What do you think?
Rate this book
Days of Want Series #1-4
In an instant, everything stops. No lights. No phones. No transportation. When an EMP attack wipes out the nation’s power grid and communications, college freshman, Maddie Langston, is forced to run for her life. Stranded in a Chicago airport when the lights go out, Maddie is in a race against time. According to her father, she doesn’t have long before the city descends into chaos. She must leave the airport before it is too late. The perilous journey out of the city becomes even more complicated when Maddie takes responsibility for an orphaned ten-year-old girl. Together, as chaos fills the streets, they must fight to survive in a Turbulent new world. Maddie’s brother Zach has his own battles to fight as he struggles to get home to his family. On the road to reunite with Maddie and Zach, Beth’s trip takes a twisted turn, but she won’t let any prevent her from reaching her children. Days of Want is a high octane post-apocalyptic EMP thriller series.
1084 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2022
737 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 7, 2024
This series has kept me on the edge of my chair. Can't wait for the last 3.
April 23, 2023
1. Turbulent. Beth Langston, Maddie’s mother was in San Diego, California visiting her dying mother after dropping Maddie off at the San Diego airport. Maddie Langston was now in the Chicago O’Hare International Airport waiting for her connecting flight to take her home to St. Louis, Missouri. Zach Langston and his classmates were in Marshall, Illinois returning from a field trip to Washington D.C… At 3:30 pm a nuclear EMP went off above the United States. All power and electronics shut down creating panic and chaos everywhere. Maddie met the Andrews family; Rob, April, and their young daughter Emma, joining them for safety and to escape the chaos at the airport. The response from the President was for everyone to remain in place. Escaping from the airport, Maddie was soon on her own with Emma due to Rob and April interfering where they shouldn’t have. The initial nuclear strikes came from North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran creating the EMP. Some ICBM missiles were shot down, but some got through. Officials at FEMA were prepared for an EMP of “normal” strength, but not a Super EMP. Half the equipment that was assured to survive did not. In a matter of hours, not days, the country resembled The Wild, Wild West. The story switches between the three Langston family members in different locations. A couple of them eventually reunite.
2. Hunted. Maddie, Emma, the big white dog Conner, and Maddie’s brother Zach all arrived at their Uncle Ryan’s farm in Marseilles, Illinois. It was such a relief to them to finally be with family again and feel safe. With more ex-military friends arriving at Ryan’s farm the story now switched between Ryan and Beth in California. Beth had had no contact with any of her family and did not know where any of them were. She only knew where they had once been. If Beth was traveling at all, she would be headed home. Illinois FEMA Officials were busy consolidating supplies and equipment; not only consolidating but shutting down shelters to recoup, a.k.a. steal, those supplies as well. Local officials were refusing to turn over supplies to FEMA and DHS, conserving supplies for their people. Believing Ryan’s people were part of a group that raided a FEMA underground warehouse, National Guard soldiers attacked the farm. Ryan, his ex-military friends, Maddie, and Zach fled the burning farm and headed to Missouri via the river. Their destination was St. Clair where Maddie’s father had a storage garage in town and a cabin nearby in Evening Shade. The rest of Ryan’s group finally showed up at Langston Cabin and they are all together again.
3. Turmoil. Six days into the apocalypse the issue of prisons and penitentiaries reared its ugly head. Minimum security prisoners had been released by the governor of the state. What to do with, much less feed the maximum security prisoners became the issue. Military MRE supplies, port-a-potty equipment, and soldiers were dispatched to help guard the prisoners. Eventually, hard decisions would have to be made by the government. Twelve days in, Beth and her friend Roger had made it to the Kingman Compound in Kingman, Arizona where a large group of survivors and ex-military resided. During an attack on the compound, Roger went out to help the patrols and disappeared. Did the Cartel take prisoners or was he dead? Former Marine Maria told Beth she would help her get home to her children and they left. Trouble befalls them of course and they wind up being taken in by a religious cult order. Ryan’s group at Langston Cabin in Evening Shade was settling in, gathering supplies, fortifying, and introducing survival training. Convict squatters appear in the county. Local law enforcement is almost nonexistent, so people from Langston Cabin pitch in to remove the intruders. The remaining 400 prisoners at the maximum security South Central Prison are still an issue, especially now that the governor wants to pull the military off of guard duty. Opportunity smiled upon Beth and Maria allowing them to escape and finally make their way to Langston Cabin. Now they were all reunited; thirteen people and three dogs.
4. Uprising. The group at Langston Cabin is pulled every way; protecting their cabin, protecting and removing supplies from Ron’s homestead, and dealing with the local or convict intruders that appeared every day. Local officials confiscated food supplies from FEMA stockpiles setting up their dictatorships. Local civilians were starving, creating problems for everyone. Leadership had to be established to set things straight. Once again, Langston Cabin stepped up to help. The local dictator had to be dealt with and the South Central Prison threat had to be eliminated.
2. Hunted. Maddie, Emma, the big white dog Conner, and Maddie’s brother Zach all arrived at their Uncle Ryan’s farm in Marseilles, Illinois. It was such a relief to them to finally be with family again and feel safe. With more ex-military friends arriving at Ryan’s farm the story now switched between Ryan and Beth in California. Beth had had no contact with any of her family and did not know where any of them were. She only knew where they had once been. If Beth was traveling at all, she would be headed home. Illinois FEMA Officials were busy consolidating supplies and equipment; not only consolidating but shutting down shelters to recoup, a.k.a. steal, those supplies as well. Local officials were refusing to turn over supplies to FEMA and DHS, conserving supplies for their people. Believing Ryan’s people were part of a group that raided a FEMA underground warehouse, National Guard soldiers attacked the farm. Ryan, his ex-military friends, Maddie, and Zach fled the burning farm and headed to Missouri via the river. Their destination was St. Clair where Maddie’s father had a storage garage in town and a cabin nearby in Evening Shade. The rest of Ryan’s group finally showed up at Langston Cabin and they are all together again.
3. Turmoil. Six days into the apocalypse the issue of prisons and penitentiaries reared its ugly head. Minimum security prisoners had been released by the governor of the state. What to do with, much less feed the maximum security prisoners became the issue. Military MRE supplies, port-a-potty equipment, and soldiers were dispatched to help guard the prisoners. Eventually, hard decisions would have to be made by the government. Twelve days in, Beth and her friend Roger had made it to the Kingman Compound in Kingman, Arizona where a large group of survivors and ex-military resided. During an attack on the compound, Roger went out to help the patrols and disappeared. Did the Cartel take prisoners or was he dead? Former Marine Maria told Beth she would help her get home to her children and they left. Trouble befalls them of course and they wind up being taken in by a religious cult order. Ryan’s group at Langston Cabin in Evening Shade was settling in, gathering supplies, fortifying, and introducing survival training. Convict squatters appear in the county. Local law enforcement is almost nonexistent, so people from Langston Cabin pitch in to remove the intruders. The remaining 400 prisoners at the maximum security South Central Prison are still an issue, especially now that the governor wants to pull the military off of guard duty. Opportunity smiled upon Beth and Maria allowing them to escape and finally make their way to Langston Cabin. Now they were all reunited; thirteen people and three dogs.
4. Uprising. The group at Langston Cabin is pulled every way; protecting their cabin, protecting and removing supplies from Ron’s homestead, and dealing with the local or convict intruders that appeared every day. Local officials confiscated food supplies from FEMA stockpiles setting up their dictatorships. Local civilians were starving, creating problems for everyone. Leadership had to be established to set things straight. Once again, Langston Cabin stepped up to help. The local dictator had to be dealt with and the South Central Prison threat had to be eliminated.
October 1, 2022
Quite some time ago I read book one in the Days of Want series and promised myself I would read the rest of the series. Well, recently I fulfilled part of that promise when I listened to Kevin Pierce narrating the audiobook for books 1-4 of the series. As far as EMP/dystopian Days of Want contains most of the common elements – EMP, survival etc. However, T.L. Payne humanizes this series with characters who feel like people you know and old friends you haven’t seen in a while. Furthermore, the Langston family children are very believable in their survival abilities since they have all been coached/trained from early ages to be survivors by their Marine/prepper father. I’ll be honest, I think the best way to experience this story/series is to listen to Mr. Pierce as he narrates books 1-4, in fact he does such an awesome job, I’ll be listening to him narrate books 5 & 6 very soon – oh yes once book 7 exists an audiobook I’ll listen to him one more time.
February 13, 2023
Never a dull minute with this group!
The story, the theme, the characters are really outstanding. My only criticism is I think the main heroine should be written in as a bit older like 21. She is way wise beyond her years in knowledge, bossing others around and thinking she has to be in control of every situation. I get it that the story is being woven around her but I really got annoyed with her at times. I didn’t like what happened to their neighbor. I was really invested emotionally with his character. These were the first books I’ve read by this author and I plan to read more. I’m starting the 5th now.
The story, the theme, the characters are really outstanding. My only criticism is I think the main heroine should be written in as a bit older like 21. She is way wise beyond her years in knowledge, bossing others around and thinking she has to be in control of every situation. I get it that the story is being woven around her but I really got annoyed with her at times. I didn’t like what happened to their neighbor. I was really invested emotionally with his character. These were the first books I’ve read by this author and I plan to read more. I’m starting the 5th now.
January 30, 2023
Good Story With satisfying Ending...
Except for one little dangling, Hitchcockian thread that waggles the possible premise for the next series in front the reader's hopeful eyes.
A few spelling errors, and word misuses, indicate need for an editor to clean up tattered remnants, that create a propellant backstop reality- disappointment that lasts for a few short seconds.
Shifts in character relationships and normal family conflicts created characters one could relate to.
With the addition of editorial assistance, this series could have been superb.
Except for one little dangling, Hitchcockian thread that waggles the possible premise for the next series in front the reader's hopeful eyes.
A few spelling errors, and word misuses, indicate need for an editor to clean up tattered remnants, that create a propellant backstop reality- disappointment that lasts for a few short seconds.
Shifts in character relationships and normal family conflicts created characters one could relate to.
With the addition of editorial assistance, this series could have been superb.
September 21, 2022
Loved the story
Preppers always seem to be thought of as conspiracy theory nuts. That's not always the case. Some just want to make sure they and their families can make it through whatever comes. This set of books shows that being prepared doesn't always mean you are prepared for everything. I enjoyed the stories. The writing is a bit formal in some places but it's still well written and I would definitely recommend it!
Preppers always seem to be thought of as conspiracy theory nuts. That's not always the case. Some just want to make sure they and their families can make it through whatever comes. This set of books shows that being prepared doesn't always mean you are prepared for everything. I enjoyed the stories. The writing is a bit formal in some places but it's still well written and I would definitely recommend it!
December 30, 2022
Days of Want Series Books 1-4
This was my first books on EMP I will wait for book 5.
If you're going to have a go on this series, get ready for 🤔 as long as 4 books were I had to keep on.
This is a good book of fiction, but, at times I had to stop and rest with the experience that the survival families had and were going to have.
Excellent reading and eye opening.
Enjoy and learn.
This was my first books on EMP I will wait for book 5.
If you're going to have a go on this series, get ready for 🤔 as long as 4 books were I had to keep on.
This is a good book of fiction, but, at times I had to stop and rest with the experience that the survival families had and were going to have.
Excellent reading and eye opening.
Enjoy and learn.
March 28, 2023
Great story line, but...
I truly enjoyed the first 4 books, despite the incessant profanity throughout. The situation is not quite as far fetched as we would like to believe in real life. The only problem was the small errors and typos. That's really the only reason I gave the rating I did
I truly enjoyed the first 4 books, despite the incessant profanity throughout. The situation is not quite as far fetched as we would like to believe in real life. The only problem was the small errors and typos. That's really the only reason I gave the rating I did
September 3, 2023
I am a fan of this genre - I've read or listened to most of the "big ones." This series does not disappoint. T.L. Payne does a great job of foreshadowing what humans will do/become in a post-apocalyptic world. I fear for the day that happens. Payne's pictures of humanity will most likely be dead-on.
Will Read Again.
Will Read Again.
November 25, 2023
hard times
I really liked this story. Life in an end time world would probably be a lot like it was told. I like these kind of apocalyptic books better than the zombie ones. These characters were very realistic. I would recommend this series to anyone that likes survival types of books. I gave it four stars because it was hard to stop reading.
I really liked this story. Life in an end time world would probably be a lot like it was told. I like these kind of apocalyptic books better than the zombie ones. These characters were very realistic. I would recommend this series to anyone that likes survival types of books. I gave it four stars because it was hard to stop reading.
December 20, 2024
Good post-apocalyptic story
I really like Maddie and Zach. Ryan, Roger, Rank, Lugnut, Maria, and Emma are also likable. Although, they are not very well developed. The plot is interesting and believable. I am willing to read it again. I would recommend it to anyone in Unlimited. It's a possible buy if you like this genre.
I really like Maddie and Zach. Ryan, Roger, Rank, Lugnut, Maria, and Emma are also likable. Although, they are not very well developed. The plot is interesting and believable. I am willing to read it again. I would recommend it to anyone in Unlimited. It's a possible buy if you like this genre.
November 21, 2022
Apocalypse Finest
This book really brought up a lot of things to thank about. For instance what would happen to people in prisons and mental health facilities? Why do the mean just get meaner? I enjoyed all the different characters and the stories they brought.
This book really brought up a lot of things to thank about. For instance what would happen to people in prisons and mental health facilities? Why do the mean just get meaner? I enjoyed all the different characters and the stories they brought.
February 2, 2023
Days of Want Series(Books 1-4)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book series. So many people, so many different storylines, so many days I couldn’t put it down. Of course I had to buy the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book series. So many people, so many different storylines, so many days I couldn’t put it down. Of course I had to buy the next book in the series.
February 8, 2023
I was fortunate enough to win these books. Absolutely outstanding series. Will the survivors be able to find safety and stay alive. Full of intrigue, strong characters that draw you in, wanting more.
April 29, 2023
Unique Series
I read quite a lot of post apocalypse books and many can seem very repetitive and unoriginal. This series was different and I now can't wait to finish the last few books!
I read quite a lot of post apocalypse books and many can seem very repetitive and unoriginal. This series was different and I now can't wait to finish the last few books!
May 15, 2023
Days of Want
I thoroughly enjoyed these books. They are well written, with only a little literary license used. I happen to live within a few miles of the Locale and enjoyed following everything. I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed these books. They are well written, with only a little literary license used. I happen to live within a few miles of the Locale and enjoyed following everything. I highly recommend it.
February 10, 2024
I don't have words, one of the best series that I have read.
This was a don't put down book. The characters pull you in and don't let go. The story was very realistic but they speeded up the decline by quite a bit.
This was a don't put down book. The characters pull you in and don't let go. The story was very realistic but they speeded up the decline by quite a bit.
January 4, 2023
Fun book
R
The action is very good. There is too much repeating the women's feelings and musings How about the men's? It slows the flow
R
The action is very good. There is too much repeating the women's feelings and musings How about the men's? It slows the flow
January 9, 2023
great series
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. It kept my interest thru out all of the books. I’m now starting on the next one
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. It kept my interest thru out all of the books. I’m now starting on the next one
January 27, 2023
Days of want series
These books have easy to follow plots and fascinating characters. I recommend these books to readers that enjoy post Apocalypse.
These books have easy to follow plots and fascinating characters. I recommend these books to readers that enjoy post Apocalypse.
April 30, 2023
Intense book
Very in depth description of life in a post apocalypse era. It was easy to follow and kept my attention.
Very in depth description of life in a post apocalypse era. It was easy to follow and kept my attention.
May 2, 2023
solid characters, good storyline.
Great characters, and a good story line. Loved it. Looking forward to the rest of the story. Looking forward to reading the spinoffs.
Great characters, and a good story line. Loved it. Looking forward to the rest of the story. Looking forward to reading the spinoffs.
December 29, 2023
Excellent read
Looking forward to reading book five. It's much better than the average repetitive drivel you usually see when you look for this genre.
Looking forward to reading book five. It's much better than the average repetitive drivel you usually see when you look for this genre.
February 1, 2024
Non-stop
This book was non-stop from cover to cover. The story and action just sucks you right in. It leaves you hungry for more when it is over.
This book was non-stop from cover to cover. The story and action just sucks you right in. It leaves you hungry for more when it is over.
February 18, 2024
great story line
I love to read series in these books. I like to see how the are able to manage with out power
I love to read series in these books. I like to see how the are able to manage with out power
February 29, 2024
The first four books were very enjoyable. You get into the saga quickly. I bought the other 3 as well. 100% worth the read.
May 23, 2024
Apocalypse - little too close to reality?
Payne spins the story of a modern apocalypse well. There is way more than enough reality to make you wonder.
Payne spins the story of a modern apocalypse well. There is way more than enough reality to make you wonder.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews