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Sunset on America #1
The Burning Hollow
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR & #1 POST-APOCALYPTIC FICTION AUTHOR
“Not your typical post apocalyptic fiction, this has a great story line, excellent characters, and a gripping tale.” – JD, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
In the near future, in the picturesque town of Burning Hollow, Tennessee, a century-old feud rages between the Bickmores and the Banks, the most influential families in town. Their battle for governance is marked by bloodshed, and the tides of power are constantly shifting. Then, as if fate has conspired against them, a cataclysmic attack on the nation ensues, followed by a devastating EMP strike.
With society now powerless and spiraling out of control, Rowdy Banks risks everything to return to the small town that exiled him. He does not expect to encounter Chloe Bickmore or her daughter, Everleigh, or the nightmare that follows. But, unbeknownst to them, each holds the key to the other’s salvation.
Desperate and unaware of the immense danger they face, or the crucial roles they must play to save the holler and its traditions, the three will fight through past rivalries, deep in the heart of apocalypse, where the town, their families, and the struggle to survive hangs by a thread.
Prepare yourself for a mesmerizing new adventure filled with compelling characters, apocalyptic ambiance, well-timed laughs, and a few poignant moments. Perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, Franklin Horton, Jack Hunt, T.L. Payne, Grace Hamilton, Bobby Akart, and The October Fall series.
Each book in this completed series has been narrated for audiobook format by award-winning, million-copy bestselling narrator, Kevin Pierce, a.k.a. the "voice of the apocalypse."
WHAT READERS ARE
“Most riveting book I have ever read!” – Deborah Sue Beckman, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Ryan asked his readers on FB what they would like in his books and this is an example of an author listening to his people.” – Ferg, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Engages with every emotion you've ever felt, and a few we never wish to feel but fear to all the same! This is a page turner!” – Winter, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Dystopian novels have been my main reads for years, but good ones have been hard to find. This is the best I’ve read in a very long time.” – Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Everything and more than I expected from this talented writer. A must read author, wish I could give it more than five stars...” – Lori, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“This story is a grittier, more intensely personal version in the post apocalyptic genre. I'm ready for the next book!” – Mrs. Dustbunny, Amazon Review ★★★★★
“Not your typical post apocalyptic fiction, this has a great story line, excellent characters, and a gripping tale.” – JD, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
In the near future, in the picturesque town of Burning Hollow, Tennessee, a century-old feud rages between the Bickmores and the Banks, the most influential families in town. Their battle for governance is marked by bloodshed, and the tides of power are constantly shifting. Then, as if fate has conspired against them, a cataclysmic attack on the nation ensues, followed by a devastating EMP strike.
With society now powerless and spiraling out of control, Rowdy Banks risks everything to return to the small town that exiled him. He does not expect to encounter Chloe Bickmore or her daughter, Everleigh, or the nightmare that follows. But, unbeknownst to them, each holds the key to the other’s salvation.
Desperate and unaware of the immense danger they face, or the crucial roles they must play to save the holler and its traditions, the three will fight through past rivalries, deep in the heart of apocalypse, where the town, their families, and the struggle to survive hangs by a thread.
Prepare yourself for a mesmerizing new adventure filled with compelling characters, apocalyptic ambiance, well-timed laughs, and a few poignant moments. Perfect for fans of Kyla Stone, Franklin Horton, Jack Hunt, T.L. Payne, Grace Hamilton, Bobby Akart, and The October Fall series.
Each book in this completed series has been narrated for audiobook format by award-winning, million-copy bestselling narrator, Kevin Pierce, a.k.a. the "voice of the apocalypse."
WHAT READERS ARE
“Most riveting book I have ever read!” – Deborah Sue Beckman, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Ryan asked his readers on FB what they would like in his books and this is an example of an author listening to his people.” – Ferg, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Engages with every emotion you've ever felt, and a few we never wish to feel but fear to all the same! This is a page turner!” – Winter, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Dystopian novels have been my main reads for years, but good ones have been hard to find. This is the best I’ve read in a very long time.” – Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“Everything and more than I expected from this talented writer. A must read author, wish I could give it more than five stars...” – Lori, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★
“This story is a grittier, more intensely personal version in the post apocalyptic genre. I'm ready for the next book!” – Mrs. Dustbunny, Amazon Review ★★★★★
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
2892 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 9, 2023
I'm fairly surprised by the number of 4 and 5 star reviews of this book. It's not bad, and probably warrants 3 stars, except that I really didn't care for any of the characters. I don't need Captain America for a main character (MC), and in fact, I often prefer deeply flawed MCs. But Rowdy, and all of the people in burning hollow seem mostly unlikable. I understand that people can change, and Rowdy has grown, but just because he's the least unlikable character in Burning Hollow, does not make him a good character.
Also, this is not really a Post-Apocalyptic Survival Novel. The EMP happens about 90% into the book, and so we really don't see much of the affect of the EMP beyond power outage. This is mostly about a different type of America, where the U.S. is no longer a super power. Food, money, gasoline, are all very rare commodities, and Americans are feeling the effects. Massive job shortages have turned America into an almost lawless country, one you might expect to see AFTER an EMP or other apocalyptic event. But this is the land we start off with in this novel.
Also, this is not really a Post-Apocalyptic Survival Novel. The EMP happens about 90% into the book, and so we really don't see much of the affect of the EMP beyond power outage. This is mostly about a different type of America, where the U.S. is no longer a super power. Food, money, gasoline, are all very rare commodities, and Americans are feeling the effects. Massive job shortages have turned America into an almost lawless country, one you might expect to see AFTER an EMP or other apocalyptic event. But this is the land we start off with in this novel.
December 1, 2022
Eye roller
Weakest of the author’s books I’ve read so far. Unrealistic over-expository dialogue and situations.
Who holds a spit-in-the-face grudge for 12 years over something that didn’t personally affect them? And then chats like old friends for no reason other than the author’s need to get some background exposition in.
What sort of responsible female law officer would proposition a possible criminal on one day’s acquaintance? And repeat it explicitly 2 days later in front of the guy’s mother? After being severely beaten and in pain, before even cleaning up? Yeah, no realistic one. Only a juvenile male fantasy one.
The medical issues and treatments all sadly demonstrate the author’s ignorance. The doctor character is an idiot. No one walks on a broken hip, and they do require surgery. There is no “cream” that treats broken bones. Displaced adult forearm fractures cannot be treated adequately with a cast. Surgery is required.
“Inflamed fracture” and “clean break” are nonsense phrases.
If you wait until the next day to get a contaminated laceration looked at it’s too late for sutures (you’d be sewing bacteria into the wound and practically guaranteeing infection).
I could go on. I realize the author isn’t a physician but some rudimentary reading up on wound and fracture care should be mandatory for anyone writing about them.
I almost quit reading several times but I felt sorry for Chloe and Evie, who are the closest thing to sympathetic characters in the whole story even though Chloe isn’t very bright. I kept hoping something good would happen for them. No luck so far.
Weakest of the author’s books I’ve read so far. Unrealistic over-expository dialogue and situations.
Who holds a spit-in-the-face grudge for 12 years over something that didn’t personally affect them? And then chats like old friends for no reason other than the author’s need to get some background exposition in.
What sort of responsible female law officer would proposition a possible criminal on one day’s acquaintance? And repeat it explicitly 2 days later in front of the guy’s mother? After being severely beaten and in pain, before even cleaning up? Yeah, no realistic one. Only a juvenile male fantasy one.
The medical issues and treatments all sadly demonstrate the author’s ignorance. The doctor character is an idiot. No one walks on a broken hip, and they do require surgery. There is no “cream” that treats broken bones. Displaced adult forearm fractures cannot be treated adequately with a cast. Surgery is required.
“Inflamed fracture” and “clean break” are nonsense phrases.
If you wait until the next day to get a contaminated laceration looked at it’s too late for sutures (you’d be sewing bacteria into the wound and practically guaranteeing infection).
I could go on. I realize the author isn’t a physician but some rudimentary reading up on wound and fracture care should be mandatory for anyone writing about them.
I almost quit reading several times but I felt sorry for Chloe and Evie, who are the closest thing to sympathetic characters in the whole story even though Chloe isn’t very bright. I kept hoping something good would happen for them. No luck so far.
January 20, 2023
I am on book three and overall I'd give the series 3.5 - 4 stars. I am invested in the characters and their survival in an apocalyptic world. You guys know how much I love a good apocalyptic world and this author paints quite the picture of America after an EMP. Love the fact that the town Burning Hallow is almost the main plot of the story, but there's also a world war happening and a global superpower is under attack. Overall this is some great Men's Adventure Fiction and I'll definitely read more from this author.
Writing ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Horror⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Manliness ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🤣
Writing ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Horror⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fun⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Manliness ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🤣
March 3, 2024
Totally different take on the eotwawki
This is many different stories rolled into one. This story captures the mountain people of Tennessee, the page turning tale of a good soap opera, and the beginning of war on American soil. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
This is many different stories rolled into one. This story captures the mountain people of Tennessee, the page turning tale of a good soap opera, and the beginning of war on American soil. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
September 8, 2022
Definitely a good read and seemed different from the alot of Apocalyptic books that are out and the sos every time . Characters are good and I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 2, 2024
Great!!
Very intense, wanted to go to bed but couldn't stop reading. Will recommend to my daughter. I liked the twists and the complexity of the characters! Keep writing, Ryan. Will probably follow you, thanks for the story!!
Very intense, wanted to go to bed but couldn't stop reading. Will recommend to my daughter. I liked the twists and the complexity of the characters! Keep writing, Ryan. Will probably follow you, thanks for the story!!
September 10, 2022
Just Wow!!
In less then a 5 chapters it feels like I was tossed into a road rage incident!! The craziness keeps one on their toes and the plot absorbs the reader, stayed up way too late to finish (one more chapter) :)
In less then a 5 chapters it feels like I was tossed into a road rage incident!! The craziness keeps one on their toes and the plot absorbs the reader, stayed up way too late to finish (one more chapter) :)
December 18, 2025
So so read has a lot of holes.......
This was one of the worst post apocalyptic books I’ve read. The main character “Rowdy” is from a little community that he was run out of because he got a girl pregnant and she had slept with his brother and her brother tried to beat him up but he gave the brother a beat down that caused damage. The entire book is the Hatfield and McCoy drama between the two families that is ongoing 12 years later when he and inadvertently the girl return to the hollow as the world is turning to crap. The book is more interested in her family running drugs and the cartel looking for lost dope than the fact that the lights have been off for four days. Rowdy who is the super tough guy seems to fall for every woman he meets but crap just keeps happening to him to stop the relationships. He just seems immature with anger issues. The EMP doesnt even happen until almost the end of the book....
Maybe it gets better but I probably won’t be buying number 2 to find out.
This was one of the worst post apocalyptic books I’ve read. The main character “Rowdy” is from a little community that he was run out of because he got a girl pregnant and she had slept with his brother and her brother tried to beat him up but he gave the brother a beat down that caused damage. The entire book is the Hatfield and McCoy drama between the two families that is ongoing 12 years later when he and inadvertently the girl return to the hollow as the world is turning to crap. The book is more interested in her family running drugs and the cartel looking for lost dope than the fact that the lights have been off for four days. Rowdy who is the super tough guy seems to fall for every woman he meets but crap just keeps happening to him to stop the relationships. He just seems immature with anger issues. The EMP doesnt even happen until almost the end of the book....
Maybe it gets better but I probably won’t be buying number 2 to find out.
September 21, 2022
Painful...I've been a fan of Ryan Schow's books for some time and was so dissappointed in The Burning Hollow. The main character is a tortured individual who can't decide if he loves his hometown or hates it and this love/hate theme runs heavily throughout the book. Schow alludes to the main character having a cataclismic secret that sent him away from town to begin with, but the reader doesn't find out what that is until 2/3 into the book and consequently it's a big let down.
The main character spends a lot of time trying to win over the family dog to no end or reason. The book is full of these types of fillers where the reader is led down a path to nowhere, serving no purpose. The characters are shallow and the dialogue is trite and sophomoric. If this is where Schow is taking his writing, I won't be wasting my time in the future.
I long desperately for a series with the punch and authenticity of Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot by W. J. Lundy. This book doesn't even come close.
The main character spends a lot of time trying to win over the family dog to no end or reason. The book is full of these types of fillers where the reader is led down a path to nowhere, serving no purpose. The characters are shallow and the dialogue is trite and sophomoric. If this is where Schow is taking his writing, I won't be wasting my time in the future.
I long desperately for a series with the punch and authenticity of Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot by W. J. Lundy. This book doesn't even come close.
November 23, 2022
An intense and original book for the SHTF genre.
Right from the beginning I'm thinking, "damn, these characters are just being beaten into the dirt." No rosy life to watch slip away after the EMP when the country was already in an economic depression and Rowdy had more family issues than most ever have to deal with. As things progress and he heads back home to Burning Hollow ( a small town in Appalachia) the world around him crashes in pretty much every conceivable way.
The character arcs are particularly interesting, even without the macro events going on around them. The EMP and following chaos are well written; and, the rivalry between the two founding families unfolds like a drama novel in and of itself. I very much recommend for any fans of the genre. It's just as good as his other offerings. Also happens to take place in the same universe as the cyber attack series, just a few years down the road.
Right from the beginning I'm thinking, "damn, these characters are just being beaten into the dirt." No rosy life to watch slip away after the EMP when the country was already in an economic depression and Rowdy had more family issues than most ever have to deal with. As things progress and he heads back home to Burning Hollow ( a small town in Appalachia) the world around him crashes in pretty much every conceivable way.
The character arcs are particularly interesting, even without the macro events going on around them. The EMP and following chaos are well written; and, the rivalry between the two founding families unfolds like a drama novel in and of itself. I very much recommend for any fans of the genre. It's just as good as his other offerings. Also happens to take place in the same universe as the cyber attack series, just a few years down the road.
December 5, 2023
Dark but hopeful. Small town society fractures under the economic strain of Americas fall from power leading up to a dystopian world triggered by an EMP. I'm a big fan of Kyle Stone and found this book when looking for another dystopian series focusing on common women and men caught up in forces beyond their control. The Burning Hollow didn't disappoint and I stayed glued to the pages for 2 days! I was thrilled to see the book set amongst the hills of East Tennessee, a place that gets overshadowed by the fame of Nashville and Memphis to the west and the Carolinas and the Virginias in the east. Schow does a great job of creating a plausible scenario in the near future and even though this is a work of fiction, his correlations to the real world are chilling. The Burning House introduces an East Tennessee community and I'm looking forward to see how Schow further develops the characters, relationships and plot lines.
September 13, 2024
I think it's pretty good so far, there are certain things that irk me quite a bit because they're so far fetched and unbelievable it takes you out of the story, especially somebody with a medical background.
Spoilers, so yeah.
First of all, no doctor is going to ask for blood from somebody who has the injuries she does. Not even in some crazy backwoods, the country is in trouble scenario. They're going to find somebody else to ask first.
Second, it's not even the end of the world yet, and bodies are piling up, but nobody seems to care. lol, bodies on the side of the road? No biggie, going about my day. Like, really?
Rowdy comes off as a 40-something year old man who would probably be bald & pudgy, but in reality, he is wasting away and in his 20s. He also seems to have ADHD or something when it comes to women lol "I really want to check on and see Aubrey. Oh, look, squirrel aka Taylor." lol
But on a serious note, all in all, I'm invested, interested, and (mostly) liking the story.
Idk what Ruth's problem is, but no mother I know would treat her kid that way. Would have been better if she'd had a heart attack and died with her husband tbh
Spoilers, so yeah.
First of all, no doctor is going to ask for blood from somebody who has the injuries she does. Not even in some crazy backwoods, the country is in trouble scenario. They're going to find somebody else to ask first.
Second, it's not even the end of the world yet, and bodies are piling up, but nobody seems to care. lol, bodies on the side of the road? No biggie, going about my day. Like, really?
Rowdy comes off as a 40-something year old man who would probably be bald & pudgy, but in reality, he is wasting away and in his 20s. He also seems to have ADHD or something when it comes to women lol "I really want to check on and see Aubrey. Oh, look, squirrel aka Taylor." lol
But on a serious note, all in all, I'm invested, interested, and (mostly) liking the story.
Idk what Ruth's problem is, but no mother I know would treat her kid that way. Would have been better if she'd had a heart attack and died with her husband tbh
January 2, 2023
This was one of the worst post apocalyptic books I’ve read. The main character “Rowdy” is from a little community that he was run out of because he got a girl pregnant and she had slept with his brother and her brother tried to beat him up but he gave the brother a beat down that caused damage. The entire book is the Hatfield and McCoy drama between the two families that is ongoing 12 years later when he and inadvertently the girl return to the hollow as the world is turning to crap. The book is more interested in her family running drugs and the cartel looking for lost dope than the fact that the lights have been off for four days. Rowdy who is the super tough guy seems to fall for every woman he meets but crap just keeps happening to him to stop the relationships. He just seems immature with anger issues. Maybe it gets better but I won’t be buying number 2 to find out.
Read
January 2, 2023Book Review:
“The Burning Hollow Book One�� by Ryan Schow
Ryan Schow did some excellent research to portray East Tennessee where I lived for >20 years. When he mentioned cities such as Knoxville and Cleveland, I felt right at home. He must have some gardening experience too because he mentioned my favorite tomato, the native American Cherokee Purple. Every summer I look forward to my first tomato and mayo sandwich.
There are good descriptions of the impact of the drug trade and how it affects very small communities such as we have there. Small rural communities have not escaped the attention of the drug dealers.
Highly recommended for fans of dystopian post-collapse novels! I have already begun to read Book Two in the five-book series.
“The Burning Hollow Book One�� by Ryan Schow
Ryan Schow did some excellent research to portray East Tennessee where I lived for >20 years. When he mentioned cities such as Knoxville and Cleveland, I felt right at home. He must have some gardening experience too because he mentioned my favorite tomato, the native American Cherokee Purple. Every summer I look forward to my first tomato and mayo sandwich.
There are good descriptions of the impact of the drug trade and how it affects very small communities such as we have there. Small rural communities have not escaped the attention of the drug dealers.
Highly recommended for fans of dystopian post-collapse novels! I have already begun to read Book Two in the five-book series.
September 17, 2023
Excellent Book
Another excellent story by Schow! I've read all of his books and this one is really good. The characters are interesting and the town of Burning Hollow is a great setting for a good story.
The plot moves along at a fast pace and the old and new histories are interwoven between the characters and the setting. The major mystery is not reveled until the very last pages. All the personal intrigue, between the characters, keeps you guessing. An old feud between two founding families Continues amidst an EMP and an invasion. This is different and very interesting. I read it in less than a day!
Another excellent story by Schow! I've read all of his books and this one is really good. The characters are interesting and the town of Burning Hollow is a great setting for a good story.
The plot moves along at a fast pace and the old and new histories are interwoven between the characters and the setting. The major mystery is not reveled until the very last pages. All the personal intrigue, between the characters, keeps you guessing. An old feud between two founding families Continues amidst an EMP and an invasion. This is different and very interesting. I read it in less than a day!
September 22, 2023
Surprisingly Good!
I really liked this book. It’s different from a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction in that the character development is deeper, more meaningful, and delves deeply inside the minds of the characters living through this nightmare , rather than many books of the same genre that focus more on the disaster and the reactions of the characters without truly developing them into human beings you can relate to. It’s also very well written, has a minimum of typos or grammar errors, and is a good “brain candy” book that still delivers a punch without sacrificing the details. I’ll definitely be reading the whole series; I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I really liked this book. It’s different from a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction in that the character development is deeper, more meaningful, and delves deeply inside the minds of the characters living through this nightmare , rather than many books of the same genre that focus more on the disaster and the reactions of the characters without truly developing them into human beings you can relate to. It’s also very well written, has a minimum of typos or grammar errors, and is a good “brain candy” book that still delivers a punch without sacrificing the details. I’ll definitely be reading the whole series; I can’t wait to see what happens next!
November 1, 2023
I like Ryan so don’t take this the wrong way. The book was good enough that it earn 5 stars from this reader…..but…. The characters were easy to follow and keep track of everyone but at times it seems Ryan sort of went of on the trail. The book had an excellent beginning a bit of boring middle and a good ending. Looking forward to reading the follow up books: ‘The Ashes of the Unknown’ ‘The Confluence of Tyrants’ and ‘ The resurgence of Patriots’. Looking forward to taking back out Lands. Being a Veteran’s of a long forgotten conflict of the late sixties to mid seventies I’m looking forward to that last book and take back America-and start anew…hopefully
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
November 27, 2023
Dark very dark
It took me a while to Finish this book this book. Glad I did even more glad that there is some sequels.... This sort of reminds me of An extremely dark Version of The dukes of Hazzard. I really like the different view points presented by the different chapters. The most appealing part Part of this story is The best and the worst of humanity is showcased. I'll be honest with you, I don't like it very much Because The conditions portrait in this story Could very easily come true With a very small push. Now in complete contradiction Of what I just said, I'm off to read the second book. All in all a great story.
Bill Hodges
It took me a while to Finish this book this book. Glad I did even more glad that there is some sequels.... This sort of reminds me of An extremely dark Version of The dukes of Hazzard. I really like the different view points presented by the different chapters. The most appealing part Part of this story is The best and the worst of humanity is showcased. I'll be honest with you, I don't like it very much Because The conditions portrait in this story Could very easily come true With a very small push. Now in complete contradiction Of what I just said, I'm off to read the second book. All in all a great story.
Bill Hodges
December 7, 2023
Good book, different approach
This book starts out "dreary". America is in a horrible financial state. The situation, as bad as it is, worsens when the EMP hits. Humans are becoming worse by the day, with some resorting to suicide. Others are struggling to keep going. The setting is a small place, with most self sufficient, and others wanting to take advantage and take over all the town. The main character has so many problems to overcome, with more stacking up by the minute. Keeps you wondering, is he heroic or the problem? I liked it because it isn't the same story, different people and places. Starting book 2 in the series. Keeps getting better as the story unfolds.
This book starts out "dreary". America is in a horrible financial state. The situation, as bad as it is, worsens when the EMP hits. Humans are becoming worse by the day, with some resorting to suicide. Others are struggling to keep going. The setting is a small place, with most self sufficient, and others wanting to take advantage and take over all the town. The main character has so many problems to overcome, with more stacking up by the minute. Keeps you wondering, is he heroic or the problem? I liked it because it isn't the same story, different people and places. Starting book 2 in the series. Keeps getting better as the story unfolds.
June 27, 2024
Disappointing
I always search new books for profanity and if its present, I don't read the book. Although there is not really any profanity in this book.....the author seems to be obsessed with male genitalia. He refers to this many many times, with his numerous "pet names" for the male sex members. Not a good addition to the book.
Also, another source of irritation is that he contradicts himself over and again throughout the book in many different ways and situations.
I finished this book but won't read another by this author.......and keep his books away from the kids.
I always search new books for profanity and if its present, I don't read the book. Although there is not really any profanity in this book.....the author seems to be obsessed with male genitalia. He refers to this many many times, with his numerous "pet names" for the male sex members. Not a good addition to the book.
Also, another source of irritation is that he contradicts himself over and again throughout the book in many different ways and situations.
I finished this book but won't read another by this author.......and keep his books away from the kids.
September 20, 2022
Excellent Read
I really loved reading this book. I can see the collapse of our country through the story. I have been reading a lot of books regarding this subject and how other authors have played different scenarios. This book by far is more real than the others. I say this because the storyline is being played out in real time. There is a part of the book that has a character telling someone that what is happening and how it is done slowly and how we adapt to what is happening. I highlighted that part because it is so true. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I really loved reading this book. I can see the collapse of our country through the story. I have been reading a lot of books regarding this subject and how other authors have played different scenarios. This book by far is more real than the others. I say this because the storyline is being played out in real time. There is a part of the book that has a character telling someone that what is happening and how it is done slowly and how we adapt to what is happening. I highlighted that part because it is so true. I can’t wait to read the next book.
February 29, 2024
Subpar writing and story
I almost stopped reading this book a couple of times. The writing isn't great. He misses build up and breezes over events that should be well detailed. Semi important characters can die with only a two sentence description. The story was also only okay. I read The Edge of Collapse series and thought that was way better. It is also a series on post EMP hit in America. Couldn't keep those books down. The writing and storyline were thrilling compared to this book.
I almost stopped reading this book a couple of times. The writing isn't great. He misses build up and breezes over events that should be well detailed. Semi important characters can die with only a two sentence description. The story was also only okay. I read The Edge of Collapse series and thought that was way better. It is also a series on post EMP hit in America. Couldn't keep those books down. The writing and storyline were thrilling compared to this book.
October 22, 2022
Every Red-Blooded American Needs to Read This…Now!!
This well written and gut wrenching novel hits way too close to home. All of the buttons? Punched with a vengeance…As of 10/21/2022, it is sickeningly prescient. As a compulsive reader, political junkie, quasi-intellectual, there are not enough stars to rate this compelling novel. It is no more depressing than reality. Read and weep. Or read a prep.
This well written and gut wrenching novel hits way too close to home. All of the buttons? Punched with a vengeance…As of 10/21/2022, it is sickeningly prescient. As a compulsive reader, political junkie, quasi-intellectual, there are not enough stars to rate this compelling novel. It is no more depressing than reality. Read and weep. Or read a prep.
June 12, 2024
Eerily realistic for current times
I have recently started on the journey of EMP end of times books. I found this one to be a scary look at our possible future. I'm thankful the author kept his own personal political views from the narrative so that anyone can read it. I would have liked for it to have an ending that isn't a cliff hanger forcing me to read the next edition if I want to find out what happens.
All in all a good read
I have recently started on the journey of EMP end of times books. I found this one to be a scary look at our possible future. I'm thankful the author kept his own personal political views from the narrative so that anyone can read it. I would have liked for it to have an ending that isn't a cliff hanger forcing me to read the next edition if I want to find out what happens.
All in all a good read
October 20, 2024
A great read in this genre. The book gives a realistic description of the fall of the U.S. and how it has come to be. The characters are realistic and the story plausible. The writing is compelling and I found myself wanting to continue and not put it down; a real page-turner. There is a thin line between good guys and bad guys, but it is easy to understand each person’s motivation. I really enjoyed the book and author’s writing style. I will begin the second book in this series, right away.
January 16, 2025
Kept me engaged
When I was a kid, Stephen King books scared the hell out of me. But I was a kid, and I knew that it wasn't real.
This book scares the hell out of me because it feels very plausible. I love to read post-apocalyptic books, but they're usually zombie, plague-type apocalypse. Again, not real, just good entertainment.
I don't know, economic collapse, EMPs, the downfall of society - this shit is scary.
When I was a kid, Stephen King books scared the hell out of me. But I was a kid, and I knew that it wasn't real.
This book scares the hell out of me because it feels very plausible. I love to read post-apocalyptic books, but they're usually zombie, plague-type apocalypse. Again, not real, just good entertainment.
I don't know, economic collapse, EMPs, the downfall of society - this shit is scary.
September 22, 2022
Start of another incredible series by the more incredible author.....
Ryan Schow!!!!!! Everything I have ever read by Ryan Schow has been amazing! The start of this series is no exception. If you have never read a book by this author, I strongly suggest you pick up one of his books. He does not disappoint!!!!!
Ryan Schow!!!!!! Everything I have ever read by Ryan Schow has been amazing! The start of this series is no exception. If you have never read a book by this author, I strongly suggest you pick up one of his books. He does not disappoint!!!!!
September 25, 2022
New take on an EMP story
I enjoyed book 1. It's well told has a different take on emp story line. The characters are richey developed. The beginning is a little slow but it helps the reader understand where everyone of the characters come from and why they are who they are. On to book 2. Looking forward to seeing what appens next and Appalachian justice at its finest.
I enjoyed book 1. It's well told has a different take on emp story line. The characters are richey developed. The beginning is a little slow but it helps the reader understand where everyone of the characters come from and why they are who they are. On to book 2. Looking forward to seeing what appens next and Appalachian justice at its finest.
November 2, 2022
A book of the Southern countryside
At first I thought the book was depressing, then I recognized the people. They were the people of the Southern countryside (in severe distress, but southern country peop
le nonetheless!). I recognized the holding of grudges for decades, and families having loyalties and fights that spanned 100 years or more. Then, I got depressed.
At first I thought the book was depressing, then I recognized the people. They were the people of the Southern countryside (in severe distress, but southern country peop
le nonetheless!). I recognized the holding of grudges for decades, and families having loyalties and fights that spanned 100 years or more. Then, I got depressed.
December 26, 2022
New view of a generally overworked genre
Great understanding of the natural progression of current political climate, leading to an inevitable climax.
Family dynamics in a small town setting, coming to recognize the slow destructive creep of urbanization just a little too late, throw in an EMP and a drug cartel and you have a can't put it down story line you don't want to end.
Great understanding of the natural progression of current political climate, leading to an inevitable climax.
Family dynamics in a small town setting, coming to recognize the slow destructive creep of urbanization just a little too late, throw in an EMP and a drug cartel and you have a can't put it down story line you don't want to end.
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