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Two weeks after an electromagnetic pulse knocked out the power grid, communications, and nearly all transportation, sending that nation back into the Stone Age, Lauren Wallace and the small eastern Tennessee town of Unicoi struggles to survive as residents hunker behind their newly constructed walls.

Sam Wallace, injured and exhausted from his trek out of Atlanta, finds refuge in Franklin, North Carolina. But trouble comes knocking when the town’s tourist population refuses to go home.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2022

244 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Payne

59 books169 followers

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5 stars
363 (64%)
4 stars
153 (27%)
3 stars
38 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
102 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2022
I read an advance copy of this book. It picks up with Lauren trying to keep everyone in her town safe. Sam has been injured and is unable to travel home. His goal is to heal and get home. He is able to help those who helped him. Coping with those who mean them harm and shortages of necessary supplies are main themes in this story. Highly recommend this series. Book 3 is scheduled for release next month. Can't wait!
25 reviews
March 9, 2023
Great Read!

I only have one complaint about this book and the first one. They are so interesting and so much fun to read that I'm behind on chores and sleep!!!!! I really like the characters in the story. Some are quirky, they are tough and they seem like people I might know here in Knoxville or Spring City, Tn. Even the bad guys are similar to people I have come across over the years. Human nature is exposed in an authentic way that reminds me that humans are often less loyal than a good dog but that we have moments when we transcend our selfishness and greed. I highly recommend the book for a very enjoyable read!
1 review1 follower
September 27, 2022
More Great Writing from TL Payne

I have read many of T.L. Payne's books and have enjoyed every single one. In this series we have love and heartache. Chaos and death. Preparation and survival.

Sam Wallace fights to make it home to his wife and son. All while his wife struggles to help their small town survive the apocalypse brought on by an EMP. His wife is the mayor and fighting battles, mostly political, but pushed towards the point of violence, at every turn. Will he make it in time to save his family from the violent onslaught?
Profile Image for Pam Shelton-Anderson.
1,960 reviews65 followers
October 22, 2022
This is book two of what has been a pretty good series so far. The general plot of one main character trying to get home and others at home, dealing with the chaos, as well as a nearby-budding-evil-empire, is a fairly common theme. Honestly, though, it would kind of unfold that way with opportunists trying to build an empire and dominate. This tells the story well, with just a few editing issues (ex."Casey was the only girl there is age"). I look forward to book 3.
147 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2022
Finished it on 10/24/22 ( great book - good timing!).

I've read several books by T.L. Payne, and enjoyed all of them. This book (and this series) are no exception. When Sam and Lauren are split apart by circumstances, both struggle to reach each other, but realize their responsibilities, and meet them (inspite of their personal feelings).
My timing turned out to be perfect! Tomorrow the next book in the series will be issued (I can hardly wait!).
1,014 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2022
Definitely a Thriller!

What an exhilarating journey book two Carrie’s the reader on! Yet at times tiring, painful and heartbreaking. This episode really does all of that. After finishing reading I was left with the feeling that this could be real, exactly as it’s written. Absolutely stunning.
Profile Image for Apocalyptic Thoughts.
36 reviews
June 13, 2025
it was okay. but super repetitive and I just wanted it to end.
ending felt rushed, which was annoying after having done through so many hours of it.
parts of the story just left unfinished.

repetive use of "sam said" "Lauren said"


think it just needed an editor who could have removed the fluff and fixed the "said" business.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,553 reviews41 followers
August 31, 2022
This is a really good second part to this EMP end of the world! I really enjoyed this, good ideas, intriguing situations & characters, make for a really good read & escape!! I do recommend all of this writers work! Good stuff!
Profile Image for Charlene.
680 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2022
Great

Another great book by T. L. Payne. I love the characters in this book and series. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I would recommend this book and all of T.L.’s books.
Profile Image for Cindy.
781 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2022
Page turner

This is book 2 in the series. Lauren continues to try to save the town where she is mayor and Sam continues his journey back to her. I am glad that book 3 is available now because the ending of 2 definitely leads into 3.
Profile Image for Sandy McCulloch.
364 reviews
January 16, 2023
survive the collapse book 2

Wow, deceit, theft, secrecy, rolled into an amazing second book. Along with survival, and determination. The bad guys, have a mole in the town. Who is twisting everything to their liking.
36 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2023
Exciting read great series

This was a very nice read with a god pace with plenty of twists keeps you turning pages looking forward other next book in the series thank you again Mr Payne
Profile Image for Linda.
363 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2025
I was bored halfway through. I never notice poor editing, but I did in this book. The ending was more satisfying than the first in the series. I don’t feel I have to rush to read #3. But, I will after I read other books waiting for me.
Profile Image for Sherry.
88 reviews
September 14, 2022
Great

Great story line and very good writing. Great character building, liked most. Left me wanting more. Can't wait for book 3.
187 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2022
Brink of Chaos

This book has has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy learning more about post Apocalypse.
Profile Image for Logan Streondj.
Author 2 books15 followers
November 14, 2022
Pretty good post apoc scifi, well thought out in general. Though yeah certainly improvements are possible. Like there was no land redistribution for farming, which is weird but w/e.
1 review1 follower
December 27, 2022
enraging

The development of the characters and relationships in engaging. A good picture of the struggle of a post apocalyptic environment.
Profile Image for Melanie Underwood.
243 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2023
This exciting new series continues in the gripping, fast-paced Brink of Chaos. An enjoyable page-turner.
23 reviews
July 20, 2023
Heart felt

In a disastrous situation, when people pull together, you can feel the comradory and get really into the story so when good things happen you feel them too.
158 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
Raw Survival without frills

This is a great continuation of the 1st book. It's enough to make you want to prep a go bag, grab a gun, and get out of town immediately.
16 reviews
May 12, 2025
a rude awakening

Eye opening reality check of the possibility of what is likely to happen expertly expressed into a riveting story line.
Profile Image for Kandy.
1,383 reviews13 followers
May 28, 2025
The excitement and suspense in this series continues. I am loving it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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