she is trapped at the hospital. Just when you think SM Hospital is free from violence someone is plotting revenge again

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good second part to this new & exciting EMP adventure! Like the ideas, plot & storyline, really enjoying the characters development & how they deal with the problems thrown at them! A really good, fun read!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Hamilton has a wonderful way of writing an apocalypic story, I always enjoy a book by Ms. Hamilton. EMP Aftermath so far has what I've been enjoying from other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mariah Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Enjoying the continuation of the story. What goes right and goes wrong in an dystopian world make for an entertaining read. I would recommend this story and the previous one for someone wanting a different take on a post Emp book.